Sharing our top 5 SIMPLE money-saving reusable items to include around your home this year. Besides the cost-savings, these will be more beneficial for the environment as well.
5 Money-Saving Reusable Items for the Home
Wool Dryer Balls
It’s been several years since I’ve made the switch from fabric softener and dryer sheets to wool dryer balls.
Wool dryer balls can also aid in reducing your dry time by up to 10%; therefore saving you additional money on your utility bills.
If you’re concerned about missing out on the fresh laundry scent, add your favorite essential oil, like lavender, to your dryer balls every 4-5 loads.
Annual cost savings ~ $145
Reusable Straws
We have been disposable straw free for a year now. If we can do it, so can you!
We’re MEGA straw users. Can’t drink out of a cup without one. It was driving me crazy how often I was having to buy a new box of straws though since my children thought they needed a new one for every drink throughout the day.
I switched to stainless steel straws and love them! Though I will admit there is an adjustment period. I banged my tooth during the first sip attempt. (Not quite as soft as a flex straw.)
For the kids, we have these bendy, reusable silicone straws that come in fun colors. They are easy to clean, non-toxic and BPA free. Safe for even babies/toddlers to use/chew/etc.
Annual Family Cost Savings ~ $20
Water Bottle
Health + fitness is a common new year resolution including drinking more h2O.
When my husband and I moved in together, I inherited his Brita pitcher as well. We’ve really never purchased bottled water (mostly because of my frugality).
We’ve moved past the Brita now though and use the filtered water from our new refrigerator using our favorite water bottles.
This 24 oz stainless steel water bottle is the BEST. I fill it each day before work. My kids also use the 14 oz kids bottle for school, soccer, and if we’re out running errands.
Annual cost savings ~ $260
Reusable Coffee Filters
Keurigs are convenient. There’s no getting around it, but it comes with an extra cost.
Instead of purchasing coffee pods, try switching to a reusable coffee filter.
A few months ago, I purchased the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew and it works well for us. We’ve also owned the Ninja Coffee bar with carafe/single serve options.
Using convenient k-cups comes at a premium – costing almost 4-5 times MORE.
Annual cost savings ~ $610
Snack/Lunch Containers
Remember the days you opened your lunch box and in it was your favorite sandwich and a couple snacks? Most likely they were all packed in individual plastic sandwich bags, right?
At the beginning of this past school year we shared our favorite lunch and snack containers in this post.
We now use a reusable bento box and snack containers like the Sistema round containers.
Annual family cost savings ~ $55