This may not sound like such a big deal to you. In fact, I really hope it doesn’t – then you may be more inclined to join me.
Last year, I made the commitment to not use paper napkins in our home any more. So, all year long (and still today) we’ve used those “fancy” cloth ones we’d been saving for years and years for that special occasion.
Now, not having paper napkins at home seems like absolutely no big deal at all. And let me tell you..it’s not. That’s my point. In fact, I think it would now almost seem odd to have paper napkins available on our table at meal time.
Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been contemplating what “big” thing we’re going to give up this year to help the environment.
I’m not sure Pops has realized this yet, as I haven’t actually spoken the words to him – and I haven’t blogged about it until now – but, we’re giving up paper towels.
Again, this really sounds silly compared with all the important “goings on” in the world, but I’m all about the small efforts that become a part of your life and hopefully, last a lifetime.
Now, I’m sure he’s noticed that we haven’t had any paper towels in the kitchen over the past 2 months, but I’m not sure he realizes that I won’t be buying any more. He probably thinks I’m just having “Senior Moments” at the store when I go shopping.
Just like the “fancy” napkins, we have a basket full of kitchen towels that we can use in place of paper towels. If the mess is really icky, we have a basket of tougher rags to use also.
So, there, I’ve declared it – No More Paper Towels at my house!
I’m simply not going to buy anymore…that’s my decision.
Sounds easy enough, right?!
Well, you know what, it is just that simple.
Just make your decision and stick to your choice. That’s it.
Pops may read this post and the truth will dawn on him, but, I anticipate he’ll just be just as accepting as he was with the napkins.
Are you giving up anything this year to make your home greener? Let me know. I could use the inspiration for what’s next at our home.
Happy Green Day
~Lita
12 Comments on No More Paper Towels
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I do re-use/recycle paper towels when I can and use hand towels. I know I can do better and will try. It’s a little more difficult while at my parents…they have well water and we’ve been in drought conditions for some time. Water and the amount of laundry is definitely a concern.
As far as giving up toilet paper and tampons — not gonna happen! Not even going to look into it (except as a curiosity.) haha! More power to whoever can manage that trick…haha:))
Definitely some things are not for everyone!! It is sometimes impressive what people will give up – and I agree it does raise my curiosity :) I’m not sure Pops would go for the no toilet paper – he might think I’m a bit more nuts than he already does.
Wow still in a drought there, huh? My mom’s on a well too, but I haven’t heard her mention too much about it. Hope we’ll get to see you when we’re there!!
But when you use too much kitchen towels you will have to wash them more often and thus using a lot of water… I watched some movies regarding water and I know that there are a lot of countries where there is not enough drinking water and the US reserves of water are also coming to an end… I think it will be more green to think of the water, instead of the paper.
Paper can be recycled (if you collect your trash separately). Of course it’s a good thing not to use too much of it, but still…
Being green is actually very very hard for the people living in the big cities and when you pick one green thing to do, you usually do it by sacrificing something else.
Nadia – I also heard this from a friend of mine with 2 little kids and lots of messes to clean up. Fortunately for our household, it’s just me and my hubby – and thankfully not too many messes, so I haven’t noticed a big increase in laundry – in fact, I haven’t noticed any at all.
You are right though about recycling the paper – if people will recycle their trash. Very good point and I hope those reading this will definitely consider that too.
There’s always more we can do and little things here and there add up to a lot. I’m really hoping to inspire people to give it thought – all of it the water the trees, etc. and do what will work for them.
Now I’m off to check out your raw pineapple dessert recipe…OMG that sounds so delicious!
Thank you so much for your input!
My big change is cloth menstral pads. Not many women venture in that area, but I’ve found it to be no big deal if you have enough to last til laundry day. I do it for the environment and for my body. Great post!
Following you from the February blog hop on Bloggy moms and I think you have a cute blog!!
Heather From and Mommy Only Has Two Hands! and Lynhea Designs
Oh Heather that’s fantastic!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
And thank you for the blog comment..off to check out yours now – thanks again for stopping by!
White (well, unbleached) wheat flour. Last year we gave up paper products – paper towels, napkins, tissues, toilet paper, etc. This year I’m on a quest to make our food as close as possible to what grows out of the ground, both for us and the environment… so we’re giving up refined flour and white sugar (and anything we can’t get organic).
It’s much easier to give up paper products than I’d ever thought, though! We haven’t purchased ANY in almost a year.
REALLY?!? That is amazing – you are so far ahead of us on the giving up the paper. I’ll admit, I’ve hard of giving up toilet paper, but I haven’t looked any further into it…now you have me intrigued and I will look into it.
As mentioned by Nadia in another comment, there is concern about doing more washing. Truly I haven’t found that to be the case at all. In fact, I think I used paper towels more for the convenience – and I think I used them in abundance instead of sparingly.
For the past week, I’ve given up all refined flour and sugar. A friend of mine asked me to try it for 2 weeks to see how I feel. He said if I feel great to then consider continuing not using them or using them minimally. It’s only been 1 week, but I’m amazed at how I seem less hungry and have zero cravings! How does that work??? I think I’ve been living at effect of my glucose levels for far too long. I’m now motivated to continue and see if I lose any weight too. It really has brought another level of consciousness to my life about what I’m putting into my body.
Like you, we’re trying to eat as whole a food as possible. It really gets easier the more you proceed as I find I don’t even want to put anything unhealthy into my body now – and again no cravings!
Thank you for your comment and the motivation and inspiration it has provided me!
Love it! I have stopped using paper napkins as well. We use wash cloths at the table. Because I can purchase them really cheep and they wash up great. If we are having guest we use the cloth napkins. But not very often. I find they don’t wash up as well.
Now the paper towels. I will join you in this one. I just purchased some tonight. So as soon as they are gone… that is it no more. I will just watch for some sales on towels over the next few weeks.
good luck!
Good luck back to you!! Please let me know if it works for you and how you feel about it. I really feel like we were using excessive paper towels just because they were there – and we probably didn’t need to go through as many as we were. Especially now that we don’t have them and I don’t really feel much of a difference at all.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Well, I have gone to only buying the select-a-size paper towels so I only use 1/2 a sheet instead of a full one. Does that count?:)?:)
Of course it counts!!! Every little bit counts. Nadia commented about recycling the ones you do use – that’s another way to be green too. I’m really always looking for more little ways to create an eco-friendly home. I say all the little stuff adds up to a whole big bunch! Thanks for commenting!