Switch to using bamboo paper products.

As I mentioned in a previous post, bamboo is a great resource for replacing traditional tree-made products. There are more and more bamboo paper goods coming on the market. I have seen paper towels, napkins, tissues, and toilet paper online so far.

I have tried the bamboo toilet paper and purchased a subscription that comes for the daycare every couple months. I was surprised at how strong it was compared to traditional toilet paper! It did take a bit of getting used to, because it is not the soft feel that I was accustomed to, but I love it! It does not rip apart when using, and it also does not have the toilet paper “dust” that gets all over the fixtures and floor in the bathroom. I would recommend trying it and seeing what you think.

I have also tried the napkins and the reusable paper towels. The napkins were fine, but the reusable paper towels are amazing! I only use those now in the daycare. I can wipe up a milk spill (which happens a lot with the little ones,) and it rinses out of the towel and leaves no stink! This is huge for me, because I can not use washcloths for that purpose or they reek terribly. I have washed my kitchen floor with the towels, cleaned up paint, and can reuse them and reuse them over and over again. I rinse them out and lay them over the sink to dry. I believe you can also put them in the dishwasher. One roll can last for months! They are worth trying out if you have not already.

The cost for bamboo products is slightly more than traditional products. It seems everything is higher until there is a large customer base to bring the price down. For me, the price of the reusable paper towels definitely ends up cheaper in the long run, since one towel can clean up as many messes as 1/2 roll of traditional paper towels, which are not cheap either. Don’t get me started on the prices of paper goods! Toilet paper is overpriced as well, but bamboo toilet paper is considerably more. I am making my daycare as “green” as possible, so that is why I am springing for the toilet paper subscription. I do think there is value in the paper though, and grab a roll to use upstairs every once in a while.

I would love to hear what you think about bamboo paper products if you try them out. Let me know if you find a great place to purchase them as well!