I can't remember where I got this idea, but it probably has something to do with the little piles of quilting fabric and sewing projects that are bundled in the corner of my basement.
I admit it, I'm a fabric collector. When I see used jeans or piles of free, second-hand clothes on the streets of Brooklyn I think - free quilt material!
But I realized that I was using too many paper towels - yes, we are all sinners. Sure I use the non-bleached, recycled kind, but still! I need to stop using them for the floor spills and the greasy spills...I use a sponge, and yes I use kitchen towels for drying my hands, dishes and produce. But those little disposable paper towels are irresistible! And lousy for the environment...and expensive! Ok, they're not THAT expensive, but if I can save $2 a week over the course of a year - why not!
So, here's my idea - a cute little collection of rolled up old hand towels, cut up pieces of absorbent fabric and retired, yet sterilized, cloth diapers. Easy to grab, easy to use and if they get stained and gross-er, no biggie! Just wash, dry and re-roll.
11 comments:
love that idea ... it looks much prettier than paper towels too.
My grandmothers used sturdy pyrex
covered containers that preserved foods very well even in old fashioned 'ice boxes'. These have lasted for decades and can still be found at second hand stores and garage/yard/stoop sales throughout the country.
Probably new ones are available too, but hey, if you can find them second hand go for it!
Store veggies in baggies made of your fabric scraps! Single or double layers work well, with old sheets making the best liners and heavier fabrics for the outside. Cut a rectangle then fold stitching outer seams with wide zigzag or serge. Use a long fabric strip sewn to the upper portion of the bag as a tie. These are colorful, washable and very long lasting. Wash with natural cleansers and of course prewash before sewing/using them.
I just think this is the BEST idea - reuse! I know it's tough to keep using a plastic container or spatula (fine, if you hand wash and it's not all scratched up), but imagine what happens when we throw it into the abyss - that's the worst thing we can do for our planet! So, I bid my "natural" paper towels adieu and head down to my fabric stash (yes, I'm a closet fabric-aholic, too), along with finding that box of grandma's pyrex...
Gerber flat cloth diapers purchased in 2003 that are no longer used for burp clothes are now used for cloth napkins, "paper towels", travel cloths; you name it we use it. The launder easily and dry quickly when on the road. Now that our son is 5 and table manners will be my legacy I pass along, the cloth 'diaper' stays on the lap better than a paper napkin and resemble more what a real restaurant napkin is like. I always say "when you go to the white house for dinner"...and now i'm happy about that - the recycled cloth will have played a big part!
What a great idea alex !
I use cloth napkins, all acquired "thriftily" and old or torn bed linens, clothing, towels, washcloths etc. for cleaning. For the rare occasions when I use paper napkins and/or paper plates - for large gatherings and such - I use paper from paper and compostable paper.
I have recently stepped up my efforts composting to now include not only the occasional paper napkins/plates but also lint from the dryer, worn natural sponges used for dishes/cleaning, used tea bags, hair from brushes that I use as well as when I groom my canine & feline companions. The amount of garbage my household produces has dwindled significantly and I am always thinking 'bout how to further reduce it.
i, too am always looking for ways to reduce my trash load. this week, my recycle bin(s) is full and the garbage can is only 1/3! if only i knew what i did differently... any ideas?
I love my heavy duty glass storage containers too - they're just so heavy and take up a lot of space and don't work for everything. I would love to use them for every little quarter piece of leftover avocado, but there is nothing like plastic wrap for keeping avocado edible until the next meal! If only someone could invent a perfect glass cover shaped like a cross section of avocado - you could press it into the open flesh and preserve the freshness without yucky plastic! Hmmm...now that's a good idea!
I do not use or purchase make-up or cosmetics 'cept for Weledas Skinfood.
Olive oil is my all around moisturizer.
I have used other edible skin softeners such as cocoa butter and coconut oil.
Olive oil being the favorite.
I have also taken to making deodorant and occasionally, lip balm.
Where am I going with this in regard to this particular topic ?
Well...
That piece of avocado you can't seem to find the perfect storage container for ?
Use it on your face as a non-soap cleanser and moisturizer or in your hair as a conditioner.
Your fridge and pantry hold a whole host of all natural entirely edible "cosmetics" for your hair and skin.
Don't even let me get started on how we do not EVER need to spend money on commercial oils,lotions, powders, toothpastes, hair conditioners etc, etc, etc.
I would LOVE to hear about any and all of anyone's ideas and/or recipes for the like.
Wait a minute Alex...
"Didnchu" mean to comment on the "pack it up, pack it in" post ?
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