Wasteful Consumer Items You Can Stop Buying

Filed in archive Buying Stuff , Saving on July 4, 2010

© quinn.anya

Everyone is trying to cut some costs these days, but we are often at a loss as to where to start.

Well... if you really are serious about cutting down your expenses, here are some household items you might be able to do without:

1) Paper napkins. If you use cloth napkins instead and assign each family member a different colored napkin, you won't only eliminate the cost of paper napkins altogether, you will also cut down on laundry costs. Getting rid of paper napkins can save you and your family as much as $57 a year.

2) Paper towels. Use cloth towels or rags instead. Cut up old bed sheets, clothes or towels into smaller pieces and use them to wipe up spills. You potentially save $83 a year from eliminating the cost of paper towels.

3) Resealable, plastic storage bags. If you didn't use these to store raw meat, washing out plastic bags and re-using them will save you about $78 per year. If you have leftover food, store it in a plastic or glass reusable container.

4) Paper coffee filters. There are reusable coffee filters now being sold in stores. Switch to them! You get to save about $15 a year.

5) Single-serve bottled drinks. Use a reusable bottle to carry your water or other drinks. Make sure you use one of those stainless steel bottles.

6) Aluminum foil. As in the case of plastic bags, you can do without aluminum foil if you use plastic or glass containers to store leftover food instead.