Here are my basics:

  • Hydroponics: lettuce, basil, strawberries, microgreens. Cost to implement well ~ $350CDN
  • Yoghurt: Cost to implement well ~ $50
  • Crochet + yarn: mainly for making dishcloths. $5
  • Mayo: I like mayo, obviously, but it doesn’t last very long. Has anyone made mayo that lasts as long as store bought?

More advanced ideas?

  • locally sourced meat and eggs: is this cheaper? I’m in Vancouver BC and there are a lot of farms in the valley. Logistics seems challenging.
  • jarring: is it worth learning how to do this and investing in the equipment? volunteering at a farm: I’m sure this would net some food
  • solar power or bike generator: electricity is cheap here
  • minimalism: I’m realizing this is a lifestyle. It has taken me a while to reduce, and I’m still reducing. Are most of you like this?

And things that can save money, but I don’t want to do:

  • Bread: I don’t like making bread. Bread machine vs. buying a mixer?
  • Beer: I’d like to but last time I tried it was messy and space consuming
  • switch to cotton socks and underwear. Quantity over quality.
  • no alcohol or drugs: What’s your experience?
  • meal prep: savings seem big if combined with jarring. But if I had food prepped I’ll eat it, cheaper to skip meals?

Any other ideas welcome. I’m looking to save $$$ by spending $$

  • @ebikefolder@feddit.deEnglish
    2•1 year ago

    My basics:

    • second hand almost everything
    • some stuff from my balcony (chives, chard, strawberries, rosemary)
    • sewing machine to alter and mend my (second hand) clothes or linens, and to make stuff from scraps (like pillowcases, handkerchiefs or potholders)
    • “ugly” vegetables (not pretty enough for supermarket shelves)
    • cloth napkins, rugs and handkerchiefs
    • almost no meat
    • only tap water to drink (well, ok, coffee in the morning and herbal tea in the evening)
    • no car, but a public transport pass and two bicycles

    Jarring: Not much of a learning curve, and you hardly need any equipment. I do have jars anyway for shopping at the zero waste shop, and you can simply use your oven. But still I hardly ever do it.

    I rent, so could only install a small solar system on my balcony. Not high on my priority list - but I have some shares in local solar and windpower co-ops. Electricity is expensive (Germany), but is covered that way

    Minimalism: I prefer a minimalistic look, but I think if you save money, you are a minimalist even if it doesn’t show.

    I do have a bread maker and wouldn’t want to miss it.

    I only wear natural fibres, so of course cotton (or wool!) socks and underwear. But those are the only clothes I buy new so I can easily afford the best quality there. I darn my socks, by the way.

    Drugs: I don’t drink any alcohol but I vape, and treat myself to a good Cuban cigar every once in a while.