For those of your trying to live simply, what are the things that you use that are re-usable rather than disposable?

I love re-usable stuff but I'm a bit of an environmentalist so this area is really motivating to me.

I use a washable microfiber mop rather than a swiffer mop.

I use a feather duster rather than a swiffer duster.

I used cloth diapers rather than disposables (for the most part)

I used wet baby wash clothes instead of wipes.

I use the diva cup rather than tampons. (I hope men don't read this thread).

I use lunapads rather than disposable pads. www.lunapads.com

I use microfiber cloths rather than paper towels (But I do use paper towels for wiping down the toilet.)

I use plastic picnic plates (that go in the dishwasher) for picnics rather than paper plates.

I use cloth napkins rather than paper.

I use rubbermaid re-usable drinking boxes rather than tetra pack drinking boxes.

I carry a travel mug with me for the occasional time I go out for coffee so I don't have to use a paper or styrofoam cup.

We use a re-usable coffee filter that has lasted us years so far instead of paper filters.

I carry cloth bags to the grocery store so I don't have to use the plastic bags.

I do use kleenex but have been thinking lately of switching to the good old fashioned hankie.

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I used to be really good at using reusables (cloth diapers, washclothes, no paper napkins or paper plates, took my own cloth bags to the grocery store) Now I am older, a little more financially secure and a whole lot busier!!! Now I must admit I use paper plates all the time, paper napkins, disposable diapers, wipes, paper towels. I do recycle, but that is about it!

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~Happiness is a large family~

I do most of the ones you mentioned, but I could never bring myself to use reusable feminine products.

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Katie--mom to ds--21, dd--18, ds--16, dd + dd--6, dd--4

I didn't think I could either but then I developed a terrible allergy to the bleach used in the disposables and I had to switch. Now, I'd never go back even if I could. They work way better!

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I do all of the above except I have used disposable diapers and feminine products. I just checked out the link for the lunapads though and I am very intrigued.....KatherineHannah- you say you would not go back- would you share why?

I have been using hankies for my son since he goes through a lot of tissues when he has a cold - I actually use some of his old "spit-up cloths" because they are SO soft and don't hurt his little nose. The thought of washing grown-up boogers grosses me out though so dh and I use tissues!

Everyone in my house has terrible allergies including myself so I use swiffer products to keep the dust at minimum. I think I'm too much of a germ-a-phobe to reuse more things. I do like all of your ideas and checked out the diva cup - thanks!

I could think of lots of reasons but mostly because they are really absorbent, no more night time 'accidents', and they are so soft. Here is a link to the testimonials to hear what other people have to say about switching ... http://www.lunapads.com/testimonials/lunapads.htm and they save a ton of money. I figured if I used them for 8 'cycles' they would pay themselves off. I've been using the same ones for 6 years now.

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Thanks Katherine! I really think that I will look into this! I also wanted to mention how much I LOVE microfiber cloths. I bought a pack of 20 large sized ones at BJs for about $10. They were in with the automotive things. Before this I had a couple of the Scotchbrite ones but they were over $3 each so I really just used them for dusting. Now that
I have so many, I hardly use any papertowels because I always have a stack of these handy. They also cut down on the use of cleaning supplies because they clean so well! Can you tell I am passionate about microfiber? (I also have microfibre "swiffer") LOVE IT!!

Sorry Kathryn, I just realized I keep misspelling your name! Please forgive my addled brain!

I have a Mr. Misto pump spray bottle that I use for spraying cookie sheets, baking tins, even my pita chips before I put them in the oven. I just refill with olive oil and go. I don't have to buy the aerosol spray cans, and it's easier than using a pastry brush with no clean up.

Before ds was born my mom made me a ton of flannel baby wipes that I have used ever since. They are so soft and much more absorbent. I only use disposable wipes if I go out and have to change a diaper.

And I have to put in a library plug- we use it for everything- books, music cds, dvds... it's a great reusable resource!

Also- I use Corelle bowls with lids rather than plastic wrap.

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them