paper vs. glass

[bumplett]

I agree with KRBSHAPPY about checking Goodwill or using paper towels when eating finger foods.

I've also seen plastic plates in sets of 4 for sale for $1 at Walmart during back to school and summer preview times...when they want to give you a look at all the things you "need" for summer or dorm rooms.

this is what we do.

I have those cheap plastic divided plates from walmart, or we use a cloth napkin for a sandwich, or something easy.

[heartofmine]

The 2 older kids should be helping with the dishes. Start them out early. The little ones can even help with clean up and bringing their plates to the sink. Its good for them to learn to be responsible early. If your concerned by plastic plates and cups for them. The cost in money between paper plates and glass or plastic imo is irrelevant really when teaching your children responsibility.

My 2 have done the dishes and clean up for years. I cook, one does clean up and the other does the dishes and loads the dishwasher. They rotate each night. My 2 are now in their early 20's, in college with very busy lives but are still living at home and we still have this system. In fact my daughter just got done doing the dishes. They have grown up to be very helpful responsible adults.

**just wanted to add that my other child is a 22 year old son....Nothing wrong with teaching the guys to do dishes, cook, and do laundry.

[frugalwarrior2]

I agree w/ most of it. Use cheap dishes sometimes,use paper plates others.When mine were little we saved plastic restaurant cups and got cheap plastic for cold foods.
When I was a kid we sometimes ate off napkins/paper towels if it was summer and we were having a sandwich. My Dmom sent us and friends to eat outside on the picnic table a lot.
I also agree that that older kids should wash sometimes.

[CaddoRose]

Thanks to all the responses. I'm trying to be as frugal as possible and still be green, so most of the time I use paper plates during the day and glass dishes at night because there are other kids around to wash up then.