Make the Switch to Cloth Napkins.

green | August 26th, 2009 - 12:24 PM

napkins

According to the EPA, the U.S. generates approximately 3,430,000 tons of tissue, napkins and paper towels of waste. The eco-friendly choice of switching from paper to cloth napkins can help save natural resources.

Cloth napkins -cotton, linen napkins or damask – not only spruce up your dinner table, they also help save trees needed to make disposable paper napkins.

Families can save money by switching from paper to cloth napkins, however, the payoff comes later, realized in less garbage sent to the landfill, more trees left standing in the forest, and, eventually, more money sitting in your wallet.

Using cloth napkins means more laundry, but there is no need to wash these napkins after every use. After each meal fold the napkin or thread through a napkin ring and keep at each family member’s table setting.  They take up little room in the wash compared to a tablecloth.

Here are some tips the virtues of cloth napkins and for reducing your impact:

  • Cloth napkins can be used and reused over and over again.
  • Cloth napkins dress up your table.
  • Cloth napkins help with spills.
  • Cloth napkins take up less wash (in cold water) than a bulky tablecloth.
  • Cloth napkins are classy and chic.
  • Cloth napkins feel good.
  • Purchase linen napkins, not cotton.
  • Make your own napkins from fabric remnants.
  • Set your washing machine to use cold water.
  • Line dry your napkins.
  • When you go out, consider bringing your own reusable napkin.

For great ideas on cloth napkins and how to make your own check out:

Purge the Paper, Cut the Shirt: DIY Cloth Napkins

Using Cloth Napkins in an Eco Friendly Home

Cloth Napkins Save Money

Are Paper Napkins More Environmentally Friendly?

Where the heck can you find cloth napkins?

My family (and maybe your family) are killing trees in one fast swoop

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