How I did it: When I was growing up, we used far fewer paper towels than most people do now. For one thing, kitchen towels and sponges are far cheaper in the long run, and my parents were poor. For another, they're just so practical.

So when I got married and discovered just how many paper towels my husband's family routinely used, I was quite surprised! They never used kitchen towels and rarely used sponges...just paper towels.

When we were getting ready to move, I started crocheting dishcloths. I made us four, then bought some cheap dishcloths and inexpensive yet pretty kitchen towels.

We bought an eight pack of paper towels; it took us almost four months to go through them. Now, we use even fewer paper towels and napkins.

Lessons & tips:

• Buy kitchen towels you won't mind staring at. That way, you're more likely to keep them out where they're easy to get to.
• Keep some junk dishcloths and rags around for utilitarian tasks.
• Place a basket or bin in the laundry area or kitchen to hold dirty towels and cloths. If they're easy to clean up, you're more likely to keep using them.
• Buy cloth napkins and napkin rings to replace paper napkins used with meals.

Nov 06, 2008, 03:22PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer