Bamboo paper towels are a great alternative to regular paper towels because they are not only eco-friendly but also strong and absorbent. They can also be composted. However, these towels do not biodegrade in the traditional way, so they’re not an ideal option to throw away. Depending on the brand, you may want to consider reusing them before tossing them in the garbage.
In the process of making bamboo paper towels, bamboo fibers are treated with chemicals to break them down and transform them into a soft, fluffy, and absorbent material. After processing, the bamboo fibers are run through several machines and separated from the rest of the bamboo. The resulting material is then flattened, bleached, and bonded together. These materials are then cut into sheets, and the resulting product is then made into a roll.
Bamboo is an ideal source of paper towel because it is a fast growing, sustainable resource that does not require pesticides, fertilizers, or water. It is a low-carbon plant that can be grown in tropical climates. When grown in Asia, it uses 30% less water than hardwood trees. A single acre of bamboo can fix 25 metric tons of atmospheric CO2 a year.
Another benefit of using bamboo paper towels is that they are very easy to dispose of. Although it’s unlikely you’ll be able to recycle the product, you can take it to your local compost bin and watch it break down. This makes the process much more eco-friendly than throwing the paper towels in the trash. You can purchase them online, and most grocery stores have at least one brand of them. If you’re not sure which company to choose, check out Who Gives a Crap. Their reusable paper towels are chlorine-free and made of organic bamboo, which means they’re good for the environment.
You might be wondering how bamboo is so eco-friendly. During the processing of the bamboo, the fibers are cured into a soft, fluffy material. The process breaks down the bamboo into cellulose and lignin, and the resulting products are then cut into sheets. One of the most interesting aspects of bamboo is that it can regrow, so it won’t contribute to deforestation.
For the first time ever, it’s possible to buy tree-free paper towels. As an added bonus, the company who developed these products, Grove Collaborative, also supports reforestation efforts in the U.S. They even offer free shipping on orders over $29.
The same technology used to create the bamboo paper towels can be applied to other products. By reusing the bamboo material and replanting it, you can save the planet from further deforestation. Not only that, but you can avoid the expensive repair work that goes with damaged paper towels.
Compared to normal paper towels, these products are a great option for a variety of household clean-up tasks. Bamboo is also a great alternative for dishcloths. Because it is an absorbent material, it can help cut down on the amount of soap and water you use.
