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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.