There are many different ways to save money but ditching the disposables are an easy start. Here are some ideas we use in Conestoga Chuck’s wagon to not only save money but produce less trash.
The easy first one is paper towels. Replace them with cloth. Simple fix. If you are crafty make some un-paper- towels (you can google for instructions on how to make those). Or go with inexpensive flour sack towels. They are great for cleaning and are easy to wash and take hardly any time to line dry nor do they take up a lot of space (bulky). We like flour sack towels because they are cheap, and easy to wash and dry.
For lunches: How about packing your sandwich in reusable cloth sandwich bags? Or instead of expensive plastic bags how about DIY wax paper bags? Using reusable bottles. Using reusable lunch bags. Using glass containers instead of plastic. Canning jars are great for soups (and drinks) and can be used in the microwave to warm up your soup (remove the metal top first of course). And of course everyone knows my addiction to corningware!
In the bathroom: cloth wipes and diapers for baby (the new styles are so easy to use and clean and don’t leak… it’s almost the same as disposable but you save money by reusing them and never run out in the middle of the night lol). How about a bidet and drying cloths? Not only is it better for your RV tanks and septic system but it will save you tons of money and it’s very refreshing and much more hygienic. Cloth make up remover pads. Cloth feminine hygiene items.
In the laundry room: there are tons of homemade laundry soap recipes. I’ve been making my own for years and it works great. Same with wool dryer balls or homemade laundry softener sheets. Try line drying your clothes and see how it helps your electric bills! Not only will you save money, but you won’t have a bunch of huge plastic bottles and boxes taking up space in your laundry room.
Household cleaning: make your own window cleaner, bathroom spray, countertop cleaner and use a reusable spray bottle. Use a cloth floor mop that you can toss in the wash when done. Make your own air freshener spray. Make your own carpet freshener (tea leaves and baking soda are a well know old fashioned recipe). Not only will you save shelf space and money but it will clean just as well as the high priced ones. Also if you have allergies or sensitivities to perfumes, you can eliminate those problems as well.
Groceries: buy staples instead of box mixes. Make you own spice mixes, make your own granola breakfast cereal. Make your own bread. Make your own … it really does not take that much time or effort to make your own items. Buy the basic ingredients and see how many different things you can make for a fraction of the cost and way less storage space requirements. Cloth shopping bags are also handy because they don’t break as easily not to mention take up half your trash can when you unload your groceries.
Garden: grow something even if all you have is a small sunny window space. Even an RV can have a window herb garden or a sprout tray or an aquaponics system. Grow organic and use natural weed killer recipes or take the time to pull the weeds. Compost. Buy local: local butcher, local farmers, local eggs, local bakery etc. They will often be cheaper and better tasting. How about some solar garden lights. Solar string lights are fabulous! Ask your local farmers for some free garden fertilizer while your at it. I’m sure they would be happy for you to clean out their stalls or chicken pens lol
Pets: make your own pet food and treats. No packaging. No huge bags to store. Healthy fresh ingredients. And it’s often the same or less expensive than a high quality commercial brand. Plus they will love you for it. We try to use biodegradable poopy bags, but would love to find an alternative that produces less trash when traveling. At home we use a scooper and a separate small metal trash can with a lid.
Take some lessons: sewing, knitting, crochet, plumbing, woodworking, vehicle maintenance etc… check out local groups and community colleges. You would be amazed at how many free or inexpensive classes there are out there. Learning to spin and make yarn is a local (free) favorite. The more you can do, repair and make yourself the more money you will save and the less trash you will produce. Ask a neighbor to show you how to do something if they happen to be out doing something interesting. Skills and knowledge are power!
Bottom line: be like a pioneer! Make due. Do you REALLY need that new item? Even broken things can have a new purpose with a little imagination. Fix it if you can before replacing it. Try bartering. Recycle. Shop the thrift stores! Make it yourself before buying if you can. Avoid cheaply made items and save up to buy better quality. Can you imagine a pioneer having to deal with the huge amounts of trash we produce on a daily basis? They at least were smart enough to use old catalogs for toilet paper instead of buying paper to just throw it away as soon as you get home lol. So how do you recycle, reduce, and reuse? Any money saving tips you would like to share?
Conestoga Chuck 