Unpaper Challenge 2012, an Update

I posted around New Year's that I was taking the unpaper challenge. So far, we have stopped using paper towels all together (there is still a roll in the back of the cabinet, but we don't plan to use it). I am using some cheap washcloths and flat diapers.

I have to say, while I was not patient enough to use flat diapers in actual cloth diapering, I love them for unpaper towels. They are large, so you can use just one of them all day to wipe up messes just by folding over to a new section when it gets dirty.

We have not started to use unpaper in the bathroom yet (also called family cloth). However, I do plan to start on a set for the bathroom soon. I saw a great idea on Pinterest (yes, I am addicted). They made them the size of toilet paper in width, so that it would go on the toilet paper holder. Then they added one snap between each in the middle to make a roll. No more basket for the wipes. Super cute idea, and I think I am going to do mine that way (or maybe just buy them on Etsy...we shall see). I think that some of our friends think we are nuts, but that's okay. I am doing the earth a favor, getting my counters cleaner (those diapers really scrub!), and saving $$$. Not bad in my book.

2012 UnPaper Challenge!

Alright folks, here is my New Year's resolution:

We are going to UnPaper for 2012.

What is unpaper-ing you ask? Well, it is basically what it sounds like. You try to eliminate excess paper usage from your home. For most people the easiest way to do this is to start with paper towels. Think about it...paper towels are probably the most wasteful (and most easily replaced) paper product in our homes. You use them clean up the counter or stove, to wipe or dry your hands. You can easily replace that with cloth.

Many people love to use old prefolds, Gerber birdseye flats (you can get those super cheap), old t-shirts, cheap washcloths (like the 10 packs at Target or WalMart), and many other cotton fabrics. You can even purchase special sets of unpaper towels from sellers on etsy that snap together and can go on a paper towel holder.  I am going to be using some of the cheap washcloths, some Gerber flats, and eventually getting around to making some "pretty" ones for when guests come over to use just for napkins. Any cotton fabric will work, for many a "pretty" set would be made of a nice print flannel on one side, and a terry cloth on the other. I personally love micro-terry (like what baby towels are made of).

The next step for many is to use cloth wipes in the bathroom. Some people are weirded out by this, but it is a logical next step, especially if you are already dealing with cloth diapers. Many people still keep toilet paper in the house for guests or for really um...messy...bathroom visits. Basically you would keep a basket of wipes near the toilet, either pre-moistened with a wipe solution or with a squirt bottle to wet them before use. We are going to start slow on this goal, using them mostly for "number 1s" and going from there.

Other ways to cut down on paper is to buy things that are packaged with a minimum of waste, using "mama cloth" (washable cloth pads), cloth diapering, and generally cutting down on paper use in your printer and other places. Save your paper and put your grocery list on your phone as a memo.

If you have any tips or want to join, please comment below!