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Dear Heloise: Here are some new ways in which I've reduced my household plastic use: I started using new products like biodegradable dishwasher pods and laundry soap, both of which either come in a cardboard box or a plastic bag that's a fraction of the usual plastic container. I've also been buying wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets; home compostable baggies; paper lunch, sandwich and snack bags (which are all relatively easy to find); and huge paper yard-waste bags instead of plastic.
Additionally, I wash and reuse my lightly used plastic bags, which I need for some things (unless they're too dirty or contaminated). I only buy paper cups and plates when needed (never plastic). When I have a party, I use my sterling-silver plates and utensils and wash them, which adds a fun and elegant touch! When else am I going to use these items anyhow?
I'm still working on finding new products for shampoo, conditioner, and various other things. It's hard to replace all plastic use, but you can reduce it by a good amount. Every bit helps; we need to take better care of our planet Earth. Thanks for sharing all the great hints, Heloise! -- Laura G.L., in Fullerton, California
Laura, I agree. We can do better if we tackle this plastic problem one person at a time. Remember, you may not be here in, say, 50 years, but your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be. Think about what kind of world we’re going to leave them. -- Heloise
AN AFFORDABLE WEDDING
Dear Heloise: There's no reason to go into debt in order to have a beautiful wedding. My own wedding serves as an example. My father wanted my fiance and me to "run away" and get married. I told him, "No. We’re going to get married in our church, and it'll be a totally affordable experience."
I borrowed a white wedding dress from a dear friend who was my size and had been married recently. I borrowed a white veil from another dear friend. (If these options aren't available to you, you can always rent a dress and veil.) The groom wore his suit. However, I did buy new white heels with clip-on pearls on the front.
The wedding was at the church. We did pay the minister for his services. The church choir director played "I Love You Truly" on the organ, and her daughter sang the lyrics. We did pay both of them for their participation. All guests retired to the church social hall where punch, mints and wedding cake were served. We paid a lady from our church to set up the refreshments on a long serving table in the social hall. -- Margaret H., via email
Margaret, thanks for sharing your wedding story! This is probably far less than what The Knot and Zola estimate that the average wedding costs, which is anywhere from around $18,000 to $36,000 for the year of 2026. -- Heloise
BUGS IN BAGS
Dear Heloise: The easiest way to deal with insect eggs in paper bags (and save the bags) is to put the bags in the freezer for two weeks. Then, as you said, store them in an airtight container. -- Kate, in Portland
Kate, this all depends on what the bags are used for after the eggs are dead. I wouldn't put food in the bags; in fact, I'd just toss them out. -- Heloise
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