Waste not, want not...

lovesrecess · ‎03-14-2010

Were you raised by frugal parents who had the mindset of waste not, want not? Seems like I learned that lesson well...I am saddened when I see how much food and other things we waste in our country today.

Have you seen how much food grocery stores and restaurants toss when it is still good? Some non-profits receive some of it but it still amazes me how things are thrown away when I see so many needy folks every time I turn on the news.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

A lot of times the restaurants or grocery stores have no choice but to throw good food away because of the restrictions put in place by the city.

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

Yes, I was raised by parents who came of age during the depression. Along with "waste not, want not" my father used to say "take all you want but eat all you take." Wise words and frequently ignored these days unfortunately.

Mombo1 · ‎11-02-2015

@lovesrecess wrote:
Were you raised by frugal parents who had the mindset of waste not, want not? Seems like I learned that lesson well...I am saddened when I see how much food and other things we waste in our country today.

Have you seen how much food grocery stores and restaurants toss when it is still good? Some non-profits receive some of it but it still amazes me how things are thrown away when I see so many needy folks every time I turn on the news.

Absolutely! My parents were very frugal. Wasting food or anything was never an option.

As a child, you don’t always see the big picture. We did not have a lot of “things”...But we were very happy with what we had. It was a much simpler time and not so materialistic as things are today. When my brother, sister, and I were grown and ready to go to college...my parents had saved and sacrificed for years so we had no college debt hanging over our heads. The reason we were so fortunate was the “waste not want not” upbringing my parents believed in. I also learned that lesson very well.

Kitlynn · ‎03-09-2010

Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without! That is what we grew up with and it made us appreciate things when we got them and to not live with a disposable and just buy more attitude.

sidsmom · ‎11-25-2011

I, too, grew up with frugal parents but I feel my generation

didn’t learn Want vs Need.

Re: Food

Taking as much as you want but having to eat everything

(I.e Clean Plate Club) is just a bad lesson learned at childhood

causing all sorts of problems in adulthood.

Leaving something on the plate is a good thing, in many ways.

jeanlake · ‎03-10-2010

Smiled as I read your topic title. My Scottish / Scandinavian, Appalachian mountain raised dad was a minimalist. He polished his dress shoes weekly and kept them for years. Bought quality and took care of his things. Loved a sale. Our lamps and small appliances were purchased with 'green stamps.' Remember those? I guess it's both nature/nurture for me. Just returned from AT HOME store where I found same dining sideboard/server sold for double the price at Nebraska Furniture Mart. High five and hug from husband in the parking lot. I can pay full price if I really like something, but have to do my homework first. I also buy clothes at off season sales. Two of my three children have the same mindset. Youngest adult child is finally getting it. Thrilled to watch her let go of some of her excessive ways.

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." Henry David Thoreau

mac116 · ‎03-26-2010

@Mombo1

My parents did the exact same thing with my brother, sister, and me. Frugal living, and we never felt deprived.

THEN, tuition for all three of us at private colleges was paid in full by them. They did not want us to start out with debt. What a gift and a blessing! My husband and try to be frugal with every day things in order to enjoy " not so frugal" vacations.

Pook · ‎03-20-2010

My depression era parents did the exact opposite. My mother's parents had a large garden and raised rabbits and chickens so they always had more than enough food. Forcing someone to eat more than they want is worse than wasting some food! In the end it is really wasted if it is not enjoyed and wanted and the children end up with issues more than likely! I know my dad used to say that he had to do without growing up and he'll be dammed if his family will have to do that! He wanted a better life for his children.

I also know that groceries stores are required to throw away things and not really able to allow anyone to have them even for free as well as restaurants.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

I am obsessed with NOT wasting food. I hate to through food away. Just the two of us....I make sure we do not buy too much and use up what we have. I wrap things to help them not go bad fast...