Month: October 2024

“They” say it isn’t polite to talk about money, but it is important in everyone’s life. I started receiving an allowance from my parents when I got old enough to count. I got a nickel every week for the chores I did around the house like helping to wash dishes. The amount increased to a dime shortly thereafter as I took on more responsibility such as bringing in wood for our stove fire. I was expected to save part of the allowance and use some of it for what I wanted. A coke and a bag of chips only cost a dime in those days.

I learned quickly, however, that spending the allowance the minute I got it was not the way my parents expected me to behave. Having an allowance made me a better money manager, and I am thankful today that my cautious spending over the years makes retirement financially stress-free.

Having an allowance during childhood taught me some financial skills. I learned that you had to do the assigned chores, or the allowance would not be given. I also learned the hard way the consequences of overdrawing my bank account. My parents emphasized that they would only bail me out once. I realized deferred gratification through needing to save until I could afford something special. Getting a “loan” on my allowance was usually not possible.

The value of money was associated with work. I found my parents’ expectations were clear and consistent, although they were flexible if I needed to negotiate work activities occasionally. I also discovered that one did not get paid for everything done. Some chores around home contributed to the common good without having a monetary reward associated. I internalized the need to balance spending money with saving as well as donating for others when appropriate.

At my mother’s memorial service, our pastor talked about how my mother was frugal but generous. I hope that description also fits me. Perhaps I have taken fiscal management too much to heart. Maybe I should have spent more money during my life rather than focusing so much on saving. However, I cannot think of anything that I really needed that I was not able to purchase. I reap the rewards of that frugality now as I do not worry about not having enough money. I remain a cautious spender, but I also have money to give away to causes that are important to me. I relish those opportunities, and I am glad I learned money management early in life.

I was in college when Woodsy Owl was born in the “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute” campaign. Since then, I have tried to cut down on the amount of trash that I give to the universe. I feel overwhelmed with how much garbage I throw away each week and I am just one person (with two cats) in a country with 330 million people.

In the US, consumption patterns have evolved resulting in great quantities of waste generated. The average American throws out 4.9 pounds of trash each day. This waste impacts not only the environment but also public health, urban landscapes, and economic resources. Our disposal habits load up landfills and exacerbates global warming.

I recognize that excessive trash requires a multifaceted approach. Public education campaigns and community projects such as electronic recycling days held in my community twice a year minimize environmental impacts. I, as an individual, also have a huge responsibility.

I strive to make mindful choices and adopt sustainable habits. I embody a minimalist approach by trying to reduce my consumption. I aim to purchase mostly what I need and not just what I want. I reuse containers as much as possible. I recycle paper, aluminum, and glass. I am not handy, but I attempt to fix broken items.

Unlike North Carolina, composting is difficult in Colorado because of the dry climate, but Deb’s chickens get the organic scraps that I have. I think about mindful eating by avoiding single-use plastics and other disposable products. My eating habits are inconsistent, however, since I am a lazy cook and often find getting take-out or a grab and go item in the grocery store easiest for me.

Two of my biggest peeves regarding trash are bottled water and the growing amount of micro-trash. I am proud to say that I can count on one hand the number of times I have purchased bottled water in the past few years. I endeavor to always carry a stainless-steel refillable bottle as well as a plastic coffee cup with me.

Micro-trash is mostly inadvertent. I am aware when I tear open a Kind bar, for example, because it is easy for the tiny top to fly off in the wind. When I volunteer in the park, I pick up far more pieces of mini trash than larger pieces of garbage. These bits add up.

I am struggling to reduce the amount of trash that comes out of my household. My kitties are responsible for pounds of litter that goes into my trash bags. Yet, I am not willing to part with these critters. Nevertheless, I think daily about more responsible consumption patterns and how I can minimize trash to play a small role in creating a healthier planet.