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Target Launches Eco-Friendly Denim Take Back Event: A Sustainable Fashion Initiative

I have a deep affection for Target and denim – they hold a special place in my heart. As a devoted Target shopper, my denim collection could last me a…

Red Target sign and logo
pencer Platt/Getty Images

I have a deep affection for Target and denim - they hold a special place in my heart. As a devoted Target shopper, my denim collection could last me a whole month without repeating a pair. So, you can imagine my excitement at Target's latest news! They are rolling out their inaugural "Denim Take Back Event" across all stores starting in early August, giving participants a chance to snag a discount. Yes, you heard it right - saving money and the planet in one shopping spree!

From August 4-10, customers can bring in up to five pieces of used or outgrown denim of any brand to a Target store. In return, they'll receive a 20% discount on a new denim purchase with Target Circle, the company's loyalty program. This offer extends to Target's own brands like Universal Thread and Wild Fable, as well as popular labels like Levi's. The Target Circle promo code can be redeemed between August 4-10, making it a win-win situation for denim enthusiasts.

Gena Fox, Target's senior vice president of merchandising for apparel and accessories, highlighted the event's eco-friendly mission in a recent statement. "Our new Denim Take Back Event provides families with an effortless way to breathe new life into their pre-loved denim," Fox expressed.

As a parent with a soon-to-be Highschool Junior and a growing 2nd grader, I couldn't be more thrilled about this initiative. It's the perfect opportunity to swap out their outgrown denim for fresh, quality picks from Target. With back-to-school shopping looming, this 20% Target Circle discount makes it easier for families to revamp their denim collections while promoting sustainability and reducing waste.

Target's Denim Take Back Event is a response to the increasing consumer demand for eco-conscious initiatives. It follows the success of Target's Car Seat Trade-in Program, which has recycled 2.6 million car seats and nearly 40 million pounds of materials since 2016. I'm all aboard this initiative and excited for some guilt-free back-to-school shopping! 🛍️ #TargetDenimEvent #SustainableFashion

10 Amazing Ramen Recipes to Stretch Your Grocery Budget

The cost of food has risen dramatically since 2020, putting a strain on many household budgets. From 2019 to 2023, the all-food Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by a staggering 25.0 percent, outpacing the overall inflation rate of 19.2 percent during the same period. The COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and other inflationary pressures have all contributed to this surge in food prices.

Grocery prices have been hit particularly hard, with the cost of food at home jumping 24.6 percent since March 2020. Even as inflation shows signs of cooling, food prices remain stubbornly high, with supermarket prices now 25 percent higher than in January 2020. This has left many consumers struggling to make ends meet and searching for ways to stretch their food budgets.

Luckily, my family has a deep love affair for ramen. Ramen is a type of Japanese noodle soup that has become popular worldwide due to its convenience, low cost, and delicious taste. A single serving of instant ramen typically costs less than a dollar, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers.

Ramen is also shelf-stable and easy to store, making it a convenient option for those with limited kitchen space or cooking skills. Of course, it's important to remember that while ramen can be a helpful addition to your diet, it should not be relied upon as a sole source of nutrition. Instant ramen is often high in sodium and low in essential vitamins and minerals, so it's best to balance it with other healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

The key is to use the instant noodles as a base and customize them with your favorite ingredients and flavors. My kids and I have a blast making up new and different ways to enjoy our noodles. Saving money never tasted so good. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your ramen creations!

Add an egg

Crack an egg into the boiling ramen for added protein and creaminess. You can either whisk the egg for an egg-drop effect or poach it directly in the broth.

Include vegetables

Incorporate fresh or frozen vegetables like baby bok choy, spinach, corn, carrots, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and texture of your ramen.

Experiment with sauces and seasonings

Elevate the flavor by adding ingredients like soy sauce, chili oil, sriracha, garlic, ginger, miso paste, or sesame oil.

Use broth instead of water

Replace the water with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for a richer taste.

Add protein

Top your ramen with cooked meats like chicken, pork, beef, or tofu for a more substantial meal.

Sprinkle toppings

Garnish your bowl with chopped scallions, cilantro, sesame seeds, nori sheets, or furikake seasoning for extra flavor and texture.

Make it creamy

Stir in coconut milk, cream cheese, or a slice of American cheese for a creamy and indulgent twist.

Stir-fry the noodles

Cook the noodles separately, then stir-fry them with vegetables, protein, and sauce for a yakisoba-style dish.

Add heat

Spice up your ramen with sriracha, chili flakes, or hot sauce to your desired level of heat.

Experiment with flavors

Try adding peanut butter, curry paste, kimchi, or bacon for unique flavor combinations.