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?