Comments on: Baby Steps to “Green” Your Kitchen ( And Save Some Green) http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/ Family, Faith, Recipes, Home, Christian, Parenting Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:07:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Sarah Fader http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-8112 Sarah Fader Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:29:25 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-8112 I love the comment about your husband snuggling with the paper towels. Hysterical! I love the comment about your husband snuggling with the paper towels. Hysterical!

]]> By: Marci@OvercomingBusy http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7890 Marci@OvercomingBusy Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:19:59 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7890 We have used cloth napkins for about a year. I still keep a roll of paper towel in the cabinet for raw chicken clean up and the like. Our napkins have come from thrift stores and clearance bins. We also have a box of old cut-up towels we use to clean up kids and floors and counters. When doing dishes and cleaning up the kitchen, we use environmentally friendly cleaners, baking soda and vinegar. We have used cloth napkins for about a year. I still keep a roll of paper towel in the cabinet for raw chicken clean up and the like. Our napkins have come from thrift stores and clearance bins. We also have a box of old cut-up towels we use to clean up kids and floors and counters. When doing dishes and cleaning up the kitchen, we use environmentally friendly cleaners, baking soda and vinegar.

]]> By: solstice letters http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7881 solstice letters Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:38:03 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7881 Never occured to me to use fat quarters. That is such a fabulous idea! .-= solstice letters´s last blog ..<a href="http://solsticeletters.wordpress.com/2010/01/29/be-a-camera/" rel="nofollow">be a camera</a> =-. Never occured to me to use fat quarters. That is such a fabulous idea!
.-= solstice letters´s last blog ..be a camera =-.

]]> By: Eva Girl http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7879 Eva Girl Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:30:31 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7879 I love the fat quarters idea! I made cloth napkins and stuck them in the napkin dispenser on the table a couple years ago, been doing it ever since. But, like you, my husband NEEDS his paper towels! I'm going out to get stacks of washcloths right now! I'm thinking a little box of some kind to put them in to sit on the counter? Thanx! I love the fat quarters idea! I made cloth napkins and stuck them in the napkin dispenser on the table a couple years ago, been doing it ever since. But, like you, my husband NEEDS his paper towels! I’m going out to get stacks of washcloths right now! I’m thinking a little box of some kind to put them in to sit on the counter? Thanx!

]]> By: Allison http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7866 Allison Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:09:00 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7866 I make my own cleaner, for both the kitchen and bathroom. I use an old spray bottle from a cleaner I bought a while ago, and just keep refilling it. It's both green and frugal. I also use cloth towels instead of paper towels whenever I can. .-= Allison´s last blog ..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AllinSon/~3/xPW0muK-66E/" rel="nofollow">LoveHandle Review and Giveaway</a> =-. I make my own cleaner, for both the kitchen and bathroom. I use an old spray bottle from a cleaner I bought a while ago, and just keep refilling it. It’s both green and frugal. I also use cloth towels instead of paper towels whenever I can.
.-= Allison´s last blog ..LoveHandle Review and Giveaway =-.

]]> By: 'Becca http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7865 'Becca Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:51:10 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7865 Nice article! I really like the idea of using quilting fabric for napkins, and I love the image of your husband snuggling the paper towels. :-) Here are some ways I've greened my kitchen: <a href="http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org/2009/07/22/donating-dish-detergent.aspx" rel="nofollow">Dish detergent made from plants</a> not petroleum. Also, washing dishes by soaking in soapy water, instead of holding them under running water and squirting soap on each dish like some people do, uses a lot less water and soap. <a href="http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org/2009/12/09/lazy-composting.aspx" rel="nofollow">Composting.</a> Paper towel lovers can compost paper towels (if not soiled with meat, milk, or chemicals) to reduce landfill garbage. <a href="http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org/2007/05/15/dont-take-out-the-trash.aspx" rel="nofollow">Keeping a whole week's trash in the kitchen</a> motivates us to minimize trash. <a href="http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org/2009/09/04/7-ways-to-eat-less-meat.aspx" rel="nofollow">Eating less meat.</a> I totally agree about doing one thing at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. I've just been in the greening process for a long time! .-= 'Becca´s last blog ..<a href="http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org/2010/01/27/handwashing-experiment.aspx?ref=rss" rel="nofollow">Handwashing Experiment</a> =-. Nice article! I really like the idea of using quilting fabric for napkins, and I love the image of your husband snuggling the paper towels. :-)

