“Man must feel the earth to know himself and recognize his values…. God made life simple. It is man who complicates it.”
Charles A. Lindbergh

Cloth Napkins or Paper Napkins?

Cloth Napkins  VS  Paper Napkins – You decide

I’ve been checking around to see if it’s time to make the switch to cloth napkins. Cloth Napkins can help reduce the piles of garbage in our landfills, save a tree, and save you a few bucks in the process. When choosing cloth napkins instead of paper, your cost will be offset by the reduced need to buy disposable paper products.

What are some of the advantages of cloth napkins? Cloth napkins are better for our planet. Paper napkins not only create waste, but come in wasteful packaging and take gas to ship. Cloth napkins feel better and work better than paper napkins.  Cloth napkins last forever and can be used long after their napkin life is diminished. Turn old cloth napkins in to dusting and

cleaning rags.

Even thought it takes water and energy to wash them, it is still more eco-friendly to use cloth napkins.  Just throw them in with your regular wash; you were going to do that load anyway.  Wash in cold water with phosphate free soaps and hang to dry if that makes you feel better.  In time, you will see that you really don’t need a new napkin every time you sit down to eat.  I bet if you’re a really neat eater and don’t serve red sauce every night; you can go days, if not a week on one napkin. Designate a place to store “in-use” napkins and use the same one until it is dirty. If you have a large family, designate a napkin ring for each member to identify their napkin between meals.

If you want to enter the world of cloth napkins, there are several ways to go about it.

The most obvious is to hit the stores and buy up all the cloth napkins you can find.

But we are trying to save money here folks, so look for sales.  If you don’t mind second hand, try estate sales, antique stores, and flea markets.  If you’re the crafty type, why not try to make your own.  Stop by your local thrift store and look for material there.  Even better – you can give a second life to your old clothing or old tablecloths by turning them into napkins

With little effort, you can save paper, save money,  reduce landfills, enjoy beautiful fabrics and patterns, and set a beautiful table. And you’ll feel good doing it!

I  came across the following three quotes that say exactly how I feel about the “Green Movement”…Let me know what you think.

“Are we exceptionally business-savvy tree-huggers, or just capitalist pigs with a social conscience?” EnviroMedia Social Marketing

“Blah Blah Blah Proprietary Methodology Blah Blah Consumer - Centric Insights Blah Blah Blah Just Make a Difference Already.” EnviroMedia Social Marketing

“Sorry, but there are no more seats on the Green Bandwagon.”