Q&A | Junk food waste, cloth toilet paper, and finding time to read
Every Monday, I answer a few of the questions that my readers send me. If you have a question you'd like me to answer in a future Q&A post, just leave me a comment here or email me (thefrugalgirl [at] gmail [dot] com) and put Q&A in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you!
How do you balance food waste and nutrition when you're dealing with food that's given to you?
I know you do the vast majority of your cooking and have control over this, but I'm thinking of scenarios like when there's a party or pot luck and as a host you're stuck with leftovers that are unhealthy. Do you try to eat them in the name of food waste, or toss them in the name of healthy eating or give them away (I'm not sure that's the best solution either if the recipients don't have a conscience about these same topics but perhaps should)...?
There's a lot of junk food out in the world so I find this topic unavoidable if we're to have any kind of social life!
That depends. If the food is something like a dessert that's unhealthy, but quite delicious (like homemade brownies), then I keep it and we eat it in moderation.
If it's something like funfetti cupcakes from a mix topped with frosting from a can, then usually even my kids don't want to eat it, and we end up throwing it away.
As a rule, I don't stress myself out over food that's entered my house outside of my control.
If we can eat it, great, if not, I throw it out.
Like I've said before, what you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while. If you throw out party leftovers once in a while, no big deal.
But if you're regularly throwing out food you've bought and prepared, that IS going to add up to a lot of waste. So, that's where I focus my energies.
In your effort to minimize your waste, have you ever considered things like mama cloth (washable menstrual pads), family cloth (washable toilet paper) or un-paper towels?
Emily
I definitely do try to avoid using paper towels by choosing cloth towels and rags for cleaning and drying purposes. I've found it's fairly easy to almost entirely give up paper towels.
That's a definite no for me.
There are a lot of other things I could do to minimize waste in my household before resorting to that. And besides, even if I was up for it, I'm pretty sure my family would completely rebel. I certainly am all in favor of other people doing it if they want to, but it's not for me.
Washable menstrual pads have a lot less of a squick factor to me, but I'd be more inclined to go the cup route instead. I just haven't made the leap yet!
I enjoy reading your reviews! But what I want to know is this: when do you find time to read?? You homeschool, blog, you’re active on social media, you make stuff from scratch… I think that’s quite amazing.
-Franci
Aww, thank you for the encouragement!
It's pretty rare that I have hours to sit and read a book straight through (generally that only happens when I'm sick.), so most of my reading is done in small snippets, here and there.
For instance, if I get ready for bed a little early, I hop into bed and read a chapter or two until Mr. FG joins me. Or if I have to wait for an appointment, I bring a book. Even if it's just five minutes, I like to take advantage of that time.
So, I guess I'd say that if you want to find time to read, don't fall for the lie that you have to have an empty hour to make any progress on books. I get through a decent number of books in fairly short order by reading 5-10 minutes at a time.
A note about the social media: I find that social media eats up the most time when I consume content rather than when I produce it. It doesn't take long to type a tweet or post an instagram, but it does take a long time to scroll through a feed of 1000 people.
So I generally am very careful about how many people I follow on my social media accounts. I suppose that sounds a little bit selfish, but there's only so much that I can keep up with, and I find that I'm much better about relating to people (by commenting and replying and such) on social media when I don't follow anyone and everyone.
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Readers, as always, I welcome your input on these questions. Have at it!
Reuseable toilet paper would be a "no" for me too. But I have seen an add for toilet paper that comes without the cardboard roll in it, which I think would be better than having one to throw away. I was going to try to find it next time I am at the store.
One can only do so many crafts with toilet paper rolls before they take over the house. 🙂
I don't think washable toilet paper is that gross if you just use it for... well, less messy jobs. I always use flannel rags instead of tissues--is that really less gross?
I started using cloth menstrual pads because I kept looking for paper ones that did not have chlorine bleach. They were hard to find and really expensive and some brands were uncomfortable, so I ordered a bunch of cloth ones instead. I have both LunaPads and Gladrags and like them both pretty well. The trick I learned is to use a small safety pin to secure them to your underpants so they don't move around too much.
Just to speak out in favour of the cup solution for menstrual use- I've used mine for five years now and can't believe I didn't start using it sooner. (So if you're thinking about it, get one- it takes a bit of practice to start with, but I don't know anyone who's gone back.
Not only is it better for the environment, it's so convenient - pop it in on the day you're due, and empty and rinse every 8-12 hours after that - plus there's nothing to carry in your handbag so you never find yourself short of supplies, and it never leaks. (I'm not kidding- swimming, sailing, kayaking, surfing, horseback riding, yoga, running, zip lining, cycling, and rock climbing, so far). There is the minor inconvenience of having to boil it once a month (you can soak it in bleach instead, but that scares me) but on balance, it's totally worth it.
Ok, the 8-12 hours thing helps. That would make it fairly easy not to have to use it in public places, then, right?
