When it comes to paper towel, I feel like I should just not buy it at all. I mean really, at the end of the day, there are many ways around every reason I would ever use it....
However, when it is always sitting in it's pretty paper towel holder, upon my counter top... it will be used. And replenished.
So I decided to take action. Time to ween myself from paper towel tendencies.
I tossed the paper towel under my kitchen sink. Now, each time I want to use paper towel, I have my hand towels looking at me as well, which helps me make better decisions. And because it's out of site, I have already used mega amounts less!
Not to mention it's one more thing off my counter tops, which also makes me smile big!
I am such a fan of super smart and easy ideas that do good at the same time! Anyone else up for the challenge? How about any other quick and easy changes that makes a big difference?
Good for you, Jen! I also found that putting the paper out of sight makes you think twice before using it.
ReplyDeleteDo you use cloth napkins? They have save a TON of waste at my house. We got a set of white 100% cotton napkin about a year ago (they were actually my Easter gift from my mom - I love practical gifts!).
They've become our "everyday napkins" so I don't stress if they're a little stained (darn you, soy sauce) or wrinkled. However, cotton washes up pretty well and I bleach them every once in a while so they're holding up really well.
I'm a little backwards in that I break out pretty paper napkins only when we have company. :)
Great idea Jen! I'm doing this immediately!!! Though it won't be an initial money saver for me since I've been using the same old raggedy dish towels since college and really really need to upgrade. 10 bucks says I come home with more than just dish towels ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to try this out! (ok ok and to shop!)
xoXOxo
Jenn L @ Peas & Crayons
Ooh, I am going to have to go shopping also! We have some really nice cloth napkins for dinner parties, but not for every day! I agree it will be much greener! Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Jen
I went cold turkey a couple of months ago and just never bought more paper towels once we were out of what we had. I took 2 bathroom towels that didn't match any others and cut them up into smaller squares. I have those under my sink. One color is used to clean the counter tops and one color is used to clean up toddler face and hands after meals! We only miss the convenience of paper towels every once in a blue moon and I have figured that we have saved roughly $50.00 so far! Wa to the hoo!
ReplyDeleteCassie Allen
lifeofcassie.blogspot.com
I don't use many paper towels actually, and i do use cloth napkins, have for a long time...i honestly dont like the paper ones!
ReplyDeletecloth napkins are so easy to sew up too...and if you have a stash of fabric or hunt bargain bins, they are very little $ too!
I am amazed at how CLEAN under you sink is! I'd love to see a post (posts) on how you store things in the bath and kitchen under the sink...since i have started reading this blog i have turned my house upside down trying to get things more efficient and organized!
love it!
thanks
Great idea! I really only need paper towels for drying whole chickens. Keeping them out of sight would keep us from grabbing them all the time.
ReplyDeleteI am also very dependent on paper towels. I might have to try this! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!! REALLY! I love it! I hate my paper towel holder anyway! ;)
ReplyDeleteI am definitely going to try this one! I love your blog Jen and it has inspired me in many different ways! I also like the cloth napkin idea. Off to the store I am going to go!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration!
Jody @ designeratheart.blogspot.com
I've often thought about how many paper towels I use in the kitchen. I couldn't see myself reducing my use because I don't want to use up a million hand towels if I make a big ol' mess. But putting them out of sight may help me see other options. I've recently been using a sponge on the sink to clean up little messes instead of reaching for the paper towels.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea & I am glad to see someone tackling it! Good job :)
I did that a couple of months ago and it really has worked!! I bought some micro fiber clothes at marshalls and I try to use those.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby is always saying that we use WAAAAY too many paper towels. I will try this and see what happens. I also have tons of cloth napkins but only use them for company, maybe I will start using them for us too! It is just the 2 of us so we usually only use 2 or 4 a day.
ReplyDeleteI am a former paper towel-a-holic. About 2 years ago I bought a few packs of really cheap washcloths at Target. I stuck them in a basket on my counter and now I just grab one anytime I would have used a paper towel previously. It works great for us. A mess has to be very paper towl worthy in order for me to use one anymore.
ReplyDeleteAlso - recently, my husband replaced all of his white t-shirts. I've now got about 30 cotton shirts to find uses for. I've cut several of them up and have been using them as napkins. They're not pretty, but they are definitely functional.
That is a fantastic idea. I have been looking for a paper towel holder that will mount on the inside of my cabinet for weeks! The only one I found would not ended up being to big to fit under the cabinet. But I like your idea of simply putting it under there with out a holder. I am gonna try it!
ReplyDeletegreta idea Jen, I have never actually thought of how much we use. Hmm really got me thinking. Wow look how tidy you r under sink is. time to add under the sink to my cleaning out list
ReplyDeleteIt's so true, but after you give up the paper towels habit it won't seem so difficult anymore. I've been there.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes & love your site. I'm not super organized so I'm definitely coming back for all your great ideas and inspiration.
April from HomeHinges.com
this a great solution! clearing off the counter, reducing waste, saving money, its a win win win,and ill throw another win in there, incase i missed something.
ReplyDeletewe use too many paper towels and wipes in our house. that habit started when i lived in an apartment and had to carry laundry down to the laundry room (and pay cash) to wash it. no reason to wean ourselves off now.
as soon as my under sink area has space (its on the to-do list) i will be relocating mine.
We've been trying to quit, too. We've switched to cloth napkins and we're using real towels for cleaning, but like you said, there are a few times when it's nice to have paper towels. I might have to store ours under the sink, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI have bought 2 sets of great hardly used napkins for everyday use from the goodwill so try looking there before you buy new.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea, I just moved my papertowels under the sink with the organizing of it. Hopefully it will work.
ReplyDeleteOur cloth napkins are from the thrift store too - they are crazy ugly 70's patterns for the most part - but were brand new (or maybe just used a couple of times)! The kids actually get a kick out of all the patterns and now have something else to fight over...they all like the SAME napkin!
ReplyDelete