Luckily, bleached paper towels no longer contain active bleach components and can be composted. One of the benefits of bamboo is that it can be grown without fertilizers and pesticides, although that doesnt mean that all bamboo growers grow it that way. It can take up to a month for them to break down. Bamboo paper towels are produced the same way as other paper towels. Theyre biodegradable. 11 Facts (You Should Know), Are Wooden Toys Eco-Friendly? The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. This will likely lead to anaerobic bacteria problems. Have you tried using compostable paper towels? Related: How to Make Streak-Free DIY Glass Cleaner. Jeffrey Douglas own a landscaping company and has been in the business for over 20 years. The recycled content can be as high as 80% or more, depending on the brand. Best of all, not only is Who Gives a Crap committed to making products that are better for the planet, but theyre also dedicated to making the planet a better place! #mc-embedded-subscribe-form .mc_fieldset{border:none;min-height: 0px;padding-bottom:0px;}. Here are some even more eco-friendly alternatives to bamboo paper towels. Even though a lot of bamboo paper towels are reusable, they are only reusable so many times. This is the most eco-friendly disposal method. They are better off in a composting bin than in a landfill. Thats why I also keep a roll of these best eco-friendly paper towels handy. There are some drawbacks to using compostable paper towels. Studies have shown that bamboo fibers have no natural antibacterial properties, but some regenerated bamboo fibers do. 12. 13 Crucial Facts (You Should Know), Are Rubber Bands Eco-Friendly? This means theyre completely compostable. When compared to regular paper towels, bamboo paper towels are more eco-friendly due to fact that bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can be grown without the use of pesticides. When I first got into composting, I wondered whether I had to throw them away. 10 Common Questions (Answered). Brooms and dustpans can be used to clean up liquid spills and dust, and they can be washed and reused multiple times. If youre looking solely at how the paper towels themselves are made, then bamboo paper towels are not that eco-friendly, especially when compared to regular paper towels that are made in pretty much the same way. I always have a lot of paper towels lying around. How Do You Dispose of Bamboo Paper Towels Properly? This B Corp-certified company uses carbon neutral shipping and donates 50% of its profits to charity partners that help improve water, hygiene, and sanitation systems in developing communities. Heres your answer. Seventh Generation has two great options for eco-friendly paper towels. These chips are then put into a machine along with chemicals, which are then heated. Notify me when thisproduct is back in stock: All of our environmentally friendly paper towels are made from recycled or recovered materials. The pulp is then run through several more machines that bond the pulp together, flatten it out, and then dry it. Compostable paper towels are more environmentally friendly because they can be composted and turned into soil amendment. Additionally, the panda-friendly and organically grown bamboo comes from FSC-certified forests. 10 Best Eco-Friendly Baby Wipes for Natural Diapering, Copyright 2022 Earth Friendly Tips | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. When composted under approved conditions, the final product breaks down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass in less than 12 weeks. 9 Common Questions (Answered), Are Metal Utensils Eco-Friendly? Related: The Most Effective Natural Drain Cleaners. Mops can be used to clean up liquid spills and dust, and they can be washed and reused multiple times. Are Bamboo Paper Towels Antibacterial? Where can you find compostable paper towels? Resin is used to make the fibers bond with each other. Since bamboo paper towels cant be recycled, you have two options for disposing of them. 2 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Bamboo Paper Towels, What Makes Soap Eco-Friendly? Theyre better for the environment. You can cut, shred, or tear them up into small pieces to speed up the composting process. Bamboo is native to Southeast Asia, including China which is one of the largest countries in the world and where a large majority of bamboo is grown. The center pull varieties are perforated with perfectly-sized towels to help stop overuse and unnecessary waste, further helping the environment. This process separates the bamboo fibers from other substances found in the plant and turns the fibers into pulp. Weve already touched on some areas in which bamboo paper towels are better than regular paper towels, but now lets look at them in more detail. Then please be sure to explore some of our other popular posts: #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } They also dont contain any dyes, inks, or fragrances. But if you look at the bigger picture, including what the paper towels are made of as well as their disposal, then yes, bamboo