Single-use paper napkins are just one of the many single-use paper products contributing to global waste and pollution. Paper napkins may be made of paper, but that doesn’t make them recyclable. Paper napkins cannot be recycled because, similarly to paper cups and plates. When paper products have food residue, grease, bodily fluids, or other substances on them, they are no longer recyclable.

Rather than spending money on non-reusable paper items that will eventually end up in a landfill, choose reusable cloth napkins instead. Cloth napkins can last for years if they are properly taken care of and can be reused over and over again. Cloth napkins can help reduce waste, save you money, and are a classy touch anyone can easily add to their table settings.

Did you know…

• If 50% of the U.S. population uses 3 napkins a day, over 450,000,000 napkins are used each day
• 31,500,000 gallons of water are required to manufacture those 450,000,000 napkins
• You can line dry cloth napkins to give yourself extra energy-saving brownie points