Since I have temporarily discontinued my contributions to the newsletter column for "How to Save a Penny", but have come up with new ideas since then, I may just add minute detail on here. This will give basics for our members to look at to save a few bucks on their utilities, shopping, etc. without me dedicating too much time to research and article creation. Please do review previous newsletters in our Newsletter Archive for more ways to save money while we still live in a monetary system (and save that money towards a better future).
Straight Talk Cell Phone Service- generally, I'm against anything that has to do with WalMart. I do, however, find it difficult to compare a $30 a month, no contract cell phone subscription.
www.straighttalk.com/ServicePlans
E-cycle and Free-cycle- recycling your electronics and other household items may not be as altruistic as it traditionally was. Now, groups exist online that trade items freely. I give you my shovel, you give me your rake. Of course, there is usually a process to be considered trusted first, but this is a good way to get rid of your unwanted items while also getting something back and not adding to waste piles around the world. Look up your local e-cycleing groups too. Some will pay for certain items, others just take them so dangerous materials are not exposed to the environment.
www.freecycle.org/
earth911.com/
www.gazelle.com (will buy some electronics)
www.ecyclingcentral.com/
www.ecosquid.com/client/index.jsp
www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm#local
Cleaning chemicals- beside the fact that many are hazardous, many are also quite expensive. It's amazing just how many things can be cleaned with either lemon juice, vinegar, or baking soda. Levels of acids and bases in these products cut through other materials better (basic chemistry). I'm not even going to give links. There are way too many online, and many books on the subject you can find at your local library.