I have to say that I actually have had mine leak. Thankfully I was wearing a back-up luna pad. I think it really depends on the person. I have 2 days of very heavy flow each month and on those days I always wear a back-up pad.
Using it in public places can be tricky. I've learned to bring a moist paper towel into the stall when I have a heavy day to make emptying it easier. However, it's only on those 2 days. The rest of the time I can wear it all day and take care of it in the privacy of my own home.
You can soak it in vinegar instead. And even if u have a heavy flow day all u do is pop it out dump waste in toilet and reinsert. You dont have to wash it in between.
I love using natural sea sponges as a tampon alternative. I rinse them out and reuse. Just soak in peroxide or vinegar at the end of your cycle. I find my cup makes me achy the first day so i use sponges instead.
I will just add that I totally LOVE my diva cup and will never go back. I frankly wouldn't care if they were worse for the environment, they're just soooo much more comfortable and convenient - change it once in the morning and once at night. There is a bit of a learning curve for getting the thing in right & then getting it out again - first few tries the bathroom sorta looked like a murder scene. TMI?
BUT, if you do go that route be sure to use a timer when boiling the thing because if one were to... um... say put it on the stove and then get distracted reading blog posts or something like that, one could theoretically boil the thing dry and create a real mess (ask me how I know!)
Seriously, I killed not one, but TWO diva cups by forgetting them on the stove. Now I just get the water boiling and then turn it off and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. I figure if it's good enough to cook eggs, it's good enough to clean the thing without worrying about setting the house on fire!
There's a documentary and book called No Impact Man (film: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/495862602 and book: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/260207443) about a family that gives up toilet paper for a year, among many other things. This isn't something I would ever do, but I thought this family's experiment was pretty interesting.
I have several friends who use cloth pads or the cup and it works really well for them. In my household, we've only gone so far as to stop using paper napkins and towels (except for bacon), and we all agree that cloth napkins and towels not only feel nicer but do a better job.
It's true,social media can eat our time to do something really productive and I think I'm getting better using my time on this.And with the reading part,I'm still having hard time to find time to it,we have two little girls (4 & 3 years old) who think they always need my attention.I can't sit for half hour without being interrupted unless both of them are sleeping.
I have to agree with you washable toilet paper is just a no for us. The sanitary issues that come with it just make me a bit squeamish.
I do however want to make that leap to the cup also, I just have to get the funds first.
I've recently realized the same thing about social media, and decided instead of getting rid of it all together I would scale back my list. I'm to just 57 friends and roughly the same in pages and it's been wonderful. I am thinking of getting rid of Twitter because I never use it. Never could get the hang of it.
On the reading, I am reminded of something the author Stephen King said about writers and readers. It was along the lines of if you love books and love to read (and if you want to be a writer of any sort you should read) that you would read anywhere. In the line at the movie theater, doctor's office, check out lines and etc.
It's not the length it's the amount. =)
😃 on the Junk food Waste with in Reason I put Cakes & Cookies & things of such in my Freezer or take to My Church & put in Church Freezer to save for Fellowship 😉 it's always a Nice little Treat to visit w- Church Members & HV alittle something 😉
I'm also a No on the Reuseable Toilet Paper too. For the Safety of Me & My Family there are just certain things I Will buy. I'm more Frugal on lots of other things we use. Like We use REUSEABLE Cleaning Rags, Hand Towels, kitchen Towels & Reuseable Napkins. I HV used the Reuseable Menstral Pads for Bladder Pads Only. That's another thing I just can't do is the Messy part of that menstral & well I Think Aunt MARTHA is Getting to Pack her bags & go ! 😀☺ï¸ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ƒðŸ˜˜
{ I bought my Reuseable Napkins on Esty almost 3 yrs ago & they still Look Great ! ( maybe look up for ideas or check out Youtube for how too'so. I'm not affiliated w- any of them. But B'cuz I Hate to Sew I bought some. I Hv Lunch/Snack /Less Mess Dinner Napkins 😊 the are 12x12 & I hv 16x16 for Dinners that are Alittle more Messier. They get washed every 2 weeks w- My Kitchen Towels. }
I use a lot of things that's Reuseable as well. I hv Buffet Dessert & Dinner Plates ( from Costplus World Market ) that I use for everyday & Family Gatherings. Dessert plates are $19.99/12 & Dinner plates are $24.99 but they go on sale a lot I think I've had them 5 yrs + ? Dessert plates are great for Snacks & lunch 🙂 & birthday Parties w- a Pretty Napkin 🙂
Hi Dorthey!
I really appreciate that you took the time to write a comment. It seems like you have lots of good things to say. However, your structure is very difficult for me to follow. Grammar, syntax, spelling, etc. all exist simply to allow us to understand one another. I am not being a grammar snob. I truly want to understand what you're sharing, but I just can't allot enough time to figure it out, which makes me sad.
