25 - Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle: Good for the earth AND the pocketbook!

When most people hear “reduce, re-use, recycle,” they think of protecting the planet—but did you know these three simple habits can also save you serious money or even put a little extra cash in your pocket? What’s great for the environment is often great for your budget as well. By making small changes to how we shop, use, and dispose of everyday items, we can stretch our dollars and lighten our impact at the same time.

It’s easier than ever to get started, and every little effort counts. Let’s explore how these three eco-friendly habits work in practical terms—and how they can help you keep more of your hard-earned money!

Reduce:

Reducing is all about cutting down on what we buy or consume in the first place, which directly saves money by keeping more cash in your pocket. By choosing to buy only what you need, avoiding single-use items, and lowering your household’s waste, you not only trim your expenses but also minimize clutter and stress. Simple changes—like shopping with a list, using less energy, or sharing rarely-used tools with neighbors—can add up to significant savings over time. Making a conscious choice to reduce waste is not just good for your wallet, it keeps valuable resources from going straight to the landfill. Reducing truly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to put more money back into your budget—so why not start with just one small habit this week?

20 Ways to Reduce (and Save Money):

• Meal Plan: Plan meals and grocery lists to avoid buying excess food that may spoil.
• Use Refillable Bottles: Swap disposable water bottles and coffee cups for refillable versions.
• Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-perishables in larger packages—less packaging, lower unit cost.
• Energy Saving Habits: Turn off lights/electronics when not in use; hang clothes to dry.
• Eliminate Paper Towels: Use washable rags/towels instead of expensive disposables.
• Choose Minimal Packaging: Buy products with little or no packaging; select loose produce instead of pre-bagged.
• Go Digital: Opt out of paper statements, bills, and junk mail to reduce paper clutter and costs.
• Borrow Instead of Buy: Borrow tools, books, or equipment from libraries or neighbors for one-off projects.
• Cancel Unused Subscriptions: Regularly review and stop unused services or memberships.
• Cut Single-Use Items: Avoid disposable utensils, straws, and plates—use washable alternatives.
• Use a programmable thermostat to cut energy bills.
• Opt out of free promotional products/swag you don’t need (reduces clutter, waste).
• Choose concentrated cleaning products that use less packaging and last longer.
• Bring your own lunch to work or school—reduces food waste and daily spending.
• Choose secondhand instead of new for clothes, furniture, or electronics.
• Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposables.
• Select durable, multi-use kitchen tools instead of cheap single-purpose gadgets.
• Cut back on gift wrap—use reusable bags, fabric, or repurposed paper.
• Skip impulse purchases by making a 24-hour rule before buying non-essentials.
• Share streaming subscriptions and split costs with family or friends (where allowed).

Re-Use:

Re-using is the art of finding a second, third, or even fourth life for the items we already own—transforming would-be trash into valuable resources and sometimes even turning clever re-uses into a side hustle. When you repurpose everyday materials—like glass jars for storage, old clothes as cleaning rags, or sturdy packaging for shipping—you save the money you’d spend buying new products and can sometimes even make money by upcycling furniture or selling re-crafted goods. Re-using isn’t just for “crafty” folks; it’s a practical, creative way anyone can stretch a dollar. It's easier than you think, and every reused item is both a victory for the planet and your piggy bank. Try re-using just a few things this month and watch how resourceful (and thrifty) you can become!

20 Ways to Re-Use (and Save or Make Money):

• After recycling, reuse the trash bag as your next garbage bag to get two uses out of each.
• Use advertisements in the mail and the backs of envelopes as scratch paper.
• Refill glass jars (pasta sauce/jam) for food storage, leftovers, or even as vases.
• Use old t-shirts or towels as cleaning rags or dust cloths.
• Save sturdy shipping boxes and packing material for re-shipping, moving, or storage.
• Repurpose empty candle jars or containers for holding desk supplies, buttons, or change.
• Turn worn socks into dusters or homemade dryer balls.
• Reuse plastic containers from takeout for lunches or freezer storage.
• Upcycle furniture—refinish, paint, or re-cover older pieces (sell for profit or personal savings).
• Use empty paper towel rolls to organize cords/cables.
• Turn egg cartons into seed starters for gardening.
• Save glass wine bottles for homemade flavored oils or as decorative vases.
• Repurpose chipped mugs as plant pots or pen holders.
• Use old curtains or linens as drop cloths for painting or DIY projects.
• Reuse packing peanuts or bubble wrap for future shipping needs or to store fragile items.
• Store leftover paint in small airtight jars for touch-ups.
• Re-fashion jeans or shirts into bags, aprons, or patchwork crafts.
• Save plastic bread tags to use as bag closers or cord labels.
• Use worn-out tennis balls as chair leg protectors or to clean scuff marks from floors.

Recycle:

Recycling closes the loop, turning what used to be waste into something with value—sometimes literally paying you back. From redeeming bottles and cans for cash to collecting scrap metal, old electronics, or printer cartridges, recycling can directly put money in your hand or reduce future expenses. Even composting food scraps can save on garbage fees and eliminate the need for store-bought fertilizers. Recycling responsibly also helps avoid landfill costs, protects natural resources, and supports the circular economy. The best part? Many communities make recycling drop-offs—and earning rewards—super easy. With just a little effort, recycling can be a routine habit that’s good for both your finances and the environment. So, start with one household item and see how much you can save or earn by making recycling part of your weekly routine!

20 Ways to Recycle (and Earn or Avoid Spending):

• Recycle scrap metal (aluminum cans, copper wires) for cash at local recycling centers.
• Collect used ink cartridges and return them to office supply stores for store credit or discounts.
• Compost food scraps and yard waste—reduces trash costs and provides free fertilizer.
• Participate in town recycling programs to get credits or discounts on your garbage bill.
• Donate old electronics—some organizations offer tax receipts or even small payouts.
• Sell or give away old books, clothes, or appliances through online marketplaces.
• Recycle used cooking oil—some biodiesel companies will pay or offer discounts for it.
• Collect and recycle bottles and cans with deposits for redemption (if your state allows).
• Recycle unwanted gift cards with small balances—websites will buy them for cash.
• Repurpose sturdy product packaging (shoe boxes, tins) for organizing instead of buying new containers.
• Bring plastic grocery bags and film packaging to store drop-off bins (many recycle).
• Recycle worn out athletic shoes through Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe or similar programs.
• Use TerraCycle programs to recycle snack wrappers, toothbrushes, and other hard-to-recycle goods.
• Recycle old clothing and textiles through retailer programs or textile recycling centers.
• Donate eyeglasses to organizations that refurbish and provide them to those in need (sometimes tax-deductible).
• Recycle batteries and CFL bulbs at designated collection sites to avoid hazardous waste fees.
• Shred and recycle documents securely at community shred days—sometimes free.
• Compost shredded cardboard and clean paper at home or community gardens.
• Recycle old appliances through utility company rebate or take-back programs.
• Find recycling events for scrap wood, large plastics, or electronics to keep them out of landfills.

By taking small steps to reduce, re-use, and recycle in your everyday life, you’re not just helping the environment—you’re setting yourself up for real financial savings and maybe even extra income. Adopting these habits is easier than you might expect, and every little change adds up over time. Pick a handful of tips from each section and see how much you can save, earn, or improve your sustainability this month. Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you!

What’s your favorite way to reduce, re-use, or recycle and save money? Let me know in the comments below or share your own creative tips!

Ready to make a difference? Start today—because good stewardship is good for the earth AND the pocketbook!