Last week Recycla discussed ways to simplify life–and one way to do that is to OWN less. Every time we buy stuff, we increase our carbon footprint on the planet–from mining the resources to make things to manufacturing to shipping and handling, the STUFF we NEED to HAVE burdens the planet. An important way to live green is to buy less. Ownership is a drag–you have to deal with storage, maintenance, repairs, warranty paperwork–why bother when you can rent? Obviously some things are better owned than borrowed (toothbrushes spring to mind), but think of all you might save in storage space and money and hassle if you rented the following things before you bought them:
1. Video games. Sure, Little Timmy says he wants the latest X Box offering, but for a fraction of the cost you can rent it for a week at a local video store. If he loves it, great! Go buy it. If not, you’re only out a few bucks and you’re not stuck with it collecting dust by your game console. GameFly is one online site where you can rent games.
2. Movies. The truth is, we almost never watch a movie over again–unless we’re a kid and addicted to Pixar. Just like with video games, renting a movie will give you a good idea of whether you like it or not–and if it’s that good, then go buy it.
3. Heavy duty lawn and garden equipment. Need to roll your lawn? Cut a bunch of brush? Till your garden? Lawn and garden equipment can run to hundreds of dollars and it takes up a lot of space in your garage. Many hardware stores and rental shops carry this equipment–Enviro Girl has found equipment for all kinds of work on her 60 acres for rent, saving her thousands of dollars.
4. Camping equipment. Unless you have a season pass to the state parks, you’re probably an occasional camper. In that event, borrow or rent your camper/tent/cooking stove. If you’re new to camping as a hobby, renting will inform you of what features you should invest in when you buy the gear you want to own.
5. Sporting equipment. From skis to hockey uniforms to skates to golf clubs–you can rent it all. If you’re a novice to a sport, just starting out and not sure you want to commit to buying the gear, rent it or borrow it. Just like with camping equipment, renting will give you a good idea of what you want to invest in (or not) when you take up the sport more regularly.
6. Party and event supplies. From sound equipment to tents to tables and chairs to tanks of helium–why buy it when you can rent it? Enviro Girl has seen everything from food service equipment (roasters and serving trays and place settings numbering in the hundreds) to inflatables available for rent. She has rented a porta-potty, a tent, sound equipment and inflatables for various events at her place and was happy each time to use these things, but saw no reason to own them permanently.
7. Cars. That’s right, you can rent cars. Enviro Girl has a sister who doesn’t own a car. She lives in a metro area and owns a bus pass, a bike and cab fare. Once in a great while she needs wheels and she spends a couple hundred to rent a vehicle when she needs one. She probably saves thousands of dollars a year doing this.
8. Carpet Cleaners. Unless you own an apartment complex, you probably don’t need a Rug Doctor more than twice a year. Rent it.
9. Books. Duh. Borrow. From the library. Enviro Girl especially does this with unknown writers or writers whose work she’s certain she’ll read only once. (Don’t let her fool you, though, she has shelves full of books.)
10. Toys. That’s right, they’re little for such a short time or perhaps they’re visiting your house. You can rent toys for babies and toddlers online at BabyPlays.
11. Designer handbags, sunglasses, and jewelry. Instead of shelling out for the latest trend, you can rent the latest look and satisfy your inner fashionista at Avelle.
This is a GREAT list!
Don’t rent movies, either! Borrow them from the library! Saves money and gives you more bang for your property tax buck!