Cloth Tools Replace Paper by Lane Vail
Americans, comprising less than 5 percent of the world’s population, use 30 percent of the world’s paper, according to the Worldwatch Institute. Some 13 billion pounds of this comes from paper towels, mostly landfi lled because grime-soaked paper is non-recyclable.
Ecological and economical alternatives include cloth dishrags, towels, napkins, wipes and handkerchiefs plus washable diapers and menstrual pads. Jean Calleja, co-owner of the Eco Laundry Company, in New York City, suggests customers buy recycled, organic, unbleached cloths and local products when possible.
In the kitchen: Use washcloths or repurpose cotton T-shirts into 10-by-10-inch squares to use regularly with a homemade all-purpose cleaner on surfaces. Replace paper towels with cloth towels for drying hands.
At the table: Cloth napkins enhance mealtime. Buy or make plain napkins (by hemming cotton fabric squares) for every- day use and celebrate holidays with fancy- patterned fabric rolled into napkin rings.
In the bathroom: Substitute chlorine- laden disinfecting wipes with homemade reusable ones.
DIYNatural.com recommends mixing three-quarters of a cup of white vinegar, three-quarters of a cup of water and 25 drops of essential oil in a glass mason jar. Stuff fi ve to seven washcloths into the jar, seal with a lid and shake, so the solution is absorbed into each wipe. Pull out a ready-made disinfecting wipe for a quick clean.
Laundering linens: Change cleaning rags often, hang-drying them thoroughly before adding to the laundry basket. Wash kitchen and bathroom rags (added to the bathroom towel load) separately each week. According to Calleja, “Presoaking rags overnight in a non-toxic, chlorine- free, whitening solution can make a huge difference in getting them clean.” Combine a half-cup of hydrogen peroxide with two to three gallons of water, spot-testing every fabric fi rst for colorfastness. Calleja also likes using a white vinegar and eucalyptus oil rinse aid to dissolve soap residue, soften fabric and leave a fresh scent.
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Toilet bowl cleaner: Sprinkle one cup of borax into the toilet at bedtime and then clean the loosened grime with a brush the next morning, advises Bond. Wipe outer surfaces with the all- purpose spray.
Wood polish: Bond recommends mixing a quarter-cup of vinegar or lemon juice with a few drops of olive and lemon oil.
Hard fl oor cleaner: Environmental Working Group’s DIY Cleaning Guide suggests combining a half-gallon of hot water with one cup of white vinegar in a bucket to mop.
Carpet cleaner: Freshen rugs by sprinkling baking soda at night and vacuuming in the morning, suggests Bond. For deeper cleaning, combine one cup of vinegar and two-and-a- half gallons of water in a steam cleaner.
Lane Vail is a freelance writer in South Carolina. Connect at
WriterLane.com.
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