Going paperless in the Kitchen

I recently started feeling like I really wanted to reduce the amount of money we spend on disposable items, that with a little bit of extra work could be replaced by cloth.  It wasn't until I started doing a little research on it, that I was convinced to really give it a try....read on about "un-paper towels"...and see the end of the article for a one week special offer!

Why Un Paper Towel?

     

Everyone is always encouraging us to "Go Green" it's good for the environment right?  More importantly, it is good for yourself and your family.  Chemicals are everywhere.  The more we can do to reduce our chemical contact, the better it is for our health.  Paper towels typically contain chlorine (Sodium hypochlorite) this is used to bleach them and give them that nice white look.  Unfortunately this bleaching causes the formation of dioxin, an extremely toxic and persistent chemical known to cause cancer and disrupt the endocrine system.  If we can do this one thing and eliminate paper towels from our kitchen we will reduce our contact with this dangerous chemical.  

Using organic material in the place of paper products will reduce the chemicals we come in contact with as well.  Buying organic also sends producers a message that will help reduce chemical use in agriculture.

Here are some ideas for safe household cleaners to go with your un paper towels *

Single-ingredient, common household materials such as baking soda, vinegar, or plant-based soaps and detergents can often do the job on surfaces. Soap and water has been shown to keep surfaces as free of bacteria as antibacterial soaps do. If your carpet needs professional cleaning, enlist a carpet service that uses less-toxic cleaners that are low in VOCs and irritants.

• Baking soda works well to clean sinks, tubs and toilets, and it freshens drains as well.
• Vegetable oil with a little lemon juice works wonders on wood furniture.
• Simmer a mixture of cloves and cinnamon or use vinegar and water as a safe and environmentally friendly air freshener. Consider how you can eliminate odor problems rather than just covering them up.
• Use vinegar and water in a pump spray bottle for cleaning mirrors and shining chrome. Vinegar or soap and water with drying rags or a squeegee also work well for cleaning windows.
• Use reusable unbleached cotton towels, rags, and non-scratch scrubbing sponges for all-purpose cleaning instead of bleached disposable paper products.
• Use dishwasher detergents that are free of chlorine bleach and lowest in phosphates.
• Use bathroom cleaners that are free of aerosol propellants and antibacterial agents.
• For greasy or grimy messes cut up old T shirts for rags that can be discarded after use

As a bonus the average size family can save $100.00 a year by using recyclable washable un paper towels.  

*some cleaning suggestions from reduce.org

Click on either picture to see the organic hemp/cotton unpaper towels in my shop.  For my blog readers only use coupon code UNPAPER for a 20% on a set of unpaper towels  ONE WEEK ONLY! Offer ends June 16, 2012!