Advocating for a Change: Colorado Mom Endorses Washcloths Instead of Toilet Paper
Channon Rose, a Colorado-based mother, has taken a bold step towards sustainability by switching her family's hygiene routine. Instead of traditional toilet paper, she has opted for a more eco-friendly alternative - washcloths, also known as "family cloth" or "reusable toilet paper."
This change has had a positive impact both environmentally and financially for her family. By adopting reusable cloth alternatives, she contributes to significant waste reduction, thereby lowering her family's environmental footprint. This approach aligns with zero waste living principles, as it minimizes single-use paper waste and reduces the demand for resources involved in producing traditional toilet paper.
From a financial perspective, using washcloths can lead to long-term savings. While there may be an initial investment in purchasing or making reusable cloths, over time, families avoid continual expenses of buying toilet paper. This change can improve personal finances by cutting down recurring household costs related to disposable hygiene products.
Rose's decision was motivated by environmental concerns, particularly the non-biodegradable nature of toilet paper and its contribution to deforestation and pollution. She believes that washcloths are more effective at cleaning than toilet paper. Channon argues that using washcloths is cleaner than wiping with toilet paper, comparing it to washing poop off one's hand and drying with a towel.
Rose crafts her own washcloths by cutting and serging washcloths. She has also replaced Kleenex tissues with a reusable cloth for blowing her nose. In addition, she recommends toothpaste cubes and reusable menstrual pads as eco-friendly alternatives.
For Rose, the switch required a significant change in habits and mindset, including learning how to clean and sanitize the washcloths and finding a way to store them hygienically. Despite this, she has found the change to be beneficial, especially for her family's skin health, as washcloths are more comfortable and less abrasive.
Rose, who identifies with the hashtags #zerowaste, #ecofriendly, #vegan, and #channonrose on her social media posts, has garnered over 600,000 views on TikTok with her video about using washcloths. She has also shared her experience in a video titled "things I no longer buy bathroom edition," which has not mentioned before the specific recommendations for toothpaste cubes and reusable menstrual pads.
Despite the initial discomfort she experienced while discussing her reasons for switching to reusable cloth in a video, Rose continues to advocate for sustainable living. She provides regular toilet paper for guests, but her family does not use it themselves. Rose's use of washcloths is a testament to her commitment to reducing her family's environmental impact and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
[1] Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste (2013) by Bea Johnson [3] Guillebeau, Leo. (2016). The Sane Buyer's Guide to Zero Waste. Retrieved from https://leoguillebeau.com/zero-waste-buyers-guide/
- Channon Rose's switch to washcloths, a reusable toilet paper alternative, is a part of her commitment to environmental-science and sustainable-living, contributing significantly to waste reduction and aligning with zero waste living principles.
- In her exploration of sustainable-living, Channon Rose has replaced various common household items with eco-friendly alternatives, such as reusable Kleenex tissues, toothpaste cubes, and reusable menstrual pads, aiming to minimize her impact on the environment.
- Channon Rose's decision to adopt a lifestyle centered around eco-friendly choices, like using washcloths instead of traditional toilet paper, has generated attention within the home-and-garden and environmental-science communities, with her video on TikTok receiving over 600,000 views.
