As far as kitchen “paper” towels go, I use one specific brand that are paper, but you can wash them and use them again… so it not a one-use-then-throw-away paper towel…

P.S. if apostrophes give you issues, this page simplifies remembering the rules
http://apostrophe.me/

For pasta I just put it back on the stove in the hot pan on the hot burner (the burner has been turned off but will still be hot). The heat is enough to evaporate off the rest of the water but not so hot that it dries out or sticks.

For lettuce I just use my salad spinner, but I don’t mind a little extra moisture in there. =)

I do have one question…what do you use for doing things like draining/drying lettuce or pasta (like for a pasta salad). I once tried using what I thought was a nice, soft, lint-free cloth and ended up with lint all over my pasta! I do have a salad spinner, but sometimes that isn’t quite enough.

I also have the same problem with drying fish and chicken pieces, but I know you won’t have a solution to that. ;)

@ akeeyu – That’s so great, I love the flannel kleenex idea. So soft on a tender runny nose! Definitely doing that this winter. =)

Paper towels: Replaced by cheap white IKEA dishtowels, ditto.

Kleenex: Replaced by a stack of flannel squares (tear into squares, allow to fray, toss in the wash) last year. They’re easier on your nose, and as a bonus, you can get festive flannel prints on sale. Blow your nose on flying pigs and penguins!

We still keep paper towels on hand, but we’re down to using about two or three rolls a year.

@ JLC – That’s a great idea! I’m so glad to hear that other families are doing this.

@ Austin – It is incredible the amount of waste just for removing water from hands.

@ Valerie – Good for you for making those steps! No need to jump in full force – I definitely transitioned slowly myself.

For cleaning kitchen/counters, I use a sponge. I buy a natural version at my co-op and I use it for all my kitchen cleaning, save dishes. We keep a separate sponge for dishes. I’m not concerned about germs because I keep a sanitary home and I’m constantly tidying/cleaning. Also, a vegan kitchen is a MUCH safer kitchen, as far as food-borne disease is concerned. One more reason to go vegan! =D

@ Gareth & @ Meghan – I usually do try to cite my sources (via link) but in this case I was getting my info from a paper copy, not online. I did google around and found some articles about this subject, citing the same figures. Here’s some further reading for those who are interested:

Paper Towels and Napkins Versus Cloth
These Come From Trees
Seattle Times

@ Joy – Thanks, and welcome to the blog! And . . . *blush* You caught me! I am actually a total stickler for grammar – it’s an integral part of my ‘real’ job – but for some reason I have this deep compulsion to egregiously misuse apostrophes, ONLY in the word ‘it’s’. Thanks for the edit, and please feel free to remind me anytime. =)