Save a Ketchup Packet, or Ten

I reached down into the cupholder for a quarter. A napkin was stuffed inside the cup, so I twisted my fingers, searching for the elusive change. Instead, what I got was a handful of condiment packets: ketchup, salt, pepper, hot sauce and even a lemon packet.

Looking further, I discovered I had quite a few of these packets under the dashboard. There are even some in the glove box along with a couple straws, more napkins, tissues, a plastic fork, knife and a map. I am ready, ready for a complete auto failure should one come along, leaving me stranded on the highway out in no-man’s-land.

I keep everything I don’t use, just in case. Once I went through a drive-through to buy a dollar hamburger and fries. There was no ketchup in the bag, so I asked the server if she could give me a couple packs of ketchup. She came back with a complete handful, 10 packs to be exact. At the time, I thought it was a ridiculous waste. I had only asked for two. Part of me wanted to throw them away, but I got to thinking that maybe, just maybe, they could come in handy some other time. Condiments stored in their little sealed compartments probably last a long, long time, and they don’t need refrigeration. If I save enough of them, perhaps I can make a bottle full of ketchup.

Keeping extras comes with the territory of being frugal. What looks unnecessary today may become a must tomorrow. Once, I found a large nail lying in the road in front of my house. I picked it up to throw away, in fear that it might puncture a car tire. As I carried it to the house, an idea struck. I had needed something to hang a shovel inside my shed. I wasn’t going to buy a container of nails just for that purpose, but the nail from the street definitely was large enough for the job. The nail had a little rust, but it worked just fine. My shovel still hangs there today.

When I go to replant a plant in a new container, I often search the street for loose stones or pieces of concrete. These make excellent water drainers, and it certainly saves the cost of buying a whole bag of smooth rocks. I rinse off the items I find before placing them in the pots, and the plants don’t know the difference. With a little ingenuity, there are many ways to boost your way of life without extra cost.

Not everyone saves ketchup packets. But if you do, know that you are not alone.