I love the challenge... and since I started sewing crumb blocks and using those as leaders and enders (rather than just snip the thread each time like I used to do) it's evened out. I use just as much thread as I did when I was just wasting it like that.
But mostly I just love how cool the blocks look! I use as small as 3/4inch square pieces.
And hey, if you don't want your crumbs, just pass 'em on! Lost of people here (like me) will pay postage to get them off your hands... so you can still feel like you're going green, without having to pull your hair out doing something you hate.