I love to use paper plates just as much as any Mom would.  Let’s face it, it’s super easy clean up!  I’m not saying I no longer use paper plates, but I’m not as freely using them for every meal now.  Why would I do that you ask??  (No I didn’t forget I’m busy Mom of three!!)  I just took a step back and thought about the savings to using paper plates vs. running the dishwasher … in the long run it’s saving money running the dishwasher.  I only run my dishwasher when it’s filled (it’s like I play the game Tetris to get everything in there … the family even knows not to attempt this, besides I feel like I’m the only one that can play this game the right way!).

I have stopped using paper plates for dinner.  Yes, I bust out the pfaltzgraff and glasses (pretty green ones!).  The kids did notice and love it!  Even clean up is easier than we all thought!  What was I thinking … the dishwasher does all the work anyway!!  I’m no longer going through tons of paper plates and wasting money on them … besides, I think I’m helping the environment by reducing my garbage.

You’re all asking yourself, “Does she still use paper plates??”   Yes, I am still using them, but very sparingly.  I still have the same pack of plates for over a month now … compared to the 1-2 packs in 1-2 weeks time that was used before.

Last week, my fabulous friend Kelli and I had a meeting at my house.  We needed to figure out some details for a Women’s Ministry outreach event we’re co-planning at our church.  Of course, this meeting consisted of coffee (it’s a food group for us!) and muffins.  I put out the desserts plates, cups with saucers and cream & sugar in the servers.  I sent Fab Kelli an email, asking her “how did you feel when you saw I had real plates set out of us??” Here’s Fab Kelli’s response, “Special!”

It was no extra effort to make my Fabulous friend feel special. In the long run, I did save some money … I say that’s a win-win for everyone all around!!!

The Domestic Mom