How Reusable Paper Towels are Changing the Way We Clean
Despite being surrounded by kitchen towels and dish sponges, paper towels hold an irresistible allure. Whether you're dealing with a wine spill on the carpet or your furry friend leaves an unexpected gift in the living room :) paper towels are so effective.
But, when it comes to environmental friendliness, paper towels are not so ideal, given their tendency to produce paper waste. Their single-use, chemical bleaching, and the fact that they are made from trees using chemical-laden processes do not make them a favorite. For those who desire to be more environmentally conscious but can't live without paper towels, reusable paper towels are a viable option.
This overview discusses their ecological advantages, best practices for usage, and provides suggestions for purchasing them.
Table of contents:
What are reusable paper towels?
Reusable paper towels are a more sustainable alternative to traditional paper towels, which are typically used once and thrown away. Reusable paper towels are made from bamboo or cotton and can be washed and used multiple times before needing to be replaced. This can help reduce waste and lower your environmental impact, as well as save you money in the long run. Additionally, many reusable paper towels are designed to be more absorbent and durable than traditional paper towels. This makes them a great choice for cleaning up spills and messes.
They work just like traditional paper towels, but they can be machine-washed and hung to dry, making them a more sustainable option. They come in a variety of sizes and styles. Using reusable paper towels can save money, reduce waste, and lessen the environmental impact, which makes them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious individuals.
What are the environmental benefits of reusable paper towels?
According to research by the New York Times, "At Harvard University, Rob Gogan, a recycling and waste manager, estimates that paper towels account for 20-40% of an office building's waste (by volume)." It was reported in Stanford Magazine that Americans use 270 million trees worth of paper towels every year, which commands a $2.5 billion industry.
We see how traditional towels harm our planet. That's why we recommend reusable paper towels instead of traditional ones. Here are the 4 benefits of reusable paper towels:
1-Reduce waste
One of the biggest benefits of reusable paper towels is that they minimize waste. They can be used hundreds of times, reducing landfill waste.
2-Help conserve natural resources
Traditional paper towels are made from trees harvested and processed into paper products, which require energy and resources. With reusable paper towels, you can reduce paper products and conserve natural resources.
3-Break down naturally without harming the environment
They`re made from biodegradable or compostable materials. This means that they can easily decompose back into the soil without harming the environment.
4-Save energy and lower carbon emissions
Traditional paper towels are often transported long distances before being sold in stores. It requires a lot of energy and contributes to carbon emissions. By using reusable paper towels, you can reduce transportation and your carbon footprint.
How to use reusable paper towels?
To use reusable paper towels sustainably, you should reuse them. If you know how to utilize reusable paper towels, you will take a big step in sustainability. It might seem tempting at first to give up on them because they aren't as easy as single-use towels. But as you may know, all good things take time. Follow these tips and you`ll see you can make it work soon:
To have backups if one is dirty or washed, keep at least 3 of them in your kitchen.
After every use, wash them with water and dish soap, wring them out, and then place them out to dry.
If you want to disinfect them after washing and make sure that they`re completely clean, you can put them in the microwave for a minute.
As towels are dishwasher-safe, you can put them in the top rack of your dishwasher machine every time you run it.
As they`re more absorbent than single-use paper towels, you can use only one for larger spills.
If you need more absorbtion, splash some water before use.
What are the best materials for reusable paper towels?
Reusable paper towels should be made from cellulose (wood pulp), cotton, or bamboo. The materials are grown in the environment and extracted from it. But don't forget to bring your own reusable paper towel. Yes, the good news is that you can create them with what you have at home! You can use ratty old hand towels or cotton t-shirts to produce super absorbent towels for big spills.
If you want to create these sustainable towels at home, you should use fabric scraps you already have available instead of buying expensive fabric. In this case, you cut down the waist while saving money.
Reusable paper towels come in different materials and have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are the best paper towel materials:
Cotton: It is one of the most popular materials. Cotton is absorbent and strong, making it suitable for cleaning tasks. It is also durable and machine washable.
Hemp: It is highly absorbent, antibacterial, and long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for everyday use.