Here are some ways I’ve greened my kitchen:
Dish detergent made from plants not petroleum. Also, washing dishes by soaking in soapy water, instead of holding them under running water and squirting soap on each dish like some people do, uses a lot less water and soap.
Composting. Paper towel lovers can compost paper towels (if not soiled with meat, milk, or chemicals) to reduce landfill garbage.
Keeping a whole week’s trash in the kitchen motivates us to minimize trash.
Eating less meat.

I totally agree about doing one thing at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed. I’ve just been in the greening process for a long time!
.-= ‘Becca´s last blog ..Handwashing Experiment =-.

]]> By: Muthering Heights http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7835 Muthering Heights Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:12:04 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7835 We LOVE using cloth in place of paper in our kitchen...we literally only go through paper towels when we have company {the guests use them}, or some horrendous, irrevocable mess occurs! .-= Muthering Heights´s last blog ..Generation Y... =-. We LOVE using cloth in place of paper in our kitchen…we literally only go through paper towels when we have company {the guests use them}, or some horrendous, irrevocable mess occurs!
.-= Muthering Heights´s last blog ..Generation Y… =-.

]]> By: Allyson http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7824 Allyson Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:20:53 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7824 Oh great idea! I never thought of quilting squares! They're so cheap and that would be an easy project! Thanks for the tip! .-= Allyson´s last blog ..<a href="http://theblogginghelpmeet.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/bible-in-90-days-25-day-check-in/" rel="nofollow">Bible in 90 days: 25 day check-in</a> =-. Oh great idea! I never thought of quilting squares! They’re so cheap and that would be an easy project! Thanks for the tip!
.-= Allyson´s last blog ..Bible in 90 days: 25 day check-in =-.

]]> By: GroovieMom http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7819 GroovieMom Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:35:55 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7819 Just check the thrift store for cloth napkins. They usually have tons of old linens. I snagged a set of 12 white napkins for 50 cents on my first try. I later realized they had a small monogram in the corner that didn't match ours, but so what? They're for daily use, not a fancy dinner where people pay attention to that sort of thing. I don't think anyone else in the family has even noticed it yet and we've been using them for at least 6 months. : ) Just check the thrift store for cloth napkins. They usually have tons of old linens. I snagged a set of 12 white napkins for 50 cents on my first try. I later realized they had a small monogram in the corner that didn’t match ours, but so what? They’re for daily use, not a fancy dinner where people pay attention to that sort of thing. I don’t think anyone else in the family has even noticed it yet and we’ve been using them for at least 6 months. : )

]]> By: Buffie http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7812 Buffie Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:32:01 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7812 We've swtiched over to mostly cloth (I still have some paper towels I purchased over a year ago in my stockpile). I have a set of washrags I keep in the kitchen for cleaning up my messy toddler after meals, there's another set of dish rags for wiping up in the kitchen and such, there are microfiber cloths for cleaning around the house and various rags for the dirty jobs. It works for us and I expect the paper towels in my stockpile will be around for a looong time. We don't use paper plates, plastic utensils or plastic cups either. We have plenty of the real version of each of those items so that is what we stick with. I even have a stash of real plates and silverware that I picked up cheap for when we have large get togethers at our house. .-= Buffie´s last blog ..<a href="http://neverquiteperfect.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/vitamin-alarm/" rel="nofollow">Vitamin Alarm</a> =-. We’ve swtiched over to mostly cloth (I still have some paper towels I purchased over a year ago in my stockpile). I have a set of washrags I keep in the kitchen for cleaning up my messy toddler after meals, there’s another set of dish rags for wiping up in the kitchen and such, there are microfiber cloths for cleaning around the house and various rags for the dirty jobs. It works for us and I expect the paper towels in my stockpile will be around for a looong time.

