March One Small Change

I've recently been inspired by Hip Mountain Mama's One Small Change group, where people commit to one attainable ecological change per month leading up to Earth Day. I've decided to make my change around paper products.

Now, I consider myself to be pretty good with paper. I never use paper towels, avoid disposable plates, napkins and cups like the plague (I usually will bring my own mug, and sometimes plate, to meetings or lectures). I usually dry my hands on my pants or shake them dry in public restrooms. I assemble every scrap of paper (receipts, envelopes, ...) and scribble lists, notes and directions on them before recycling... Etc, etc.

There is one area of my paper use, though, that I have been reluctant to address, and that deals with bodily fluids. Yes, I buy recycled toilet paper and use it very conservatively, but I'm still using paper every time I go to the bathroom or blow my nose. So I've decided to try out this whole "family cloth" thing, but only for number 1 right now. Baby steps, people. I cut up an old t-shirt, and I'm ready to go! And my pretty collection of vintage hankies that I used to use only as an accessory casually tucked in a pocket? Yes, I will be wiping my nose with them.

It's time to get over my squeamishness for more important things. I'm glad that Hip Mountain Mama and all those other One Small Changers have finally prompted me to take this step that I've been contemplating for awhile!

Wish me luck!