family of 8 here! We don't use paper towels....you'd be amazed at how many we used to use. I have a splatter thing that sits on top of pans that I use to drain fries and such. Works great. I add water to detergent and shampoo, use vaseline instead of lip balm and sometimes lotion. No cable tv....just the antenna. use the library lots instead of buying books, heat with wood, and the list goes on.