Popcorn

I made a great find at a thrift store recently--a popcorn maker!

My kids LOVE it. I love it, too and here are some of the reasons why:

• Popcorn is an easy healthy snack.
• By making my own popcorn I can control how much butter and salt is used.
• Popcorn kernels are MUCH cheaper than pre-popped popcorn or microwave popcorn.
• There is very little waste with popcorn kernels, as opposed to microwave popcorn which often has a plastic wrapping, plus the paper bag, not to mention to cardboard box it comes in.
• It's fun to watch the popcorn popping (and it takes about the same amount of time as microwave popcorn)
• No hot dangerous oils or burning microwave bags.

As you can see I bought it for a great price! New popcorn makers cost between $14 and $20 on average. For all the benefits listed above, I still think they are worth that price. However, buying a fun appliance like this at a thrift store not only saves you money but it also means you're giving something a second life--which is always more environmentally friendly than buying something new. Plus, you won't be contributing to any landfills with all the packaging of a new appliance.

If you decide to go thrifting for a popcorn maker I'm sure you'll find plenty to choose from. When I bought this one there were four others on the shelf, including a brand new one still in the box. Just be sure to check the power cords for kinks or fraying--setting your house on fire is not frugal or green. :)