Choosing cloth napkins over paper
Last weekend I had some friends over for a fondue party. Everyone thought I was a bit crazy, because instead of investing in some festive paper napkins, I brought out a stack of cloth ones to catch the drips of cheese and chocolate. I explained that as soon as the evening was over, I would just toss them into the washing machine, to await the next load of laundry. For me they are easier and more economical than buying packages of paper ones every month or two. I am lucky, because I inherited a supply of cloth napkins from my grandparents, so I have enough to last years. If you want to make the switch to cloth napkins, but don't want to spent a couple of bucks on each one at the store, look into making your own. Recently the folks over at Green Home linked to some instructions how to go about making your own. You can even repurpose old clothing by turning them into napkins. You could even go buy some holiday-appropriate fabric and make some napkins for use at your parties and gatherings throughout the season.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-24-2007 @ 7:08PM
Man said...
The only thing I would worry about is during cold and flu season you'll having festering piles of germ colonies in your laundry basket waiting for accidental cross-contamination.
Although I may be a bit paranoid.
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11-24-2007 @ 9:24PM
Jason said...
Too funny - I was just about to blog about this very topic. I even bought more cloth napkins from the local thrift store today. Then we were at my in-law's and my 4yr old son told his grandmother that she should use real napkins because throwing the other ones away is wasteful. It was pretty funny.
Anyway - great tip - I wish more people would follow it. Since we switched about 9mos ago, it's been great. I feel weird using disposable napkins in a house now.
-Jason
http://www.screamtobegreen.com
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11-25-2007 @ 9:37AM
Karsten said...
As long as you do not stop there. In the big picture changing your habits in other areas (anything that has to do with heating and cooling, meat consumption, transportation) is MUCH MORE relevant.
Make sure the napkins are made from organic cotton. Conventional cotton production creates a lot of pollution and releases a lot of toxic chemicals into our environment. To blow your nose you can just use old T-shirts that are cut into pieces.
And wash your things in COLD water. After they are REALLY dirty. North Americans have a peculiar attitude to "clean" and wash their things often.
If you wash the contents of your laundry basket you do not have to worry about contamination during flue season.
BTW, disposable napkins can be composted just fine.
Karsten
http://www.polluteless.com
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11-25-2007 @ 9:40AM
Karsten said...
Nice site Jason! (See above)
First time I see it, but I will be back again to look more.
Karsten
http://www.polluteless.com
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11-25-2007 @ 4:49PM
Jason said...
Karsten,
I agree with most of that, but buying used is also a great form of recycling. It's not exactly cradle-to-cradle, but it gives the item a new life. There are lots of ultra clean cloth napkins b/c ppl just don't use them - they think they're reserved for fancy parties or something - which is ridiculous.
Happy Holidays!
-Jason
http://www.screamtobegreen.com
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11-26-2007 @ 11:49AM
Karsten said...
Good point. Used is great. I buy used all the time. It only works as long as other people behave incorrectly or wastefully, but at least some of us are doing their share to counter the wastefulness. Anytime you buy used you cut pollution.
Karsten
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