011: A Practical Replacement

Discover a new alternative to paper towels!

We are constantly trying to find small ways that we can be less wasteful. We have presented a few different ways to do this in past posts. Today we came across a pretty cool idea. We discovered paperless paper towels, also known as reusable paper towels. Check out this website, http://cateyedkp.tumblr.com/post/28130255598/unpaper-towel-tutorial, for a fun way to create this alternative. Of course you do not have to get this creative! You can use dish rags in place of paper towels. Also, if you would like an option that is both organic and fair trade friendly, check out PeopleTowels at http://www.peopletowels.com/. Using these cute and reusable hand towels for your personal use, even when on-the-go, reduces CO2 emissions, conserves water and reduces landfill waste.

This fun alternative got us wondering, how many paper towels are used each year in the United States? According to the American Forest and Paper Association, 7300 tons of paper towels are used each year. That's a lot of paper towels! Paper towels were invented in the late 1800's. They were originally meant to be used as a medical item. We understand that the great thing about paper towels is that you can dispose of them and they are more sanitary. But, it is one of those things that is also very wasteful and completely avoidable. 

This week, when you go to reach for a paper towel to wipe off that mirror or clean up a spill, grab a dish towel instead.