One large kitchen sponge is worth a thousand paper towels. Use it, wring it dry. Every time you run your automatic dishwasher put it on the top rack. If you're still worried about germs, wet it and put it in the microwave for one minute.

Kristen,

Some things we are doing to be more green include: using reusable canvas tote bags to carry our groceries so we don't use paper or plastic grocery bags; using cloth towels rather than paper towels; hang our laundry out to dry rather than using clothes dryer; put in a window air conditioner in bedroom and crank up the central air to 90 at night so we only cool one room at night (program central to come back on at 6 a.m.); put all electrical objects on electric strips and turn strips off at night so minimize passive use of electricity (including television, microwave, etc.); wash and re-use plastic zip-lock bags; do not purchase styrofoam products (can't be recycled); researched on internet natural cleaning products that are cheap and easy to make (save a lot of money and save the environment); use non-toxic interior paint for re-painting rooms; purchase Ball glass jars on internet to store goods so reduce plastic storage containers; do not purchase water in plastic bottles - take filtered water from home to work in hard plastic -reusable container. These are just a few ideas!

Mary, one of the problems is not only what our goods are processed from (renewable and nonrenewable resources), but also the cost of manufacturing and transportation to our homes. This includes the cost for gas nowadays, which is astronomical as we all know. Since we have to buy paper towels more frequently than you would a dish towel, you would inadvertatently be paying the mileage each time for the paper towels, which could be coming from across country. Green living isn't just about using items that are environment friendly, but also encouraging consumers to buy locally and support our friends and neighbors who make their living in the cotton industry.

I second the cotton towels, more reliable and reusable then paper towels.

for puke and stuff, try what we call where I work "pixie dust" (that should give you a hint :p) it's basically a compound that sucks up all the puke then you just sweep it into a pan and toss it, disinfect regularly.

for lesser used areas like family kitchens, Ecolab makes a product that has enzymes in it that work as you walk over it. I think it's crap to use for cleaning our high use kitchens at work, but in a small home it's a better idea. It's called Wash and Walk, but is more a commerical cleaner so you won't find it down at your local walmart

mohavewolfpup,

First, I wanted to say I love that you put puke and crap in your post, and delicately threw Pixie dust in the middle of them. ha ha ha Where would I find that Wash and Walk?

Carroll,
Good call on those huge plastic bags. It would be nice to replace those with canvas.

Kristen Francis