But again, if there is something very dirty that I know is going to be a pain to clean I use my secret roll of paper towels that I keep stashed in the back of a drawer. Like when we accidentally tracked dog poop in the house. I think that's an ok use for them. I go through one roll in about a year.
+1 we have the special, sacred paper towel roll, as well. When a paper towel is used it's to wipe something
really gross, otherwise we use rags or dish towels.
Bacon can also be drained on junk mail paper slightly crumbled up to elevate the bacon above the paper. Or newspaper works too.
I cut open all my makeup and toiletries tubes, as well.
Dog toys: after going through tons of crap made in China dog toys, I took an old pair of jeans, cut them into strips, braided them, and made a pull rope. I feel silly pride when they play with it.