$12. Plants contain everything we need to be sustainable, and cleaning is no exception. Together, they made our home cleaner and safer, lowering our environmental impact. It is also included on the EPAs List N for use against SARS-CoV-2, the viruses that cause COVID-19. More than 40 percent of total plastic use comes from product packaging, and It takes hundreds of years for plastic to even begin to degrade. Microfiber cloths work great for dusting surfaces like computer, phone and television screens. Kind uses 100 percent recyclable packaging, so it's a zero-waste product. However, theyre incredibly absorbentup to 20 times their weightperfect for drying dishes or cleaning up a spill. As mentioned, the Papaya towel is tough when wet. The company suggests replacing a towel after two or three months but says a towel can be used for up to nine months. We will treat our second towel more carefully. Its natural. 1 Kitchen Terror (isn't that a Gordon Ramsay show?) $37 per potty, as part of a monthly subscription. The Papaya reusable paper towel is a novel approach to reducing single-use paper waste. Great news! Papayas site makes it easy to order sheets individually, or create a customized subscription to get a fresh set (in a compostable mailer, of course) exactly when you need it. You're registered to this event, you'll find all the details in your inbox. We found it effective on a stovetop, it removed grease and oil spatter and worked best when allowed to soak. One thing that has become abundantly clear to me over the last year is that everything you do has a ripple effect. If you looked in your trash at the end of each week, how many paper towels would you see? You can also put together a specially curated box to send as a gift, and there are options for people looking specifically for niche items like pet-friendly succulents, indoor succulents, and hanging succulents. I really like that this is a product that can help so many different dogs older ones that can't hold it in as long, puppies being trained, apartment dwellers who can't go outside all the time. The hole for the hanger also proved easy to tear when dry. Review: My Top, Ultimate, No. $21.95 for 60 sheets. Simply rinse, hang to dry, and repeat. Prices start at $4.95. What it is: An alternative to dog pee pads, made out of real bark. Products you buy through our links might earn us a commission. and we thought, What about Papaya? Oona Goods' multi-use cloth sponge is a perfect match for any task in your kitchen. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. much better! We came up with our patent-pending hole-and-hook innovation, which seems simple, but makes ALL the difference. We love the linen tea towels from The Homebodies, which are great to keep in the kitchen for drying dishes or soaking up spills on the counter. When my husband and I were brainstorming potential business ideas, we thought, Hey, heres a great material its made of cellulose and cotton, so its 100 percent compostable and theres room to innovate and make it so much better! We came up with our patent-pending hole-and-hook innovation, which seems simple, but makes ALL the difference. The potty's natural earthy smells will entice your pup, but there's also a pheromone spray. We tested CleanWells lemon-scented spray disinfectant and Disinfecting Wipes and found the spray to be very effective. It takes only a few seconds to clean the swabs after use, and they look and feel good as new. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. Bamboo paper towels are equally as absorbent as traditional paper towels without all the extra fluff. Environmental impact: Every year, trillions of single-use plastic products are thrown away, with too many making their way to our oceans. These cloths can be used with water and cleaning products. Because it's single-use, plastic wrap is so wasteful, and I've been wanting to find a way to replace it. The Week is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. We found ourselves reaching for Papaya every time there was a spill or cleaning to do. Papayas towels hold liquid more like a paper towel than a dishcloth, effectively picking up spills and crumbs without leaving annoying streaks on your countertop. KCMs Mary Kate says the Edible Arrangement pack is her personal favorite, but she has her eyes on the Roses Are Yellow set for her next round. Papaya Reusables quick-drying, highly absorbent cloths are the convenient paper-towel alternative youve been searching for. With proper care, the wraps last for up to a year; you'll know it's time to replace them when they become thin and have trouble sticking, and at that point the wraps can be cut into strips and added to a compost pile or used as a fire starter. We tested these products for the past several weeks. How it works: I tried several products, but two standouts are the orange zest dishwashing liquid and fruit and vegetable wash. The Papaya towel was tough when wet; it can be wrung out without tearing. LastSwab replaces up to 1,000 cotton swabs, and is shipped