#Frugality

[polyamorousmisanthrope]

Reinventing the Wheel

Back years ago, when I still ate chicken-n-dumplings on a regular basis because we had no money (yes, it's delicious, but it was also a necessity to fill household bellies), I had used the last of a Thanksgiving turkey to make stock but had not made soup immediately.

I refrigerated the stock, which gelled beautifully, thank you, and was going to make Turkey n'Dumplins for dinner, much to the happiness of my household, when I realized I had no butter or shortening in the house.

Well, hell... How to make dumplins?

The stock had a layer of hardened fat on it, a good half inch thick, so I peeled it off and figured, "Why not?" and used that instead of another sort of fat.

As people who have done this know, it is delicious. In fact, if you're gonna make poultry n'dumplins of any sort, I highly recommend it.

I was talking to a friend about it, excited about how tasty it was, when she laughed a little and said, "What, you think you invented schmaltz?"

I'm a goy, so I had not heard of using schmaltz in cooking or even what it was.

Since that time, I make more of an effort to save rendered fat for other dishes when cooking.

I even feel a little wasteful to discard fat these days and use it when sauteeing food.

[justalittlesolarpunk]

hey!! feel free to ignore this but i scrolled through your blog and really liked it and if you have the spoons I'd love to get your advice/tips on trying to live sustainably while in uni/on a limited budget? I'm going to uni in a year or so and I want to try and do it as sustainably as possible but I don't have a lot of money

love your blog <3

Hi! Thanks so much for the kind words, I am super new to tumblr and fairly new to solarpunk still myself, so I really appreciate it.

I’ll level with you: most of the really aspirational choices in sustainability are pretty expensive. Buying local organic food or slow fashion can really eat into a budget. The good news is that a lot of the frugal decisions you’d make are also good for the planet. You’re not going to be going out buying expensive cars, flying in private jets or any of the other earth-wrecking things that the super-rich do. Being conscious about your spending will mean you’ll probably naturally gravitate towards getting your clothes from charity shops and other similar money-saving choices. In some cities and certain supermarkets, plant-based food will be cheaper, while in others it will be more expensive, and so for this you’ll probably need to make choices on a case by case basis, weighing up each time how much you can afford and how committed you are to a certain diet. Getting a library card is also very solarpunk - free, communally owned knowledge! As a uni student you’ll likely also have your university library as a resource, which it’s definitely worth making use of. Have a look to see if there’s a tool library/library of things in your university town, as that will not only save you money but also reduce your purchase of things you might only use once or twice. Apps like TooGoodToGo offer cheap baskets of food from local restaurants, cafes and shops which would otherwise go to waste at the end of the day, and if there’s a ‘buy nothing’ or ‘stuff for free’ Facebook group for your local area it’s worth joining it - these are really exciting anticapitalist digital spaces where people can get what they need and dispose of what they don’t without exploitative or extractive relationships.

Starting a new paragraph here for readability, and also because it’s slightly a topic change - there are things you can do to be more sustainable that are fairly cash-cheap, but time-costly. As a student you won’t always be able to devote much energy to them between your studies and your social life, but if they’re something that’s important to you and your other commitments (or any disabilities you might have) don’t prevent you, then things like mending your own clothes instead of throwing them out and replacing them can help. But these are fiddly tasks so that isn’t possible for everyone, even if they do have time! Depending on the rules of your student accommodation you could also try having certain edible houseplants - salad leaves, strawberries, herbs, etc. My success rate with these has been very patchy but it’s worth a shot and the original outlay for seeds or a small plant isn’t too much (though if you’re planting from scratch, soil can be expensive as it always seems to come in enormous great bags).

Things like batch cooking or planning communal meals with other people you’re living with can also be greener, and cheaper, if it means food can be made to go further and wasted ingredients can be avoided. Uni is a really exciting time for a solarpunk because it’s the closest to cohousing many of us get - sharing facilities and responsibilities in a close-knit community of non-related people with common goals and experiences. Use this to your advantage to form networks of mutual support.

Similar caveat about time scarcity as above, but there are also things that tend not to cost any money that will make you feel better about your own environmental contribution which you can actually do at any age if you have enough free hours. These are things like volunteering with your local conservation volunteers or in a community garden - this latter is particularly good because volunteers might get to take home some of the produce, thereby saving money and getting access to local nutritious food. Some unis even have their own food gardens and teams of students who help tend them, so get involved with this if it exists and you can.

