This was something that put more money in our pockets instantly! We stopped using napkins and paper towels. We were spending at least $5.00 a week just to wipe our mouths and clean our house. Every week, my cart would be loaded with another round of paper products. Every week, I kept thinking "there has got be a better way!" And there is!
For napkins at mealtime, we use cotton cloths that I crochet. You can whip up at least two from a $1.47 ball of cotton yarn at your local chain store. I use my kids' favorite colors so they can use them for an entire day and not get them mixed up before throwing in the wash. Or, simply use a value pack of inexpensive washcloths that can be purchased for a mere $4.00 at Walmart!
As far as paper towel substitutes, I simply cut up our old t-shirts, sweat-pants, etc. They work like a charm for windows, mirrors and bathrooms. Saves the environment, space in my shopping cart, and money in my wallet. I can't believe I didn't do this years ago! :)
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I make knitted cloths never thought to use them as napkins. Great idea. I use cut up towels and T shirt instead of paper towels. Big money saver and it does a better job.
I used cloth napkins and for cleaning I used old dishtowels, handtowels or washcloths. I too thought I was helping the environment as well as my pocketbook.
Cisco's mom has not correctly calculated the carbon footprint. No need to use the dryer; trees are not swiftly replaced whereas cotton is more available. Recycled Tshirts make great paper towel substitutes. I buy cotton napkins at yard sales, and now have hundreds that are in some cases 30 years old, not yet clogging the landfill.
An environmental impact statement on paper products strongly favors eliminating them from your house. I buy only toilet paper. My shopping cart is almost empty and so is my trash can.
This means avoiding supermarkets, going to veggie markets and yes supporting my local merchants who can hold prices down if they have reliable customers. The little more they charge is saved on gas mileage. Pleasant customer service from grateful merchants makes shopping a daily pleasure. Try it all folks, you can improve the quality of life in only one month and enjoy the bonus of more cash in your pockets.
I agree that using cloth napkins and rags for cleaning saves a lot of money. We have been doing this for about 10 years. I also keep a container of small rags under the sink for the greasy, red sauce spills that I don't want to stain my regular cloths I use in the kitchen.
I don't need to "calculate a carbon footprint". I already know whether it is better to spend $20 a month on throwaway paper goods or to use cloth that has already been paid for and has already lived a useful life of service in my house in one form before a scissored transformation gives it a new usefulness. My common sense tells me that to reduce, reuse, and recycle is better in the long run...and the short run.
Honestly - I'm going to be washing clothes anyway and the volume of napkins and cleaning cloths is really small compared to the normal loads I do. Using a drying rack or clothesline saves money and energy as well.
I have been using cloth napkins for years. I find some at yard sales and make most of them with remnants from my quilting hobby. I have cloth napkins for all the holidays. I use old flannel pj's or old kitchen towels for dish wash cloths and use one a day and dry and then toss in my basket to be washed and reused.
For tissues I have been using a roll of toilet paper in a boutique tissue box. I made covers for them from fabric and also plastic canvas. Yes, cleaning cloths are always available from old clothes (T shirts, pjs, sweat clothes) I am now in the process of making coasters for my glass of water that I use on my night stand and TV lamp table. I have been using paper towels but will start using these cloth coasters when I get enough of them sewn. You are right, I have saved a lot of money.
I've been using washcloths as napkins for over 40 years. It started when the children were little, and occasionally spilled a drink. So the rule was, if someone tipped over a glass, everyone threw their napkins on the spill - with four, five, and then six thirsty terry cloths absorbing it, the spill was quickly contained and then cleaned up.
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