Tear. Wipe. Toss. Repeat. That’s the cycle most paper towels go through. They're used for a few minutes, but made from trees that took decades to grow.

Thankfully, there’s a better way to wipe!

This article is your no-guilt guide to switching to eco-friendly paper towels – whether you’re looking for recycled options, bamboo rolls or reusable alternatives. 

We’ll break down the differences, compare what actually works and help you choose the best fit for your home or office – all while helping you make Mama Earth proud.

Table of Contents

• Why Should You Switch to Eco-Friendly Paper Towels?

• What's the Difference Between Recycled and Bamboo Paper Towels?

• How Do Reusable Cloth Towels Compare to Eco-Friendly Disposables?

• Are Eco-Friendly Paper Towels as Effective as Traditional Brands?

• What Should You Look for When Choosing Eco-Friendly Paper Towels?

Why Should You Switch to Eco-Friendly Paper Towels?

Millions of trees are cut down each year to fuel our wipe-and-toss routines. And not just any trees – slow-growing giants that take decades to mature, only to be shredded for a few sips of spilled coffee. 

What’s more, deforestation has serious flow-on effects – from biodiversity loss and climate instability to the destruction of natural ecosystems that support our health and planet. Many of these trees come from ancient forests like the Canadian boreal, which store a massive amount of carbon and support Indigenous communities and wildlife.

Not to mention, turning trees into paper is a resource intensive process, one that involves machinery, transportation, harsh bleaches and loads of water. (And all while releasing pollutants into our air and waterways. Yikes!)

And while paper might seem compostable, most soiled paper towels are not recyclable or compost-friendly, meaning they end up in landfill where they lie around generating methane. (Psst… methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases!) By switching to eco-friendly paper towels, you can lower your impact one wipe at a time.

Options made from recycled fibres, fast growing bamboo or reusable cloths help reduce deforestation, water waste and pollution, all without sacrificing absorbency or strength. You still get spotless surfaces, just without all the environmental baggage. 

What's the Difference Between Recycled and Bamboo Paper Towels?

Recycled paper towels are made from post-consumer waste. Think old office paper and newspapers that already lived a full life. Turning that waste into something useful helps cut down paper waste and diverts material from landfills. But don’t be fooled – just because they’re recycled, doesn’t make them any less effective.

Bamboo is another eco-friendly overachiever. Technically a grass, not a tree, bamboo grows ridiculously fast and regenerates without replanting and minimal water. Its longer fibres make for strong, absorbent sheets. Much like our bamboo toilet paper, it handles whatever you throw at it.

Both options skip virgin tree pulp entirely, which means less deforestation all round. 

How Do Reusable Cloth Towels Compare to Eco-Friendly Disposables?

Reusable paper towels, like cloth or cellulose-based options, are the zero-waste gold standard. They eliminate single-use waste and save money over time. But they do come with one tradeoff: they need washing, which means water and energy. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

That's why most people use them for routine cleaning, like wiping countertops, drying hands and dealing with drips. Easy win.

But for messes involving raw meat, bodily fluids or questionable science experiments in the fridge, single-use might make more sense.

That's why we're big fans of the hybrid approach: keeping a stash of recycled paper products on hand for the heavy-hitters and reusable paper towels for everything else. It's an easy way to balance hygiene, convenience and sustainability, without sacrificing clean counters or peace of mind.

Are Eco-Friendly Paper Towels as Effective as Traditional Brands?

Eco-friendly paper towels – made from bamboo or premium recycled fibres – have come a long way since the early days of sustainable alternatives. 

Bamboo, in particular, brings some serious muscle to the table. Its naturally long fibres offer durability and moisture-wicking powers, meaning fewer sheets to do the same job. 

Our recycled paper products are no slouch either. Super thirsty and 2 ply strong, they soak up spills just like the traditional towels, minus the whole cutting down virgin trees thing

That said, performance does vary. If you want your paper towels to hold up, skip the super thin budget brands and go for thicker, well made rolls… 

What Should You Look for When Choosing Eco-Friendly Paper Towels?

Look for third-party certifications like FSC®, which confirms the fibres come from responsibly managed forests, and BPI, which means any compostable packaging will actually break down in a commercial facility. Bonus points for rolls wrapped in recycled packaging without sneaky plastic linings.

Next up: Scan the fine print for specifics like “100% bamboo” or a clear breakdown of recycled paper products. Remember, transparency matters, and so does processing – chlorine-free options are gentler on your skin and the planet.

At Who Gives A Crap, we make it easy. Our sustainable paper towels are made from responsibly sourced recycled materials, wrapped in paper packaging and backed by certifications you can trust. Plus, 50% of profits are donated to help support clean water and sanitation projects. Because we believe a clean kitchen and clean drinking water can go hand in hand.

Let Your Paper Towels Make a Difference 

It’s easy to forget that everyday convenience has a cost. By switching to our reusable Dream Cloths, 100% recycled paper towels or 100% bamboo tissues, you’re choosing products that help reduce deforestation without sacrificing performance. So go on, make the swap, and let every wipe pull its weight for the planet!

FAQs

Can I compost used eco-friendly paper towels?

Yes, as long as the paper towels are chemical-free and used for food messes, they can safely join your compost. Paper towels that have been touched by cleaning products or animal products belong in the bin to avoid contaminating your compost.

Do bamboo paper towels work with regular paper towel holders?

Yes, bamboo rolls are sized to match traditional paper towels, so they slide onto standard holders easily. You won’t notice difference – promise!

How does Who Gives A Crap make their paper towels sustainable?

We make our paper towels with recycled paper or bamboo, so no virgin trees get dragged into the process. Then we wrap them in recycled paper to cut back on single-use plastic waste. (There’s enough of that in the world!) Psst… Did you know we also donate 50% of profits to water, sanitation and hygiene non-profits? Now you can feel good about every mess, spill and smear! 

Will switching to eco-friendly paper towels really make a difference?

Yep, small swaps add up – and fast! Recycled paper towels give existing resources like office paper a second chance at life, while bamboo products help lower demand for virgin trees. TLDR: Making the switch to sustainable materials is good for your home and great for our home plane.