In the same vein, almost every uni will have its own climate justice or environmental student club, and attending these meetings if your schedule allows can be a great way to meet other people within your institution who share your priorities, and who may well have more advice on frugal, sustainable living that they can offer. Pooling wisdom like this means your can all do better.

It sounds like you might have already picked your uni, but if not there are factors you can consider to help you do better in these goals when you get there, like examining the relative cost of living in different cities or investigating how eco-friendly the university is. It’s worth asking questions like what is their endowment invested in? How much research into climate change and solutions do they fund? Are their careers services still promoting fossil fuel industry jobs?

University towns are usually pretty walkable and/or bike-friendly, at least in the UK and Europe, and these modes of transport are also the cheapest and most sustainable. Plenty also have good public transport too, and buses or hireable scooters are all options (though you’d probably have to use the scooters a lot to make the expense worth it, and if you do, please don’t leave them lying in the pavement like people did when I was at uni - it blocked wheelchair access and was really annoying). Certain cities have trams, which are like catnip to solarpunks lol. Transport can get expensive but tends to still be cheaper than driving in most urban centres, though as I said your own two feet or wheels can probably get you to most of where you need to go within the local area.

Your student’s union might well also run clothing swaps or second-hand book sales, so keep an eye on that and go along when you can. There’s also nothing to be ashamed of in collecting discount codes, coupons for free products, or loyalty cards, or with working if you have the time and ability to earn while you study. The more money you save the more of those slightly costlier green decisions you can make.

What I’d say last, though, is don’t be too hard on yourself! You’re young, the world is set up to be excessively expensive and to reward you for consumptive behaviour that is the opposite of ecological values. Of course you should try your best and I’m so glad that you’re thinking of it already, but remember that you probably won’t be able to do it perfectly - that pretty much no-one can unless they have insane amounts of time and money (in which case they’re probably not the kind of person who cares about this stuff). Remember to enjoy your new independence, to hang out with your friends, to be studious and whimsical and learn about life and yourself. And remember that I’m just one person and not all my ideas will apply to you, and there’ll be other things you could do that haven’t occurred to me because of the specific experiences and biases that inform where I come from.

You probably already know which subject you’re studying, and if that’s the case then there will be ways you can examine these issues within the curriculum of most degrees (except maybe maths? But I’m willing to be proved wrong haha). But just in case you’re still picking subjects and institutions, I’ll just leave a link to a really fascinating-looking new undergrad qualification I heard about a few months ago, that I am *gutted* not to have been young enough to apply for and study! Even if it isn’t the right fit for you, perhaps you’ll know someone who it could work for. I’m assuming, possibly wrongly, that you’re in the UK based on certain dialectical cues (for instance saying uni rather than college), but feel free to ignore this if you’re elsewhere in the world, I’m just very stoked about this course!

Thanks so much for your ask, and sorry for the insanely long essay response. If you’ve managed to wade through to the end then seriously congratulations on your patience. Best of luck with your studies and with your efforts at ecological living, and I hope you carry solarpunk with you as a source of hope, comfort and action into your future. ☀️

[gynoidgearhead]

"vegan leather" should be banned

I'm not joking

it's literally fucking plastic. and bottom-tier plastic at that

the coating disintegrates within a year and comes off in disgusting messy plastic crumbles that get everywhere

and then underneath it's just like. fucking. rayon or polyester

which could most of the time be used by itself (but rayon has problems too)

it's a sustainability nightmare, its mere existence actively makes any product you can obtain today worse, and it does not and cannot stop people from buying real leather because it is miserably unsuitable as a replacement (even denim or vinyl would be better for most applications)

ban "vegan leather"

[crabs-but-better]

If i did a series on ‘building a practical wardrobe on a dime’ would people be interested? I’ve been talking with people about my thrifting mission and they’re intrigued by my concept of a ‘permanent, practical wardrobe’ which is basically maximizing functionality while minimizing quantity and spending. I would cover how to find/identify sturdy clothing that will last, how to tailor certain garments, how big a functional wardrobe is, etc. it’s been a fun experiment and I’d love to talk about it if it’s a topic people are interested in hearing about.

[orwellsunderpants]

suffering is not morally virtuous. suffering does not automatically make you a good person. you can be suffering and still be the world's biggest asshole. this goes double if you're inflicting the suffering on yourself because you think it means you're morally superior to others for having done so.

frugality is not morally virtuous. being frugal does not automatically make you a a good person. you can be frugal and still be a total dick.

you know what makes you a good person?

being patient makes you a good person. being kind makes you a good person. being loving, tender, and generous makes you a good person. and you don't have to suffer or be frugal to choose patience, kindness, tenderness, generosity, or being loving.

