The 7 Paper Products Penny Pinchers Never Purchase

Consumers are wising up when it comes to buying paper products, because they are hesitant to pay for anything that will get used once and thrown away. Instead, smart consumers such as penny pinchers are steering towards reusable products, so they not only save the planet but save some money in the process too. Are there paper products that you are currently buying that you could cut back on? Take a look below at 7 paper products penny pinchers never buy, so you can consider a paper free lifestyle too. (Plus, I’m sharing one that maybe you SHOULD purchase every year!)

1. Paper towels.

A penny pincher refuses to pay a few dollars for paper towels and instead invests in cloth towels. Cloth towels are more absorbent, gentle, and quite durable. When they get dirty, they simply get tossed into the laundry pile where they can get laundered and reused again.

(My dad jokes with me every year that he’s going to give me an Amazon Subscribe & Save subscription for paper towels. Because I don’t ever use them…and he goes through what seems like a roll a day!)

I’ve used cloth towels in the kitchen for YEARS and it has saved me HUNDREDS of dollars!

2. Paper napkins.

Why pay money for a piece of paper that lasts just a few minutes? Instead of buying paper napkins, penny pinchers prefer cloth napkins. You can find them at your local dollar store and they can be used over and over again. They are durable, do well in lunch boxes, and come in all sorts of fun colors as well!

I do keep a stash of these on hand, because some spills need paper clean-up!

3. Paper plates.

Paper plates are flimsy and only good for one meal. Instead, a penny pincher invests in durable dishware that will last them for years. Real dish-ware can hold all of the delicious meals they make, plus with a quick swish with soap and water it is ready for another use.

Yes, there are occasions for paper plates – like new babies, birthday parties, etc. In fact, I keep them on hand for our church group meetings and so I can include when I take meals to new moms! Use sparingly!!!

4. Notepads.

Why pay for notepads when you can use the free Notes or Reminders apps on your phone? These apps can help you keep track of notes, lists, and other information you would normally write down on notepads. These apps are easy to use and above all you can enjoy them for free.

I use my reminder or calendar app to ALERT me to when I need to take meals out of the freezer!

BUY THIS ONE! Paper calendars.

I’m sneaking the one that you SHOULD buy right into the middle.

You might be a digital planner and already using digital calendars, etc. But if you are like me, then a paper planner is like a third arm, or your lifeline like on the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire show. It’s how you juggle and manage the tasks, activities and who needs to be where and when. It’s what you rely on to keep everything from crumbling into a giant mess.

These picture above are the KEY to maintaining my sanity!!!

The MyFreezEasy freezer meal plans & my Purposeful Planner! (Please note: the 2024 Purposeful Planners are available NOW – and they will sell out. They do every year!)

5. Paper/plastic tablecloths.

Why cover your table with a paper or plastic tablecloth that can only be used once? Instead, a penny pincher has a few cloth tablecloths on hand that can be used over and over again. Use them to cover tables for parties and gatherings and when you are done, just toss it in and wash it.

6. Copier paper.

Copier paper can be expensive. Instead, go paperless whenever possible. Penny pinchers like to pay their bills online to save the cost of stamps and envelopes. They also like using eDocs instead of having to print out paper docs. If you need a quick print, head to your local library or print shop where you can print anything for just pennies.

Note: There will (most likely) be great deals on copy paper during the holidays at the office supply stores. Other time to stock up on these – back to school in July/August!

7. Paper cups.

Penny pinchers invest in water bottles instead of using paper cups. They keep these water bottles or mugs at work, in the home, or anywhere they typically enjoy a drink. Paper cups are used once and tossed, making them wasteful in so many ways. Instead, invest in quality water bottles and glassware to drink from.

Are you ready to save some money (and the planet) by phasing out paper products from your kitchen and life?

Get more budget savings tips and learn about Erin’s amazing Grocery Budget Makeover online class!