CONVERT YOUR HOME TO REUSABLES, THROW OUT THE DISPOSABLES

Making a switch from disposable to cloth diapers led me to do a little research on all the other "essential" disposable items that we use every day. I always assumed that modern disposable items were developed as improvements over the old-fashioned alternatives, but I was wrong. The reason we consume so many single-use products is because of the entrepreneurship and marketing of intelligent businessmen. These talented salesmen have shaped our consumer habits for so long that there are few people still alive to remember the way we did things before all these "modern conveniences" were invented. (I am not implying that all modern conveniences are a trick to get you to spend more money, but many of them are!) For example, take the story behind disposable razors. King Gillete was a salesman in 1895 who knew that the way to make money was to develop a cheap single-use product. "Gillette's idea was that if he could develop a cheap and disposable razor blade that was viewed as an improvement over what was currently available, he could sell millions of them and the sales would keep on coming day after day - year after year." (quoted from Classic Shaving.com: Safety Razors.)

Some disposable products have been on the market for a hundred years or more. Others are being newly developed and cleverly marketed today. The good news is that you don't have to fall victim to their advertising! Read the list below and consider which disposable household items you should throw out for good. Not only will you save hundreds of dollars, you will improve the quality of your life and help preserve the environment.

Click on a disposable item to learn about its reusable alternative.
BABY WIPES * DENTAL FLOSS * DRYER SHEETS * GIFT WRAP * KLEENEX * MENSTRUAL PADS * PAPER & PLASTIC DISHES * PAPER LUNCH BAG * PAPER NAPKINS * PAPER TOWELS * PARCHMENT PAPER * PLASTIC SANDWICH BAG * PLASTIC SHOPPING BAG * Q-TIPS * RAZORS * SCOURING PAD * SPONGE * SWIFFER * TAMPONS * TOILET PAPER

Why Use These . . .	When You Could Use These?	Think About It.
Baby Wipes	Cloth Wipes	When you use cloth diapers, it makes no sense to use expensive disposable baby wipes. Cloth wipes, or wash cloths, work so much better. You can toss them in right in the diaper pail to be washed with the diapers. Keep a squeeze bottle filled with water or wipe solution (recipes here) on your changing table. You can use that to moisten the wipes. Alternatively, you can use a wipe warmer to keep your cloth wipes warm and moist (just pour water or wipe solution over your wipes in the warmer). You can buy special organic velour wipes, get an inexpensive pack of washcloths, or just use old cut-up towels.
Facial Tissues	Hankerchiefs	I used to go through so many boxes of tissues whenever I had a cold. We would inevitably run out when I was sick, and someone would have to run to the store to buy more. My nose would be rubbed raw (even when I used the special expensive ones with added moisturizers). The trash cans would be overflowing with used tissues. One day it dawned on me that I could use hankerchiefs instead. I had a huge stack stashed away somewhere for some unknown reason. I pulled them out, folded them nicely in a stack, and never bought another box of tissues. The soft cotton is so much better on my nose, it never turns red anymore. They are so easy to wash; just throw them in with my regular load of white laundry. A pack of men's hankerchiefs is inexpensive to buy, but you could easily make your own if you desire.
Paper Lunch Bag	Lunch Box	Are you sending your family members to school or work with paper lunch bags? Get something that lasts, like a lunch box or an insulated cloth lunch bag. There are a lot of different options out there, you could even get a small cooler with ice packs to keep food fresh. A wide variety of lunch boxes and reusable lunch bags are available in most major stores. Or you can buy a neat insulated lunch bag made from recycled materials at ReusableBags.com.
Sandwich Bags	Sandwich Containers	There was a time when I diligently saved and washed out dozens of little ziploc baggies so they could be reused. This was a real pain, and the bags could only be washed a couple of times before they were no good. One day it dawned on me that I could use plastic sandwich containers instead. Not only are they reusable, they are easier to close and they keep sandwiches from being smashed. Get containers in all sizes and shapes, you can use them for just about any item in a lunch. The same thing is true for storing leftovers. Instead of grabbing the plastic wrap to cover your leftovers, spoon them into a plastic container or an old glass jar with a lid. The food keeps better in the fridge or freezer that way. The dollar store will be your friend if you need to purchase some little lunch containers, they have all kinds of little plastic containers at a low price (one dollar).
