What to do if your partner, parents, or other housemates are not on-board.

I hear this all day at in-person makers markets. "Oh these [NonPaper Towels] are such a good idea, but so-and-so won't use them."

I've been there, specifically with reusables and with getting a partner or parent to agree to other minor lifestyle changes, so I have a few suggestions.

This could apply to any kind of reusable alternative product, but for these examples, I'll be using the NonPaper vs. paper towels since it's the one you're most likely to share with someone else.

Set an example.

Go ahead and start using them yourself. If they've been hesitant about the idea when you've previously mentioned it, just don't mention it again. Get the reusables yourself. Don't wait for the other person to come around and take the initiative.

For this to work, make sure you're also washing and storing the reusables properly. Don't leave a mess for someone else to clean up, or clutter up your shared space. If it seems like a hassle or an inconvenience, they will not want to do it.

Don't try to talk them into using the reusables - if they say something, just reassure them that you will take responsibility for washing them. (And maybe that they will now be responsible for replenishing the disposables!)

Out of sight, out of mind.

Maybe you've already started using the reusables yourself, but your other person is still not completely on-board and still uses paper towels occasionally.

Heck, maybe you're the one still grabbing a paper towel here and there.

Literally hide them.

Or at least put them somewhere inconvenient. 

To be honest, I've been making NonPaper Towels for about 5 years, and theoretically have an infinite supply (I only keep a few that I mess up a little bit when I need some more), but I still don't use them for absolutely everything...

mainly because I have a cat, and sometimes the cat does things you don't want to put in the wash. Especially in the middle of the night, you know how it goes. 

Aforementioned cat, Walter, helping with my market banner.

The best solution is to use rags (old t-shirts, boxers, socks, etc), rinse and pre-treat them with enzyme cleaner, and wash separately - but it's just too convenient when there are paper towels right there!

If you put them away from the kitchen counter, maybe the top shelf of the pantry, the laundry room, that useless little cabinet above the fridge... then you will have to think twice before just grabbing one.

Don't throw them away though! Hopefully this is obvious, but use what you have. It's perfectly fine to keep a roll around for those icky messes, or for when you're first making the switch - in case you run out before laundry day. (Side note, if that keeps happening, it's time for another pack).

Gradual change is okay!

We tend to think we have to go all-or-nothing, either we use paper or we use NonPaper. But that's baloney. As long as you are making a change towards reducing your waste - and saving money as a bonus - then you're doing good!

Remind your other person of this too, maybe they're hesitant because the idea of switching for everything is overwhelming.

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Thanks for reading! For more about reusables and reducing waste, read more of my blog posts by clicking "back to blog"