Welcome to econogreenomics 101!

My original goal was to demonstrate that not buying any new gear for a year can be done in a way that is challenging, fun and allows me to still be (or try to be) sassy!

The main goal for the compact year was...

To live with high standards below my means, utilizing available resources and opportunities! Ya-Hoo!

Reduce - Reuse - Recycle - Restore

Although I am not "officially" doing the Compact any longer, I have adopted the traits of a "compactor." I am continuing to stay on my green path of less is more! It is always a work in progress, but the journey is a fun one, filled with lots of polyester, crinoline and coupons!




Monday, February 8, 2010

Sunday Strib Worth the Read!

Oh Kara! You made my heart go pitter-patter. One of my favorite journalists covering money, debt, and lifestyle, Kara McGuire had the most awesome article this past Sunday in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. (2/7/10)

The article highlighted how being frugal is not the same as being cheap and that it is in fact a phenomenal way to be green. My thoughts exactly, although not worded quite as well. That's the whole point behind econogreenomics.

Save money, spend less than your earn, and yet maintain high standards and a high quality of life. And yes, it is no surprise to me that this is considered being very European and very green.

I love it. It came to my attention, that these skills do not come as easily to others and it isn't a boring topic. Clearly, not to me, I could go on and on.... So props to Kara and an excellent, well written article. Along with a little help from Chris Farrell. Check out the article yourself, Strib Article

My frugal but quality loving self went into action last week. Rumor had it that there was a sale on Frye boots last Friday. To me it was worth the trip to Edina from St. Paul. (90% off) My co-workers gave me a hard time. Naturally. My rationale was simple, a round trip to Edina, was worth it to get a pair of well made Frye's for a steal - I know how they last and that would be worth the promised $60 or less. I made my lunch house trip only to be disappointed - no Frye'e for me. I did come away with a few boutique scores. But if I had walked out with Frye's, I would have be ecstatic! Next year. Again, totally worth the trouble for a high quality product with the potential for being around a minimum of 5 years.

Tip of the day -
You know the hype.... Change your light bulbs already! Compact florescent bulbs are where it's at. One light bulb can save your family cash and save on wasted electricity. A cheap and easy way to go green and save a couple bucks!


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A Budget for Green - Every Little Bit Helps

I am fully aware that to reduce my carbon footprint to the fullest, I would need to buy and shop locally, eat organically, be a vegan or vegitarian, use public transit or drive a hybrid, use alternative energy sources, and among other things minimize my consumerism to the max.

I am not perfect. Far from it. But I do want to make a difference and do my part and be the best example I can to my children and others who will inherit this earth.

Given that I do not always have the means to always eat organically, as much as I would like to, and that my budget restricts me from being the eco-warrior I would like to be to the fullest extent, I do what I can. In my dream world, I live in a tiny, LEED certified house and drive a hybrid. (one day)

It is disheartening that for many of us our carbon footprints are larger because we do not have the means to afford a more sustainable lifestyle. Although I think it is getting easier to make larger green steps on smaller budgets.

With my limited means I try to make changes and continue what I have been doing to spend less, consume less, and raise my standard of living, while hopefully minimizing my impact on the planet.

Small budget... big goal. Econogreenomics.

Every little bit helps... and small changes can lead to big results. Less really can be more!