Disposables are convenient, but if you are trying to scale back and really pinch your pennies, replacing disposables with “permanents” can help you stretch you dollar. Don’t worry, I’m not against disposables (especially disposable dinnerware the weeks after a baby is born! I remember those days fondly), but would like to get us all thinking about ways that we can save in this area.
Maybe you can help me out…
Here are a few things around the house that could be replaced with more “permanent” items:
Napkins – replace with cloth napkins
Tissues – replace with handkerchiefs (people actually still use handkerchiefs, my husband is an example! This cracked me up when I first met him, but I got used to it quickly. He grew up on the farm and this is what they all did! He only uses one per day then throws it in the wash)
Paper Towels – I don’t know that I’d get rid of these completely (sometimes using a paper towel and then tossing it seems a little more sanitary than using a rag), but I could cut down and use them less often. I could use rags and wash cloths to wipe and clean, and newspaper to clean mirrors and windows.
Plastic baggies – replace with plastic containers
Paper Diapers – replace with cloth diapers (unless you’re getting them free from CVS, of course
Diaper Wipes – make your own. See Ken’s helpful post here .
Toilet Paper – ha! Just kidding
Dryer Sheets - Dryer Balls (I have these and really like them)
Can you all think of any more?
Heather says:
Great list! Tell me more about the dryer balls!
May 28th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Amanda says:
How about putting fresh fruit in little tupperware containers for lunches rather than buying the little fruit cups that you just throw away when you are finished. It’s more expensive buying individually wrapped snacks.
May 28th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Kendra says:
Using reusable shopping bags for groceries. Some stores will give you a little discount for having your own bags.
And, I know it sounds kinda gross, but they do make washable cloth sanitary pads. I’ve never used them, but since we’re on the subject…
May 28th, 2008 at 9:56 am
sashwhy says:
Heather,
Dryer Balls replace dryer sheets and act as “tumblers” to fluff your laundry and cut down on drying time. I’ve read mixed reviews (some ladies just don’t like them), but I love them (maybe because I’m not TOO picky about how fluffy and smell-good my laundry turns out). They don’t add the good smell that dryer sheets do, but my laundry usually smells fine anyways because of the laundry detergent I use. The dryer balls cost around $10 and I’ve been using mine for a little over two years. You can check them out here:
http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/dryer_balls.html
May 28th, 2008 at 10:26 am
amanda says:
i make my own wipes as well..but a bit different. cut one roll of bounty (or viva…something super strong) in half (so you have two “stubbier” rolls that would fit in a tall tupperware type container). place the paper towel in container. bring 2 cups water, 2 tbsp. lotion and 2 tbsp. baby soap to a boil until lotion dissolves. pour this over the paper towels…put lid on and let it soak through paper towels. remove inner cardboard “core” (which should pull up the middle of the roll with it…voila…you have wipes! we LOVE these! i use bounty select a size paper towels and a michael graves airtight container from target. it takes less than 5 minutes to make a batch and saves $ for sure!
May 28th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Nichole says:
Great ideas! I use the reusable grocery bags, too. Target has some that zip down into themselves; I try to keep one in my purse in case I forget the others.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
A says:
Along the same lines of reusuable sanitary napkins, you can get a menstrual cup.
Though, since we’re mostly talking about saving money, you can get a ton of free tampon/pad samples online.
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I sometimes prefer plastic baggies to containers, but I reuse them. They’re really easy to wash out, especially if they didn’t contain liquids.
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I don’t do reusuable shopping bags yet, though, b/c I need the plastic bags for household purposes.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Brandy says:
There of plenty of people who use cloth diaper wipes and toilet cloth (sometimes called “family cloth”). No more icky than washing baby diapers on hot. Good for the planet, good for your bum.
May 28th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
jeans99 says:
I can’t completely get rid of paper towels either. But I did cut up my husbands yellowing white t-shirts and keep them in a bag under my sink. I can use a new one all day long and wash them with any cycle. It has saved me from using a lot of paper towels, makes things feel more sanitary than using the same towel all day, and was a good use for those old shirts.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
The Chatty Housewife says:
I have definitely read of people replacing toilet paper with “family cloth” but I can’t see myself ever going there. I guess if you already wash cloth diapers it wouldn’t be that much more to wash family cloth. It just seems more gross for some reason.
I’m sure someone has already commented that you missed out replacing feminine products with reusable ones. Like the Luna Pads or Diva cup.
As for plastic baggies, I wouldn’t replace them with plastic containers, I would replace them with pyrex. Although this isn’t practical for kids lunches, I send them with my husband just fine.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Kendra says:
I’ve never heard of the “Family cloth” idea until now. I have to say, it is interesting to me! Sounds gross at first, but I think if it was just for us ladies (hubbies probably wouldn’t go for it anyways), and if we are already washing cloth diapers, it really wouldn’t be that much different. And think of the savings! Us women go through a lot of TP!
Another tip I thought I’d mention…
I like saving old socks to use as dusting cloths, and cleaning rags. They work great, and I like that I can slip it onto my hand and wipe away. So, don’t throw away those holey socks, give them another life.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:56 am
Heather says:
Thanks for the info on the Dryer Balls. I think I’ve seen these at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Any other stores you’ve seen them at?
May 29th, 2008 at 9:26 am