A Few Easy Steps To Take To Reduce Your Kitchen Paper Waste
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Step 1: Cloth over paper
In the Askew household, we use colorful cloth napkins every day…(and they take up very little room in the washer/dryer, so don’t try to argue that the upkeep is expensive or a hassle.) Organic cotton kitchen towels, colorful hemp napkins, and hemp dish and kitchen towels will run from $4.00 to $20.00 depending on size/brand. Handi Wipes reusable polyester wiping cloths work just like paper towels on messy or sticky spills ($2.00 -to- $3.00 at most major drugstores). Or save yourself some mo money by tearing up old T-shirts, towels, dishrags into rags to clean up that spill by Johnny’s seat. By using these simple alternatives to paper towels and napkins, you will save a fair amount of money…and the environment.
For those times when paper is the best solution, look for processed-chlorine-free (PCF) recycled-paper goods with the highest post-consumer-waste (PCW) content possible. Check out: Seventh Generation 80 percent PCW, PCF paper towels or Green Forest 40 percent PCW, PCF paper towels (http://www.drugstore.com) and/or Whole Foods’ 365 brand 80 percent PCW, PCF napkins (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com).
Step 2: Eat less processed food
McDonalds is not a food group.
Now, go open your pantry door. What do you see? If you are anything like what we used to see…you’ll likely be staring at rows of paper or cardboard packaging, which doesn’t accompany fresh food. While you may not be able to avoid processed food entirely because of your fast moving schedule, you can:
1) Know what’s recyclable. Most cardboard and paperboard boxes are recyclable, but aseptic cartons may not be accepted by your curbside recycler.
2) Buy less packaging. Cereal packaged in plastic alone requires less packaging overall (and less fuel to ship), and saltine crackers don’t need to be packaged individually. Pack lunches in reusable containers and minimize your use of ziplock-like plastic bags.
Step 3: Reuse your coffee filters.
While I and my wife do not like the flavor of coffee, and therefore do not own a coffee pot (warning, warning…If you want coffee at the Askew household you must bring it with you!), we’ve been told by our java-loving friends to stop using paper filters and try a filter-less French press, like the classic Chambord made by Bodum (http://www.bodumusa.com, 800-232-6386). In drip coffee makers, reusable cone or basket filters can get rid of the oils that will be left behind by French-presses, but metal filters may not remove them as thoroughly as hemp cloth (http://www.greenfeet.com, 888-562-8873).
- Scott Askew
Posted in: Intown Living