Nine paper products to cross off of your grocery list.

Are you looking for more ways to trim your grocery bill? Try replacing those paper products on your list with cloth and re-usable products and you will not only reduce your grocery spending, but you will also reduce your waste.

1. Switch from paper towels to old bath towels - Do you have old towels in the back of your bathroom closet that your aren't using anymore? When you have really big spills, grab the old bath towels instead of a massive amount of paper towels and then just toss the towels in your laundry.


2. Switch from paper napkins to cloth napkins - All of our cloth napkins have been found in the clearance section of TJ Maxx or some other store. I also use them to clean up smaller spills in the kitchen and wipe messy little hands and faces.


3. Switch from paper tissues to flannel cloth hankies - Flannel is so much softer on my babies' little noses. I have some flannel hankies that I bought a long time ago, but with sniffle season upon us I am going to make some more by cutting up old flannel receiving blankets that are no longer being used. A quick stitch around the edges should hopefully prevent fraying.
4. Use plastic store bags for trash bags. Even though we try to use cloth grocery bags, we still end up with some plastic. Use them for your garbage.


5. Skip the sandwich bags and use re-usable containers in your lunch tote.


6. Switch from parchment paper to silicone baking mats. I have been using these for years. There is an initial investment, I've seen them priced at $14-$20, but parchment paper is pricey too and your investment will eventually pay for itself. Use a coupon from Bed, Bath & Beyond if you decide to purchase a baking mat.


7. Switch from disposable cleaning cloths and mops and use old t-shirts, towels, flannel or micro-fiber instead.


8. Save the paper plates for your really BIG parties.


9. Instead of using aluminum foil or plastic wrap to cover casseroles and leftovers, store the food in re-usable containers. I really like my Pyrex glass bowls with the blue plastic lids. I have 4 different sizes. My Corning Ware lidded casserole dishes come in handy as well.

Sometimes reaching for disposable paper products seems easier, but it doesn't take much more effort to use products that are re-usable or recycled. You save money and resources.



What paper products do you avoid and what did you substitute them with?

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This post is linked to:

• Tightwad Tuesday at Being Frugal.net
• Frugal Friday at Life as Mom

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