paper towels can be eco-friendly if the bamboo is grown the right way. Scott Towels, Viva Towels, and Bounty Towels are also popular options. If you dont have either of those things, you can tear the paper towels into small pieces. The only major difference is what they are made from. It depends on how thick your paper towels are, the amount of biodegrading bacteria in your pile, and the moisture level of the compost. You can also find them online, or at specialty stores that sell green products. She spends her time writing about green living advice, cultural exploration, social activism anything that interests her! For starters, bamboo paper towels are more sustainable not only because bamboo grows faster than other trees used to make paper towels, but because it can regenerate on its own. Can you put them into your compost pile? 9 Facts (You Should Know), Are Wax Melts Eco-Friendly? Your email address will not be published. Theyre more absorbent. 8 Important Questions (Answered), Are Vinyl Gloves Eco-Friendly? 12 Important Facts, Are Tissues Eco-Friendly? She has seen many places in her travels and shes ready to see more. Although having the ability to biodegrade is an eco-friendly quality, it is only truly eco-friendly if the paper towels actually are allowed to biodegrade. But although bamboo paper towels themselves are sustainable, the bamboo used to make them may not be grown in the most sustainable way. First, using bamboo means 65% less carbon emissions are released when compared to using trees. But besides growing the bamboo itself, there are other aspects of bamboo paper towels that make them more eco-friendly than regular paper towels, including their sustainability and the disposal of them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Green paper towels provide the same absorbency as other options, but without the excessive waste during use and chemical discharge during manufacturing. And bamboo is biodegradable just like most other plants. Of course, Im also a mom to a young boy and a cat. When they go to a landfill, they will biodegrade over time, but the rate of biodegradation will be much slower if they are inside a plastic trash bag. As youve probably guessed, bamboo paper towels are made from bamboo. Just make sure they are 100% paper if they have a coating or wax, they wont compost. There was a problem submitting the request, please try again. Adding paper towels to your compost mix is especially good if you dont have enough dry leaves to add to the mix. Because paper towels and other paper products are made from plants, they can all be broken down by the environment. Compostable paper towels will decompose over time, unlike non-compostable paper towels, which will sit in landfills for centuries. The two-ply paper towels are also extra absorbent, which makes it easier to clean up all those messes. They then have to be completely replanted and grow up to 30 years before their wood can be harvested again. This means youll save money in the long run by not having to replace them as often.3. As long as the paper towels arent soiled with chemicals, you can compost them. Regular paper towels are made from trees, while compostable paper towels are made from 100% recycled material. 11 Facts You Should Know, Are Wooden Candle Wicks Eco-Friendly? Marcal offers Green Seal Certified paper towels made from 100% recycled paper. Related: Where to Find the Best Tree-Free Greeting Cards. If you shop using these links, I might make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Are you looking for a disposable towel that is both compostable and biodegradable? #mergeRow-gdpr {margin-top: 20px;} Their forest-friendly paper towels are made from a blend of sustainable bamboo and sugarcane. Earth-conscious products for the busy, eco-conscious people. When youre done with them, just toss them in the compost bin and theyll biodegrade quickly! Finally, the new paper is stamped with the Compostable Logo certifying that it meets the ASTM D6400 specification for biodegradability. Your email address will not be published. If so, you may be wondering if paper towels fall into that category. If youre looking for the best eco-friendly paper towels for your home, youll love these sustainable options. 13. After that, machines turn the pulp into paper towel. They work just like regular paper towel, but can be composted in your backyard compost bin. Once the pulp has been derived from the plant, it is cleaned and whitened, usually with the use of bleach. But, some areas are looking at using bamboo as a way to restore forests due to how quickly it grows. They can also hurt the microorganisms and microbes in your compost pile. Theyre cheaper in the long run. It can also attract animals like bears and raccoons. They will break down in the compost bin and add valuable nutrients to the soil. When it comes to composting, paper towels are just like any other paper. Since these tree-free paper towels are made using either bamboo or recycled paper, you can feel good knowing youre making a sustainable choice and saving trees at the same time. Rollers heat