A few months ago I stopped buying paper towels to see if I could live without them. I was VERY resistant to stop using them because they were so convenient, but when I logically thought about it I realized I didn’t need them at all. We had a drawer full of regular towels from our wedding (yes 4 years ago) that we’ve never used. So I just started using those as a replacement for paper towels. When they get dirty I just put them in the laundry room and throw them in with our clothes when I do laundry. The first real benefit is that I don’t spend any money on paper towels anymore. I haven’t figured my cost savings exactly but I estimate it to be about $120-140 a year. Modest but savings nonetheless.

Like I said I was incredibly hesitant to do this, mainly for reasons of convenience but I haven’t looked back. I think this is a perfect example of looking at an issue rationally and making an appropriate decision. I don’t need paper towels. I bought them because I thought I needed them and when I realized they weren’t necessary it was easy to change. I’m saivng money and I’m reducing the amount of waste I create. (And the regular towels don’t take up any extra space in the laundry.)

Thanks for the comments and the great thoughts already on this subject (Brett that was very well done.) I totally agree that it has to become part of our lives and that we can’t be self-righteous about it (like Mr. Gore.) But at the same time we do need to talk about these subjects and educate and inform people about the different options that exist.