in cardboard packages with the instructions printed on them. Two towels and a plastic hanger come in every box, which weighs more than the contents of the package. I didn't feel or see any leftover soap residue on my clothes. Prices vary, depending on subscription. Each Papaya towel comes with a punch-hole to allow hanging on a hook that comes with each two-pack. My succulents survived the journey, but Succulents Box thoughtfully provides instructions for people who might have to give their tiny treasures some TLC due to rough transit. You can use microfiber cloths both wet and dry and wash them with your laundry. Environmental impact: Every day, 51 million facial tissues are used in the United States, and every LastTissue pack replaces more than 3,100 of those single-use tissues. As an e-commerce brand trying to educate our audience through social media and drive people to our website, we grew incredibly fast and built a community of 50,000 eco-conscious people in just a year and a half! That being said, it's a quick and easy transition, and during allergy season, you'll be glad to have this sturdier product. CleanWell has eliminated the volatile organic compounds and bleach that are common in familiar cleaning products, and Papaya has a solid concept for reducing paper waste. If your answer is higher than youd care to admit, youre not alone. All of Ethique's ingredients are sustainably sourced and biodegradable. Prices start at $4. By joining you accept KCM Terms of Service & Privacy Policy. Each swab comes in a biodegradable, plant-based carrying case. The Homebodies linen towels are made of 100% European flax linen. Environmental impact: In the U.S., almost 1 billion plastic laundry detergent jugs are thrown away annually, and less than 10 percent gets recycled. The company has partnered with Eden Reforestation and One Tree Planted, and to date, has planted 1,004,475 trees in Madagascar, Nepal, Haiti, Indonesia, Mozambique, Honduras, Guatemala, Kenya, Canada, and the U.S. Additionally, Eden Reforestation hires local residents to grow, plant, and protect these trees, all while paying a fair wage. I tend to wet the anti-bacterial and compostable reusable paper towels to make them a bit more flexible. They actually absorb spills, can take on tough messes, and are easy to keep fresh. Interested in being considered for Katie's Shop. Get Bamboo Paper Towels (12 rolls) at Cloud Paper for $34. How it works: The Papaya reusable paper towel starts off looking and feeling slightly stiff, but as soon as you run it under water, it softens and can be used just like a traditional paper towel. Below, we spoke to Rena about the inspiration behind Papaya, where the name came from, and how she uses her towels every day. Sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics were a nightmare, not to mention being a working mom with a toddler at home. KCMs Mary Kate says the, pack is her personal favorite, but she has her eyes on the, I bought my first set of Swedish dishcloths years ago and, while I loved the idea of the product, the functionality and user experience fell short for me. A quick rinse does the trick most days, but you can also throw Papaya towels in with your laundry, or on the top rack of your dishwasher for a deep clean. We also note that paper towel makers are introducing sheets that can be torn into smaller squares, so this may simply represent a personal preference. Review: Switching from paper facial tissues to reusable cotton tissues does take some getting used to these are thicker, and while the handkerchiefs are soft, your nose will feel the difference. Bee's Wrap has saved the day. When he finally went on the Bark Potty, it worked exactly as described I didn't smell anything and there were no leaks. Environmental impact: Every year, the world produces 300 million tons of plastic waste, and due to improper disposal and landfill runoff, 8 million tons end up in the ocean. Theres a laundry list of reasons to love Papaya Reusables, but convenience sits at the top. They can also be composted after useexcept if theyve come into contact with toxic chemicals (like bleach) or bodily fluids (which can be a biohazard). It can be used in food preparation areas and is categorized as Safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Each towel lasts between two and three months and replaces 17 rolls of paper towels. ! Its cute. Made from plant fibers and printed with water-based ink, these Five Two cloths are versatile and long-lasting, plus they dont collect lint or leave streaks, and you can use them over 300 times before disposing of them in your compost bin. $18 for a one-time delivery of two cloths. It is clearly designed for retail display, so we urge the company to reduce its e-commerce packaging the cardboard box is not necessary for home delivery. Plus, were loving the bright, cheerful patterns. This rectangular fabric sponge is stiff when dry and flexible when wet, so you can use them to clean dishes, wipe counters, scrub the stovetop, wipe up messes, and more. Get