[inknectar]

“if you find out you can live without,

then go along not thinking about it”

Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book

[severeprincesheep]

HOW TO REPLACE ZIPPERS ON JEANS. Repair zips by hand! No sewing machine needed.

Easily replace jeans zippers by cutting the broken zipper's teeth and sewing on a new zipper! This tutorial provides a zipper repair method that is fast and easy, and you don't need a sewing machine for it. Just backstitch the new zipper by hand. The "How to Replace Zippers on Jeans" tutorial can be used for zip repair or replacement like in skirts, bags, trousers, or jackets.

[funkylit]

Peanut butter cookies

Photo by Los Muertos Crew on Pexels.com Today we’re going to make my mom’s simple 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies but lowering the carbs by using stevia instead of sugar. Step 1 preheat oven to 400 degrees Gather your materials and ingredients. materials needed are one mixing bowl, 1 1-cup measuring cup a spoon to stir with a cookie sheet, and a regular spoon and fork. For ingredients: one…

[fuckyeahilike]

Can You Do Carnivore on an Extremely Low Budget?

Can you do Carnivore on an extremely low budget? Today we will find out! I have to feed 1 person at least 1500 calories and 100g of protein per day, its a 30 day month, and they will eat two meals a day. And we have to do all of that with a budget of $100! Can it be done? I also include some of my best practices for finding deals on meat and some sample meals you can make with our $100 cart.

[kamala-laxman]

With compassion, I can be courageous. With frugality, I can be generous. With humility, I can be a good teacher." Lao Tzu

[tmarshconnors]

Qualities That Define a Minimalist Person

A minimalist person is someone who adopts a lifestyle that focuses on simplicity and intentionally reduces the clutter, distractions, and excess in their lives. Here are some qualities that often define a minimalist person:

Simplicity: Minimalists prioritize simplicity in all aspects of their lives. They seek to simplify their possessions, daily routines, and commitments to create a sense of calm and clarity.

Intentionality: Minimalists are intentional about their choices. They carefully consider what they bring into their lives, whether it's physical possessions, relationships, or commitments. They focus on what truly adds value and eliminates what doesn't align with their priorities.

Decluttering: Minimalists actively declutter their physical spaces, getting rid of items they no longer need or find joy in. They understand that physical clutter can lead to mental clutter, and strive to create a clean and organized environment.

Mindfulness: Minimalists practice mindfulness and live in the present moment. They appreciate the simple pleasures of life, often finding joy in experiences rather than material possessions.

Frugality: Minimalists tend to be frugal and avoid unnecessary consumerism. They question the need for excessive spending and prioritize saving money for things that truly matter to them.

Environmental consciousness: Many minimalists are environmentally conscious and make choices that reduce their impact on the planet. They might prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly products, embrace minimal packaging, or reduce waste in their daily lives.

Detachment from material possessions: Minimalists do not attach their self-worth or happiness to material possessions. They understand that true happiness comes from within and focus on cultivating meaningful relationships, personal growth, and experiences.

Time and energy prioritization: Minimalists value their time and energy. They avoid activities, commitments, and relationships that drain them or don't align with their values. They prioritize activities that bring them joy, personal growth, and fulfillment.

Quality over quantity: Minimalists value quality over quantity. They prefer owning a few high-quality items that they truly cherish rather than accumulating a large number of mediocre possessions.

Focus on personal growth: Minimalists often prioritize personal growth and self-improvement. They strive to simplify their lives to create space and time for learning, pursuing hobbies, and developing meaningful connections.

It's important to note that minimalism is a personal journey, and individuals may embrace these qualities to varying degrees. Minimalism can be tailored to suit an individual's needs, values, and circumstances.

[bxdtime-ceai]

romanticizing being poor for myself. yes actually spending $2 on dinner is lovely <3 i love using old clothes as cleaning rags actually <3 i love making my own cleaning agents with lemon and baking soda <3 this is a beautiful low-cost life <3 <3 <3

[progressivemother]

Decluttering my home

I have been watching a lot of decluttering and frugal videos. I have been adding the tips from these to the rules I already use.

