Ditch the Disposables

so i'm doing this challenge. (thanks, chelle!) trying to reduce the amount of disposable items we use around here.

http://crunchydomesticgoddess.com/2008/08/31/ditch-the-disposables-challenge-sept-thru-oct-2008/

things i already do:
* cloth diapers (or biodegradable diapers when not cloth)
* washcloths instead of baby wipes (though we also use disposable baby wipes quite a bit--they are so dang useful and handy!!)
* sealable glass jars instead of plastic bags (though we use a fair amount of bags, too, because it is just too dry around here)
* cloth towels/sponges instead of paper towels (i know technicaly sponges are disposable, but i put them in the dishwasher and they stay around my kitchen FOREVER, so they are really not more disposable than a cloth washrag in my house)
* reusable beverage containers (when i remember to take them with me!)
* cloth bags instead of grocery store bags (when i remember to put them in the car!)


things i'm trying to change:
* paper plates to my own dishes
* flannel cloths instead of puffs tissues
* paper napkins to cloth napkins (this will require the addition of some cloth napkins to my small collection. i might even try making my own if i can find a fabric i like.)


things i'm not trying but think are great ideas:
* cloth diapers instead of swiffer pads (i'll probably do this when i'm done using the diapers for their intended purpose)
* disposable feminine products (though i don't need these items at this point, even when i do i'm not sure i have the confidence in the cups and i *hate* pads.)
* toilet paper to cloth wipes/washcloths (since i already launder diapers i don't know that this would be too much of a stretch, but i don't know that i'm up for it either.)

but i'm also, as i mentioned last night, looking into replacing my trash bags. and trying to be more conscious of the things i buy and their packaging. things like buying cereal that comes in only a bag . . . no box . . . less waste. and various other areas of our daily lives.

anyway, this should be interesting and possibly challenging. i don't know if i'll be able to get the guys in the house to join me or not, but we'll try. and maybe you'll join me!