How to Make the Switch to Reusable Cloth Paper Towels

Every day we use paper towels for one reason or another. To clean the windows, dry our hands, soak up spilled juice, etc. Over 3,000 tons of paper towel waste goes into the landfill every day. It doesn't have to be that way and you can make a difference.

All you need to do is switch to reusable paper towels or "un-paper towels". Cloth paper towels are ridiculously easy to find and just as convenient, if not more, to use than traditional paper towels. You can use cloth paper towels for everything you use actual paper towels for.

Not only will you be helping the environment but you'll be saving money as well. Why keep paying for something that you will continuously throw away when all you have to do is throw it in the washing machine? It takes a small investment at first, but they'll last for years.

To go about finding cloth paper towels, you can take a trip to your local store. Here is where you can be creative and use your imagination. Anything that is absorbent and 100% cotton will do the trick. Once you're there, head on over to the kitchen department. There you will find lots and lots of decorative tea towels and dish towels. Some of these come in packs of 3 or more. To go even cheaper you can pick up a pack of bar towels.

If you don't find anything in the kitchen department, try the bathroom one. I was able to find a pack of 12 washcloths for only $4.00. They came in lots of different colors, which I liked to brighten up my kitchen. They also come in plain white. If you prefer to paper towels to be larger, you can try the hand towels. A lot of times I find these on clearance.

Another place to take a look at is in the automotive department. There are lots of microfiber and terry cloth towels that are very absorbent and will work great as a paper towel alternative. These are a little more expensive, but will definitely pay off in the long run.

Dollar stores are another great place to look. The price is right and you should be able to find every type you need from baby washcloth size to dish towels. I've even found some of the automotive towels there too. These might not last you as long because the quality is different than other stores, but it's a good place to start.

Then of course, there's always online! You'll find a treasure trove of sizes, absorbency, colors, patterns, etc. To do one better, check out Etsy. It's a great place to find people making their own items for sale, which are usually to support themselves and their families. Most of them are happy to custom make items and usually offer starter kits and sets.

Once you get a good stash of cloth paper towels, find a basket or a container to keep them in. Make sure it's in a convenient spot that's easy for you to grab one when you need one. Encourage everyone in the family to use them and soon it will become second nature. When you're running low, just throw them in the washing machine and line dry or put in the dryer. Some people wash them along with their bath towels or clothes so they're not running an extra load.

You'll start to love the convenience of reusable paper towels and the peace of mind it will give you. You will never return to waste making real paper towels again!