Decluttering is key right now. My house in general is clean and I don't have a lot of clutter. I did not know this until I started decluttering. But I have come to realize that I can still further minimize so that I am not as overwhelmed and it has helped a lot. I feel much more accomplished.

I am far from done but I have gotten a lot done. I am minimizing to the point that a room should only take five minutes to clean up and twenty minutes at most to vacuum, mop, dust, etc.

Here are a few tips on decluttering:

1. Start small. The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small. Pick one area in your home that you would like to simplify. A desk drawer, a cabinet, your purse, a bookshelf, or a toy bucket. Make three piles; keep, donate, and trash.

2. Buy less. Do not buy things you don't need and avoid temptation. A simple rule is to wait three days. If you want the item after three days, then you can consider buying it.

3. Use what you have. Use what you have before buying more items. Food, makeup, toiletries, etc. Make sure you go through things before buying more.

4. Make sure counters, stove, tables, and floors stay clean. No matter how clean and organized a house is if these areas aren’t clear it makes the room feel cluttered. When simplifying your home, make it a point to keep your surfaces as clean as possible.

5. Borrow before buying. If you can borrow or rent an item that you will probably only use once or twice, do that rather than buy something that will only take up more space.

6. If you Don’t Use it, Lose it. For example, clothes. As women, we tend to have clothes that we think we will wear but we don't actually wear. This was what it was for me. I have come to realize that I prefer comfortable clothes over fancy. So I got rid of all of the clothes I knew I would never wear even if I really wanted them.

7. Clean Out Spaces Routinely. When it comes to keeping up on decluttering, it's easier to do a weekly or monthly organization and decluttering. I do it monthly.

8. Keep one memory box per person. Create a memory box for each person and only keep what is most important to you. My daughter prefers her drawings and art for hers. Each kid gets special stuffed animals. I only have some items from my grandmother.

9. Keep a give away box. Keep a box in your closets and in rooms where you can put items that you no longer want or need that you can donate later.

10. Clean spaces routinely. For me, I have a daily task list, a weekly task list, and a monthly task list. These are all only cleaning tasks. It works well with keeping the home as clean as possible and doing it little by little is much easier than you would think.

11. Create a weekly task list. For me, once a week on Thursday is the day I get all of my errands done, meal plan, order groceries, do the budgeting, and plan the rest of my week until the next Thursday.

Here are a few tips on living frugally:

1. Have a no buy month. Only buy essentials for a month. I like doing this after the holidays in May. The large holidays are over and it is before the kids' birthdays.

2. Shop second hand. I tend to only buy through a thrift store. It is better for the planet and better for my wallet. If I cannot find something similar to what I want, then maybe I would buy it new. But it is rare.

3. Scrounge for dinner or do a leftover night. I usually do a leftover night but if there are not any leftovers left, then I will find a way to cook something up with what I have around.

4. Cut your own hair. I have always cut my own hair. There are many tutorials on how to do this on YouTube if you need to use one. It is a big help financially.

5. Cut on guilty pleasures. Mine was ice coffee. I was buying it every day. I decided to cut it down to only once a week. It has actually saved me over a hundred dollars a month.

6. Cut on consumption of meat. Yes, I know a lot of people like their meat. My husband is included in this. But we understand that it tends to cost more than other items and have cut it down from every night to a few times a week. It has saved us around $80 a month. It's not a lot but it goes toward something we can use it for.

7. Track your spending and check your bank account on a regular basis. Doing this can actually help you understand where a lot of your money is going and it can help create a habit of spending less.

8. Plan your meals and stick to them. This saves a lot of money. I create a list for a month and that is what we eat. I do not deviate unless I absolutely have to. For example, if the stores are out of the products I want.

Well, that is a a lot but it really does help. I feel less stressed trying to do things last minute and I have less in the house to clean up or deal with. You can transform your home and life into a haven with a little effort. I hope this helps you as much as it helped me.

[rainyfestivalsweets]

3/23/24

At an all day sporting event...guess who is saving money?

This gal! That's right. Snacks in the car. Water bottle in my hand

Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOO

[my-financials]

The FIRE Movement: A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Independence and Early Retirement

Introduction In recent years, a revolutionary concept has emerged in the realm of personal finance, captivating the imagination of young adults worldwide. Known as the FIRE movement, which stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early, this philosophy offers more than just financial advice—it proposes a radical shift in lifestyle. This in-depth guide explores the intricacies of the FIRE…

[daytea]

just found out about breatharianism i'm gonna save so much money