Green = Green – Page 4

This is a very simple, eco-friendly project. Cloth napkins would make a great addition to a kitchen and dining inspired gift. Add a set of napkins to a set of pretty dishes and it’s a great, usable gift.

To make a set of napkins, pick a pretty quilting or linen type fabric. To get 4 napkins, buy 1 square yard of fabric. Cut into 18 inch squares. Fold opposite sides in about 1/2 inch. Iron to make a nice crease. Then, fold the other sides in 1/2 inch or so, ironing to crease.

Fold opposites over again and press to crease. Pin in place to hold the shape. Iron opposite sides again and pin.

Set your sewing machine to a close straight stitch. Allign the edge of your presser foot with the edge of the napkin and sew. When you reach a corner, keep the needle down, raise the presser foot and turn 90°. Continue sewing until each napkin is complete.

Today is the start of a new series: tips and ideas to help you live a greener life style, while saving some green. Some ideas are super simple to carry out and very cheap (level 1), while others are slightly more difficult, but a knowledgeable DIYer could tackle (level 2). Others are best left to the professionals (level 3), but all showcase eco-friendly options.

Our first idea is a level 1, so easy a cave man can do it. Let’s say a family of four uses 1 roll of paper towels every two weeks, at the price of $1.17 per roll (if you buy the cheapest paper towels in bulk from Costco). The total spent in one year on paper towels (used only as napkins) is $30.42. If you want to do something a little more eco-friendly, but still use paper towels, you can buy Seventh Generation Recycled paper towels. If you opt for this route, you’ll spend $46.54 per year.

Compare those prices to $1.99 for four cloth napkins from IKEA, ours are IRIS, but I can’t find them online. Our napkins are white with a subtle checker board pattern. I chose not to buy pretty napkins, as they’ll look ugly after one use, but I love not having to buy a ton of paper towels. I think the Earth loves us, too.

If you don’t have an IKEA, you can always buy fabric and make your own. Definitely invest in at least 8, so you always have some on hand. Just throw them in the wash with a full load and reuse!