The Paper Towel Challenge

For years, I have been living as green as I can by recycling, reusing, organic gardening, composting, etc. However, when it comes to cleaning around the house, I am constantly struggling between using a rag or using a paper towel. I try to use a rag for a day or two for general cleaning around the kitchen, and then I throw it in the wash. When there is something I need to wipe up off the floor or there is a big mess, I tend to reach for the paper towels. Many times I believe I fear the spread of germs or washing too many rags. With the state of our landfills, I think the use of paper towels is worse than washing a lot. Besides, I would need to wash a lot of rags before it really would make that much of a difference.

For the next few months, I will keep track of how many paper towels I use per week starting on Monday.  I will post it here. Perhaps that will inspire me, and maybe you, to use less of them.

©Michelle A. Potter