We use paper everywhere... paper towels, paper napkins, toilet paper, kleenex. The list goes on and on and unfortunately, all that paper isn't really sustainable. This last spring we watched a documentary about rain forests being cut down and replaced by forests of trees to make our paper products. It's still forest, you might say. However, the needs of these trees are very different from what was cut down. And, the result is water shortages and contamination for those living in the area.

What can we do instead? I see two options. If you need paper products, such as toilet paper, use recycled paper products. At least a new tree doesn't have to be cut down to make the toilet paper. Somehow, it really bothers me to have a tree cut down so I have something to blow my nose on.

The other option is to use cloth products. Cloth napkins, hand towels and handkerchiefs are great options to all that paper. We have started using cloth alternatives and an amazing thing has happened. My nose has quit running as much. It seems perhaps the bleach or paper fibers in the kleenex I was using must have been irritating my sinuses. This was an unexpected bonus and a welcome change.