Believe it or not, we’ve been discussing ways to save money on TP, on an elist I’m on. Some options that have been discussed: using a peri-bottle to “wash” the area, getting a bidet, getting new automatic TP dispensers that only portion out a set allotment. I’m only able to share my “privy” (excuse the pun) thoughts on the topic.
I only have heard of rich people (and Europeans) having a bidet. Actually, a friend of a friend has one, but I’ve never seen it, let alone used it!! :-0
I’m not too hip on the automatic bathroom things. I know how well the self-flushing toilets work -NOT! and self-turning on sinks – NOT! and self-dispensing paper towels – NOT! and the self- turning-on air dryers – NOT! I don’t think I’d trust self-dispensing toilet paper. Like the paper towels, you probably wouldn’t get what you need when you need it.
Nothing is any more frustrating at such a time as just wanting to get in and out of the restroom, then standing there waving your hands all over trying to get the things to work – or raising or lowering yourself trying to get the toilet to flush.
Or worse yet, a small child using the toilet and it flushes with a large splash while they are going, because it didn’t detect them there! Both of our youngest boys wouldn’t even go to the bathroom at those with automatic flush because it scared them so much.
Another drawback for these is the expense for such “convenience” – both upfront and in maintenance for fixing such “computerized” things. I know what it cost when my car needs a new computer chip. Far more than an old distributor cap. I think it’s not in the category of “frugal”.
Now when Walmart and Menards want to add these new “automated” bathrooms out of their profits (so really I indirectly paid for them) I think about it a bit. When my state adds them to the Interstate rest areas, directly paid for by taxing me more, I just wish I could flush the toilet, turn on the sink and get a paper towel or push a BUTTON to turn on the air dryer.
Now the peri-bottle has promise as a good frugal idea. I know how well it works after having a baby and monthly. It could greatly cut down the amount of TP needed. (Or if you’re really adventurous/frugal/don’t mind being thought just a little odd – you pick which adjective, – you could go with cloth wipes after the peri-wash.)
Taking another rabbit trail —-
I used to get upset when my little ones would pull out a bunch of toilet paper to “play with”. It was so “wasteful”. Then I figured out what it really cost – less than a quarter per roll, and they rarely used a HALF roll, let a lone a whole. In fact it was probably far less than ONE-FOURTH roll. And it kept them entertained for hours!! Cheap entertainment! 🙂
Thinking about it again, perhaps TP is not an area we have to think of ways to be more frugal in, other than teaching our children to use the proper amount.
Just my thoughts. Not sure they are worth the time it took to type them. 🙂
For Me and My House ~ At Jesus’ feet,
Lisa @ Me and My House ~ Discipleship for Life!
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Order Christian & Home Ed Resources here
Get future posts to this blog by email:
