Prime Packaging

Did you do it? Did you cave and go nuts on Prime Day? Does your porch look like this??

Never fear. So did I. And you don't have to fill your recycling bin with all those boxes. And you *can't* fill your recycling bin in most municipalities with bubble envelopes or that plastic pillow padding.

First choice - reuse! One medium sized moving box at U-Haul costs $1.50 and and you'll pay up to $5 for the same size at less economical places like Office Depot, so it's nuts to only get a single use out of them. If you don't have a use yourself, offer them up to a friend, neighbor, or free site.

reuse
Medium-large boxes, plastic and paper filler material are great for moving and seasonal storage! Small boxes and bubble mailers were my biggest surprise that I was able to find neighbors who wanted them, but they're great for people with small businesses or who like to mail gifts.

recycle
Have you heard of Ridwell? Ridwell is a Seattle-area company designed to compliment your regular recycling - with packages as low as $10 per month. They take all sorts of items like batteries, light bulbs, thread, styrofoam and plastic film. Plastic film includes both those padding pillows as well as many plastic packaging wrappers.

Ridwell is doing a free pickup of Amazon packaging 7/22-8/1 to help with Prime Day specifically!

upcycle
I'm still in love with this cat castle.

We'll see if I can get T on board. ;)

Shoe Sister

Remember when you were younger and had a bestie or roommate, that you were lucky enough to wear some of the same sizes? And you would share clothes or shoes and automatically double the size of your closet?

Let's bring that back! You're never too old to have a wardrobe buddy. For me, I'm lucky to have an aunt who's a stylish gal, and likes to give me some of her hand-me-downs. A recent closet cleanout meant that I could be the recipient of some sweet summer shoes:

bøc sandals, compare at $50 new.

Crocs sandals, compare at $30 new.

Born sandals, compare at $80 new.

Overall savings $160, and I have some great comfort sandals to take me through the next couple summers. Thanks, Aunt Tricia!