Resolution #1: Less Paper Towels

I have a few environmental resolutions for 2010, and my plan is to gradually make changes in my daily life to help achieve the goals of reducing my dependency on plastic, limiting landfill waste, buying locally and watching what kind of artificial ingredients I put into my body.

OK, I admit it. I use way too many paper towels – and I use those nice, soft white ones that destroy virgin forests. I have tried the recycled versions and frankly do not like them at all (that goes for toilet paper too)! So I need to look for ways to use less paper towels this year. Here are the ideas I have come up with so far that may help you reduce your paper towel usage too:

1. Use the kind of paper towels that let you choose the size of the sheet e.g., Viva has these.

2. Use old tea towels instead of paper towels to clean mirrors and glass. Note: I have tried using old newspapers, but do not think this method works as well.

3. Only use paper towels to clean up spills that may have bacteria in it e.g. raw meat. Use a dishcloth for everything else, and just wash often.

4. Buy a microwave cover for heating up food, instead of throwing a paper towel over the dish. They are a couple of bucks at Target and they are dishwasher safe.

It is a step in the right direction!

Have more ideas on how to reduce paper towel usage? Please comment!