Forget about buying individual serving sizes
Buy the larger size packages of snack foods. Then pack a snack serving size in a ziplock bag. This little bit of effort will save you lots.

Carry an empty water bottle
Why spend money on water, soda, or coffee, when you’re just a little thirsty? Take an empty water bottle with you to the airport, movie theatre, shopping, etc. Fill ‘er up from a water fountain after you’ve gone through the airport security checkpoint, before you sit down in the theatre, or while you’re shopping. While some places won’t let you bring in outside food or beverages, there’s nothing wrong with filling up your empty bottle at a water fountain. And you are helping the environment by reusing those plastic bottles.

Have one meatless day a week
As a society we seem to believe that each meal has to be based around meat, chicken, or fish. Designate one day a week to go meatless. It’s healthy, and cheaper.

Make your own dog food
Do an internet search on ‘homemade dog food’ and you’ll find a slew of recipes. You don’t have to cook every day - a family I lived with in college cooked a stew for their dog once a week. You’ll save money and know exactly what your dog is eating. And your cat? Well if you have left over turkey slices you use for the kids lunches I am sure your cat will be happy with a change of pace once in a while.

Smoothies
Do you end up with lots of fruit that is not quite perfect for eating but a shame to throw out? Putting them into the blender with some ice, sorbet, and fruit juice makes a delicious and healthy smoothie. It’s become a Sunday tradition.

What is interesting about these cost saving ideas is that they are also healthy and help the planet – so everyone benefits.