Monday, July 28, 2008

Buying to save?

Mary over at Pokeberry Garden posted about some "green bags" she had bought that are supposed to keep your fruits and veg fresher longer. Surprise, surprise, they didn't work.

I think you'll be seeing a lot more of these "spend money to save money" type products as advertisers begin to recognize what Parade magazine has already recognized, that frugality is a growing market segment and people are interested in saving money in the current economy. It's kind of like buying environmental products - if you call something frugal (or green), that gives us permission to spend money on it, which is what we all want to do anyway.

Here's a rule of thumb: investing in something that you've heard of before, like a canning system, is potentially a way to save money in the long run even if you have to spend a little now. Buying something you've never heard of or didn't know you needed until just now is just spending money. Believe me, I'm not picking on Mary, this is something I could stand to learn as well.

4 comments:

Mary said...

You know, I hadn't even thought of the term 'green' when I got those. I was thinking they just called them that cuz they're green. (colored bags) You are so right though-- most of the newer things aren't so good. I do like to give whatever I try a good going over though so I gave them a chance. Sometimes I do find something new that I like however--like the rubbermaid storage containers you can SEE through very clearly and that are a good shape to save space in the fridge. My leftovers disappear much better now that the kids and hubby can SEE what's there.

SPF said...

mary t, do you have a link to those containers? They would be money saving in my household...

Mary said...

Hi Sue--yes I do.
http://www.rubbermaid.com/rubbermaid/premier/index.jhtml
I bought my set at Sam's club. They are super clear, the lids are good. They can go in dishwasher, microwave, fridge and freezer. They are rounded inside for easy cleaning and I didn't stain them even overcooking tomato sauce in them on purpose in the microwave. The shape outside is square so they stack and fit nicely in the fridge and take up very little space in the cupboard. Its an excellent design. My only problem with them is when I have chopped onions in them I have noticed that they impart an onion odor to my dishwasher that lasts a couple days. It hasn't been so bad to effect the dishes. I am thinking maybe I'll just keep chopped onion in little jars instead. I like them cuz I can put leftovers right in the fridge in portions and then we can grab it out and put it in our lunch boxes or the kids can reheat in microwave. They're pricey-ish-- certainly cheaper than tupperware--but a little pricey. There are often coupons in the paper for one or two. The best deal I found was something like 20 pieces for 19.99 at Sams. I would buy these again. I got rid of all my old plastic stuff when I bought them as they just are superior.

SPF said...

Thanks, Mary, I'll look for a set (or two!).