We've used paper products for many years of camping and ususally started the campfire with it after we were done. We've tried to not use styromfoam or plastic whenever possible. About 3 months ago, we purchased reusable tableware (plastic plates and bowls, metal silverware) with the hope of making a smaller carbon footprint.
I don't know if its ever a 'win-win' situation since they are made in China. ???
Now I have the idea of installing a outside dish sink on the back of the camper.
What do you use?
We have always done real plates and silverware, even as tent campers. In the end it all lasts longer, looks better. Doing dishes just isn't that hard even without ammenties (Boil some water, put it in a grey bus box, wash).
We do keep paper plates in stock for those times there is no cooking but you need something to put things on.
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The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything that they have! |
I have an issue with eating a good meal on a paper plate with plastic utensils. It just.....cheapens it for me. You eat pizza or a sandwich on paper plates, not a steak and baked potato.
I have an aluminum nesting pot kit that has 10 aluminum plates with it. I also have an actual silverware set that I keep in the pup. Like Phil said, cleaning just isn't that much of a PIA for me. You have to clean your pot or cooking utensils anyway, so why not your plate, fork and knife? Most campgrounds have a big sink by the bathhouse to clean your stuff.
DW and I went camping with friends who were horrified that I would .....gasp....clean dishes while camping.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
When I opened this I thought this was going to be about shopping bags. You suckered me in Joe :-[
If you want to comment about PAPER OR PLASTIC OR REUSABLE BAGS , Check THIS out.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
I have a set of Corelle dishes/flatware (gift one year) that I use in the PUP. Most times we eat at the dinette, and the set goes well with the camper colors/table. Outside it's nice not to worry about the breeze blowing the cups over or the plates. Clean up is easy and I feel the china is more sanitary than plastic. I had a set of plastic ware, but it always felt greasy, so stopped using it.
[quote author=TMMull link=topic=309.msg1382#msg1382 date=1291826764]
When we bought our HTT we stocked it with Real plastic plates, bowls and glasses.
We did the same when we had the pop up and contuniue useing thim in the HTT. Our biggest problem would be forgitthing to restock the disposable stuff and always running out.
For less than $35 we bought the plastic acrylic type bowls, cups,plates and a cheap flatware set for 4. We also keep a small ammount of the disposable stuff.
We use Corelle 🙂 DH's grandfather passed away a couple years ago and no one wanted his dishes so we gladly took them. We use our old flatware from my single days. Honestly the dish washing is all part of camping for me so it doesn't bother me too much.
We try our best to use as many reusable things as possible like dish towels, plates, cups, we even use cloth diapers for the baby.
We do the same thing in the PUP that we do while at home.....we use basic paper plates for lunch ( within reason obviously) if it is something like sandwich and chips which it frequently is.....then at night, I prefer real plates for myself and my daughter( can't stand paper plate residue in my food) but my husband and two stepsons get paper plates(they don't care).... hey less dishes to wash is always a plus in my book ;).....my husband calls me "the queen" b/c i won't eat a hot meal off a paperplate ( obviously if i am at a function that is different).....I think a good middle of the road thing might be to buy the red plastic plates/cups and wash and reuse them....and best of all....no paper residue in your food 🙂 ( but don't ask me to eat something hot on those either b/c I don't like the thought of hot plastic near my food.....I'm a freak I know 😀
We have a set of heavy plastic plates that we have had for many years and keep moving from tent to camper to camper. We have both plastic and glass glasses and coffee mugs and bowls. I just can't hardly drink out of plastic, especially hot stuff but DH prefers it. We have paper plates for the easy stuff. I don't mind dishes that much. When we had the last pup it had the outside shower so we set up a table near with it for dishes. Before that we heated water on the camp stove and used the picnic table to set up a spot.
After setting up camp a couple times and realizing there were no plates left, we started looking at Dollar General type stores for cheap plates and silverware. We now have a set of cast iron fry pans and a couple pots and pans and a couple mixing bowls in the Pup as well. For me, it just seemed simpler to put some dishes in the pup and leave them there rather than to have to remember to bring some. We have never camped with more than DW and I, so dishes for 2 doesn't take up that much room.
It took me about 3 seconds to locate this site >:(
http://www.silversuperstore.com/usa.html
We can all try a little harder - what are you willing to do?
I use paper for dry foods.
Plastic for wet foods, hot foods and liquids.
We went out after we got the camper and outfitted her with service for six (plastic bowls & Plates) and real siverware, as well as all the utensils we could think we would need. Plus the camper has it's own post & pans set, complete with cast iron pans as well. Went to goodwill and got most of it.
Goes back to my boy scout/hiking days, doing the dishes is better than lugging out a bunch of trash.
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