Being Frugal and Being Green Go Hand in Hand

One of my favorite daily web pages to go to and read up on what other personal finance bloggers are writing about is pfbuzz. The other day I read an article over there that just keeps going around and around in my head. I feel I need to comment on it. The article is called Cheapskate Make Over: Call Us 'Ecofriendly' on Smart Money. I actually liked the title on pfbuzz better - "We're Not Cheap, We're... uh... Green!"

I really encourage you to take a minute to go read the article. It is well written and there are tons of frugal tips in it. At the heart of it is something I have been thinking about a lot over the last couple of years - the fact that the same things that are helpful to our planet are also fiscally responsible. Both are a way of preventing waste and making the most out of what you have.

So, why is it so frowned upon? Why do people look down on treehuggers and frugal people alike? Why do I feel like a dork when I reuse aluminum foil?

One upon a time Americans were proud of their ability to "make do." They had pride in the ability to fix anything and use it until it was worn out - then take the parts and make something else out of it. We appreciated innovation and thriftiness. It wasn't about being a miser, it was about hard work and appreciating whatever you had. What happened to all that?

I can't help but wonder if the wheel will be turning and those attitudes will be returning. With more and more people being concerned about the environment and global warming, consumption and waste are starting to get a bad name. With the financial crisis happening, everyone is hurting. No one has the kind of disposable income we once had. Maybe it is time for national attitudes to change and the word "cheapskate" to become a compliment!


Photo of hosta leaves by: leezie5