Americans use more paper towels than anyone in the world. Reusable paper towels are a great economical and environmentally friendly alternative.
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As a child, I remember a family friend scolding me for using too many paper towels to clean up a spill. It hurt my feelings, but now as an adult I understand: disposable wipes go through quickly, and the cost of constantly replacing them adds up. My family burns paper towels all the time, and it turns out it’s a very American habit: we use more paper towels than anyone in the world. Besides cost, the biggest problems associated with paper towels are deforestation, endangered wildlife, and greenhouse gas emissions.
However, there is a simple solution: reusable paper towels, aka “no paper towels.” They are not only economical and environmentally friendly, but also adorable. Instead of white paper (yawn), my favorite reusable paper towels come in fun colors and patterns—like fruits, flowers, and geometric shapes.
They’re similar to microfiber cloths, but are made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and plant cellulose. Reusable paper towels are highly absorbent and can be easily washed with regular towels.
Marley’s Monsters is making waves in the reusable towel world with its vibrant cotton flannel UNpaper towels with reinforced edges to prevent fraying. Believe it or not, the more you wash them, they actually become more absorbent. One user wrote: “The craftsmanship is amazing.”
If you prefer pastel colors, the zero-waste store offers reusable paper towels in earth, gray and white tones. They’re made from 100% organic cotton and even come on a roll so you can throw them in your paper towel dispenser. When you’re ready to replace them, toss them into your compost bin.
FEBU is just one brand of the popular reusable paper towels called Swedish Napkins. They are a staple food in Scandinavia and are often made from compostable plant-based materials. These towels are made from 100% cellulose and can be washed up to 50 times per towel. At $3 per towel, it’s a smart investment. One of thousands of five-star reviewers wrote: “They keep countertops really clean and don’t have a bad smell. I even washed them in the washing machine and they hold up great.”
I’m a big believer in Swedish tea towels, and your desire for well-designed homewares is enough to add another option to my list of favorites: Grove Collaborative’s adorable Swedish tea towels, which give these reusable paper towels a fun fruity pattern. These products are designed to last up to 12 months!
“They last a long time and don’t stink,” one customer confirmed. “When finished, it’s easy to put in the washing machine or dishwasher. A delightful addition to your kitchen.”
These cotton flannel reusable paper towels feature a cute sunflower design that will liven up your kitchen. They’re designed to roll right onto the paper towel dispenser, which is cool, but not even the coolest part of it. The company claims they can be used up to 100,000 times!
Judge for yourself or listen to what this buyer had to say: “When I first got these, I thought they were too pretty to use. But they wash very well and don’t leave stains! I don’t like the seeming waste of paper towels and using larger hand towels, they fill that gap and that’s my goal.”
If you’re a paper towel traditionalist and want to make the switch to reusable paper towels, these paper towels from KitchLife are the perfect choice. Bamboo towels are sold in rolls, just like you’re used to, and can be reused about 20 times before they need to be added to the textile recycling pile. One shopper wrote: “Great quality, can be rinsed and reused.”
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Post time: May-31-2024