The "Instead of X, Try Y" Recommendations Thread
 

I thought I'd start a thread where you can let fellow TFPers about better alternatives to things we use or encounter in everyday life. It's a simple idea - you simply use the format "Instead of X, try Y" and add your reasons.

I'll start with a couple.

Instead of laundry detergent, try soap nuts (also known as soap berries or soap pods).

• They clean just as well as detergent
• They are much better for the environment
• You can also use them in your dishwasher
• They are much cheaper! Which reminds me of another laundry tip...

Instead of fabric softener, try white vinegar.

• Again, it's much cheaper
• It doesn't leave your clothes smelling funny
• It doesn't damage fabric and does the job just as well

Instead of Grey Goose try Ketal One..

much tastier
do I really need another reason?

WARNING: I bring nothing to this conversation.

Not 100% on-topic, but my mom gave me a book of all the different household applications that vinegar is good for, and it's quite impressive: Vinegar: Over 400 Various, Versatile, and Very Good Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of, by Vicki Lansky and Martha Campbell. I have a similar book for baking soda, which I couldn't find the title for, but it is equally useful and fascinating.

Instead of an Ipod, get a samsung T10. Great video, great sound quality, holds pictures and other files, and YOU DON'T NEED THAT POS ITUNES to make it work.

Instead of Norton AntiVirus, try AVG. Why, cuz it's free.

Instead of Norton Firewall, try Comodo. Why, cuz it's free.

You can find these on Download.com

Instead of Keith Olbermann, try Bill Maher. His podcast his now video, so you don't have to pay $$ for HBO. He's funnier and still smarter without sounding like the sky is falling. Also he knows he's a pundit. He doesn't pretend to be even handed.

Instead of McDonalds, try sewage. Turns out that several confirmed reports over the years verified the fact that more than occasionally the beef includes bovine fecal matter.

Instead of conservatism, try liberalism. Things are going to change whether you like it or not, so why not surf the wave? Speaking of...

Instead of scuba try surfing. Holy crap is it fun, and you're not likely to run out of air.

Instead of cats try dogs. If they bite, they let go.

Instead of Spanish, learn Japanese. Asian chicks are hot.

Instead of either of these try ZoneAlarm. Why, because they have a free version which is better than most that you purchase

instead of coke, try Pepsi! it's so much better! :hyper:

I'll do you one better:
Instead of soda, try adding your favorite juices to mineral water. That way you live to see your grandkids.

Instead of being complacent, get off your ass.
Instead of waiting for opportunities to appear, go find them.
Instead of waiting for your dreams to come true, realize that sometimes making them come true means destroying someone else's.

This may not apply to anyone else here, but I need to reread this thread once a week at least.

Instead of being an elitist mineral water drinking prick, drink a soda!

:p I kid.

Instead of shooting up your school, try getting laid.

You really did miss your calling in life. //heavy-hearted smirk//

For the ladies: Instead of using Planned Parenthood's generic form of BC, try using YAZ... Cause you'll barely have a period and that just rocks.

Instead of missing your favorite tv shows, try using DVR - it's amazing! Warning - your life may start to revolve around watching your recorded faves.

eek... Ketel One is the only vodka I've ever gotten sick off of.

Instead of all this stuff you could get a Mac!

:no: Never again.

Instead of Windows, try Ubuntu. It's free.

I thought ZoneAlarm only gives their firewall for free.

no, that's comodo. Zone alarms still has a few versions that are pro.

I know there are other packages to be bought from Check Point, but as far as I can see on their products' pages, only their firewall is free.

Also, Comodo has plenty of other security tools for free, also many other computer utilities for free. I don't use them, though.

Instead of liberalism try conservatism. We have better sex, give more money to the needy, and we have cookies.

Instead of Green Day, try http://youtube.com/watch?v=aWWI2rGdda4 or http://youtube.com/watch?v=DvmUJGMJcqg. You'll get a much more raw sound, lyrics that are less controved, and a better essence of the punk movement. You also get a much bigger headache! :thumbsup:

Instead of corporate, try local. No matter what it is.