Selfsufficientish.com

Sorry if I mentioned this before in a previous post: the most important advice -- I was told -- when posted to a predominantly Muslim country for work back in the 1990s was to bring my own toilet paper (and don't forget some in your briefcase!)

The bank where I was consultant had buckets of water with scoop but no loo paper. The five-star service apartment had beautiful en-suite bathrooms and kept spotless by staff. But no loo paper.

Hands came first.

Sorry to raise this again but just discovered that asda (Have to take my Mum once a week ) are selling organic cotton dishcloths. I think they were about two quid for three. I've just cut some up for wee wipes.

Incidentally, I try not to buy from them but I don't mind going in supermarkets because its a great opportunity to ask for the manager and request more green and organic products and put stuff in their suggestion boxes in a sort of quiet mini revolution type way. W.

Dear Witch Way,

I quite agree about asking managers. Sometimes I feel abit embaressed asking, "do you have fair trade/organic" etc., like I'm an oddball. But I think it's worth it because if I create a demand for such products suppliers are more likely to stock them.

On the topic of fair trade I was recently offered a sample of some chocolate. I asked, "Is it fair trade?". And quick as a flash the lady promoting the brand said, "it's better quality then fair trade so it's actually MOOORE expensive!". I'm not sure she got the reason why I was asking.

Ho hum.

QuakerBear wrote:Dear Witch Way,

On the topic of fair trade I was recently offered a sample of some chocolate. I asked, "Is it fair trade?". And quick as a flash the lady promoting the brand said, "it's better quality then fair trade so it's actually MOOORE expensive!". I'm not sure she got the reason why I was asking.

Ho hum.

Keep trying - we'll get there in the end. W.

It was actually rather funny because as she said it she raised her eyebrows in a tittilating sort or way and moved closer, as if this fact were about to seduce me into scoffing loads of samples

'fraid I can't resist chocolate and would have given in to temptation. W.

Back on topic - wee wipes:

I used washable wipes on my boys made from brushed cotton nappy liners. Why I never made the logical step to using them myself beggars belief - that has been remedied now and I look forwad to reduced expenditure in the loo paper department

Me too. I'm really quite smug about the composting loo and using pee to activate the compost heaps but wee wipes never occurred to me until I saw this topic. Still isnt this what this forum aims to do - provide inspiration and ideas? Success W.

When we move, i'll be living on my own, so i think Wee wipes are going to be the way to go!

I want a composting toilet really, but i don't think its going to happen!

Green Rosie wrote:Back on topic - wee wipes:

I used washable wipes on my boys made from brushed cotton nappy liners. Why I never made the logical step to using them myself beggars belief - that has been remedied now and I look forwad to reduced expenditure in the loo paper department

Oh kind Rosie, you put loo paper out specially for me!

I'd have freaked at a wee wipe!

Millymollymandy wrote:

Green Rosie wrote:Back on topic - wee wipes:

I used washable wipes on my boys made from brushed cotton nappy liners. Why I never made the logical step to using them myself beggars belief - that has been remedied now and I look forwad to reduced expenditure in the loo paper department

Oh kind Rosie, you put loo paper out specially for me!

I'd have freaked at a wee wipe!

I hadn't moved to wee wipes when you visited but next time you'll see a pile of them on the cistern

PS - finally got your day lillies planted

what do you people do then when a friend visits and need to use your toilet??
i would feel embarrsed saying you have to wipe your drips on my wee wipes

Both wee wipes and toilet paper are there to chose from - as yet I am the only one in this family using wee wipes - but then I am the only female

There's still loo paper there, as the rest of the family is not yet convinced (though DS, 15, is using cloth for other regions, as he finds that paper just isn't good enough).

Cheers
Andrea
NZ

I've been thinking about this topic for a bit. I'm the only female in the house and therefore the only one who needs this so called 'wee wipes'.
I have to take into account the water used to wash these things plus the disifectant and soaps. I'm afraid it's just not not to happen. I'd much prefer to see the septic tank used for what it was made for .....getting rid of desease and waste and pumping up my vege garden.
Because of the talk about hygiene etc. I've never had a yeast or urinal infection ( and I'm nearly forty) so I've decided "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
There are ancient rules as to the diposal of waste ( pre modern medicine)....and that is to bury it immediately and don't have it above ground. So that's what I'm going to do.