Frugal Challenge-Ditch the Disposables

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Frugal Challenge-Ditch the Disposables

Start switching out your disposables ( paper towels, napkins, plastic wrap, paper plates etc.) Start using rags instead of paper towels, cloth napkins instead of disposable ones, beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap and foil ( will be doing a how to post on these in the very near future).

 

By doing this you are not going to have to buy these anymore. And that can add up to a pretty good savings.

 

You can get a bag of rags from the second-hand store that is mostly tee shirts use these to cut into squares to replace paper towels. Keep them in a drawer in the kitchen or in a basket on the counter. Then just throw in the wash.
Use cloth napkins you can usually find some at the second-hand store for pretty cheap.

 

Instead of plastic wrap use beeswax wraps these are easy to make ( I will have a post on them very soon). If you have to use a wrap use foil since it can be recycled and you can throw it in your can for recycling or to sell.

 

Get storage containers to use instead of baggies,

 

Take your own bags to the grocery store. In some places, you are having to start paying for the bags that they are putting your groceries in. And even if they don’t where you live get in the habit now. Then if they do start charging you will be in the habit plus you will be helping cut back on all the waste.

 

Get an electric or straight edge razor instead of using the disposable razors. This will save a ton.

 

Use your junk mail and old papers to make your own paper to make greeting cards with. ( post on how to in the very near future).

 

Get a reusable coffee filter we have the same one we have been using for about 5 years and it is still good.

 

Get or make a reusable straw

 

You might even think about a family cloth you can go here for more information.

 

And luna pads there is a how-to here.

 

Please feel free to share any ideas you have to ditch the disposables.

9 Replies to “Frugal Challenge-Ditch the Disposables”

  1. NRP

    Ok here is one for ya.
    Water, yes Water.

    Are you on a Water Municipality? I am, and it cost me around $60 a month for 2000 gallons from the Tap. My water bill would go up to 12,000 per month during Gardening Season.

    So how does one “Ditch the Disposable” Water?

    Use or build a “gray-water” collection system. One is allowed to capture and reuse all water from Laundry, Showers, and Bathroom/Laundry Sinks. One may NOT reuse Black-Water aka Toilet water, Kitchen Sink and Dishwasher water.

    This will require a little modification of your existing Waste-Water piping and the installation of a storage tank plus a pump.

    This water can be used on Lawns, Trees, and 90% of outdoor plants. It is ‘suggested’ not to use on Fruit trees and a Garden…. I do.

    I calculated one time I reuse about 75% of my water to use in this manner.
    Note; I do use only biodegradable soaps.

    Yes this is a big step, but if you could save 75% of the cost of water a month….. something to think about.

  2. watkinsranches@yahoo.com Post author

    NRP,
    You are so right water is something everyone needs to think about. It is on the top of my list of concerns. We do collect gray water but I would really like to get some gutters put up so I can collect the rainwater ( I already have to tanks for ti just need the gutters). Is something that is always on my mind.

  3. candy

    We do all these things and more. All about not having to throw anything into the trash. We make all our cleaning supplies and personal hygiene as well less bottles. Found you on Bloggers Pit Stop Blog Party

  4. Donna Parker

    I agree, the less trash the better, food for the world, good for the wallet, they go hand in hand. 🙂
    Shared. 🙂
    Dropped by from #BloggersPitStop today but always glad to be here. 🙂
    Hope the week ahead treats you well. 🙂

  5. Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au

    The Australian government is really cracking down on waste these days – there is a total ban on one-use plastic grocery bags and our domestic rubbish bin system has been turned into three bins – recycle, green waste, and household waste. I wish there were more countries getting on board with this and reducing the plastic that goes into our oceans and landfill – the world would be a better place.

    1. watkinsranches@yahoo.com Post author

      Leanne,
      That is so good that they are doing that. I really wish we would get more on top of things here we have so so much plastic and a lot of that could be put in glass so it could be recycled like they use to do with pop bottles years ago. Not to mention how bad plastic is for our health. I guess it needs to start with everyone who sees how bad it is and start trying to educate others.

  6. Kathleen Aherne

    A lot of good ideas here Connie. Many of them we used to do when I was young, but not many practice them these days.
    We will feature your post on our next Blogger’s Pit Stop.
    Kathleen

  7. Jean | Delightful Repast

    Great ideas, Connie. I’ve been taking my own bags (sturdy tote bags) to the grocery store for decades; it used to be a real “oddity!” I use glass storage containers and have a 3-cup rectangle size that I do freezer-meals in, and I like to take one with me when we go to a restaurant so that they don’t use a Styrofoam or plastic container for my leftovers. But I still use the occasional plastic bag, and I’d like to stop doing that. Thank you for hosting #BloggersPitStop.