Paper Napkins or Cloth?

 

“In a Gentle Way You Can Shake the World.” – Gandhi

When I came across this wonderful quote, I started thinking about gentle changes that positively impact the earth.  One such change is to switch from paper to cloth napkins.  It sounds silly, but here is the math.  If 50% of the U.S. population used 3 paper napkins a day, that would total 450,000,000 napkins for 1 day or 164,250,000,000 napkins over a 1-year period.  That’s a staggering number of paper napkins!

The manufacture of both cloth and paper napkins obviously uses resources and energy. According to a report published by the Environmental Paper Network, however, the paper industry (which includes all paper products) is the 4th largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions among United States manufacturing industries, and accounts for 25% of landfill waste and 1/3 of municipal landfill waste.  Additionally, in the manufacture of paper napkins, the chlorine bleach used to whiten them contains toxic compounds and the dyes in decorative napkins are also questionable.  And, paper napkins are only used once!

napkins (Photo credit: pinprick)

Cloth napkins alternatively, can be used over and over, often lasting for generations.  They can be energy intensive too, but there are several ways to minimize their environmental impact.

• Unless it’s organic cotton, it’s best to avoid cotton cloth napkins.  Cotton is labeled the world’s “dirtiest” crop because of its heavy insecticide usage.  Instead use linen (which comes from the fibers of the flax plant), hemp, vintage or your own made from fabric remnants.

• Reuse cloth napkins for 2 or 3 days, depending on how dirty they get.  Buy different colored napkins for each member of the family.  I jokingly match the napkin color to each family member’s personality, my napkin being green of course.  You can also individualize napkin rings.

• Wash the napkins with regular loads of laundry with environmentally safe detergent, and air-dry them.  In addition to saving energy by air-drying them, I find I don’t have to iron them!

Paper napkins are clearly more convenient, and for entertaining large crowds, picnicking or eating on the run, they make sense. Just make sure to use recycled paper ones.  According to MotherNatureNetwork, “If every household in the U.S. replaced one package of virgin fiber napkins with 100 percent recycled ones, we could save 1 million trees.”

Most of the time, however, use cloth ones.  Dig out your grandmother’s beautiful linen napkins and find yourself brought back to a simpler, slower time when gathering around the dinner table for meals and conversation was routine. That’s a pretty gentle change to me!

Information compiled from greengroundswell.com, mnn.com and thedailygreen.com.

 

 

GREEN BEDDING FOR AN UNUSUAL HOLIDAY GIFT

Image via Wikipedia

Need an unusual and green holiday gift idea?  Consider giving organic or natural fiber sheets and blankets.  We spend one third of our life sleeping, so go for the healthier option.  Permanent press, easy care, no iron, and cotton/polyester blends have usually been treated with formaldehyde, which has been linked to cancer, asthma and other ailments. Some sheets are labeled formaldehyde-free, but most do not indicate whether or not they contain formaldehyde.  Conventional cotton is often bleached and treated with dyes, and is one of the most heavily sprayed products, accounting for up to 25% of insecticides used worldwide.

Organic cotton, linen, hemp or bamboo bedding are all natural alternatives free of toxic chemicals, minimizing environmental pollution in the growing and manufacturing process. They usually use low impact dyes as well.  Bamboo sheets actually wick away moisture and are naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. They are perfect for people with skin allergies.  A great eco-choice, bamboo is naturally pest free, fast growing and sustainable. When purchasing bamboo sheets (or clothes), look for 100% Viscose from Bamboo.   Some bamboo textiles are actually rayon, which is made using toxic chemicals.

A beautiful natural wool, organic cotton, flannel or for a real splurge, cashmere blanket or throw also makes a lovely holiday gift that can be passed down for generations.  A warm bed with natural fiber bedding allows you to turn down the thermostat, increasing the eco-benefits since you’ll save money and energy!  A cooler bedroom is better for sleeping anyway.

Natural fiber and organic cotton bedding will wrinkle and costs a little more, but they are more breathable, comfortable and last longer. You can find natural and organic bedding online at Gaiam.com and GreenEarth Bamboo, as well as other online stores.  Bed, Bath and Beyond, Pottery Barn, Target and other major department stores also have a selection.

Introduce your family and friends to a healthier, cozier night’s sleep with natural fiber sheets and blankets.  While you are at it, get some for yourself – you won’t believe the difference!

Click here for more information about “Greening your Bedroom”.

Information compiled from green.life@sierraclub.org, treehugger.com and Green Living by the editors of The Environmental Magazine.