Paper towels have become a go-to convenience for everything from wiping up spills to drying our hands. But behind that ease is a big environmental cost.
The average person uses over 3,000 paper towels a year—that’s about 80 rolls per person. Multiply that by households across the U.S., and it adds up to a staggering 13 billion pounds of paper towels used annually, contributing to the loss of around 10 million trees every year.
The good news? Making a small switch can have a big impact. Try replacing paper towels with reusable cloths, cotton rags, or microfiber towels. These alternatives can be washed and reused hundreds of times, keeping waste out of landfills and saving you money in the long run.
It’s an easy habit to build: keep a stash of clean cloths near your kitchen sink (like you do with hand towels near the bathroom sink) and toss the used ones into the laundry. This one simple change helps conserve trees, water, and energy—and brings you one step closer to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Sources:
- Paper Towel Usage Facts | 7 Amazing Things You Need to Know – Eco Family Life
- How Many Trees Are Cut Down Daily For Paper Towels? 27,000!
Kenyon Taylor is a graduate student at North Carolina State University focusing on climate change and a MassCEC supported intern at Green Newton.
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