the best deals and the best advice dropped right in your inbox. It was probably one of the hardest and most exhausting periods of my life, but launching through Covid allowed me to put into perspective what was truly important and focus on getting what mattered done quickly and efficiently. I have one hook on my backsplash for cleaning my appliances and counters, one hook by my sink for washing dishes, one hook on my daughters highchair to clean her hands and face, and the list goes on! More ideas make less waste! How it works: Succulents Box offers more than 300 varieties of succulents, delivered to customers via subscription boxes. Plastic pollution hurts wildlife, with thousands of sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals dying every year after eating plastic or getting caught in it. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time. Most facial tissues are made from virgin pulp, which leaves forests degraded and destroys wildlife habitat. They have personality and are the best way to add some low-effort pizazz to a desk, shelf, bookcase, or patio. Most were one word. Review: As the proud aunt and frequent babysitter of two dachshunds, Heidi and Henry, I understand that sometimes dogs with little bladders aren't quite fast enough to make it outside, making pee pads a must. The problem is, plastic wrap is hard to recycle, can release the toxic chemical dioxin, and is increasingly polluting the world's oceans. Visit our corporate site at https://futureplc.comThe Week is a registered trade mark. Future US LLC, 10th floor, 1100 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. For those who aren't quite ready to embrace a bar-only shower experience, Ethique is also now offering concentrates, which you mix at home and pour into a container you already have. Its a better alternative to traditional paper towels if you choose not to use a cloth towel you can wash repeatedly. Because youre gonna be living and breathing that product day in and day out! We also suggest offering a refill option that does not include the plastic hanger hook. What Biden should do about climate change, Getting started with sustainable landscaping, Republicans on track to win 230 House seats, CBS model predicts. Yes, you need to clean the vinyl siding on your househere's how. Plus, were loving the bright, cheerful patterns. For those who want new ones sent on a regular basis, Papaya offers a Reusable Paper Towel Subscription, with customers putting together their own box of cloths, for delivery every two, three, or four months. If I didnt already know that Cloud Papers paper towels are made from bamboo, then I wouldnt be able to tell them apart from more conventional options. When it comes to taking care of the planet, that's a good thing if you stop purchasing paper towels, for example, that's one less tree that has to be cut down. Linen towels are my go-to kitchen favorite for cleaning up messes and spills. A veteran tech journalist, Mitch is passionate about helping people understand sustainability and the impact of their buying decisions on the planet. We launched with four artist collaborations . With buzzwords like ethical alternatives and zero-waste swaps cropping up in the home and cleaning space, it can feel like youre doing Mother Earth wrong by trying to keep your home neat and tidy. Both ends of the Basic style are the same, with a textured surface, but the Beauty style has a rounded end and a pointed end, for precise makeup application. Keeping a clean home often means you have to throw out a lot of waste and rely on toxic chemicals that raise long-term health concerns from prolonged exposure and are hard to dispose of safely. Keep pulling out tissues until you reach the marked tissue, signaling that they've all been used. Some started with an interesting letter. You can also compost them at the end of their lifecycle, which is about 3 to 4 months with regular use. There's a fragrance free version, but I tried the Ocean Breeze scent, which was lovely and mild not at all overpowering. CleanWell provides thorough cleaning for the kitchen, bathroom, and dining room using thymol, a plant-based antiseptic it has a unique, thyme-like scent that leaves the room smelling clean. Things came to a head when she had her daughter and realized she needed a sustainable solution to the wads of paper towels filling her trash can every day. Review: The Basic version just might be my new favorite thing. The Bark Potty replaces up to 60 pee pads a month and is recyclable. Making the switch to being as eco-friendly as possible takes time and planning. We already had the design for our Mod Papayas paper towel and we thought, What about Papaya? We strongly urge CleanWell to rethink its packaging and introduce a low-plastic refill option for people who re-order. Bee's Wrap comes in multiple sizes, and the XXL roll can be trimmed to the size needed. Consider trying this winning combination when you start your spring cleaning. What it is: Ethique is the world's first full-range, zero-waste