Smart. saving is global
Budgets differ around the world, but one thing remains the same — across the globe, folks use imaginative means of saving money. Americans save with digital coupons, cashback programmes, and flash sales, but other cultures use tried-and-true techniques that have been used for centuries. Read on for some clever and sustainable saving strategies from around the world that might stretch your dollars.
Hang-drying laundry
Even in countries like Japan, Italy, and Germany, electric dryers are a luxury and not a necessity. They dry their clothes on racks or indoor lines year-round, even during wet weather. It’s a green practice that saves electricity and extends the life of clothes.
Dryers consume about 6% of home electricity use in American households, as stated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Line-drying a couple of loads a week can amount to substantial savings in the long term.
Rags over paper towels
One-use paper products that are later thrown away are a major contributor to U.S. household trash. In 2017 alone, Americans threw away over 3.8 million tons of paper towels, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported. Other countries, though, like Sweden, India, and Japan, use wash cloths or pieces of old cloth to clean.
It’s a small change that’s budget-friendly, reduces waste, and saves a trip to the store for an additional roll.
Saving seasonal produce
In parts of Eastern Europe and Asia, winter food storage remains a tradition. Members of Polish, South Korean, and Turkish households pickle vegetables, ferment cabbage, and dry fruit when fresh fruit and vegetables are cheap and plentiful.
This practice not only reduces food waste but also provides access to healthy, affordable food during winter months. The USDA estimates that approximately 31% of America’s food supply goes uneaten, much of it simply discarded.
In Ireland and the Netherlands, most homes get warmed up only once a morning by a timed boiler system. Good insulation and savvy use of sunlight give day-long comfortable temperatures.
One owner went so far as to state that an April to Christmas oil top-up was all they ever needed. Compare that to the $1,400–$1,700 that the average American household spends each year for heating, and it’s no surprise that smart schedule heating is an economical choice.
Cooking pasta with less energy
Not all money-saving tips are about big-ticket items — some of them lie in the kitchen. Italians tend to briefly boil pasta, remove the pan from heat, and let it keep cooking in hot water. This “passive cooking” is energy efficient and produces the same soft noodles.
It’s a reminder that even simple cooking techniques can add up when it comes to the utility bills.
Read this later: Bad news for millions of SNAP Payment recipients – These are the Americans who may lose their Food Stamp payments in November.
Making the most of one chicken
Throughout much of the world, whole chickens are bought instead of pre-cut pieces. It’s cheaper per pound, and nothing goes to waste — bones are reserved as broth for soups, and leftover meat is added to sandwiches or stir-fry meals.
In America, where boneless chicken lines the supermarket shelves, this practice can make meat cheaper and encourage less wasteful eating habits.
Sharing living space and splitting expenses
Multigenerational homes are a way of life in Asia and Latin America, where members of the family share the cost and childcare responsibilities. In the United States, the concept is also gaining popularity. Pew Research says that 18% of Americans live in multigenerational households today, compared with 12% in 1980.
It’s an economical setup that also keeps the family close.
Reusable containers and simple cleaning
In most countries, food is refrigerated and reheated in the same reusable containers — no disposable bags, foil, or cling wrap. Similarly, one all-purpose cleaner can do the job of five separate cleaners. Vinegar and soap work on most surfaces.
The result? Less chemicals, less mess, and smaller grocery cheques.
Read this later: Good news from Amazon, which is hiring 250,000 new temporary workers for the Christmas season with wages of $19 per hour.
Cooling with common sense
Prior to the widespread use of central air, individuals across the globe utilised airflow to keep cool. Opening windows on opposite sides of a space and blowing hot air out with a fan can make a significant impact — and help save money in the summer months.
Cooking in batches
In India, Mexico, and Egypt, large-scale cooking is the thing to do. Families prepare beans, lentils, or rice in massive amounts that will keep for days. It’s efficient, cheap, and produces less waste — no trendy “meal prep” required.
