Paper Towels, Paper Napkins, and Toilet Paper, Oh my!

I've been thinking a great deal about paper towels lately. I know, odd thing to spend my time thinking about. But I live in a dorm, which means an immense amount of paper towels are disposed everyday in my building. I honestly don't know that much about the paper towels we use, but if every person averages 2 feet, and there are 40 people on my floor that's 80 feet a day just on my floor. There are 4 dorm floors and 6 office floors in my building. Think about all those paper towels! Even if they are made from recycled paper, think about the energy it takes to make them, to transport them, to dispose of them. And that's just one building in one small town.

Of course, normally, people at home use cloth towels, at least in the bathroom. But what about in the kitchen? What about out in public? At work?

The same goes for paper napkins. Most of us use them in our daily lives--at dinner, at restaurants, for a snack. They have become so ubiquitous we hardly even think about them anymore.

So what's the solution? Well, in the kitchen, of course, it's an easy switch--cloth napkins are a good substitute for paper, and over the long run, they are much cheaper. Also, instead of using paper towels for spills, use cloth towels or sponges. They clean up spills just as well, and they can go into the wash with all of your other towels. Actually, sponges can go in the dishwasher to be sterilized; just make sure they can't fall through the rack. In the silverware holder is probably best.

But what about all those paper towels? Well, air drying is always an option. Most bathrooms provide hot air dryers; if not, shaking and air drying works. Or, drying hands on the clothes your wearing is also an option (if they aren't expensive!). At work, bring a cloth towel from home.

Of course, these are just some options. Going green sometimes means being creative, and thinking counter-culturally. So get creative!

Next time... toilet paper and tissues! :) Excited?

Shopping at Thrift Stores

I recently read an article about being green by shopping in thrift stores, and I think this is a great idea! I love shopping at Goodwill and other second-hand stores for several reasons. First of all, the prices are great, and you can often find some amazing deals. I picked up a tuxedo jacket that has absolutely nothing wrong with it for $5!

Now, that's not to say you don't want to examine everything you buy at a thrift store. Some are certainly better than others. I've been to some once and never returned. However, if you find a thrift store that offers good quality merchandise, you can save money and save the environment. Recycling clothing (and other items) like this helps cut down on the number of new items made. It also helps cut down on landfills. A nice third benefit is that stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army use the money you spend to help those in need. Truly, is there any downside to shopping at thrift stores?

Some people say the clothing in these stores smells or that you never know what's been on it. While that may be true, a good washing can take care of that. Yes, some of the clothing may be a bit thread bare in places or need a button or two fixed, but all in all, it's well worth it.