How to Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Paper Towels & Cloths
Paper towels and cloths are certainly convenient. You use them once to mop up spills, do a spot of cleaning or dry your hands and then toss them. Of course, this convenience is what makes them wasteful in terms of resources and energy. They also add to the waste going to landfill. Reducing the use of paper towels and recycling those you must use is something people trying to become greener probably want to consider. It is quite difficult to recycle paper towels in the conventional way, because they are made of very low quality paper and are usually soiled, but there are options. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Cut a worn-out cotton T-shirt or pair of jeans into 6-inch squares. These make cleaning cloths that do everything paper towels will and involve another piece of recycling. Once the cloths get dirty, simply wash them in soapy water and leave to dry.
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Opt for the hand-dryer in public restrooms rather than the disposable towels. Although the dryers do use power, it works out to be less than the towels and there is less waste.
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Use paper towels in your kitchen for as many jobs as they can handle before disintegrating.
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Carry a small plastic bag in your purse and save the paper towels from public, restaurant or office restrooms to clean with later. They aren't dirty as you only used them to dry your clean hands.
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Use natural cleaning products such as vinegar, lemon juice or a mild, biodegradable "green" cleaner with the paper towels you use at home.
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Compost the towels once you have used them. Paper is an organic substance and suitable for compost bins and heaps, provided it didn't soak up strong chemicals.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose recycled paper towels for those you must use. Consider requesting recycled towels for your workplace as well.
References
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