So maybe it is easier
and cheaper to buy disposable items. But in the long run, how much
money are we saving? Is it fair to say that something that costs
$100 is less expensive than something that costs $6? In some cases,
YES! Here's how:
Cameras:
Disposable camera's cost about $5-$6. You use them once, have
them developed, and all that casing goes away. Next time you need
a camera, you buy another one. Nowadays, a decent 35mm. camera
can cost as little as $25. Doing the math, that's still only about
5 disposables. Factor in film for the non-disposable to equal
that of the disposables, and it rounds out to be about 9 disposables.
But in the long run, how long will the better camera last? Over
time, it is more economical if you take pictures often, or even
a little, to buy a better, non-disposable camera.
Toys:
Buying something that will last a long time is key with children.
Not only is durability of the toy an issue, but the interest factor
as well. Let's face it...some of those fast food kid's meal toys
are cute, but how long will they last? They may break after Day
6, or the child may lose interest after Day 2. At any rate, try
to avoid appeasing the kids in the back of the car, and look for
something that they'll REALLY like later on that will keep their
attention, last a long time, and might even be (dare I say...)
FUN?!!
Paper
plates and Silverware: I think we're all guilty now and again
of buying paper plates and plastic utensils. They may be a great
time saver for parties and the summer BBQ, but for everyday use,
the paper plate can't stand up to the porcelain plate. You can't
wash and reuse a paper plate, and few of us actually wash out
the plastic forks and spoons. Go for the more expensive set of
dinnerware. With a little elbow grease at the sink, they'll last
a good long time. For the money, you'll be saving in the long
run by reusing these items instead of purchasing disposables.
Paper
of Plastic? At the grocery store, if you get plastic bags, try
to avoid throwing them away. Reusing them for various things around
the house is very handy. If you can, try to purchase paper bags.
They'll actually hold more weight for carrying groceries, make
great book covers, mats for craft projects, and best of all -
they're biodegradable! Throw
them in your compost bin and they'll become compost in a few
weeks. (You do have a compost bin, don't you?)
Quality
over Quantity: Buying a quality durable item that stands the test
of time saves you money. Look for items that are durable and have
a long life. Tools are a great example. Sure, you can get a socket
set at the average dollar store, but how long will it last? Go
to a tool store, or a tool section in a major retailer, and look
for quality brand-name tools. Hand tools are a particular thing
to look out for. Buy good steel that will not strip out or break
after a few uses. That 3/16" box wrench may be $7.99, but
will how long with the $1.99 wrench last in comparison?
These are only a few
of the items that we buy that are disposable. Think about what you
usually shop for. As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention
is worth a pound of cure". Similarly, buying quality now spares
buying quantity later.
