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Ditch Paper and Switch to Cloth

Did you know that the pulp and paper industry is the largest consumer of water used for industrial purposes, and the third greatest industrial greenhouse gas emitter after the chemical and steel industries? And did you know that paper accounts for a third of municipal landfill waste?

How much paper do you go through in your house? Why not take a few moments on Earth Day (April 22) to do an audit of your household’s paper use. Here are a couple of things to think about.

* Paper towels might be convenient but they are very eco-unfriendly. Buy a pack of terry cloths and use them to mop up spills and wipe down kitchens and bathrooms. Toss them in with a hot wash. They’ll last forever. Old T-shirts make perfect rags, too.

* Let’s face it: paper napkins are pretty tacky. Anything that has to be tossed after one use is wasteful. Invest in a selection of cloth napkins: they’ll last for years. Have everyone in the family pick out a different napkin ring so they can identify their napkin when it’s time for dinner.

What are you doing to reduce paper use in your home? I’d love to know.

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