How to Make Recycled Paper Towels
Paper accounts for half of the trash thrown into landfills by humans. Paper towels are a disposable convenience item used every day in millions of households, never to be recycled. While easy to use and a boon to anyone that needs to absorb a spill, the paper wasted and trees used in the paper towel-making process are not justifiable.
There are alternatives. Purchase 100 percent, post-consumer, recycled paper towels or make your own recycled paper towels with the directions that follow. While the homemade version will not be as soft or supple as the store-bought variety, you can be assured that your paper towels are very eco-friendly. Very little electricity is used, no fuel burned to ship them and all from post-consumer paper. What could be better?
Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Wastepaper
- Scissors (or paper shredder)
- Large waterproof container or tub
- Blender
- Wooden spoon
- Pitcher
- Window screens
- Rolling pin
Instructions
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Making the Towels
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1
Collect wastepaper. The best material for paper towel-making is soft-textured such as newspaper, nongreasy or chemical-laden used paper towels or facial tissue. Try a mix of those listed. Do not use any wax-coated paper.
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2
Cut or tear the paper into small pieces. Place all of the paper into the waterproof container (such as a bucket) or bathtub. Allow to soak until the paper begins to fall apart. Softer texture paper will break down faster than stiff paper.
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3
Scoop the paper out and into a blender. Do this a cupful at a time for a finer texture. For larger quantities, use a large wooden spoon to stir and "beat" the paper until it falls apart in the water. Stop beating when the paper turns into a pulpy mass.
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4
Set a typically sized window screen onto two folding chairs outside in a sunny location.
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5
Dip the pulp into a pitcher, then pour over the screen. Spread evenly with the wooden spoon. Place the second screen over the pulp.
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6
Using the rolling pin, roll over the screen and squeeze out as much water as possible. Continue to roll the pin over the pulp until no more water can be forced from it.
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7
Leave the pulp to dry for several hours or days if needed. Peel the paper from the screen once it has dried. Cut in half or thirds lengthwise depending on your preference. Roll up tightly and tear off however much you need when you have a spill.
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Tips & Warnings
Cinder blocks, bricks or wooden blocks can be used if folding chairs are not an option. Add bits of rougher paper to make scrubbing towels.
Do not overload your blender, place small amounts of wet paper in it. If using a bathtub, place a screen hair trap in the drain to avoid plumbing issues.