We don’t use paper plates, plastic utensils or plastic cups either. We have plenty of the real version of each of those items so that is what we stick with. I even have a stash of real plates and silverware that I picked up cheap for when we have large get togethers at our house.
.-= Buffie´s last blog ..Vitamin Alarm =-.

]]> By: Catherine B http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7811 Catherine B Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:59:30 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7811 I NEED to make some changes as we still use paper plates (occasionally) and napkins/paper towels. Sadly in the past 2 years have gotten my family used to recycling! So I think I will start with paper towels - the stack of hand towels is a great idea! I am going to try it and see what happens~ Thanks for the post! .-= Catherine B´s last blog ..<a href="http://www.theshoeboxdaily.com/2010/01/what-the-heck-is-rss/" rel="nofollow">What the heck is RSS?</a> =-. I NEED to make some changes as we still use paper plates (occasionally) and napkins/paper towels. Sadly in the past 2 years have gotten my family used to recycling! So I think I will start with paper towels – the stack of hand towels is a great idea! I am going to try it and see what happens~ Thanks for the post!
.-= Catherine B´s last blog ..What the heck is RSS? =-.

]]> By: Dr. Mommy http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7808 Dr. Mommy Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:32:45 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7808 Hi Sarah! Here's an update on my paper towel dilemma. My kids are a bit confused, but my hubby loves the idea..You see I banned paper plates from the house, several years ago and they are still going through the withdrawals. Now, I take away the paper towels, oh no!!:) So far it's working...purchased washcloths, and found some cute napkins at Marshall's ...since I can't sew..not with a sewing machine..I like the fat quarters idea. My hubby suggested get a box of rags from Sam's, Costco's or BJ's and those can be used and thrown away after several uses...thanks for the great article:) .-= Dr. Mommy´s last blog ..Spanish Beans =-. Hi Sarah!
Here’s an update on my paper towel dilemma. My kids are a bit confused, but my hubby loves the idea..You see I banned paper plates from the house, several years ago and they are still going through the withdrawals. Now, I take away the paper towels, oh no!!:) So far it’s working…purchased washcloths, and found some cute napkins at Marshall’s …since I can’t sew..not with a sewing machine..I like the fat quarters idea. My hubby suggested get a box of rags from Sam’s, Costco’s or BJ’s and those can be used and thrown away after several uses…thanks for the great article:)
.-= Dr. Mommy´s last blog ..Spanish Beans =-.

]]> By: Cayce http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7807 Cayce Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:19:47 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7807 If you're concerned about ditching the paper towels b/c you have kids and you get those "oops" water spills, etc. then I highly recommend getting a stack of microfiber towels from the automotive dept. My set is in really pretty colors and they soak up sooooo well! Sarah, my kids' "cloths" are also washcloths... actually I think they were labeled "utility cloths" at the store. I love our napkins that I've made but sometimes you need terry cloth to get messy meals off of faces! Since you mentioned it, sweet friend, I can also make custom napkins a bit bigger for table use...9x9". That's the size we use at our house for the grownups. ;) If you’re concerned about ditching the paper towels b/c you have kids and you get those “oops” water spills, etc. then I highly recommend getting a stack of microfiber towels from the automotive dept. My set is in really pretty colors and they soak up sooooo well! Sarah, my kids’ “cloths” are also washcloths… actually I think they were labeled “utility cloths” at the store. I love our napkins that I’ve made but sometimes you need terry cloth to get messy meals off of faces!

Since you mentioned it, sweet friend, I can also make custom napkins a bit bigger for table use…9×9″. That’s the size we use at our house for the grownups. ;)

]]> By: Sarah http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7806 Sarah Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:18:33 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7806 Wow! 20 years! I really thought it would be harder to switch, but we love it. Wow! 20 years! I really thought it would be harder to switch, but we love it.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7805 Sarah Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:15:12 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7805 It was kind of weird at first, but I love the freedom of not having to buy them. You could try putting the towels next to the paper towels, and maybe grabbing them half the time :) It was kind of weird at first, but I love the freedom of not having to buy them. You could try putting the towels next to the paper towels, and maybe grabbing them half the time :)

]]> By: Sarah http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7804 Sarah Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:12:31 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7804 Cathy, that's a great idea!! I love the idea of cutting up old clothes. We pass our kids' clothes through three girls, so sometimes by the time we're done, they can't be donated. Cathy, that’s a great idea!! I love the idea of cutting up old clothes. We pass our kids’ clothes through three girls, so sometimes by the time we’re done, they can’t be donated.

