Great 'Embarrassing MoneySaving tips' Hunt

TabithaCat_2

I couldn't believe the number of plastic milk cartons going in the recycling bin each week and if there's one thing I hate it's putting the wheelie bin out on Monday morning. So in an attempt to reduce the amount of waste, time and effort, I checked out the cost of switching to bottled milk from out local milkman but the cost difference was far to much to justify the switch.

So in an attempt to reduce the large number of plastic milk containers going in the bin I started to reuse them in the kitchen.

The large four pint carton's now have washing powder in them, making it easier to store and it's easier to pour the correct amount into the washing machine.

The two pint one's are cut down in an emergency when I've run out of plastic take away boxes and need to freeze food when batch cooking. I just put a small sandwich bag inside, pour food in and freeze. But I always take the food out of bag and container before reheating.

The one pint carton's are used to store dry food's in the kitchen that don't get used very often, pulses, dried beans, gravy browning etc.

Primrose

TabithaCat wrote: »

I couldn't believe the number of plastic milk cartons going in the recycling bin each week and if there's one thing I hate it's putting the wheelie bin out on Monday morning. .

I do agree. Surely as a country it ought not to be beyond the brains of somebody to come up with a solution for this. All these millions of plastic milk bottles are a huge pollution and waste of natural resources. What a pity we can't go to refrigerated milk re-filling stations in each supermarket and buy milk from refrigerated containers using our own recepticles, in the same way that you go to a petrol station to refuell your car.

I regularly recycle one pint bottles for freezing home-made soups which have been whizzed up using a stick blender. They make an idea portion for two people. The hole isn't really big enough for chunky soups like minestrone though.

[Deleted User]

If I am in my local sainsbobs I sometimes buy their 2 pints for 80p in a bag which is a very useful way to have milk without having to chuck the empty cartons away.I have a fridge jug which I decant the milk into and it keeps very well in there.

jennyjelly

Asiacat wrote: »

A guy drives up to a pawnbrokers in central London and asks to borrow 500 pound for two weeks as he was off on holiday that afternoon and needed some spending money.

The pawnbroker informs him that for a two week loan the interest rate would be 2% but as he didn't know the man some security would be needed. Would my car do he says pointing to the Rolls Royce Corniche outside.

"How do I know it's yours?" asked the pawnbroker. So the man shows him the ownership documents with his name on and also shows him his passport which he naturally had on him as he was off on holiday.

The pawnbroker was convinced and handed over the 500 pound. With a 50k car as security for a 500 pound loan it was hardly a risk and after all business was business.

Two weeks later the customer returns paying back the principle of 500 pound plus 10 pounds interest.

Out of interest the pawnbroker asks the man why he needed the loan as he didn't seem to be poor.

"Do you know anywhere else I can park a Rolls Royce Corniche in central London for two weeks for just 10 pounds" he replied.

Love this! :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

TabithaCat_2

JackieO wrote: »

If I am in my local sainsbobs I sometimes buy their 2 pints for 80p in a bag which is a very useful way to have milk without having to chuck the empty cartons away.I have a fridge jug which I decant the milk into and it keeps very well in there.

Thanks JackieO

Milk in a bag! I like the sound of this. Does anyone know if Mr T sells the same?

lostinrates

re milk,I prefer glass bottles anyway. I wish we could have milkmen more,or some sort of cooperative situation..even through supermarkets, where you could return for sterilisation/wash glass bottles...much nicer.

I use plastic bottled from milk as cloches,as feed scoops...but its not really enough.

Gers

stilernin wrote: »

Unfortunately, this makes it not very MSE. Water + heating = ££s

I was only telling of my experience and interest. And if your water is not metered then no cost, water doesn't have to be warm. And clothes don't have to be washed = no water and no heating.

There are a lot of finger waggers in this thread :eek:

arefem

cliffjudith wrote: »

I also use cooking oil to shave. If you read the ingredients on Tesco oil for shaving you will see it is exactly that with some other smelly useless non-functional additions.

I must save at least £1 per year but it does feel good.

For years I have been wet shaving using ordinary soap (actually Simple soap) and then a couple of drops of baby oil (supermarket own brand) for after shave. It doesn't sting, helps lock in some moisture, has a pleasant aroma and is much cheaper than regular after shave. A large bottle lasts for ages.

I don't bother with the expensive shaver blades from well know brands either. Cheaper ones from sunpermarkets seem to be fine, but I'm one of the lucky ones who can get away with shaving every other day if necessary.

babyshoes

Primrose wrote: »

I do agree. Surely as a country it ought not to be beyond the brains of somebody to come up with a solution for this. All these millions of plastic milk bottles are a huge pollution and waste of natural resources. What a pity we can't go to refrigerated milk re-filling stations in each supermarket and buy milk from refrigerated containers using our own recepticles, in the same way that you go to a petrol station to refuell your car.

I regularly recycle one pint bottles for freezing home-made soups which have been whizzed up using a stick blender. They make an idea portion for two people. The hole isn't really big enough for chunky soups like minestrone though.

In South Africa there is a chain of shops where you can do this. They have a giant refridgerated tank of milk (full fat only though) and you take in your own containers to be filled up by the person behind the counter. Same for basic juices, usually orange and apple. They have also had bags of milk for many many years, which also freeze well.

Another use for milk bottle tops is as a jam funnel. You would think the plastic would melt when you add hot sugary jam, but it doesn't. You do need to hold the handle with oven gloves though! They can also go in the dishwasher, believe it or not! One bottle will usually last a whole season of jam making before being recycled and another one being made.

vikki_louise

miggy wrote: »

What a good idea! When you think how much extensions cost, you can use your own hair for free... I wonder if you can make your own extensions, too - I tried (have long hair anyway) but couldn't get the waviness to co-ordinate and don't like straighteners. I bet trendy people with straight hair could do their own, though.

I've got very long hair and when I have lots cut off I donate it to a charity called Little Princess, it takes hair donations and turns them into wigs for children suffering from hairloss. Not money saving but feel good!