SUSTAINABLE SIDMOUTH AWARDS 2023
There are lots of great tips on how to manage – whether it’s about getting your sewing skills up to scratch or fixing stuff yourself or cooking well on a budget.
Not only has make do and mend “turned into a fashion statement”, there’s even a festival dedicated to thrift:
“We have never lost that starting point which is thrift, make do and mend, keeping things rather than chucking them into landfill, fixing things rather than throwing them away, swapping things rather than putting them in the dump.”
The BBC’s Repair Shop and Sidmouth’s Repair Café are hugely popular.
Here’s a great list of “old-fashioned money-saving tips”:
When it comes to living frugally, our grandparents and parents could really teach us a thing or two. Waste not want not is one of the fundamental tenets of frugal living, and can be applied to food, water, energy, clothing and practically everything else. We’ve compiled a list of old-fashioned money-savers below – how many do you do already?
Make do and mend
Borrow rather than buy: Ask around if you need something for a short time or just for one job. Your friends and neighbours might have just what you are looking for.
Repair, don’t replace: Before you throw away your washing machine or cooker and buy a new one, see if it can be repaired. It is pretty much always less expensive, and appliances can often run perfectly well for many more years. Plus it’s better for the environment and gives work to local businesses.
The Kitchen Front
Don’t waste food: Throwing away food is throwing away money. If your kids never finish their food (although they probably will if you’ve cut out snacks and fizzy drinks!), give them smaller portions. If you don’t like leftovers, make sure you only make what will be eaten in one meal. And get to trust your instincts about throwing away food when it reaches its best before date.
Grown your own: If you stick to easily-grown fruit and veg that you will eat, it’s possible to save money by growing your own. And while you’re at, phone up your council and ask to see if you can obtain a free water butt to save on watering costs.
Fun and games
Walk or cycle wherever possible: That quick nip to the shops can unnecessarily burn valuable fuel. You might as well burn some calories instead.
Stay local: Go to your local park for the afternoon with a picnic instead of driving somewhere. Most will have a play park for kids and seating for adults to keep everyone happy.
Cost of living: Old-fashioned money-saving tips – how many do you do? – Chronicle Live