Plastic Shopping Bag	Shopping Tote	Paper and plastic shopping bags are offered free at almost every retail store, but some stores will offer a discount of five or ten cents for each bag that you bring in to reuse (check with your cashier at Albertsons or Fred Meyer; some of their locations offer discounts). Even if you don't get that five-cent refund, using your own shopping bags is more convenient. "Wait," you ask, "how is it convenient to haul around dozens of canvas bags every time I go grocery shopping?" I'll tell you. Reusable bags are stronger and can usually hold more than a disposable bag. You will make fewer trips to haul your groceries in and out of the car. And you won't have to worry about getting rid of the other bags. Some people shamelessly throw away every plastic bag that enters their home (that means their trash fills up sooner and they have to take the garbage out more often). Many of us have a place under the sink or in a closet where we stash our bags so we can use them later for something else. But most of us have more bags than we will ever be able to use. I frequently bundle up extra plastic bags to take to recycle at Fred Meyer, or I drop them off at a thrift store that will re-use them. But neither one of those options is convenient, it's easier to just throw them away! If you have your own reusable shopping bags, you can just stash them somewhere for the next time you go shopping. And they won't multiply like plastic bags. It's a good idea to keep one or two bags in your car for unplanned shopping trips. And if you are purchasing just one or two items that you can easily carry, just memorize and repeat these five simple words: "I don't need a bag." (The cashier will look up at you in amazement as she tries to stuff a 99-cent paper-wrapped burger in a paper bag. "I'm just going to eat it," you explain.) Besides being more convenient, reusable shopping bags help you sleep better at night because you will know that you are doing your part to save the earth! Reusable tote bags are available for purchase in many local stores. You probably have some nice bags lying around your house that would work great for shopping. You could also make your own tote bags or buy some at thrift stores. Or visit ReusableBags.com for all kinds of handy shopping bags. Their site also has lots of facts and figures about the world-wide problem of single-use shopping bags.
Gift Wrap	Lots of Other Options	The most depressing thing about Christmas and birthdays is the huge pile of torn & wrinkled wrapping paper. Don't spend your money on disposable gift wrap and bags. Instead, use your imagination and resourcefulness to find a better way to wrap a gift. One option is to use a fabric gift bag, like the ones pictured on the left. You can make your own or purchase them at places like Reusable Bags.com or Lucky Crow. You could also use an old pillowcase as a gift bag. I like to wrap a gift with fabric and tie it with a ribbon. (This is good when giving a gift to a crafty person. It's also a good way for me to use some of my neverending fabric reserves!) Another option is to use newspaper or brown paper grocery bags. Plain paper can be easily decorated to look fancy and festive. Or look for decorative tins at the thrift store; they make beautiful reusable gift boxes. The possiblilities are endless! Click here for more great gift-wrapping ideas.
Paper & Plastic Dishes	Real Dishes	Disposable plates are nice to have if you want to send a plate of cookies home with a neighbor, but try not to use them on a daily basis. It may be tempting to grab the throw-away dishes when you don't feel like washing up afterwards, but just think of the money you save when you use your real dishes. Also consider that food looks and tastes more appetizing when it is served on dishes that won't fall apart as you use them. Don't forget that you'll probably have to empty the kitchen garbage after you serve a meal with disposable dishes. I think it's easier to quickly load the dishwasher than to take out the trash. If you are tired and feel that you won't be able wash the dishes that night, just stack them in the sink and wash them in the morning. Go ahead, I won't even tell your mother.
Parchment Paper	Reusable Baking Liner	I love using kitchen parchment paper when I am baking. I use it instead of greasing a pan when making cookies or cake. But parchment paper is expensive, and it seems like I am always out. I just found out that there is a reusable alternative to parchment paper. Products like this Magic Baking Sheet Non-stick Reusable Baking Liner or SuperParchment can be used, washed, and used over and over again. They are even dishwasher safe. They can also be cut to fit inside things like cake pans and muffin tins.(Some non-stick baking sheets are made of silicone, and they cannot be cut.) If you use as much parchment paper as I do, investing in a reusable option would be well worth it. Wow, I'm never buying parchment paper again!
Paper Napkins	Cloth Napkins	Why use rough paper napkins when you can use soft cloth napkins? Stock up on cloth napkins and you will never have to buy paper napkins again. It's not very expensive to buy three or four sets of cloth napkins. They are also very easy to make; just cut a square of fabric and hem the edges. For a nice touch, make napkins that match or coordinate with your homemade tablecloths. You won't have to do extra laundry to wash cloth napkins, just throw them in with any other load. When making your own napkins, try to find a fabric that doesn't wrinkle too much; you don't want to spend the rest of your life ironing napkins.