and dry everything. Repurpose, the same company that makes it amazingly easy and affordable to have a zero waste cookout, also has premium bamboo paper towels that are strong and thick enough to take care of all types of messes around the house. Eco friendly alternatives to using paper towels for cleaning up messes. Copyright 2022 | BustlingNest.com, All rights reserved. Regardless of whether paper towels are made from bamboo or not, they should never be flushed because they can clog up the sewage system and lead to expensive repairs. One of the most important parts of having a zero waste kitchen is cutting back on paper towel waste. Some of the most popular ones include Seventh Generation, Preserve, Green Forest, Earth Friendly Products, World Centric, Caboo, Bambooee, If You Care, Natural Value, White Cloud, and Cottonelle. In the grand scheme of things, bamboo paper towels are eco-friendly compared to traditional paper towels. Even though bamboo paper towels arent recyclable, the roll they come on is as long as it is made from cardboard. Their paper towels are made from bamboo and sugarcane. You can buy them or make your own. The bark is carefully removed from the wood and carefully chipped into small pieces. Now that you know more about the best eco-friendly paper towels, are you interested in checking out some more helpful eco-friendly living tips? When that happens, choose one of these best eco-friendly paper towels. These paper towels use panda-friendly bamboo and sugarcane fibers that are a natural by-product of sugar manufacturing. Even though some land is likely cleared to grow bamboo as well, its usually a lot less since the trees can regrow on their own and dont take as long to grow. 14. You might be familiar with Who Gives a Crap because they make outstanding eco-friendly toilet paper. The two-ply paper towels are made with a minimum of 80% post-consumer recycled content. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the GooglePrivacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Required fields are marked *. Yes, you can compost regular paper towels. Where the bamboo used to make paper towels is sourced from makes a big difference as to how eco-friendly the paper towels actually are. One eco-friendly alternative to using paper towels for cleaning up messes is to use a cloth rag. Most are made of 100% recycled paper and break down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass in less than 12 weeks when composted under approved conditions. If you used them to wipe up water, dirt, or plant-based foods, they wont hurt your compost. However, in a general sense, they are more sustainable than regular paper towels. Since paper towels are intended to be used for food, they have to be made under strict regulations that ensure that they wont cause harm to the consumer. Even though bamboo paper towels are more eco-friendly than regular paper towels, there are some areas where they lack. For your convenience, this post might contain affiliate links. Additionally, if youre looking for an even more sustainable option, you can use a rag made out of organic cotton or another sustainable fabric. Even better, the rolls are conveniently delivered right to your door with free shipping in the contiguous United States. Bamboo paper towels are made the same way as regular paper towels. Cleaning products often contain chemicals. Our fast shipping, low prices, and outstanding customer service make WebstaurantStore the best choice to meet all of your professional and food service supply needs. They use plastic-free packaging and plant a tree for every 50 rolls that are sold. If you are composting at home, you might ask the same question. Also make sure to check out other great items from Lavex Janitorial, Sierra Hygiene, Kleenex, Merfin, Pacific Blue and Scott. Your other option are these unbleached paper towels. Theyre also biodegradable and free of inks, dyes, chlorine, and fragrance. In the end, bacteria will break it down into carbon dioxide and other simple elements. Natures Greatest is another excellent tree-free paper towel option. This means that fewer trees needed to be cut down in order to manufacture these paper products as opposed to standard paper towels. Put serviettes, napkins and food-soiled paper towels in your green cart for composting. Plus, The Cheeky Panda does more than offer sustainable products. 