]]> By: Cathy H. @frugalgirl http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7802 Cathy H. @frugalgirl Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:40:15 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7802 Great topic! We have been completely paper towel and paper napkin free in our for about 2 years. I have built up a really great collection of cloth napkins all of which I didn't pay more than fifty cents for(each). For paper towel purposes, I went through old clothing that wasn't wearable anymore, but not good enough to donate, either, and cut them into sizes for rags and keep some under my kitchen sink for dish washing and another bunch in the bathroom for other cleaning. I also make my own spray cleaner. Cathy .-= Cathy H. @frugalgirl´s last blog ..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LetsBeGreenTogether/~3/5HSh4SUefjo/quick-and-easy-veggie-soup.html" rel="nofollow">Quick and Easy Veggie Soup</a> =-. Great topic! We have been completely paper towel and paper napkin free in our for about 2 years. I have built up a really great collection of cloth napkins all of which I didn’t pay more than fifty cents for(each). For paper towel purposes, I went through old clothing that wasn’t wearable anymore, but not good enough to donate, either, and cut them into sizes for rags and keep some under my kitchen sink for dish washing and another bunch in the bathroom for other cleaning. I also make my own spray cleaner.
Cathy
.-= Cathy H. @frugalgirl´s last blog ..Quick and Easy Veggie Soup =-.

]]> By: jeanne http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7801 jeanne Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:37:04 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7801 Wow -- I love the fat quarters idea!! We have only used cloth napkins for over 20+ years. I usually keep an eye out for napkins on sale after holidays. But I love, love, love, the idea of all the options fat quarters would give to the stash of cheap napkins I keep. Thanks!!! Wow — I love the fat quarters idea!! We have only used cloth napkins for over 20+ years. I usually keep an eye out for napkins on sale after holidays.
But I love, love, love, the idea of all the options fat quarters would give to the stash of cheap napkins I keep.
Thanks!!!

]]> By: mandi @ it's come to this http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7800 mandi @ it's come to this Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:36:28 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7800 Ok, I would be the freak-out on the switching from paper towels. I love my paper towels!! I totally get it though & know that I go through too many of them:( But that would be like a gigantic step for me, so I need to start somewhere else first! Ok, I would be the freak-out on the switching from paper towels. I love my paper towels!! I totally get it though & know that I go through too many of them:( But that would be like a gigantic step for me, so I need to start somewhere else first!

]]> By: Nikki http://www.reallifeblog.net/baby-steps-to-green-your-kitchen-and-save-some-green/comment-page-1/#comment-7797 Nikki Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:39:16 +0000 http://www.reallifeblog.net/?p=2122#comment-7797 I love to be green! I have cloth napkins and I tried to make the switch to no paper towels. But my hubby kind of freaked on that one too. But now I cut the roll in half and have my own "select-a-size" towels. That saves too. Mostly I just use those for when I'm handling raw chicken. I made cloth baby wipes/baby washcloths too. .-= Nikki´s last blog ..<a href="http://nikkianddanny.blogspot.com/2010/01/belly-buttons-more-useful-than-you.html" rel="nofollow">Belly Buttons- more useful than you thought. WFMW</a> =-. I love to be green! I have cloth napkins and I tried to make the switch to no paper towels. But my hubby kind of freaked on that one too. But now I cut the roll in half and have my own “select-a-size” towels. That saves too. Mostly I just use those for when I’m handling raw chicken. I made cloth baby wipes/baby washcloths too.
.-= Nikki´s last blog ..Belly Buttons- more useful than you thought. WFMW =-.

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