Sustainable Living

Paper Towels vs. Reusable Towels: Which is the Better Choice

March 16, 2023

Fatma Say

3 min

Paper Towels vs. Reusable Towels: Which is the Better Choice

Tired of wasting money and contributing to landfill waste with paper towels? So, why not switch to reusable towels. In this blog post, we will share why reusable towels are the better choice as they are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, durable and healthier. Let's explore why reusable towels are a great addition to any home looking to reduce waste and save money.

They are environmentally friendly.

Paper towels are single-use products that generate a lot of waste. According to Statista, which gathered data from the U.S. Census and the Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS), 45.3 million Americans used 8 or more packs of paper towels in 2020. By using reusable towels, you reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills. 

Paper towels cannot be recycled because they are pounded into a pulp that weakens and breaks down their natural fibers, and undergo chemical treatments that introduce toxic additives. These additives can contaminate the fibers and make them unsuitable for reuse in other paper products, leading to most paper towels being sent to landfills.

They are cost-effective.

According to Statista, in 2021, the global consumption of tissue paper products was around 41 million tons. While reusable towels may have a higher upfront cost, they can be used multiple times. This makes them more cost-effective in the long run than constantly buying new packs of paper towels.

They are long-lasting and durable.

Reusable towels are made from durable materials which makes them a better alternative to single-use paper towels. They can withstand tough cleaning jobs, be washed and reused multiple times, and are gentle enough to use on delicate surfaces without leaving streaks. By using reusable towels, you can significantly reduce waste and save money in the long run while enjoying a more effective cleaning experience.

While paper towels may be convenient and widely used, they contribute to waste and are not cost-effective in the long term. On the other hand, reusable towels are more eco-friendly and cost-effective over time. If you don’t know where to start, check Papaya’s compostable Paper Towel