Paper towels, while convenient for various tasks, contribute to environmental waste and are not sustainable due to their single-use nature. To address this issue and reduce waste, many individuals are opting for reusable alternatives such as ‘unpaper’ towels, cotton dish cloths, and reusable rolls. These alternatives offer durability, versatility, and eco-friendliness, making them ideal for those seeking more sustainable household options. Here are the top alternatives to paper towels for 2024.
Mioeco Reusable Cloth Paper Towels (Best Overall)
Mioeco’s Reusable Unpaper Towels are an excellent choice for those looking to minimize waste. Made from GOTS certified organic fibers, these towels are durable and become more absorbent with each wash. Produced in a solar-powered facility with carbon-neutral manufacturing, they offer an eco-friendly solution for various household tasks.
Public Goods Cotton Kitchen Towels (Best for Drying Dishes)
Public Goods Cotton Kitchen Towels are soft, absorbent, and perfect for drying dishes. Crafted from Turkish cotton, these towels are free from harmful pesticides and dyes, making them gentle on the skin. Their minimalist design and convenient loop for hanging make them a practical addition to any kitchen.
Clean Planetware Mayan Loofah (Best for Scrubbing)
The Clean Planetware Mayan Loofah is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic dishwashing brushes or sponges. Grown pesticide-free on a single-family farm in Guatemala, these loofahs are compostable and biodegradable. Their scrubby texture makes them ideal for tackling tough stains and residue.
Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloth (Best for Cleaning Up Spills)
Made from a mix of cellulose and cotton, the Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloth offers superior absorbency and fast-drying capabilities. These dishcloths are reusable and come in various fun designs printed with water-based inks, adding a touch of whimsy to your kitchen decor.
Seedling by Grove Reusable Paper Towel (Best Reusable Towel)
Seedling by Grove Reusable Paper Towels are an affordable and sustainable option for everyday use. Made from 100 percent bamboo fibers, these towels regenerate quickly and are free from dyes and inks. They offer a reusable solution for wiping up spills and can be rinsed and reused multiple times.
Zero Waste Club Organic Cotton Dish Towel (Best Budget Towel)
Crafted from 100 percent organic cotton, the Zero Waste Club Organic Cotton Dish Towel is a versatile and eco-friendly option. With its generous size and durable construction, this towel is perfect for drying dishes and wiping hands. Easy to care for, it can be machine washed and composted at the end of its lifecycle.
Marley’s Monsters Rolled Unpaper Towels (Best Reusable Roll)
Marley’s Monsters Rolled Unpaper Towels offer a sustainable alternative to traditional paper towel rolls. Made from single-ply cotton flannel, these towels are reusable and come in a variety of prints. With seared edges for durability, they can be used for months and are handmade in Oregon.
Saged.Home Reusable Wipes (Best Wet Wipe Alternative)
Goldune’s Reusable Disinfectant and Cleaning Wipes provide a sustainable alternative to single-use disposable wipes. Made from cotton flannel, these wipes can be reused multiple times and come in a glass jar with fill lines for homemade cleaning solutions.
Coyuchi Sonoma Textured Organic Napkins (Best Cloth Napkin)
Coyuchi’s Sonoma Textured Organic Napkins offer an eco-friendly alternative to paper napkins. Made from 100 percent organic cotton, these napkins are GOTS certified and machine washable. With their ample size and sustainable production practices, they are ideal for everyday use.
Final Verdict
For those seeking to reduce their environmental impact and transition to more sustainable household products, the Mioeco Reusable Unpaper Towels are our top pick. Alternatively, the Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloth offers a fun and stylish option with its whimsical designs.
Why Trust Treehugger?
At Treehugger, we are committed to providing readers with sustainable living solutions, including recommendations for eco-friendly alternatives to single-use disposable items. Author Gabriella Sotelo, a journalist covering environmental topics, brings her expertise to our research and recommendations.