9 Important Facts, Are Reed Diffusers Eco-Friendly? Are Bamboo Paper Towels Better Than Regular Paper Towels? Theyre also made without inks, dyes, or fragrances. You dont want any of this in your compost bin. Theyre also non-GMO project verified, hypoallergenic, and free of lint, fragrance, BPA, parabens, and chlorine. Paper towels create large amounts of waste in landfills. Ecotsy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Jessica Patterson is a writer, activist, and wanderer. As far as how each type of paper towel is made, they are comparable since the process is the same. Learn more about Mailchimps privacy practices here. The Non-GMO Project Verified paper towels are also free of chlorine bleach, fragrances, and BPA. Theyll eventually turn into rich, dark compost that you can use to fertilize your garden or houseplants. He loves all things related to lawns or gardens and believes that proper maintenance is the key to preventing problems in the first place. Most paper towels are made of a mix of recycled and virgin paper. In general, most paper towels are not compostable, as they are made from non-biodegradable materials like plastics and synthetic fibers. If you use paper towels to clean up oil or butteror anything else that is greasythrow it in the regular garbage bin. Are there any drawbacks to using compostable paper towels? Once youve shredded or chopped up your paper towels, add them to your compost pile along with other organic materials like kitchen scraps and yard waste. If you have a composting facility that accepts mixed organic waste, then you may be able to compost certain types of paper towels. Our focus is your convenience order online from your laptop, desktop, or smartphone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can speed up the process by shredding, cutting, or tearing your paper towels into small pieces before putting them into the compost. Never flush paper towel or napkins down the toilet as it can harm the pipes in your home and the environment. Could I compost them instead? This means that bamboo is often planted on a massive scale, which can lead to deforestation as a result. Bamboo paper towels offer plenty of advantages over traditional paper towels. Then, it goes through a churning process that turns the pieces into a smooth pulp. Whats on the paper makes a difference. Plus, in addition to being free of fragrance and elemental chlorine, these sustainably sourced paper towels are completely free of plastic! The full disclosure isn't nearly as interesting as these eco-friendly tips, but you can, How to Reduce Immediately Reduce Your Waste. We can only reply to comments that include an email address. They will not slow down the process in any way. The disposal of bamboo vs. regular paper towels is relatively similar as well since neither are recyclable but both are biodegradable. Thats why its important to shred or chop them up into small pieces before adding them to your compost pile. 9 Common Questions (Answered), Are Zippers Eco-Friendly? This is one of the benefits of using bamboo to make paper towels since other types of plants used to make paper towels arent as fast-growing which can lead to higher levels of deforestation in order to keep up with demand. One place you can find compostable paper towels is at your local grocery store. If so, what did you think? Paper towels are made from plants and are biodegradable. It is a highly absorbent mix between a sponge and a paper towel that can be washed and reused over and over again. Here are some good reasons to use compostable paper towels: So, what are you waiting for? Is ceramic eco friendly, biodegradable, recyclable and sustainable? Paper towels can take awhile to break down in a compost pile, so be patient. When we made the switch to these organic cotton unpaper towels, we dramatically reduced our paper towel use. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Happy composting! Based in Lancaster, PA. WebstaurantStore is the largest online restaurant supply store servicing professionals and individual customers worldwide. The pulp is rolled out into very thin layers to get the right shape. Adding oil or grease to a compost pile can push air out it. Compostable paper towels are a great way to reduce your environmental impact. And were not talking about towels that say theyre strong and then fall apart the second they touch water. Obviously, the best eco-friendly paper towels are reusable ones that you dont throw away. One option is to throw them away, which we already mentioned isnt eco-friendly. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. Best of all, not only are these paper towels vegan certified, but theyre also incredibly strong and absorbent, so youll have no issues cleaning up those messes. The company is also part of an initiative called Earth, Ocean & People. Compostable paper towels are made of materials that can be broken down by microorganisms in a compost bin, which means they can return to the earth as part of a healthy soil ecosystem. And, more bamboo can be grown and harvested in a shorter amount of time. Some are also unbleached, which lessens the chemical processes needed to make the final project. But did you know they also make eco-friendly paper towels? Worms and bacteria are able to process wet paper towels faster than dry ones. Plus, theyre often contaminated with organic matter after use, which makes them unsuitable for recycling anyway. They are nitrogen-rich brown organic material. Put paper towels used to dry your hands in your green cart for composting. Even if you use a green cleaner, it will kill bacteria. Bamboo paper towels wont heat up or melt in the microwave, and they dont pose a fire risk when put into the microwave. These tree-free paper towels are made from 100% FSC-certified bamboo. Compostable paper