One way that my family has maintained lower grocery and household spending is by reducing the number of disposable items we purchase and then throw away. By seeking options that are reusable, we are also reducing our impact on the environment.
Paper plates
Use reusable plastic picnic plates instead. These can be purchased inexpensively through many retailers and will quickly pay for themselves when used to replace paper plates.
Paper lunch bags
Instead of carrying a lunch to work in a paper bag, why not use a reusable lunch tote instead? There are many cute and functional options available at a variety of retailers.
Plastic wrap
Instead of storing food items in open-air containers that will require plastic wrap to stay fresh, choose containers with lids. Both plastic storage containers and glass storage containers often come with lids. You can also save and reuse plastic take out containers issued by some restaurants.
Waxed paper
We use waxed paper mainly to roll a pie crust or to separate food items so they won’t stick together. Try using the packages from inside cereal boxes instead! It’s easy to rip the bag apart at the seams and then cut it into rectangles.
Plastic baggies
Reduce the number of plastic baggies used by replacing them with reusable plastic or glass storage containers or cloth baggies. Several Etsy sellers offer small cloth bags that are lined with a waterproof fabric so that they can serve the same purpose as a plastic bag.
Keep tabs on all the hottest deals by subscribing to our FREE daily newsletter and follow us on Facebook! Looking for more coupons? Check out our Coupon Database or visit Coupons.com, Red Plum and Coupon Network! This post may contain affiliate links.
We’ve gotten away from most of these disposable items at our house, but my biggest pet peeve is garbage bags. They are so expensive and are meant to be thrown away! Any good ideas?
Debbye,
I have the same problem! Any one have good ideas??