Trash bags. I think in the 13 years we have been in our current house, I've bought 2 large, Costco-sized boxes of the large black trash bags. We don't line our trash can with them, and I've just never had much use for them. In fact, I think I use the large garbage bags more for non-garbage uses (bringing dirty laundry home from vacation, keeping things clean in the attic). In the house, even in the kitchen where we only have a small trash can under the sink, I have always used plastic grocery bags. Now, one might think that because I bring my own reusable bags to the grocery store that I would at some point run out of plastic grocery bags, but so far, that has not seemed to be the case. They must multiply like rabbits! I don't know how much kitchen trash bags cost, so I can't estimate how much money I have saved over the years by not buying them, but I suspect it is substantial.
Paper Towels. Yup. Seriously. I can't remember the last time I bought paper towels. When we emptied my grandparents' house 2 years ago (after they had both passed away), I brought home a package of 8 rolls. I think I still have 7 left. We lived with my husband's parents when we first moved back to town, and she never uses them, either, which is how I got out of the habit of using them. I learned from her that it really is just as easy to use a dishrag or kitchen towel for most messes. There are times when I will go out to the garage to get a paper towel, but not very often.
Paper Napkins. Another habit I got into while living with my in-laws was using fabric napkins at the dinner table. Everyone has their own customized napkin ring, and we use the same napkins several times before washing. 4 little squares of fabric do not take up any room in the washer and dryer, and are a breeze to fold (I draw the line at ironing them, as my MIL does). For those times where a paper napkin really would be easier or more convenient (packing in a lunch, etc.) we have an ample supply of napkins leftover from visits to fast food places.
Like I said, I don't know how much I have saved by not buying these things for the past 13+ years, but it has to be a fair chunk of change. Plus, I'm not adding products to landfills! I'd be interested to hear what you never/rarely buy, as well, and why.