Wool: It is incredibly absorbent and lasts for years. It is also naturally anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-static, making it an ideal choice for personal use and sensitive skin.
Bamboo: It is naturally very absorbent, hypoallergenic and antibacterial.
Microfiber: Microfiber is incredibly durable and highly absorbent, making it the ideal choice for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
Ultimately, the appropriate material for reusable paper towels depends on individual needs. All of the options listed above are exemplary choices for reusable paper towels. They offer a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to single-use paper towels.
How to wash reusable paper towels?
As reusable paper towels are made from cloth, they`re machine washable. Whenever they are so soiled, give them a quick rinse, wring them out like a sponge, and then wash them. Make note that fabric softeners can make paper towels less absorbent. So, never use them on such towels.
You can also wash them in a dishwashing machine. To do that, wring it out and place it on the top rack of your dishwasher for a deep clean. If you don`t want to use machines for washing them, add some dish soap to reusable paper towels and wash them by hand instead of using a machine. After the washing process, hang it out to air dry or put it on your drying rack with your dishes. Microwaves can be used to sterilize them. Put them in the microwave for 1 minute at high temperature.
Do reusable paper towels really work?
If you`re asking "do reusable paper towels really work?” the answer will be YES. The fact is that not only do they work, but they work even better than single-use paper towels. They`re more durable and are an ideal option for sustainable living. If you want your reusable paper towels to absorb dirt and liquids, I recommend choosing wide weaves. And don't forget to choose a fun pattern, so your kitchen looks stylish while you save the environment!
Not to mention that these kinds of towels aren't new. Before single-use paper towels were invented in the 1900s, people used cloths and rags to wipe their hands and clean up messes. In response, single-use towels were invented and became popular with clever marketing. But we should accept that reusable paper towels will clean messes just as and even better.
How many times can you use reusable paper towels?
Some brands claim that their paper towels last for 100 uses, but there is no universal rule about how often to reuse them. Actually they`re zero waste. It`s better for you to know that keeping them in decent shape will last longer. The right way to store and wash them is important to maintain a decent shape. Keeping them in decent shape not only helps the environment, but saves you time and money.
Best Reusable Paper Towel Brands
There are many reliable brands of reusable paper towels on the market. All of them have their unique features and benefits. Sustainable brands offer reusable paper towels that are highly absorbent and durable and can be washed and reused multiple times. Here are 6 of the bestselling reusable paper towel brands highly rated by customers:
1-Grove Collaborative
Grove Collaborative's reusable paper towels are made from organic cotton and bamboo. They are highly durable and absorbent. These sustainable materials make Grove Collaborative's reusable paper towels the perfect choice for your household needs.
2-Marley's Monsters
Marley's Monsters offers a variety of reusable paper towel options, including unpaper towels that snap together to create a roll. This is beneficial for the environment as it reduces paper waste, and it is also cost-effective for consumers as they can use the towels multiple times before needing to buy a new one.
3-Owl Creek Handmade
Owl Creek Handmade's reusable paper towels are made from cotton flannel and available in a variety of prints and patterns.
4-The Cheeky Panda
The Cheeky Panda's reusable paper towels are made from bamboo and are highly absorbent and soft. The Cheeky Panda is so cheeky that it even makes paper towels out of bamboo!
5- Bambu Home
Bambu Home's reusable paper towels are made from bamboo viscose and machine washable, making them easy to care for. With up to 200 times the absorbency of a regular paper towel and the ability to be used up to 120 times, Bambu Home's reusable paper towels are a sustainable and cost-effective option.
6-Bee's Wrap
Bee's Wrap offers a variety of reusable paper towel options, including single-use paper towels made from organic cotton and beeswax that can be washed and used again.
Each of these brands offers an individual set of features and benefits, so it's imperative to choose the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Reusable paper towels are an excellent choice for home or business. Not only do these towels provide convenience, but they also help to reduce the amount of paper towels ending up in landfills. They also reduce the environmental impact of paper production. For these reasons, reusable paper towels are an excellent choice for any home or business looking to decrease their environmental footprint.
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