Useful extras

December 27, 2007

Say “no” to paper napkins and paper plates

By Kashi Read more daily challenge, eco-friendly, and entertaining
Challenge Yourself for: 24 Hours

When you’re entertaining, it’s tempting to use disposable dishes and napkins to avoid the clean-up afterwards. But sticking to the more environmentally-sustainable options really is a lot more responsible. If you’re in the habit of using disposable paper products when you entertain, challenge yourself the next time you have people over. Use cloth napkins and real plates instead. Or, when your event calls for more portable dishes, choose one of the new eco-friendly options, like 100% recycled plastic plates from Preserve Tableware, plates and trays made from fallen leaves by Verterra, or bioplastic plates made from corn, bamboo, or sugar cane.

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  1. 48_avatar 75

    I eat off of small desert plates that are interesting & beautiful it makes taking a break to eat actually relaxing & enjoyable.

  2. User_48
    vintageval commented on this. about 1 year ago

    I have always loved using REAL plates and REAL napkins…regardless of the “extra work” involved in cleaning up. We’re throwing a large Christmas party with the theme “GREEN” (eco-friendly)and I am excited to use all my holiday REAL plates and napkins and my husband is fighting me saying its more work (he usually handles KP duty!)…I can’t wait to bring home the MANY articles I have found on the eco-friendliness of my option :)

  3. User_48
    Gramabink commented on this. over 2 years ago

    Since finding your website to support my use of your products, I have sent your webpage information to my sister in Jacksonville, Florida, my daughter in Thornton, Colorado and my son and wife and daughters in Luther, Oklahoma. When my grand-daughters ask for cereal they just love Straberry Fields and Wild Blueberry, these are my favorites also.
    Thanks again.

  4. User_48
    VHG commented on this. over 2 years ago

    There are times when disposables are a “must.” However, using the “real thing” is always nicer and definitely more conservative for our environment. Consider, too, paper napkins. How about using old cotton shirts, table cloths, skirts, etc., and cutting them into squares, hemming them and using them. You can use the same one for several meals and each family member’s napkins gets put back at his/her place. Or you can toss them in with the wash after each meal. They are small, don’t require ironing, feel good to use, and are definitely better than the little paper napkins.

  5. User_48
    Gramabink commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I am a big offender of this “paper products” for family gatherings, my next gathering is this July, I will start with NO paper products and wash them with seventh generation diswashing products..which I already use for all my washing needs. I will let you know how I succeed. This is quite obvious, but sometimes we need to hear it to give us a boost to do the right thing.

  6. User_48
    gentle commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I have stopped using paper plates. I never use paper or plastic cups unless I am having guest for an outdoor event. However, I have cloth napkins with intent to stop using paper towel. I imagine this will not be easy. Paper towel readily accessible at the kitchen sink and easy to throw away.

  7. User_48
    Nan52 commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I’ve made the decision to get rid of paper product one at a time. I am finishing up the last of my paper napkins. I use cloth napkins now. They really don’t take up too much space in the laundry. I don’t iron them unless company is coming.
    Don’t want to pay the price for them?
    Make them out of old towels, sheets, shirts, nightgowns, whatever you may be getting rid of.
    Don’t have a sewing machine, sew the edges by hand.
    don’t know how to sew, you can learn, I taught both my husband and my son. They both now sew better than I do. It can be FUN to go green.

  8. 48_thumbnailcaopgm4e
    naturexgrl commented on this. over 3 years ago

    If only there are biodegradable paper cups, plates, etc. sold here. But I choose my paper party goods that are safe. Like DART, for instance. They use safe insulated walls.

  9. User_48
    deedee1 commented on this. almost 4 years ago

    I am all for going green when ever possible, but I hate doing laundry so I wouldn’t use cloth napkins unless I was hosting a really fancy dinner. As far as the paper towels go, think of all the germs that are not being shared by using hand or dish towels. I only use paper plates when I am in a time crunch.

  10. 48_colorfuldaisy
    rnirish commented on this. almost 4 years ago

    No more paper plates & cups. I still use paper towels, however! I tried using a dish towel to dry my hands at the kitchen sink, but, I still go back to paper towels. I’ll keep working at it, tho.

  11. User_48
    jaballinger commented on this. about 4 years ago

    I rarely use paper plates and never paper napkins, but those darn paper towels by the sink are sooo convienent. I am trying to use cloth towels more though.

  12. 48_ln47
    TruTallica commented on this. about 4 years ago

    This one is definitely an easy one for me, I would rather wash dishes than to throw a huge bag of trash away. Dishes are much more appealing to me than a smelly bag of trash.