Jennifer asked me to relate my cost savings after implementing so many non-disposable systems in our home. Now all these numbers are rough estimates, but are fairly close. Also I’m estimating my non-disposable items to last us at least 5 years. Some may need replacing prior to that, while many will last longer.
Paper napkins: Being the trailer trash we are, we never really bought napkins anyway. We just swiped extras when we ate out. So we haven’t saved any money, but we do feel less eco-guilt.
Cloth Napkins: Initial Cost: $40. Savings: $0
Paper towels: Monthly: $6; Annually: $72
Cloth towels: Initial Cost: $40; 1st Year Savings: $32; Year 2-5: $288
Dish Sponges: Monthly: $2.50; Annually: $30
Crocheted Cotton Rags: Initial Cost: $6; 1st Year Savings: $24; Year 2-5: $120
Water Bottles: Monthly: $10; Annually: $120
Stainless Steel Water Bottles: Initial Cost: $45; 1st Year Savings: $75; Year 2-5: $480
Feminine Products (Organic): Monthly: $20; Annually: $240
Cloth Pads and a Diva Cup: Initial Cost: approx $60; 1st Year Savings: $180; Year 2-5: $960
Toilet Paper: Monthly: $6; Annually: $72
Cloth Wipes: Initial Cost: $4; 1st Year Savings: $68; Years 2-5: $288
Drum roll please…
Total Prior Costs for 5 years: $2,670
Total Current Costs for 5 Years: $195
My Total Savings over a Five Year Period: $2,475
What could you do with an additional $2,500 – an average of $500 a year? Mine is being spent on my edible landscaping, which will coincidentally save me even more money down the road! Ya gotta love that!
When I have more time I’ll elaborate on the other sustainable ways we’ve started saving money. In the meantime, I’d love to hear how others are saving!
I'm Tara Wagner, life coach and creator of the Digging Deep process, where I coach women out of survival mode to recreate their lives and families.
You have such a good influence on me. Last week I got the few cloth napkins I have out and put them in a basket on the table. I announced to the kids that we would be using these instead of paper. They were fighting over which ones were the coolest (after many years, I have a few mismatched napkins). Anyway, I plan to pick up various napkins out of the clearance bins at some of my favorite stores. (I always love a bargain)
I have a question: Do you use old rags and such for cleaning? I such a paper towel and throw the nasty thing away kind of a girl when it come to bathroom cleaning. Any sanitary suggestions?
One last thing: I’m using vinegar for my shower and I have to tell you I have NEVER found anything that took care of the water spots with such ease! Yea!
I do use rags for cleaning. When I clean the toilets, I use several to avoid having to touch something that’s already icky and then I throw them into the laundry room or directly into the washer.
Vinegar is awesome. Have you seen the website that lists 1001 uses for vinegar? Google it. One day I’d like to make my own, but I have enough on my plate. Like getting off my arse and back to painting, or else my one week deadline will be flying out the window soon!
Hi Tara
Now, making your own soap and keeping all your own candle bits from leftover candles and melting them and making a new candle out of them, that’s perfectly reasonable (or is that me being a bit extreme???) ;D
This blog is terrific and I will ask my blog readers to read this (I will do a link). Making your own vinegar? Isn’t life too short?
OH MY GAWD! I have to tell you this! Like you, and yes I thought only of you at the time (feel proud), I went to a shop and found ORGANIC UNDERWEAR on SALE! And yes, in my best white trash voice I also said, ‘honey! Look, organic panties!!’ Can you beat .60pence a pair? ($1.20) actually you probably did, I live in rip-off britain
OH well, I had a Tara moment and needed to share it with you!
jennifer
Yeah IF I do vinegar, it won’t be anytime soon. I have much more pressing matters.
And no, you beat my price. Mine were about $2-2.50 a pair. :/
But I’m glad to be thought of when shopping the panty aisle. Wait, what?
This is awesome. go you. thanks for the inspiration.
what about making your own soap, toothpaste or shampoo/conditioner? is it possible?
I am just curious if the added costs of water to wash the non-disposables are included?
No, I didn’t add anything on for water because very little extra water is used. Everything laundered can be fit into a normal laundry load without needing extra water or a larger load. Only a few gallons are used for things like rinsing feminine pads…that only accounts for a few extra pennies tops. And the water bottles are washed with the rest of the dishes, so no extra water there.
Z: I have yet to make my own soap but am looking into a lye-free recipe, mostly for ease.
I’ve made toothpaste. Here’s our recipe: http://theorganicsister.com/2008/09/29/homemade-toothpaste/
As for shampoo, I use Dr. Bronners’ bar soap. With dreads, I don’t use conditioner but I do use a vinegar rinse which acts as a conditioner. Justin has very short hair and has found he needs no shampoo at all. He washes with water. “No-poo” is an option you can look into as well.