There’s been a big buzz on the news and internet about rock-singer Sheryl Crow’s recent blog posts about conservationism and global warming. In one post she wrote, “I propose a limitation be put on how many squares of toilet paper can be used in any one sitting.” She also suggested that she’s invented a line of clothing which includes a removable “dining sleeve” that would replace the need for paper napkins.
While some reporters are suggesting that Crow was being a bit “over the top” on purpose to draw attention to the issue, I personally don’t think her ideas were too outrageous. While I will not go as far as to use only one square of toilet paper “per sitting” if you will, this is one of the few times I’ve actually paid attention to the amount of toilet paper my family uses. How much would we save if we limited our “squares” to three? What if we doubled a single roll of toilet paper by separating the plys of thicker papers? (Mary Ann wrote a wonderful blog earlier this year about saving money on toilet paper).
While I don’t plan to purchase a “dining sleeve” (because frankly, it grosses me out), I may pay more attention to the amount of paper napkins, baby wipes, and tissues I use to wipe spills, noses and other cleaning chores.
Would you be willing to use a good ol’fashioned hankie again to save some money (and help conserve trees?) I rarely see people using hankies anymore, yet they were commonplace when I was a child. My dad carried one in his pocket and my mom carried one in per purse. Are we too germ-o-phobic nowadays to use hankies? Are purse sized toilet paper packages and pre-moistened wet wipes simply more convenient? What about the “spit on a tissue” trick our mothers used to use to wipe our mouths. It’s the ultimate “wet-wipe”!
While I am willing to use more cloth napkins, less toilet paper and more all-natural “wet-wipes” (my poor, poor children)….I am not ready give up my paper plates (especially in the summertime).
When I was a child, my mom used to have woven wicker plate shaped trays that would hold a single paper plate. We never needed to use two (or three) plates because the “baskets” would make them sturdy. If you can not find paper plate holders, have you tried using a regular plate? You simply place the paper plate on top of a regular one and toss the top plate when you are done using it. This way, you can save money both by buying less expensive plates and by using less of them.
Do you have any suggestions for “sparing a square”, conservation and money saving suggestions? Share them in the comments section.