beauty brand. Thats why we were jazzed to find Papayas reusable paper towel, a 100-percent compostable, highly absorbent alternative. The Pinkalicious shampoo bar, with its almost bubblegum-like scent, was also a hit. If you looked in your trash at the end of each week, how many paper towels would you see? It takes 17 trees and more than 20,000 gallons of water to make one ton of paper towels, and when chlorine bleach is used as a brightener, it often seeps into the water and air. All Rights Reserved. Attitude products either come in recycled HDPE #2 plastic bottles or two-liter bulk refill boxes, an eco-friendly option that is also better for your bank account. Environmental impact: Succulents require little water, often just needing the slightest bit of attention every few weeks, and some, like aloe vera and the snake plant, purify the air and remove toxins from their environment. Linen is a sustainable fabric and has a soft, crinkly texture that dries quickly, since the threads in linen have a bit more space between them than tighter-woven fabrics. What it is: A natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. All rights reserved. Can you clean a patio with a robot vacuum? I have one hook on my backsplash for cleaning my appliances and counters, one hook by my sink for washing dishes, one hook on my daughters highchair to clean her hands and face, and the list goes on! It performed like a champ and then we put it in our compost to test its biodegradability. Secondly, most paper towels are made from virgin paper, which means they are made at the expense of trees, forests, and woodlands and are thrown away after a single use! The sustainably-sourced bark naturally neutralizes odors, draws liquid to the bottom of the potty, and repels moisture. Review: Prickly, gnarled, bumpy, or smooth, it doesn't matter I am a sucker for succulents. The benefits of thymol are extensive. Copyright 2022 Earth Media Partners. When doubled, it was tough but unfolded it was easy to tear. They actually absorb spills, can take on tough messes, and are easy to keep fresh. The active ingredient in CleanWell Botanical Disinfectant, thymol, has been recognized as a cleaning agent for centuries. We surveyed several people about what they thought the Papaya was used for; half of them mistook it for a napkin. Earth911 is a universal resource that helps you find your own shade of green. What it is: A reusable and sustainable alternative to cotton swabs. According to Oona Goods, each 4-pack of dishcloths can replace up to 60 rolls of paper towels. Its fun. To use, pull a tissue from the bottom of the case, and when you're done with it, put the tissue back at the top of the case. Review: Sorry to the Brawny man, but paper towels are right up there with plastic wrap for things I want out of my kitchen. We estimate that we avoided using 2.8 regular rolls. How it works: Each LastTissue pack comes with six reusable handkerchiefs, made from organic cotton, and the dishwasher-safe cases are 100 percent silicone. You can stick the hooks strategically around your home for different uses. Credit: Getty Images/ jirkaejc. How it works: These food wraps made with certified organic cotton and coated with sustainably sourced beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin are malleable and cling to bowls, plates, and casserole dishes. Our lemon-scented disinfectant did carry a strong scent of thyme, an earthy odor that one person in our household initially found unpleasant but became used to it after a few uses. When it was dry, we accidentally pulled both ends of the towel and tore it. This dish towel can be responsibly composted after a few months of use. Papaya towels come in 19 different designs, each featuring an artists work. What it is: An alternative to traditional laundry detergents that come in plastic jugs. All rights reserved. The flecks of oatmeal offered some light exfoliation, and the bar worked up a good lather, leaving my skin feeling squeaky clean in the shower and soft for the rest of the day no dry skin here! Thats why we were jazzed to find, Theres a laundry list of reasons to love Papaya Reusables, but convenience sits at the top. I am officially a bar believer. When you first use a Papaya towel, there is an extra step that isnt required to use a regular towel the stiff Papaya towel needs to be wetted. Plus, we will be rolling out that refill option for our subscription customers so they only receive the paper towels on their recurring orders, not the hooks.. Its perfect! Theyre easy to wash, and you can even toss them in the dishwasher to clean them. You can stick the hooks strategically around your home for different uses. They make bodywash, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant bars, all without the plastic packaging. When my husband and I were brainstorming potential business ideas, we thought, Hey, heres a great material its made of cellulose and cotton, so its 100 percent compostable and theres room to innovate and make it. 2022 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. You