Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.  These are the steps we are supposed to keep in mind to reduce waste in the landfills.  But they are also the steps I use to spend less money.

Reduce.  Before you buy it, make sure it is something you need.  Do inventory before grocery shopping so you don’t end up with too much of something that will go bad before you use it.  When you see that super cute pair of shoes on sale, really think before you buy.  Can you think of at least 3 outfits you would wear them with?  Are they appropriate for multiple situations?  Are they comfortable enough to wear on a work from home day?  Do you already have something similar? If you don’t need it….don’t buy it!

Reuse.  Before something goes to the trash, think about whether it has another purpose.  We joke that middle age is when you do mental battle with the fact that you should get rid of that empty box, but it’s a struggle because it’s, you know, a REALLY nice box.  If you see yourself using something within a three-month window, it may be worth keeping.  Those takeout food containers work great to freeze leftovers for future quick meals.  Those plastic grocery bags are perfect for disposing of pet waste.  That carcass left after you eat the rotisserie chicken can easily be turned into chicken stock.  I’m not saying that you should save absolutely everything and become a hoarder.  But definitely take a few minutes to think about whether you can potentially use something again.  And if you can’t use it again, think about whether someone else would want to.  When it comes to clothing and home goods, I purchase a LOT of things secondhand.  And when I want to get rid of clothing or home goods, I’ll first decide whether I want to try to sell it.  If I don’t want to sell, I’ll donate if it’s something that someone would want.  (Don’t donate the stained shirt with holes in it—turn that into a rag instead.)

Recycle.  I’m not just talking about putting your cans and bottles into the curbside pickup bin.  I’m also talking about the more extreme, crafty upcycling.  Like those mittens Bernie Sanders made famous that were made from an old sweater.  Like that beat-up dresser that can look brand new if refinished.  Like the sofa with a hole in the cushion that looks amazing with a new (to you) slipcover.  The possibilities are endless (and can suck you down the Pinterest hole for countless hours if you’re not careful).  Before you relegate something to the trash, do a quick tour of the internet to see if you can make something useful of it!

Reduce.  Reuse.  Recycle.  And save money in the process!