by Jessica Miller (Emery Street) | This column provides tips on reducing waste while saving money.

There are many ways to reduce one’s waste and save money when you team up with a friend, and even more with a neighbor. Knowing your neighbors is personally and socially enriching, but if you find like-minded neighbors, that partnership will be enjoyable and profitable. Here are some ideas that have been inspired by my own neighbors.

1. Garbage removal: if you have managed to reduce your waste, you probably don’t have more than 1 or 2 trash bags to be hauled weekly. See if your neighbor wants to share your trash can and split the cost.
2. If you have a small household or don’t want to cook s lot in the summer, split the cost and produce from a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) membership.
3. Rent big machines together and till your garden or wash your carpets the same day.
4. Ask your neighbors when you are looking for items that are usually discarded (such as cardboard boxes, wire hangers, rags, containers that can be turned into planters). A neighbor may have some, or will know someone who has.
5. Trade items (fruit and vegetables from the garden) and services (mowing, pet sitting, snow blowing, sewing, etc.).