can expect to have your LastTissue pack for years to come each reusable tissue can withstand 520 machine washes. When we were brainstorming names for the business, we thought about all the brands we love. Its natural. If youre looking to make a more sustainable choice in your home, put the Bounty back on its shelf and try reusable paper towels that work just as well and arent as wasteful. How it works: The Bark Potty is an all-natural disposable pet potty that can be used inside or outdoors. CleanWell lives up to its name. We already had the design for our. Ethique does not use any plastic at all, and one of its shampoo bars has just 8 percent of the carbon footprint of the equivalent liquid product. Here are some options. To clean, just use soap and water. It arrives stiff and, while we found it could absorb a lot of liquid when dry, it worked best when wet. Its perfect! Both performed well and we are more comfortable with the way the house looks and smells knowing that we avoided using chemicals. I had no good place to store it after I used it, so it would end up either sitting wet at the bottom of my sink breeding bacteria and smelling like mildew or hanging awkwardly over my faucet. Outside, CleanWell helped us clean up the grime on our patio furniture. The lower price point makes Attitude's products accessible to most people, without cutting corners on the final product the dishwashing soap provided a deep clean and the fruit and vegetable wash ensured that the cucumbers I bought at the store didn't have that gross waxy taste that can ruin a meal. We found that a wet Papaya used with the CleanWell spray was more effective at removing food or oil than a dry paper towel. There is a tray liner to prevent leaks and because the Bark Potty lasts for a month and is regularly replaced, you don't have to worry about cleaning it (although if there's any solid waste, you will want to pick that up pronto!). The packages are lightweight, so the sheets are travel friendly, and you don't have to worry about lugging around a leaky plastic jug. Linen napkins are also a great swap because you can tuck them in your purse or backpack to use on the go. A quick rinse does the trick most days, but you can also throw Papaya towels in with your laundry, or on the top rack of your dishwasher for a deep clean. This dish towel can be responsibly composted after a few months of use. Still, even if you're ready for a complete overhaul of your home and way of life, getting started might feel overwhelming. We hung the towel to dry over a bar and it was there that we discovered a shortcoming. Annually, 26 million gallons of water are used in the U.S. to make tissue paper, and it takes three times more energy to produce facial tissues compared to reusable cotton tissues. After they've been used to store food, wrap up leftovers, or pack lunches, just wash them in cool water with mild dish soap, and let them air dry. The towel washes easily in the clothes washer or dishwasher, but most of the time it was necessary only to rinse it. One holds about 20 times its weight in liquid. Keep your dish cloths close to the sink for washing and drying dishes. According to Papaya, a single cloth replaces 17 rolls of paper towels. While some dogs will quickly take to the Bark Potty, others will require a lot of training, as I learned from Henry. Comes in two styles: Basic and Beauty. While this product doesn't replace any single-use items, it's the perfect gift to give yourself (or someone else) this Earth Day. Everything adds up! Be sure to air dry them, otherwise they will collect all the lint and hair from clothing in the dryer, dulling their softness. Over the three-week test, the towel tackled 58 tasks, many that would have required multiple regular paper towels. We used a single Papaya towel for three weeks around the kitchen, to wipe oil spatter from the stovetop and, in the ultimate case, to wipe up after one of our dogs got sick. Choose a product or industry you LOVE. Environmental impact: For every product sold, whether online or in a brick-and-mortar store, Attitude plants a tree. The EPA has certified it as an effective substance to kill 99.9% of a variety of germs. The mango and lime were in great shape the next day, and instead of turning into a giant crouton overnight, the bread kept its crunchy crust and soft inside. When we were brainstorming names for the business, we thought about all the brands we love. Green and Prisman combined their backgrounds in branding and finance, respectively, to design Papayas fresh and user-friendly take on the average Swedish dishcloth, and managed to pull off a successful launch in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mitch is the publisher at Earth911.com and the sustainability leader at Metaforce, a global marketing firm. One day, I came across a staggering statistic about the deforestation caused by the demand for paper towels, and I realized I needed a product that would help me eliminate my paper towel usage once and for all. Likewise, I