Changing everything in our lives suddenly in attempt to live green, may be more than most of us can handle. We suggest making just one small change or adding one new habit every week. These little things add up to a big difference over time. This week let’s:

Toss in the Towel: The Paper Towel

Lets make a commitment to only use paper towels when we really need them.

It happens all the time in most American homes. We grab a paper towel — or two, or three — to wipe up a mess when something is spilled. That’s what paper towels were created for, right?

Many of us also use paper towels for polishing our countertops, cleaning our mirrors or glass surfaces and much more. Yet, even when we wipe, rub and scrub; we still see streaks so we keep going until we’ve not only used up our entire supply of paper towels, but our energy as well.

Have you ever sprayed a mirror or a glass surface with window cleaner and no matter how much you rubbed and scrubbed with a paper towel, you still saw streaks and little swirl marks?

Of course. It happens all the time!

We do not have anything against paper towels. We all use them when we really need them. But there is a better choice when it comes to cleaning many of the surfaces in our homes.

“13 billion pounds of paper towels are used each year. That’s over 45 pounds of paper towels per person, per year. Talk about wasteful! If every American reduced the number of paper towels they use by just one per day, we would divert 571,230,000 pounds of paper waste each year.” ~The Energy Co-op

What’s that better choice than a paper towel? A “microfiber” cloth or towel, and it solves many of our cleaning challenges.

Microfibers are wonderful things. They are usually made with polyester, sometimes with other fibers added, and can be reused again and again and again with regular laundering. Just don’t use fabric softener because it leaves a residue on the towel.

The word “micro” is key: Tiny filaments that act like thirsty grime-seeking sponges. Microfibers are soft and eagerly grab dirt, spills and more, leaving the surface sparkling clean. Those shiny surfaces in your home are perfect for microfibers.

Those of us who believes in cleaning “green” and recycling should consider using microfibers. They are environmentally a superior choice. You can purchase them from virtually any store that sells cleaning products. Try them this week. you’ll be glad you did.

This weeks, lets all toss in the towel— the paper towel.