Hi Dorthey,
As I read your post, I also struggled to pick up what you were putting down, and then I read Diane's comment, which addressed the issue very nicely. You seem to have lots of spunk in expressing yourself, but perhaps slowing down a bit while typing would help. It is a sign of the times that things come out fast and furious. I wondered about the capitalization of so many words... being German I know we capitalize every noun... perhaps you're German, too? 😉
One of the things I so appreciate about The Frugal Girl Blog is that it is a pleasure to read. I value good grammar and spelling, I'll admit. I also enjoy puzzles, so I'm going to keep reading your comments, since "Huked on fonix reely wurkz fur me!" (I loved that t-shirt--and no, your spelling is a lot better than that!)
Thanks for the tips about good prices on real plates at Costplus World Market!
As per Dorothy's comments, try reading them out loud. Some people write pretty much exactly from a speaking perspective, and I found her comments were worth the effort. (Especially Aunt Martha, lol) 🙂
I agree with Sophie - if you're thinking about trying a cup, go for it! I started using my Diva cup five years ago because I was living overseas and got tired of giving up so much suitcase space to feminine products each year. Other benefits include less cramping and PMS, shorter periods, better sleep during my period, and not having to worry about changing it throughout the day. It quickly pays for itself and lasts for years. There is a learning curve to using it, but you won't regret the switch!
I wholeheartedly agree with Sophie and Sarah. I bought a Diva Cup about two years ago, and I actually feel kind of bad that I unnecessarily wasted so much paper/cotton in the form of disposable menstrual products previously. I find it a clean, convenient solution. It also works out much. much cheaper over the long run.
Agree! Love the Diva Cup, it makes my periods so much better.
I have to second what Sophie says about the cup and you should make the leap. Best thing ever. So convenient, easy and I love the 8-12 hour thing. I highly recommend it. I use the Diva Cup and it has been 5 years and I will never go back.
I have difficulty with rags instead of paper towels, it can be hard to break the habit of having something "clean." I feel like I have to get rid of a rag the second I use it and finding a place to store that many is difficult. Still working on it.
I like your balance with regards to the first question. I feel the same way. We focus on eating healthy as much as possible, but I don't sweat too much about the occasional compromises. I use washable toilet paper (for #1 only) and menstrual pads. I personally find that much more comfortable than my cup. I know it's not for everyone, but it works well for me. We use old cut up t-shirts for rags and for blowing our nose. For our family, that leaves more money available for food! (And I like to eat!) Regarding reading, I do the same thing. Any time I have to wait or I have a spare few minutes, you will find me absorbed in a book. Thanks for the post! Good questions & good answers.
I tried cloth pads and unfortunately I didn't like them at all. I tried the Diva Cup and it was painful. I finally found something called Softcup, which I just wash out and reuse (there are two kinds, one for single use and one for a singe cycle. I have reused both kinds and they work fine).
I tried out family cloth too, just to see. I'm not at all squeamish, and honestly how is it any different from cloth diapers? While toilet paper is more convenient, I would be happy using family cloth if I needed to. It worked fine. The only problem was that I kept throwing the cloths in the toilet instead of the designated bin, so I had to fish them out of the bowl. Whoops. 🙂
I, too, do not feel morally responsible if someone gives me food that doesn't work for me. I use it if I can; next best option is to find a good home for it; least preferred is the compost pile.
I use towels or rags instead of paper towel I can, but other alternatives are not for me. And I've decided that for draining greasy food, using one layer of paper towel over old newspaper is less wasteful than having to watch towels in hot water. If it's winter, the paper towel and the newspaper becomes firestarter. I'd use it for charcoal starter in the summer, if I used a grill.
If you have only short bits of time to read, I recommend magazines over many non-fiction books. Magazine articles, even serious, knowledge-stuffed ones such as in The Economist or Smithsonian, is designed to be read in short periods of time. You're less likely to lose the chain of info or logic, than if you're trying to read a doorstopper. Another good bet is pop-sci books: they have knowledge but rarely require the depth of concentration that a textbook would. Or the Bible - it can be considered verse by verse, or a chapter as a whole, or by the book,... Doesn't have to be your own holy text, either.
Do the cup! I use the Keeper and it came with an adorable handmade bag to store it in when not in use. It's one of those things I put off for a couple of years because it just seemed too different but I am SO glad I made the change. The first month my poor husband had to hear me say over and over again, "Babe, I can't believe I waited so long." Haha.
I thought it would be more gross or unsanitary than tampons/pads but actually I think it is cleaner. There is nothing you have to try to hide from the family, just flush it down the toilet.
I have a day or two of extremely heavy flow per month and it does not leak. The trick is to really get it up and back there. I would suggest just trying it with a pantiliner instead of a pad (cheaper and you really shouldn't leak that much).
Sorry if that was all TMI. 😉
P.S. No reusable toilet paper here. A girl has her limits.
Haha, no worries about the TMI! That's really helpful.