WMEAC turns 40!

In case you haven't heard...Grand Rapids has their own non-profit environmental organization that aims to promote environmentally friendly, sustainable and green practices. They're called West Michigan Environmental Action Council and it's their 40th year working hard for our environment. You might be wondering what this has to do with saving money. Aside from the fact that they could probably help you learn how to save on energy costs they are hosting some special events to celebrate their birthday and one is a special family event at the Blandford Nature Center. It's happening on the 17th from 9:30-11am and it's a FREE event. Parents can get an small presentation and priorities discussion that will coincide with an environmentally themed arts and crafts time for kids. They'll get the chance to make "wildflower balls" and then the whole family can go on a Spring Forest Tour at the nature center.

Now even though this is a free event they would like you to RSVP if you're planning on attending. You can call them at 451-3051.

***EXTRA TIGHTWAD TIP***

I don't usually have more than one tightwad tip a week but a friendly visitor to the site sent me this tip that I just had to share - "When you become a member at any of the following cultural institutions- Children's Museum, Ford Museum, Art Museum or John Ball Zoo - you get to visit the other places for FREE on a particular month. You show your membership card and get up to six people (2 adults and 4 children) in for free. You can visit every day of the month if you'd like. I find the best deal is to join the Children's Museum as a Pals Pair. 2 people (1 adult and 1 child) join for $35 or $40 (?) But you still get 6 people in to all the other places. The Exchange Schedule starts in May and for the Children's Museum members, this is the schedule:

May - Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
June - Ford Presidential Museum
July - Art Museum
August - John Ball Zoo

If you go once to Meijer Gardens in May with a family of 6 you've paid for your membership with your savings. The Children's Museum seems to most readily give you the info about this program but the others should have it too."

A special thank you to Paula for passing along this information! If you have a tightwad tip that you think others would like to know, e-mail savedfromwaste@yahoo.com. Who knows, you could see your tip on my website!