Get back to basics – kitchen paper products

I discussed yesterday the need to learn lessons from the past, and the old adage of “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” this rings true today in times of economic and ecological need! Things we can do o help the planet can also help us save money and improve our own financial situation and who doesn’t want to save money? I truly believe that the best thing anyone can do to improve their finances is to get back to basics so in this and future posts I’ll be discussing ways in which we can do that. One way we saved money and lowered our families carbon footprint was to ditch the paper napkins and opt instead for cloth napkins.

There is a lot of debate about which is more environmentally friendly cloth or paper after all cloth goes through processing, cotton farming is bad for the environment due to the chemical pesticides and fertilizers, what about the dyes? The transportation costs? The list goes on, well lets look at some of the claims closer:

Cloth napkins are made from cotton which is processed, dyed using chemicals isn’t this worse than using paper napkins?
If you must buy new napkins, then buy organic naturally dyed cotton, linen or hemp. Make the environmentally beneficial choice. However instead of buying new check out your local thrift stores, sometimes they have napkins or how about making your own from old sheets, shirts or tablecloths? Napkins are pretty easy to make afterall it’s just a square, a simple straight stitch will do the job or if you have a sewing machine or serger then you’d have a more professional look.

Cloth napkins require laundering isn’t this worse for the environment than the processing for the paper napkins?
In a word no, or at least it shouldn’t be. I’ve personally washed all my laundry loads in cold water for the longest time and had NEVER noticed any difference from when I washed in warm water. It’s the agitation that cleans not the temperature of the water. The only time I wash in warm water is when items are really soiled, generally though cold water always works fine. I used a a biodegradable laundry detergent (more on that in another post soon) and I line dry when possible.

What about transportation?
You’d have transportation regardless of which you used. Paper napkins, even the ones made from 100% recycled content have some kind of processing to undergo to make new napkins, then packing and transportation. Why not just use some old fabric remnants and make your own instead?

What about the financial costs?
Well if you make your own from existing or thrifted sheets//clothing/tablecloths the cost is negligible. Our family has a set of 12 napkins from an old bedding set which cost me nothing. Paper on the other hand costs around 1c each (average pack is $1 for 100 more if you choose recycled content). For a family of 4 that’s minimum 4c per meal. 12c per day which is $43 a year! Minimum. Why minimum? Well who uses just one paper napkin per meal? they get messy quickly because they aren’t as absorbent as cloth. Plus what about snacks? Spillages (they are so convenient)? The cost can soon skyrocket!

Next time you are in the supermarket doing your weekly grocery shop, think again about those paper napkins and make a more environmental choice, opt for cloth instead!

dalgal | My Bio & Articles