what do you think about using paper plates for snacks /meals..

[MindingMum]

I've been watching the programme 'Jon and Kate plus 8' - (basically set in US about a couple who have 6 year old twins and 3 year old sextruplets) and at meal times Kate always uses paper plates for the childrens snacks and meals.

At first I thought 'I'd never do that' ' how lazy/common is that?' and 'what a waste!' but the more I've thought about it, the more I feel it would make sense for our family.

We seem to use mountains of plates - 5 DC's of my own and I'm a childminder so sometimes 7 children at breakfast and 10 or 11 at teatime, X two courses = loads of plates and a dishwasher that never stops.

Would you consider paper plates or is the idea off putting?

[Twiglett]

it's environmental terrorism IMHO

[twinsetandpearls]

It does not appeal to me and seems very environmentally wasteful.

I don't know so will ask which is worse the paper plates or running a dishwasher maybe twice a day?

[CarGirl]

I hate eating off paper plates and using plastic or paper cups let alone the environment impact. Perhaps get 2 slimline dishwashers? We went from full size to slimline and tbh you can as many plates into a slimeline one I think the racks are just set closer together.

[greenelizabeth]

You.Bad.

[babytime]

Its ok if you are going to use them again.

When dd'd have parties and I buy themed party plates and cups like winnie the pooh. People must think I am mean because I keep them, wash them up and use them until they fall apart for when friends come over (not mine ) and when we go on picnics.

so although they are bad for the environment I make good use out of them first.

[Spidermama]

Using them again would defeat the point.

It's not acceptable environmentally, though I can see the temptation.

[FluffyMummy123]

Message withdrawn

[twinsetandpearls]

lol cod.

[andiem]

this is very common in america but let's face it they couldn't give two hoots for the environment
even families with small numbers of children use disposables they have adverts saying it makes life easier etc

I think it is a terrible idea so environmentally unsound and also who wants to eat off paper plates all the time I would feel like I was constantly at a bad party

[janeite]

Sorry but I think it's a horrible idea.

[Bronze]

Agreeing with Twiglett

Thought to be honest I have some sympathy with Jona nd Kate. They probably set out to get pregnant second time thinking three children would be nice. To suddenly have such a huge number when its not what they orginally planned means they may just need the cheats to get by.

[milknosugar]

awful idea. we use plastic plates, that way you can make the kids wash them

[meemar]

How old are your older children? can you pay them to wash up?

[colditz]

Anyone with 3 year old sextuplets can piss in my bed without me saying a word ... I don't think anyone else should do it though!

[laidbackinengland]

Last year on my antenatal thread - in a moment of extreme tiredness, someone served their children their supper on kitchen towel. Not particulalry environmentally friendly - but certainly labour saving ! (obviously not great for gravy/sauces or anything too damp

[juuule]

I don't like the idea.
9 children plus me and dh. I'd rather use 'proper' plates.
We do use plastic plates for the toddlers but with a view to moving onto pot plates.
Just think of the mountains of plates you'd get through and the expense plus cultivating a 'throwaway' attitude to your children.
Nope - don't think I like the idea.

[juuule]

Oh and if it was me with 3yo sextuplets, I don't think I'd bother with plates at all. I'd be tempted to put the food in a bowl and dish out spoons all round

[shreddies]

at small families using paper plates just for the convenience of it

[maidamess]

I love the idea. And I'm wearing paper clothes as we speak so I can just crumple them up when I go to bed.

[snooks]

lol at maidamess. i've got 6 pairs of paper pants left over from having dd3 7 weeks ago. feel too embarrassed and don't know anyone who is pg well enough to try to pass them on. oh gawd i know i will have to wear them just to justify buying them. just as i was hoping my underwear drawer might improve...

maybe i should start an arts/crafts thread asking for ideas what to do with them.

[laidbackinengland]

Snooks - surely you could serve dinner off them ? Waste not want not and all that ?

[expatinscotland]

Jon and Kate Plus 8 are a wasteful and a waste of space.

Sorry, but they are.

They didn't end up with so many kids by chance, or 'god's will'. They were irresponsible.

Hardly a role model at all.

'this is very common in america but let's face it they couldn't give two hoots for the environment
even families with small numbers of children use disposables they have adverts saying it makes life easier etc'

Oh, bollocks! I lived there for 31 years and met PLENTY of folks who had huge concerns for the environment - I'd venture to say even more than I've met over 7 years in Scotland.

Growing up, we never used them except for BBQs or outdoor parties.

[snooks]

laidback - hmmm that sounds a bit rude. Would I be wearing them at the time? How alluring I'm sure dh will be thrilled.

[OverMyDeadBody]

That's ridiculous and terrible for the environment. If you have a large family then there are enough people to help with the washing up and clearing away after meals.

I come from a big family and when we where little my mum used to sometimes serve the meal up on one large platter and us kids would all sit around and eat off it together. That's a good way to save on washing up and it was great fun too, I think it encouraged the younger ones to eat more too.

[sparklesandnowinefor4months]

Its lazy and wasteful

no don't do it

snooks you could use them as hats