Creating a more sustainable kitchen isn’t as challenging as it used to be! With so many innovative (and good-looking) products, there’s no better time than now to start making your kitchen more sustainable. And, while there are a lot of ways to do this, finding some paper towel alternatives is a great place to start.
Paper towels are a big part of many people’s lives. And, while it may seem like an impossible idea, you can live without them. If you’re looking to transition to a more sustainable kitchen, here are some tips to make it happen. Just remember: as with any habit in life, change is possible, but it does take practice and consistency to be successful.
Benefits of Paper Towel Alternatives
- More trees.
- Less waste. Disposable paper products account for more than 25% of landfill waste.
- Money-saver. We added this one because we often hear, “I can’t afford to go green.”
At this point, you may be thinking, “I can’t imagine life without paper towels!” That’s why we’re going to give you some easy-to-implement tips to help you avoid your paper-product withdrawal:
- Go cold turkey. If you have them, you’ll use them. There is no emergency that another one of the products below can’t solve.
- Make a list. Jot down anything and everything you use paper towels for and then find an alternative for each situation.
- Get your supplies. If you’re prepared, you’ll be that much more apt to make the change.
Recommendations For Paper Towel Alternatives
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
The makers of these microfiber cloths considered different surfaces and cleaning objectives, so they can be used for just about anything around the house. Cleaning, drying, dusting – you name it! We also love that they’re color-coded to avoid cross-contamination.
Sponge Cloths
The Skoy Eco-Friendly Cleaning Cloths are a great replacement for the feel and function of a wet paper towel. A three-pack can replace 45 rolls of paper towels! They can also be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine and are 100% biodegradable.
Bowl Covers
If you use paper towels to cover bowls or containers of any kind, here’s your solution: Bee’s Wrap! It works great for covering salads or leftovers; no need for foil or plastic wrap.
Cloth Napkins
This one’s pretty straightforward. The options are endless when it comes to cloth napkins, and they’re a fun way to change the look and feel of your dining room table, too! Ensure you have a few sets so that when one set is being washed, you aren’t stuck. You can find them online, but we personally like to buy these in-person so we can actually feel them.
Bamboo Paper Towels
This isn’t at the top of the list as an alternative because it’s not as eco-friendly as some of the other products we mentioned.But, if you feel like you’re going to cave and go back to your old paper-towel ways, stop and try these bamboo paper towels.