Paper Towels	Cloth Towels	Have you ever noticed that the expensive paper towels boast that they are just as strong and soft as cloth? I have an idea, just use real cloth instead of paper towels! I'm sure you already have a stash of towels and rags in your kitchen, don't be afraid to use them. If your kitchen towels are too nice to use on yucky greasy messes, find some old towels and rags that can be set aside for things like cleaning the floor. Keep the old towels and your nice towels in separate drawers to make things easier. Don't throw out your nice towels if they start to get old, faded, stained, or torn, just demote them to mundane uses like washing the car or cleaning the bathroom.
Kitchen Sponge	Wash Rag	Do you use sponges to wash dishes or clean the bathroom? Most kitchen sponges don't last very long. They are also a good place for germs to thrive and multiply. Try to avoid using a kitchen sponge, use dish rags instead. I have a few small cotton dish rags that my mother knit for me. These are easy to make and are better than any sponge. And they last just about forever. Just make sure that you don't use a wet rag that's been moldering in the sink for more than half a day. Don't worry about collecting enough rags and towels to do a separate load of laundry, just throw a couple of kitchen rags in with whatever laundry is being washed that day. That way you won't need several dozen wash rags; five or six should be plenty. And don't forget to collect old rags and hand towels to use for jobs like cleaning the bathroom or dusting the furniture.
Scouring Pads	Scrub Brush	Little green scouring pads are good for scrubbing things like dishes and bathtubs, but they will eventually start to fall apart. Try getting a few nice scrub brushes instead. Not only do they last longer, they work better. They are easier to use, and you won't have to worry about those little green pieces breaking off and getting stuck in your shower head or cheese grater. And best of all, you can buy them once and never put them on your shopping list again! I have a few scrub brushes from the dollar store that have various assignments (dishes, vegetables, bathroom, garage, etc.). They work great and I'm sure they will last forever.
Swiffer	Microfiber Towels	For those of you who love your Swiffers, consider using microfiber towels in place of the disposable Swiffer sheets. Microfiber towels are also great for dusting, cleaning the kitchen, washing mirrors, cleaning the bathroom, detailing a car, and lots of other household uses. Microfiber towels are super absorbent; they act as a magnet that attracts dirt, dust, and even bacteria. They can be used wet or dry. When using microfiber, you can use water instead of harmful & expensive cleansers. A microfiber towel should last you 600 washings, or at least two years. Avoid fabric softener and bleach when washing microfiber towels. They may attract and distribute lint if you wash them with other laundry. Microfiber cloths are available on many online stores, such as Parish Cleaning Supply, Safe Home Products, Magic Micro Cloth, and FloorGuy.com. But you don't have to buy a special microfiber towel online, you can find them at WalMart in the automotive section, the Dollar Tree, and lots of other local stores.
Disposable Razors	Straight Razor	Are you tired of spending hundreds of dollars on expensive disposable razor blades? Look into buying an old-fashioned straight razor. If you take good care of a straight razor, it will last longer than you do! Straight razors need proper care and maintenance to remain sharp. They also require quite a bit of practice to be able to use them without needing a trip to the emergency room. If you master the use of a straight razor, you will not only save lots of money, you will experience the closest shave you've ever had. Read How to Use a Straight Razor to find out more. If you want to purchase a straight razor, try looking in at estate sales and antique shops. Many collectable antique razors can be as good as new after they are sharpened. You also might try looking through the old stuff in your attic; some men have found and use razors that once belonged to their great-grandfather. You can also buy a new one at Classic Shaving.com.
Dental Floss	Dental Water Jet	Most dentists will tell you that flossing is essential for oral hygiene. I have never seen any kind of reusable dental floss, but there are alternatives. Recent studies suggest that using a Water Pik is just as effective, if not more effective than flossing. Using a dental water jet is also easier than flossing, and safer for people with gingivitis or bleeding gums. A Water Pik will cost you about $60.00, but I have found a less expensive alternative. Try purchasing a faucet jet water pik that easily attaches to the faucet of your bathroom sink. It costs around $25.00, is stronger than most other kinds of water piks, is easy to use, and portable. For more information about oral hygiene and water jets, read this article.
