When holiday costs closely follow Christmas expenses, finances can easily turn from a mostly-manageable flow into the financial equivalent of a motorway pile-up. Then the credit card statement arrives, and the wheels threaten to fall off the family wagon.

Time to roll out Frugal February. Lawn Fabric Stakes

Living sustainably is about being smart. But it’s also about joy. Many small changes can help us save money – and it doesn't have to be all bread and water. Thriving while we save is about finding pleasure in simple things and getting the most from what we already have. Here’s how to live well in Frugal February.

Transport is a big cost, and the largest contributor to the carbon footprint of typical Kiwi households. Emissions dropped during the pandemic when we stopped commuting and saved on time, fuel, parking and car-running costs. Ongoing working from home has extended these bonuses for some. How can the rest of us commute smarter?

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Travelling with others can turn a lonely, stressful commute into a social event. Find other local commuters and explore car sharing possibilities using the secure website Neighbourly. Ask your workplace HR or admin staff about trialling a carpooling hub.

In one inspiring example of what’s possible, Julian Ostling started the innovative electric bus service, taking commuters from the northern end of Auckland to the CBD and back. It’s now even better with an additional e-scooter rental.

Austin Hansell, Product Manager at Toitū Envirocare, suggests checking out your public transport options, taking advantage of half-price public transport until the end of March.

Are you a closet cyclist?

Cycling boosts wellbeing and saves on petrol, parking and more. Pushies (pedal bikes) are cheap second-hand, and pre-loved e-bike prices are coming down. Recoup your set-up costs by cycling short local trips and commuting. See February’s Aotearoa Bike Challenge for inspiration. Be brave and give it a go.

Avoid non-critical spending in February. Audit your possessions instead to make the most of what you already have. Organise your wardrobe; adjust, mend or pass on as necessary.

Sort the garage, tool shed or craft supplies to be inspired to make something with existing materials. Dust off half-done projects. Sell items online or fill a box to donate.

If you must shop, go secondhand. Op-shops are typically full of bargains at this time. Shopping second-hand helps reduce landfill and emissions, including around 4% annual global emissions from the fashion industry. Instead of buying tools, find a tool library.

Encourage teens to op-shop and hold swap parties with friends – as in pandemic days, when a surge of young people in London were swapping and sharing clothes, according to a Census-wide survey.

Hot water cylinders account for around 29% of typical Kiwi power bills, says research organisation BRANZ. Give kids bluetooth shower speakers (prices start at $39), together with the rule that showers last a maximum of two songs. Turn the water off while shaving or applying hair products. Use soap bars: they’re as effective as shower gel, without the plastic or the price-tag.

Energy use contributes to about 40% of New Zealand's total emissions. “Simple actions like adjusting the thermostat on your hot water heater can save on your energy bills,” says Hansell. “Even small changes in our daily habits can make a big impact on our wallets and the environment.”

It’s challenging when there’s so much rain. Where possible, pull the plug on the dryer and air-dry clothes on a line or rack. If drying indoors, ceiling racks can be used to catch rising warm air. Options range from classic, old-style racks like our grannies used, to small round, plastic cheapies. Models with metal, rather than plastic, pegs last longer. Finishing part-dried clothes in a (lint-free) dryer still saves power.

Wash full loads rather than several smaller ones, using cold water where possible. Use quick spot-cleans rather than washing whole garments, or refresh clothes by hanging them in a sunny or breezy spot. Use detergent as specified – using more wastes money and sends extra pollution out to sea.

Sustainable eating is about local and seasonal produce and February is the time to enjoy harvest from your garden, if you have one, or cheaper tomatoes, stone fruit and other produce in stores. They don’t have to be perfect for you to enjoy delicious meals that stretch your grocery spend. Late summer is a time for preserving, and this year more that ever, it’s a simple pleasure to savour.

Buying bulk non-perishable items reduces packaging consumption and often saves money in the long run, says Hansell. “Look for refill options where you can measure the exact amount you want. Learn how to store fruits and vegetables to make them last longer to reduce food waste.”

Cook in bulk for double dinners or tasty work lunches. With a baguette-style loaf, grated carrot, mayonnaise and tasty leftovers, you can make three large delicious filled rolls, faster than you could get to the bakery to buy it.

Grow Container Now that’s a smart and sustainable start to the day.