What do you use kitchen paper for?
In many homes, kitchen paper is an everyday item - it's pulled out in the kitchen when something spills or when countertops need a quick wipe. Sometimes it's used to dry hands or even wash windows. But have you ever stopped to think about how often kitchen paper is actually used - and could it be replaced with something more sustainable?
The question arose for us when we ran out of yet another pack of kitchen paper and had to get a new one. Eco Paper Towels emerged as an alternative for everyday life.
The good thing about paper is... ease?
There's no denying it - kitchen paper is easy and quick. You use it once and throw it away. But that's where the problem lies: it's disposable. And even if you choose an option made from recycled fiber, the production and disposal of paper still burdens the environment.
Often, it takes several sheets to cover one, slightly larger stain (especially if the children are learning to clean up after themselves :) ) and at the end of the day, there is a pile of paper balls lying in the bio or mixed waste bin. And kitchen paper is not free - the rolls run out surprisingly quickly and you have to take them home regularly.
What about Eco Paper Towel?
Eco Paper Towel is a washable, reusable and long-lasting alternative to kitchen paper. It serves the same purpose: wiping stains, cleaning the kitchen, drying spills and wiping dust... you name it, but it is distinguished from kitchen paper by one big thing - it does not go into the trash. You could even call it paperless kitchen paper . I personally noticed in our everyday life that when the children wiped their mouths on kitchen paper during meals, it was a one-time wipe and the paper went into the trash. Instead, the same Eco Paper Towel was also used for the next meal. To my surprise, these have not disappeared (I saved one from the trash, right at the beginning when we introduced them), 12 pieces have been enough for us really well, for several days, in a household of four. These also dry really quickly, so the cloths can be washed and used again quickly :)
When the cloth gets dirty, we throw it in the basket intended for them, from where they are then put in the wash with the regular laundry (Note! You should not use fabric softener with these, as it significantly affects the absorbency - and that is not what we want). The cloths can withstand machine washing and use for a long time, and they do not lose their effectiveness with washing (it has been studied that cloths are at their best only after 8-10 washes!). So one cloth can replace up to hundreds of sheets of kitchen paper over the course of a year.
Practicality vs. durability?
Many people probably wonder if washing a cloth is too much of a chore. But if you have a washing machine running anyway, adding a few more cloths won't seem like a big deal. And when cloths are beautiful, durable, and comfortable to use, they quickly become part of your everyday routine.
We now use Eco Paper Towels in the kitchen, in everyday baby care (they work really well when moistened for wiping the baby's mouth and hands, because they are soft on the skin), etc. when cleaning up messes. I hear (my husband said) that these are also the best for cleaning/drying glasses, as they don't lint! There is still toilet paper on the shelf, but its use has decreased to a fraction of what it used to be. It is no longer the primary option, but a backup option.
Finally: small choice, big impact
Sustainable everyday life doesn't require perfection, but small choices - repeated actions that together create change. Eco Arkiliina is one of them. It makes everyday life softer for the environment, your wallet and your conscience.
What do you use kitchen paper for? How would you like to try something different?