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A clever dude's take on cutting waste and saving money

Posted May 01 2008, 01:54 PM by Karen Datko
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We've read lots of lists of ways to reduce waste and simultaneously save money, but no one's is quite like Clever Dude's list of 50.

Want proof? Here's No. 8 in the words of "Clever Dude": "Don't use those stupid disposable toilet brushes. That has to be the dumbest, laziest invention ever. Just spend 10 seconds brushing the toilet. Wear a rubber glove if you're worried about cooties, or just wash your hands like any other normal person would do afterward."

Don't run the water when you're shaving, brushing your teeth or scrubbing the dishes. Use only a dab of toothpaste and shampoo (he's nearly bald and he used to use a glob), and keep your bar of soap dry.

There's no way we can paraphrase this one about using less TP. "OK, maybe that thin sheet of Charmin might place enough of a barrier between your bottom and the seat to ease your mind, but it really doesn't protect you from germs."

Among the tips to save on electricity: Use "smart" power strips for electronics, and get a timer for your electric water heater.

Clever Dude breaks down his tips under the handy categories of bathroom, kitchen, office, house, yard and car. We suspect you'll read something here that you hadn't before (and if we're wrong, please leave a comment and hopefully share your own tip).

And, finally, we'll mention this one, which is already standard practice in places where water is scarce. (Honest.) He says: "'If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down.' It's a gross topic, but honestly you're only wasting more water if you don't really need to flush."

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Comments

 

You have got to be kidding me.

Johnny (Posted 05.01.08 2:20 PM)

I would also add that many of the 'convenient' disposable cleaning tools these days are filling our landfills.  The things our mothers and grandmothers (and fathers!) used worked just fine.  There's no need for another expensive throwaway item that is designed to (maybe) save time, but definitely NOT save money!

finallyfrugal.blogspot.com

Finally Frugal (Posted 05.01.08 2:31 PM)

My biggest enviromentally unfriendly device is plastic tampon applicator! REALLY... how much waste does one person need to create? Maxi pads are also just as bad as diapers filling up our landfills. Living shouldn't be based on disposable products. Think before you buy!

sarahw (Posted 05.01.08 6:10 PM)

In defense of the disposable toilet cleaners (Clorox is the one I use), they do a fantastic job! I'm all for just using a brush, but I've yet to find a brush and cleaner that cleans as well, up under rim, etc. The first time I used one, I was disgusted by the gunk it cleaned that the brush apparently never could get to. Maybe it's because it pivots? Who knows - either way, I'll keep using them.

PS -if you add a bleach drop-in, you can waste less of the disposables since you don't have to clean as often.

Lissa (Posted 05.02.08 10:19 AM)

Im with sarahw on this one.

Beth (Posted 05.02.08 1:56 PM)

I agree about the "disposable" toilet cleaner thingy, it is a useless  invention--just use a good cleaning product and a brush, some elbow grease and "poof!" its done!!  I do also agree with the comment about the drop in bleach tabs--they are excellent....BUT I think the NOT flushing deal is totally disgusting--I mean don't we all want a breeding bowl of waste?  I think not--try again.....

beth (Posted 05.02.08 2:12 PM)

My pet peeve is paper towels .My home health aide is always grabbing a handful even for drying dishes.  I had to show her a tea towel and cloth dust cloths, which can be washed and used again.  My kitten left solid poop in front of the litter box.  My Aide pulled at least 15 sheets of tp to pick it up and put it in the toilet.  Paper plates while eating at home, are a waste.  I have added some water to the milk, while making gravy.I learned that from my Mother in Law, who raised 6 kids during the depression.  Our Elders were very resourceful and we could learn from   them.  

Georgia A. Meyung (Posted 05.02.08 4:02 PM)

If it makes you feel any better, urine is completely sterile.  It might be more pleasant if you ensure that your household is properly hydrated as well.  Still better than an outhouse.

Helen (Posted 05.02.08 10:28 PM)

I AM THE YOUNGEST OF 18 CHILDREN (AL BY THE SAME PARENTS) AND WE HAD MANY THINGS THAT WE DID TO SAVE.(sorry for the caps). WE ALWAYS TRIED TO SAVE WATER BY NOT FLUSHING SO OFTEN. SO-- WHEN IT WAS BROWN, WE FLUSHED IT DOWN, BUT... WHEN THE WATER FIRST CAME UP AND A FRESH BOWL STARTED, WE  ADDED PINE SOL TO THE WATER. THAT KEEPS ANY ODORS DOWN AND HELPS WITH GERMS. WE STILL CLEANED THE LIDS AND SURROUND ON BOWL WITH BLEACH WATER. it sure helped our water bill. a;so the bowl was cpmpletely brushed 2 times a day with  a small amt of bleach in the water and then flushed. DONT "EVER" MIX PINE SOL OR ANY OTHER CLEANING PRODUCT WITH BLEACH! make sure the water you add bleach to is clean water.

KAREN (Posted 05.04.08 3:11 AM)

I worry about the environment too, but I'm for the disposable toilet brush.  What on earth do you do with the regular toilet brush after it has been used?  It hangs around usually in a container in the bathroom and whether you swish it or not, the brush AND container become another gross spot to deal with.

Pat (Posted 05.04.08 1:05 PM)

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