Hankies and towels and dust mops, oh my!

by Jackie Lewandoski

Every time I try to think of ways to save money and create less waste, I can't help but to turn my thoughts to my parents and grandparents. They knew what it was like to live without many conveniences that are taken for granted. They weren't trying to be "green" the were just practical and did not believe in unnecessary waste.

To save money, I cut back on paper towels, and my disposable floor cleaner pads. It is simple to use rags from old clothes and towels. I have to wash clothes, so it is easy to toss them in with the laundry. I am a paper towel freak, and my Swifer duster and floor cleaner can be my best friends in a pinch, so it hasn't been easy trying to cut back on using these items. But I am a believer in everything in moderation. And if I have to use paper towels, I buy brands that are made from recycled paper. Marcel brand is one I really like.

I've always used an old fashioned dust mop on my floors. The dust mop head lasts forever and is easy to launder. But I do have my fancy kitchen floor cleaner that sprays out cleaning liquid, It was a birthday present from my dad. I keep that on hand for a quick cleaning.

One can save on tissues by using a hankie. Remember the hankie? Can you still buy hankies? I do know a few folks who still use them. It seems that they are used now more by men than women. I think so many people have become so sanitized that the thought of using a hankie is...well, gross. But to me it's just a preference. You can actually get some really sweet feminine hankies at vintage stores. Some are like little pieces of art. But collecting vintage hankies is a whole other story.