Never wash a plate again.

[Kevin K]

Just an idea.
Place cling film over plate before serving food. When done eating remove film.
PRESTO clean plate.
NO WASHING

[jen b]

Clever!

Although I don't mind washing up at all...I'm still so charmed by my own trailer that I actually get a huge kick out of WATER COMING INTO THE TRAILER AND THEN WASHING DOWN THAT DRAIN RIGHT THERE!!!!1!!

So when water is plentiful I'm going with washing rather than landfilling.

[David Tilston]

Disposable plate with cling wrap. Now that is economy.

[NEWFISHER]

Not to beat the Green/tree hugger horse, but a Styrofoam plate and a plastic protector? lol . It is a good idea until you BBQ a steak and try to cut it

[Steve L.]

Get a dog. They do well on plates and are usually grateful for the opportunity.

[melissab]

Would be a good way to stretch the paper plate supply when running low and not near civilization, lol. I know I've been caught short before thinking I brought enough.

[Pam Garlow]

Its a great idea for something that is 'fork and spoon ready'

As for steaks, there is always the fine china (melmac) in the back of my upper cubbies....

[Gina D.]

Originally Posted by Steve L.

Get a dog. They do well on plates and are usually grateful for the opportunity.

At my house, this is called "Pre-wash". It saves on water and yes, the dog is generally happy about it.

For the squeemish, the plate is then washed using traditional methods, yes.

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by Gina D.

At my house, this is called "Pre-wash". It saves on water and yes, the dog is generally happy about it.

For the squeemish, the plate is then washed using traditional methods, yes.

If by "traditional methods" you include a casual swipe with the bleach rag kept in the trailer for the purpose, then that's what goes in my digs, too!

[David Tilston]

You could just leave it in the sun to save on bleach.

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

You could just leave it in the sun to save on bleach.

I tried that, but my Husband got real snippy about having to wait so long for his turn to use the plate.

Men!

[Gilda]

I'm all for cutting down on dish-washing AND being as eco-friendly as possible while camping. So we compromise. I carry lots of those cheapo paper plates. You know the ones you can't stand because they fold in half, spilling their contents, just as you are transporting your plate to the table. I put one or two paper plates on my "fine china". The sturdy plate holds firm while the paper plate(s) keep the "china" clean. We also use metal utensils and reusable drinking cups. When the meal is done we can toss or burn the paper plates and wash everything else with only a quart of water!

Here is my washing method. Put utensils in tall cup. Heat water on stove add half to cup with camping soap (or liquid Castille soap or regular dish soap). Swish the utensils, pour that hot soapy water on other items while they are in a dishpan. Toss the soapy dishwater. Repeat with hot, clear water (and drops of bleach if you like) and VOILA, you are done! You can towel dry or put the dishes in a net ditty bag and hang on the clothesline to dry. You could have one ditty bag per person if you like (and color-code the cups/plates/etc.).

I figure with this method we save on precious water and use a minimum of trees, a renewable resource. Don't get me wrong...I use the electric dishwasher when at home. In fact, I take everything home from camp and wash it in the dishwasher before the next trip.

[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by Steve L.

Get a dog. They do well on plates and are usually grateful for the opportunity.

Got 2, dishes are done in 1/2 the time.

[Filbert V.]

Who needs plates? Just heat up your soup, stew, veggies, or other canned food IN the can over low heat while stirring. Dump contents into a tortilla or between two pieces of day old bread and enjoy! Napkins are also a waste of trees and money. Just lick your fingers and dry on your pant legs or better yet, your partner's pant legs. The empty cans can be cleaned and reused as containers for those small parts that eventually fall off our trailers.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

Disposable plate with cling wrap. Now that is economy.

yup cling wrap is probable more expensive than the paper plate not to mention the fact it will take thousands of years to degrade down to molecules that in themselves are harmful to the eco system.

I think I will stick to keeping a large stack of plastic plates in the trailer in case I have unexpected company and use them over and over while being conservative with my water usage.

[Donna D.]

Just reading about some of these cleaning dish solutions, etc. is enough to make me ask Reace if he can install a dishwasher in my 5er

[carlkeigley]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Just reading about some of these cleaning dish solutions, etc. is enough to make me ask Reace if he can install a dishwasher in my 5er

Problem solved!..................LOL

We use paper plates and throw in campfire or trash bin.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Just reading about some of these cleaning dish solutions, etc. is enough to make me ask Reace if he can install a dishwasher in my 5er

Don't ask why but I think that request would REALLY make his day!

Things were hopping out at Escape today - place jammed packed with Escape trailers inside and out and not a one for sale!

[Scott H]

So i've finally got it dialed. A vacuum sealing machine is the best thing I've ever bought. Meals are made well in advance of any trip, stored in the freezer; lasagna, enchiladas, omelets, mashed potatoes, chili; all stocked in the freezer ready for a trip. Once on the road these frozen bricks help keep the fridge cold. Dinner time; boil-in-bag, cut bag onto paper plate, eat. Clean up; throw plates in fire and use clean, hot water for whatever; bathing, tea, random dishes from friends who don't have it as dialed as you do, ect. I also use a grill; grill meat, boil vacuum sealed potatoes, make fresh salad, eat. Again no mess or dishes. Coffee is starbucks Via instants; don't knock it until you've tried it, damn good coffee, zero mess, hot water to spare. Environmentally speaking; recycled paper products are burned, very minimal plastics are trashed, all water is used once if not twice or three times.

[Gina D.]

Originally Posted by Roy in TO

Got 2, dishes are done in 1/2 the time.

I used to have 3 dogs. I had to buy more plates.