Over the past year or so, I’ve tried to create less waste. It has been a slow process, but there are certain habits I’ve been able to modify, and I have found great joy in these new practices.

One that I started this summer is exchanging reusable paper towels in place of typical paper towels. Basically, I have 12 rectangular shaped cotton flannel towels that are layered and then rolled onto a tube. I use these towels for cleaning counters, soaking up spills, wiping hands, and almost anything else I’d use a paper towel for. The only thing I still need to replace for paper towel usage is for taking care of my runny nose. Time to get out my granddad’s old hankies ;).

Although these towels are so simple and not super special, I find great joy in laying them each out and rolling them into a bright, sunny roll. This was actually something I first did the morning of the day my mom passed away. It may seem silly, but I think of her when I look over at the corner of kitchen and see the lemons.

Besides bringing a smile to my face, by using these towels, I am cutting back on deforestation, helping reduce waste in our landfills, reducing my carbon footprint, and reducing the amount of chemicals I’m exposed to as most paper towels are bleached.

In the end, I can’t change the world, but I can do my part and share what I do in hopes someone else will want to take less from Mother Earth too.