LGSG: Reusable Plates v. throwaways

Throwaway plates are one of the biggest source of consumer waste here in America and also one of the convenience items found in many households.  Throwaway plates have become a staple for busy people on the go, but they cost the individual and the environment in the long run.

Giving up throwaways is a great way to save some money on a tight budget.  It is far less costly for both the consumer and the environment to use reusable plates and wash them.

Some facts on throwaways:

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  Paper manufacturing doesn't just cost in lost trees.  Manufacturing also produces chemical and material waste.
  
  
  
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  Throwaway plates are not recyclable due to the food waste on them.  Plates made of paper and other biodegradable materials can be composted though.
  
  
  
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  Nearly 100 billion plastic, paper, and styrofoam cups end up in American landfills and incenerators every year.  Wow!  Source
  
  
  

If you must use throwaways:

• Opt for plates that are biodegradable.  More ecofriendly options include recycled paper and other plant based fibers from companies like Earthshell and Treecycle.
• Use coupons and watch for sales.  Your money is also a very valuable resource.
• Compost your used plates if you are able to reduce waste in landfills.  Plus, items in landfills often are not biodegrading as rapidly if at all.

Remember that living green isn't just about reducing the impact on the environment but also the impact on you and your family.

Thoughts?  Ideas?  Leave a comment!

LGSG: Reducing paper waste

One of the ways we've cut back on our expenditures and waste is by getting rid of paper towels and paper napkins. It seems to me if we have them, we use them very quickly, no matter what their intended purpose is. In fact, things like paper towels contribute greatly to our environmental waste.

Instead, we rely on fabric napkins and microfiber cloths.

Having reusable cloths saves you money. You do initially invest in the cloths, but you are no longer buying the paper or are at least buying less. The cloths are also washable, so you are able to gain continued use from them.

I love the fabric napkins. Maybe I'm strange (don't answer that), but I think a meal with fabric napkins just seems classier. All of my napkins were purchased from the store on clearance from some where or another. I can't bring myself to pay more than .25-.50 a piece for them. If you sew well, you can also make your own. I found a simple tutorial here. I just throw mine in with the regular laundry, usually on the cold setting and they do fine.

Microfiber is one of my favorites. I use them for general cleaning all around the house. They work great in place of paper towels, and they don't leave the streaky, linty mess. We have specific cloths for the extra dirty jobs, like the bathroom. I also love them as dishcloths! If you aren't careful, these can be a larger expense. I've found that the varieties sold at hardware and tool centers are much cheaper than those found in the cleaning section of your favorite market.

Harbor Freight Tools is a wonderful place to buy microfiber if you have one in your area. You can often get a four pack of 16x16 cloths for less than $5. They are neon colored, but otherwise the same quality etc. you'd find anywhere else.

Now how about you? How do you reduce paper waste in your home? Have you found any creative uses for microfiber? Let us know below!

LGSG: Homemade Laundry Care

Laudry is one of the easiest places to start your transition to saving money and the environment. I've always been a fan of natural laundry detergent, but I've not been a fan of the price tag.

A while back, I came across Wildwood Mama's tutorial for homemade laundry soap, and I was intrigued. Our detergent supply was getting low, and I really didn't want to pay store prices. I also wanted something that would be better for our family, so I decided to give it a try.

Much to my suprise, the soap worked wonderfully! It was simple to make. I simply grated the soap while watching a movie with my husband. I've tried both the liquid and the powder versions, and I've used a variety of bar soap. Also, the ingredients were very inexpensive. You'll need a fresh bar of soap per batch, but the boxes of baking soda, borax, and washing soda will porvide you with several batches of detergent.

I prefer the dry powder because it saves me the extra step of dissolving the soap and adding the water. I also prefer Fels Naptha or castile soap for the bar. They seem to work the best for the kinds of dirt we face, but you can use any type of bar soap, even bath soap, for your detergent. You can grate your soap with a handheld grater or use a food processor. Due to the baking soda/detergent combination, your laundry will not have a scent when it is done. This is a little unsettling for some. Personally, as long as it doesn't stink, I'm good. =)

The recipes:

DRY DETERGENT

Combine 1 bar soap (grated)

1 cup baking soda

1 cup washing soda

1 cup borax

Use 2 TBSP per load of laundry

LIQUID DETERGENT

Grate 1 bar soap. Place in a large pan on the stove. Add 2 1/2 cups boiling water, 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup washing soda, and 1 cup borax . Dissolve over low heat. Once dissolved, add 2 1/2 gallons hot water. Stir well to combine. The detergent will take a day or two to set. The consistency of the soap will depend on what type of bar soap you use. This is okay. Just be sure to stir well before using.

Use 1/2 cup per load of laundry

SPRAY STARCH

Dissolve 1 1/2 TBSP corn starch in 1 pt cold water in a spray bottle. You may add a drop or two of essential oil if desired.

STAIN REMOVER SPRAY

In a spray bottle combine,

1/2 cup ammonia

1/2 cup liquid laundry soap (use your homemade or castile)

1/2 cup vinegar

1/2 cup water

Since this recipe contains ammonia, be sure to test a hidden part of your clothing for discoloration first.

OTHER STAIN REMOVERS

Fels Naptha bar

Castile soap

Peroxide -- works great on natural stains and blood stains

FABRIC SOFTENER

You may simply use 1/2 c vinegar

or

Combine 2 cups vinegar very slowly with 2 cups baking soda. A large pot or bowl works best to prevent overflow. Add 4 cups water. Use 1/4 cup per load.

Have any natural and frugal laundry tips you'd like to share? Feel free to leave a link in the comments section. You are also welcome to the button to use for frugal and green posts.

New series!

I'm kicking off a new series focusing on saving money by living sustainably. What is sustainability? My favorite definition is this on by Dr. John Vann:

The concept of sustainability is centered on the future of humans. The goal is survival of humanity indefinitely into the future at an acceptable quality of life.

Sounds great right? I prefer to live this way, but with all of the different information out there, it can be overwhelming (to say the least!).

I think many feel the same way. They think that they cannot afford to go green with the expensive cleaners (you don't have to), or they just don't know where to start. Others are well on there way to living green and saving green without even knowing it!

In this series, I am going to share ways for you to save your family money while living sustainably. Believe it or it, it is possible!

The new series will kick off Saturday. Feel free to grab my button to share.

I look forward to seeing you this weekend!