Best substitutions?

I'm trying to create a list of substitutions I can make, to reduce the amount of supplies we buy and garbage we generate: paper towels replaced by rags as an example. Kleenex with a handkerchef is another. I'm looking for ideas that are either significantly cheaper OR something which can be used and reused. Assume I know nothing and have no ideas of my own.

TIA!
J

OK, couple of easy ones: Plate, upturned bowl or tea towel to cover food rather than cling film or foil. Damp tea towel over dough that's rising.

Hilary Lonsdale wrote:OK, couple of easy ones: Plate, upturned bowl or tea towel to cover food rather than cling film or foil. Damp tea towel over dough that's rising.

I use a lot of glass jars for storing left overs.
I rise my bread in a large bowl with a plate over it.
I buy in bulk and download things like hand-soap (although making some is also on my list).
If I need to wipe up something really greasy, I'll use newspaper for the first bit and a cloth with vinegar near the end.
Heat with wood - that way you can burn that greasy newspaper, not to mention chicken bones etc.

Mooncups or washable pads for that "monthly visitor".

For pot scrubbers, the Mexican markets around here sell these little cylindrical handbrooms made of broomstraw that work great, last a very long time, and then can be composted.  I think a person could easily make these with access to similar plant material.

Also for pot scrubbing, if you buy oranges or other fruit that come in those plastic net bags, the empty bags knotted and folded over themselves are great scrubbers for stuff that just won't come off by other means. (yes, it's plastic, but it's plastic you already bought and might as well get a second use out of)

Has anyone used luffas to scrub pot's?