Cold Turkey Paper Towels & the What Questions
May 27, 2008 by Jennifer
Yesterday, I posted about foil use, because a reader asked a question about it. Which made me think of how I quit using paper towels. Since we’ve got the paper towel challenge going on right now, I thought I’d share.
I’m not in the paper towel challenge, because we have zip paper towels at our house. We quit using them cold turkey. We didn’t ease down, or aim to use less, we just quit.
I asked myself: “What if the store was out of paper towels?” And, “What the heck did they do before paper towels?”
WHAT? Well, I’d use something else, find some other solution. Back in the day they used cloths and washed them. Or a mop. Or a plate. And so on. Asking yourself the question of “what” is actually a great way to go greener. It can be applied to so much.
What if the store ran out of foil? How did they ever manage? What if there was a snowstorm and you couldn’t get out? You’d use a lid, not broil foods on high, wash the cookie sheet.
What if your store was out of paper muffin cups? You could wash the muffin pan after using it.
What if your store was out of….
- Paper clips
- Juice boxes
- Video games
- Disposable silverware
- Toothbrush holders
- Water filters
- Tea pots
- Jarred baby food
- Sandwich baggies
- Magazines
- Soda
- Cotton balls
- Rubber bands
- TV dinners
- What else?
You’d manage. You’d find another way, find new entertainment, a new solution. You’d be ok. And I’m not saying that to be a good green citizen, you have to give up all modern conveniences. For example, I hope I don’t need to wonder what happens when the store runs out of toilet paper or god forbid my favorite red pens (yikes).
What I am saying, is that if all of us consider the what if questions a little more often, and try to find a better, greener solution, it could add up to a whole lot of change. The next time you’re at the store, try asking yourself “What if” and see if you can put one or two items back. Let me know if it works for you.
[image via Stock.xchng]
These are all good questions. I rarely buy the paper cups for muffins, I have fallen in love with spraying the pan and washing it after I’m done.
Kisha, that’s cool! I have some old dingy muffin pans. I shudder to think what might end up in the muffins if I cooked in them. I use those reusable muffin cups.