Q-Tips	Mimikaki (Japanese Ear Cleaner)	You probably use Q-tips to clean out your ears, even though you have been warned against it. Your teacher told you never to stick anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. Even the Q-tip box warns you to never insert them in your ears. Cotton swabs push the ear wax back and impact it against your ear drum. After years of repeated use, many people have gone deaf and then have had big balls of cotton surgically removed from their ears (wow, I can hear again!). Even with these risks, we all keep using disposable cotton swabs, because how else are we supposed to clean out the wax? The Japanese have come up with a better solution. They use a little scoop called a "mimikaki" that scoops the ear wax forward and out instead of pushing it further back. It is common to use a mimikaki to clean out the ears of your child or your significant other. (Of course, great care should be exercised whenever you stick any object in your ear canal.) These reusable ear cleaners were traditionally made from bamboo, but you can also find metal or plastic mimikakis. Next time you visit Japan, bring home a souvenir mimikaki! If you have no immediate plans for travel abroad, don't despair. You can buy one online from JBOX.com. For more information about mimikakis, read this article.
Fabric Softeners	Dryer Balls	Do you use fabric softener or dryer sheets in your laundry? We who use cloth diapers have learned to avoid fabric softener. I have found that there are better, healthier, non-chemical, re-usable options. Try buying dryer balls that bounce around in your dryer and fluff up your laundry (I found these at Walgreens; you can also try Target). Although dryer balls fluff up your towels, they don't do much to control static. If you want your clothes to be static-free, try reusable Static Eliminator Dryer Sheets or Non-Toxic Dryer Sheets. They both are chemical free and can be used 500 times before they need to be replaced.
Menstrual Pads	Cloth Pads	I used to think that cloth menstrual pads (i.e. "rags") were only for two kinds of people: those in extreme poverty, and our ancestors. When I entered the world of cloth diapers, I noticed that many women also used what they called "mama pads" or "mama cloth". They claimed that once you tried it, you would never go back to using disposable menstrual products. I thought this was taking it too far. But how could I claim that cloth was a much better, healthier, and more comfortable choice for my baby while I continue to use disposables for myself? Shortly after my cycle returned, I began to be aware that those disposable pads were just so uncomfortable. So I tried cloth. And I will never go back! I cannot explain how much more comfortable cloth pads are. It's also nice to know that I will not waste money on that other stuff anymore! And I know I am using something that is safer and healthier for me. Try using cloth, you won't regret it! Here are a couple of examples of cloth pads available for sale: Comfy Cloth Mama Pads (in Twin Falls, Idaho) and Ama'z Cloth Padz. There are lots of other kinds out there, just look around online. They are also simple to make yourself, if you are so inclined. And they are easy to wash, just get a bucket of water (in a safe place) and toss each pad in after you use it. Change the soaking water daily. At the end of your cycle, wash the pads and put them away for next month. If you are out and about, put a small wet bag in your purse so you can bring home your used pads. For more information about the dangers of disposable feminine products and the benefits of cloth, read The Period Predicament or this newsletter.
Tampons	The Keeper	Are you the kind that can't live without tampons? The good news is that there is a safer, healthier, and reusable alternative to tampons. Try puchasing The Keeper or The Diva Cup. Both of these products cost about $30-$35, are reusable, and last for at least ten years. Imagine only paying $35 every ten years instead of the mounds of money that we throw away on tampons every month! You will save even more money because you won't have to call the plumber to come and clean the tampons out of your sewer pipes. Gross!
Toilet Paper	Bidet	Bidets are not very common in this country, but in some places they are used instead of toilet paper. I had a friend who lived in Argentina for some time, and he told me that he loved using the bidets. He said that cleansing with water was so much better than using toilet paper. For drying off, each person had their own personal small towel in the bathroom (I would assume that you would wash these towels often). Even if you don't have the extra money or the extra space in your bathroom to install a bidet, you can buy an inexpensive mini hand-held bidet that attaches to your toilet. (These are also wonderful for spraying off dirty diapers.) There are lots of different kinds out there, you can even get mini bidets that come with a small water heater. Or you can make your own mini bidet out of a kitchen sprayer and a few plumbing attachments. You won't know what it means to be truly clean until you try this! I'm not suggesting that you swear off toilet paper forever (especially for visitors that need to use your bathroom), but you won't have to buy toilet paper very often if you rely mainly on your bidet. To find out more reasons why bidets are superior to toilet paper, read What's a Bidet? To learn some of the health benefits of using a bidet, read this article. Another alternative to toilet paper is to use reusable cloth wipes. Many families have switched to "family cloth"; they find that it is more effective than paper and they are saving lots of money. Put a stack of wash cloths or squares of cut-up t-shirts in a basket on the back of the toilet. You will also need a laundry container with a lid for depositing used wipes. Wash them every couple of days in hot water (if you are using cloth diapers, simply throw them in with the diaper wash.)

If you know of another great reusable product that can replace a standard disposable item, please tell us your idea.