If you’re here, you probably already have a sense that traditional paper towels aren’t doing the planet any favors. Made with virgin paper fibres, they create tons of waste and contribute to deforestation, with millions of trees cut down every year to meet demand.

If you're looking for a way to clean up without clearing out forests, you're in luck! There are plenty of sustainable or reusable, eco-friendly options that work just as well as traditional paper towels, whether you’re cleaning sticky faces, soaking up the dog’s post water bowl puddles, or wiping up your toddler’s latest crayon mural masterpiece.

Looking to alternatives: reusable or renewable?

Paper towel alternatives? Oh, have you got choices! The big one? Deciding between something reusable or renewable.

People often assume that going the reusable route is the ideal choice for the environment, but it’s not always so simple. Take sponges, for example — they're made from plastic, meaning they’re reusable but not renewable and definitely not eco-friendly. 

Renewable resources naturally replenish themselves, making them far better for the environment. Think plants, not plastics.

From the best renewable alternatives to reusable options that keep waste in check, let’s dive into the solutions that make the biggest difference for the environment.

Eco-friendly alternative #1: Swedish dishcloths

One part sponge, one part cloth and three parts marvelous, Swedish dishcloths have it all. 

Made with a combination of cellulose (plant fibre) and cotton, these babies are reusable, and fully biodegradable once you’ve worn them out. They hold many times their own weight in water, making them a fantastic alternative to paper towels, plus they dry quickly, which reduces bacteria. And when your dishcloths do get dirty, you can toss them in the washing machine or dishwasher for a refresh.

For even more sustainability, look for brands that incorporate recycled cotton — including Who Gives A Crap’s own Dream Cloths! By using recycled cotton, you’re reducing the demand for new cotton production, conserving resources, cutting down on waste and keeping materials out of landfills by giving them a fresh start.

Eco-friendly alternative #2: cloth napkins and towels

The next contender in the reusable category is probably already hiding in your cupboards: old towels and linens! Turning them into cleaning cloths is a surefire way to reduce waste and paper towel use around the house.

Just cut them into handy squares or rectangles, and you’re set. Got little ones? Cloths with their favourite characters might even get them to help out (hey, we can dream).

For the fancy stuff, save a few for mealtime, and voilà — reusable, eco-friendly alternative to napkins that are already part of your home setup.

Eco-friendly alternative #3: bamboo paper towels

Next up, a renewable favourite: bamboo paper towels. 

Don’t worry — you won’t need to hack down your lucky bamboo plant to make this switch. Bamboo paper towels look just like the ones you’re used to, but they’re way better for the planet. That’s because bamboo is technically a grass, not a tree, meaning it grows at lightning speed — sometimes up to three feet a day! Not only that, but it grows densely, so it uses less space and fewer resources overall.

Even better, bamboo paper towels break down naturally without harming the environment, making them biodegradable and compostable.

Eco-friendly alternative #4: recycled paper towels

Recycled paper towels are another smart choice, giving post-consumer paper a second life instead of letting it end up in the waste stream.

The process is surprisingly straightforward: old paper is collected and shredded, then mixed with water and cleaned. The result is fresh pulp that’s used to create new paper towels. Not only does this approach conserve trees by putting waste paper to work, it also uses less energy and water to process than traditional paper towels — double win. 

To make sure you’re buying the most sustainable recycled paper, look for FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) and B Corp™ certifications. FSC certification guarantees responsible forest management, while the B Corp™ stamp means your brand maintains high social and environmental performance standards.

Eco-friendly alternative #5: Hemp cloths

For a balanced blend of reusable and renewable, hemp cloths are a sustainable standout. Hemp plants are natural givers, restoring up to 70% of their nutrients back to the soil, which helps create healthier ecosystems. Plus, they double as detox agents, pulling pollutants out of the ground as they grow.

Hemp cloths are 100% biodegradable and require less water to produce than most alternatives — a sustainable option that cleans your home while making the world a little cleaner, too.

How to easily transition your household to paper towel alternatives

Small steps lead to big changes. If you’re anxious about making the switch, start by replacing your paper towels in just one space at a time — like your kitchen or dining room — and let the changes grow from there.

Systems are the secret to making sustainable swaps stick. Designate a bin or container to the cause, for storing and washing reusable cloths. It’s an easy way to keep things organised and help build the habit, until it’s as seamless as tossing out a paper towel.

The transition doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Our best advice? Find the approach that fits your family. There’s no one size fits all solution, so embrace whichever path best suits your own sustainability journey. Every step makes a difference.

Conclusion - Embrace eco-friendly paper towel alternatives

When it comes to reusable options, Swedish dishcloths are a fantastic choice. Our Dream Cloths, like Swedish dishcloths but with a fancier name, are made from a blend of cellulose and cotton. They’re biodegradable and easy to wash, and since  we donate 50% of our profits to clean water and sanitation non-profits, you're doubling the good you do. 

Got some old towels or cloth napkins lying around? Give them a second life as reusable cleaning cloths!

When it comes to renewable options, bamboo and recycled paper towels are the top contenders — and let’s not forget hemp cloths, which enrich the soil and are 100% biodegradable.

And the key to an easy transition? Start small, focus on one area at a time and set up a system to ensure your cleaning cloths are always organised and ready to go.

Switching to eco-friendly has never been easier. Clean up your act with Dream Cloths, or keep it simple with an order of our Forest-friendly Paper Towels today!