I always buy whole milk. At the time of use, I mix it with half water to get an approximate 2% milk. This especially works well in cooking and baking, you will not be able to tell the difference. It cuts the price and the carbs in half. Be aware though that it also cuts the nutrients in half. Children under the age of two need all of the nutrients when drinking milk.
I stopped buying plastic wrap, bags and aluminum foil. Instead, I wash, dry and reuse all of these items that come with packaging into the house i.e. plastic bread bags, produce bags, cereal bags etc. and I wash and reuse my aluminum foil that I previously purchased.
You can use lemon-lime soda in the place of milk in your pancake recipes including using pancake mix.