towels dont contain any harmful chemicals or dyes that can be harmful to your health. The paper towels are delivered to your home in cardboard boxes that use paper tape, which means you wont have to deal with any plastic at all. By beginning this survey you accept our privacy policy, (1 is very dissatisfied and 5 is very satisfied), drop-off/landfill-throw-n-go-facilities,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null, Additional Information & Resource Library, What Goes Where recycling and disposal search tool, How to compost paper napkins and paper towels. But be careful. Or for the most eco-friendly option, you can switch to reusable cloth paper towels that are reusable an unlimited amount of times. When paper is recycled, the fibers get shorter and shorter every time. Some options are Green Seal Certified or EPA Registered, so you can be sure these paper towels made as little impact on the environment as possible. Other trees used to make paper towels such as pine and spruce are usually cut down completely in order to get wood from them. Compostable paper towels can be composted along with other organic waste, while non-compostable paper towels cannot. Were talking strong enough to clean up even the dirtiest and stickiest of messes. Bamboo can also be continuously harvested every few years, without the need to cut down the entire plant. Finally, if youre looking for an extra-eco-friendly option, you can try using a broom and dustpan to clean up messes. Just make sure the pieces are no larger than 2 inches square. 11. These white paper towels are made of 100% recycled paper with a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled content. Most compostable paper towels are made of 100% recycled paper . Let us know in the comments below. If you decide to try out Repurpose bamboo paper towels, be sure to use the code EARTHTIPS to enjoy 15% off your order! In fact, bamboo and sugarcane can grow back in as little as 3 to 4 months, whereas trees can take up to 30 years to grow back. */ #mc-embedded-subscribe-form input[type=checkbox]{display: inline; width: auto;margin-right: 10px;} This means that they wont end up in landfills, where they can take centuries to decompose. Paper towels can be an excellent source of organic matter for your compost, but they do break down more slowly than other types of organic waste. Although each brand is different as far as how reusable they are, many bamboo paper towels can often be washed and reused several times instead of throwing them away after one use the way you do with regular paper towels. easy and affordable to have a zero waste cookout, Where to Find the Best Tree-Free Greeting Cards, How to Make Streak-Free DIY Glass Cleaner, The Most Effective Natural Drain Cleaners. The fibers used to make paper towels are already short and are too short to be processed and turned into other products. Plus, although bamboo holds the record for the fastest-growing plant, it can still take several years to mature enough to be harvested. This unique blend makes these paper towels incredibly strong and absorbent. But there are some things that cant get composted. The towel fibers are processed into small pieces and then combined with other natural materials such as cornstarch, which acts as a binder. 7 Important Questions Answered, 5 Reasons Why Sky Lanterns Are Bad For the Environment (+3 Alternatives), Are Velvet Hangers Eco-Friendly? There are many compostable paper towel brands on the market. These eco-friendly paper towels are made from sugarcane and panda-friendly bamboo, which are both are fast-growing grasses that give you a natural and sustainable option. Which Are the Most Eco-Friendly Bamboo Paper Towel Brands? However, if your paper towels have been used, composting might not be the best option. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website. Here are the details. Swedish dishcloths are made from natural fibers, usually regenerated cellulose and cotton. Since these paper towels are made from 100% FSC-certified recycled fiber, theyre completely tree-free. The mixture is then heated and formed into small rolls or sheets. Well also provide some tips on how to properly dispose of paper towels so that they can break down in a landfill. But, there are areas in which bamboo paper towels lack in terms of eco-friendliness, including how the towels themselves are made. Some center pull rolls also have no core to discard, making them easier to insert into dispensers and less wasteful because theres no cardboard tube to dispose of. When bamboo paper towels are created from regenerated bamboo fibers, its possible that they might have antibacterial properties. Bamboo has the potential to be grown in an eco-friendly way, but that doesnt necessarily mean that it is. This often leads to new plots of land being cleared in order to grow these trees on a larger scale so that more can be harvested at once. If youre looking for a more sustainable option, you can choose a broom and dustpan made out of organic cotton or another sustainable fabric. 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