love the machine-washable Swedish dishcloths from Papaya, too. The best part? A larger size would also have supported doubling the towel to prevent tearing. We update links when possible, but please note that all prices are subject to change. The potty is also just about three pounds, so you can move it around and easily toss it when the time comes. What it is: A line of household and personal products made from plant- and mineral-based ingredients. The detergent sheets are made with just four plant-derived ingredients (five if you try the scented sheets), and are allergen-free and biodegradable. Machine wash the tissues, air or tumble dry, and then repack the case. Unfortunately, they arent reusable. Don't worry about your dog kicking up bark the potty has netting that is designed to keep the bark in place. I've used the bread wrap to save half a baguette, the small wrap to keep half a lime fresh, and the medium wrap to cover a bowl of mango. Taking care of succulents is also a stress reliever, providing a good outlet for people who enjoy gardening but don't necessarily have a green thumb. I had always tried to incorporate sustainable swaps into my life like reusable water bottles and reusable shopping bags, but I couldnt find a reusable paper towel that I loved and could actually see myself using regularly. CleanWells plastic packaging is a concern, and the company does not offer refills for either the spray or wipes package. The 6.6 x 7.8 Papaya towel is smaller than a standard paper towel and there were times when we wanted a full-size alternative. And some of them aren't great for the environment, either. What it is: A modern twist on the handkerchief and an alternative to single-use tissue packs. I knew that if I had this desire, others had it, too. Papaya checks off every box for what I'm looking for in a reusable paper towel they are all-natural, anti-bacterial, compostable, 20 times more absorbent than regular paper towels, and last for around two to three months. We used CleanWell for a variety of uses, including the tough job of cleaning outdoor furniture after the winter. In fact, its easiest to start in the kitchen, because its where you cook, gather, and more than likely where you throw things away. Over the three weeks we tested it, the towel did not develop a musty smell. Starting at $6. We wanted to work with artists who had very different styles, and use our product to amplify their voices and artwork. While the packaging contains a clear warning that you shouldn't stick it deep into your ears (with the gentle plea to "swab responsibly"), let me just say that IF you decide to put the ribbed swab end into your ear and give it a little twirl, it MAY or may not feel like you're getting an ear massage, and it MAY or may not be glorious. Paper towels are almost irresistibly convenient, but as a major cause of deforestation, theyre a convenience thats dangerous for the planet. As a result, we suggest using the Papaya reusable towel with CleanWells spray instead of disposable wipes. Papaya argues that the cotton (30%) and paper (70%) towel is anti-bacterial because it is quick-drying, but it is not intrinsically bacteria resistant. While Bee's Wrap works great with bread, cheese, fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables, they're not recommended for raw meat and fish and need to be kept away from heat. Review: As someone who has been using Bath & Body Works shower gel for years (middle school habits die hard, #pearberry4life), I unexpectedly fell in love with Ethique's Charcoal, Kaolin & Oatmeal bodywash bar. Dishes, countertopsyou name it! . The #1 plastic (PETE) spray bottle should be refilled instead of thrown away. . Just note, if you have multiple items wrapped up and can't remember what's what, these wraps aren't see through, so you will have to do a little unwrapping to see what's inside. At the same time, more people were at home on their phones than ever before! This guide aims to make the transition away from single-use products a little easier, explaining what products are out there, the problems they solve, and how they help the Earth. Its fun. After it tore, we tried several ways to tear it again. As noted, we decided to steer away from the 35-count disinfectant wipe after looking at the potential waste; however, when we tested them they performed well. Paper towels are common in practically all kitchens, but they arent essential. Well get into the details of our test below. The old ways of cleaning, which too often involved using harsh chemicals that have no place in the home, are on the way out. $24. Papayas cardboard package also strikes us as overkill. These trees clean the air, reduce global warming by absorbing CO2, and replenish the soil. UPDATE: Papaya responded to our packaging suggestions, saying they are doing almost exactly what we recommended: Weve redesigned our packaging to a very thin, envelope style package that reduces the amount of cardboard used for each order.

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