less paper towels

now, i break out the sewing machine
about once or twice a year.
i’m a novice.
but when it comes to easy, creative solutions
that make a positive impact on our planet
and my personal budget,
i’ll try it.

i read somewhere on the Net a while ago
about the dual benefits of cloth napkins:
one: they help us have less of an impact on the environment
because we use less paper towels
and therefore contribute less to landfills;
and two: they make dinner a bit more grown-up and special.

so i followed the directions
and bought some cheap, green and white, checked gingham
from hobby lobby
– i love saying “hobby lobby” just as much as i love that store –
ripped ‘em at 12 inch intervals or so,
and sanaa and rahmah helped me sew
a quick, straight line of stitches down each side
so the napkins won’t fray into coasters.

i made enough so that each one of us can use one napkin a day
for a week without washing.

i must say, they are quite a nice, non-fussy, economical and “green” touch to meal times.