Fighting the Recession from Home

I come bearing good news, despite how this post might start out. So read on.

Ever since the world was informed of the emergence of the Covid 19 pandemic, I really thought there was going to be a worldwide recession. With what I notice happening these days the world over, I am convinced of it. Then to add more flame to the already blazing fire, the war between Russia and Ukraine started. It is a true reminder of the connectedness of our world and our interdependence whether we like it or not. It too will certainly add to increasing prices, shortages, and certainly losses.

 

We need to think of ways to cushion the blow that these things will cause and thankfully, many of these can be done from home. Here are some ideas of what we can do.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

These have been stressed time and time again, but I do know that sometimes the more emphasis is placed on some things the less we seem to notice it. But let us open our eyes to ways in which we can reduce, reuse and recycle because in that way we are saving money, money that can be used to pay the increasing cost of the fuel bill. Thankfully, the winter fuel payment system helps certain categories of people.

• Ensure that you only buy what you can & will use
• Avoid products with excessive packaging
• Each time you think of adding something to the recycling bin, think first if you could possibly reuse it a couple more times first.
• Simple things like having a dedicated water bottle that you refill each time rather than buying bottles of water is a great help in the long run.
• Is there a need to buy a new phone or laptop as often as you do?
• I think making your own trendy shopping bags that you reuse each time you go shopping is a great idea!
• Reducing the amount of waste we personally add to landfills will not only benefit the environment but will also help us to save money and that is something we all can be proud of.
• I know of someone who has a quirky-looking back garden. Some of the items used as planters include an old toilet and pairs of wellingtons. They are so cute and she is definitely doing her bit for the environment.
• Make use of a compost bin. That way you can definitely save money each year. Instead of buying compost, you can make your own. They help fruits, vegetables and other plants to grow and produce more prolifically, and that way your yield from your garden will be more and thus reducing your bill for food and flowers.

Eat What You Grow

Start growing at least some of the food that you eat. Some foods including fruits and vegetables are pretty easy to grow and requires little energy or skill. Some of these include, but are not limited to potatoes, tomatoes, ginger, lettuce, celery, peas and beans. In addition to saving you money on your food bill, growing your own is thought to be very rewarding.

You reduce a lot of personal stress by focusing your energy on your plants rather than on worrying. An added benefit is that you get to know and accept exactly what goes into the food that you are feeding yourself.

For me, one of the biggest benefits is seeing the fruit of my labour and also seeing the wild life that it encourages to come to my garden for a wonder.

Reduce Food Waste

Each time you think of scraping food off your plate into the bin, or from your fridge into the bin, I want you to imagine dropping your purse or wallet, with money inside, into the bin, never to be seen again. That is exactly what food waste is like to me: throwing my money in the bin. SO THINK SERIOUSLY ABOUT THIS ONE.

How Can you Reduce Food Waste?

Don’t buy food in bulk unless you can use it in time before it goes off.

Don’t buy food in bulk if you cannot safely and appropriately store it.

Don’t cook more than you know your family will eat. If you cook more than enough, do you have the space to store the left overs and ensure that it will be eaten?

Meal plan and batch cook.

Shop with a shopping list.

Stick to the list.

Consider if you Should Buy in Bulk

Return to the tips above this when considering if you should buy in bulk. If you have the space to store non-perishable items, then it is always a good idea to purchase in bulk. Items such as soap, shampoo, toilet and kitchen roll fit this category.

Avoid Hasty Decisions When Making Purchases

Consider seriously if you need items you are planning to buy or you just want them. I agree that sometimes (once in a while) it is ok to yield to these temptations but especially when a recession stares us in the face we need to think about the consequences and whether the purchase is worth it.

What Else can we do at Home to Fight the Recession

• Switch off electrical items when not in use.
• Consider a quick shower over a bath
• Do not take on any new debt
• Whilst you can, and only if you can pay a little extra each month on debt you already owe.
• Make use of your skills, either to make things that you personally want or need and also to sell to others who want or need those things you can make.
• Join a partner with people you can trust.
• instead of throwing out items you no longer love or need, consider selling them on Vinted, Ebay, Facebook market place or Depop.

As I have said, these are some ways that we can keep some money in our pockets for the ‘hard’ times. They are by no means exhaustive, so if you can think of some ways to save, then please share in the comments. After all, we are all in this thing together.