Sustainable Living: Ditching Paper Towels, Farmhouse Progress, and Simple Meal Planning for an Eco-Friendly Home

Welcome to another engaging episode of An Oregon Cottage, where we dive deep into topics that matter for a more intentional and sustainable lifestyle. Today, we’re tackling a subject that might just spark a lively debate: America’s unparalleled consumption of paper towels. While their convenience is undeniable, the environmental footprint is massive, prompting us to ask: Is this just another symptom of our ‘throwaway’ culture? Join us as we explore the compelling research behind these habits, share our personal insights, and introduce practical, budget-friendly alternatives to paper towels and other disposable paper products. Not only will these switches save you money, but they’ll also significantly reduce your household waste, moving you closer to an eco-conscious home. Beyond this vital discussion, we’re thrilled to bring you exciting updates on our farmhouse remodel journey, offering a glimpse into our progress and the vision unfolding. Plus, we’re sharing a real-life, week-long menu plan designed for simple, wholesome eating, along with some fascinating discoveries that have enriched our lives. Tune in for a blend of inspiration, practical tips, and a healthy dose of sustainable living wisdom!

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The American Obsession with Paper Towels: A Call for Sustainable Alternatives

In this episode, we tackle a rather revealing statistic that highlights a unique aspect of American consumer habits: the pervasive use of paper towels. The article that sparked much of our discussion, titled “Americans are Weirdly Obsessed with Paper Towels,” uncovers some startling facts. It reveals that American tissue waste alone accounted for a staggering 7.4 billion pounds in 2015. This figure is not just a number; it represents a significant environmental burden, prompting us to examine our collective reliance on disposable products.

This issue extends beyond just paper towels. The broader category of paper goods consumption is also reaching concerning levels. A compelling report from The Guardian sheds light on the devastating impact of U.S. toilet paper consumption on Canada’s vital boreal forest and its wider implications for climate change. These reports paint a clear picture: our convenience-driven choices are having a profound and often irreversible effect on our planet’s precious natural resources and delicate ecosystems. We delve into how the convenience factor, coupled with aggressive marketing, has normalized excessive paper product use, making it challenging for many to consider alternatives.

Making the Switch: Practical Paper-Saving Solutions

At An Oregon Cottage, we are passionate about finding simple, actionable ways to reduce waste and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. We believe that small changes, adopted consistently, can lead to significant positive impacts. Here are some of the effective strategies we’ve implemented in our own home to drastically cut down on paper product consumption, especially paper towels:

• Embrace Cloth Napkins with Individual Napkin Rings: This is a simple yet elegant solution for reducing daily paper waste. Instead of reaching for a disposable napkin at every meal, we use cloth napkins. The trick for convenience and hygiene? Individual napkin rings! Each family member has their own ring, and their napkin is used for a few days before being tossed into the laundry. This not only saves trees but also adds a touch of charm to your mealtime. Plus, a set of cloth napkins with unique rings makes a thoughtful and practical gift, encouraging others to adopt this sustainable habit.
• Our Simple Laundry System for Reusables: You might think switching to cloth napkins and cleaning rags means extra laundry. But in our simple laundry system, we explain how easily these items integrate into your existing laundry routine without requiring additional loads. We simply toss our used cloth napkins, various cleaning rags, and other fabric alternatives into the wash with our regular towels or clothes. It’s a seamless transition that proves you don’t need to add complexity to your life to be more eco-friendly.

For those looking to take their paper towel reduction efforts even further, I’m genuinely excited about the concept of “Unpaper Towels.” These reusable fabric sheets are designed to replace conventional paper towels, offering an absorbent, washable, and ultimately zero-waste option. I’ve been considering making a batch myself, and you can explore various options available on Etsy, like these Unpaper Towels. While searching, you’ll find different styles, including those that roll onto upright towel holders (though often pricier or made with very thick layers). My personal preference leans towards the simpler, serge-edged flannel type—one-ply, absorbent, and easy to wash. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet found a perfect tutorial for the exact simple one-ply flannel towels I envision, but a quick search will reveal many creative takes on this sustainable alternative. It’s an inspiring DIY project for anyone committed to reducing their ecological footprint in the kitchen and beyond.

Farmhouse Updates: Windows, Foundations, and a Garden Dream

The journey of our farmhouse remodel continues, and we’re thrilled to share some significant milestones! Perhaps the most impactful change visually is the installation of the new windows. While we initially designed for a certain number, the final count of windows in our farmhouse now exceeds our original imagination. The result, however, is simply breathtaking. These larger, strategically placed windows not only flood the interiors with natural light but also beautifully frame the stunning surrounding views, truly bringing the outside in. The added natural illumination and enhanced connection to our landscape make all the effort worthwhile, fundamentally transforming the feel of the home.

Beyond the impressive window installation, we’ve diligently tackled several crucial tasks, crossing them off our ever-growing renovation checklist:

• Exterior Window Molding and Siding Trim: The exterior finishes are coming along beautifully. We’ve meticulously installed the exterior window molding and trim, which gives the new windows a polished, integrated look. Simultaneously, we’ve made substantial progress on finishing the siding trim, bringing cohesion to the farmhouse’s exterior aesthetic and protecting it from the elements.
• Expanded Master Bathroom Subfloor: Inside, the master bathroom is taking shape. We’ve successfully laid the expanded subfloor for the master bathroom, a foundational step that paves the way for the new layout and fixtures. This was a critical phase for ensuring a solid and level base for the entire space, essential for the longevity and functionality of the bathroom.

And speaking of progress, a project dear to our hearts is also nearing completion:

Our vegetable garden deer fence is almost finished! This vital protective barrier is designed to safeguard our future harvests from hungry wildlife. While the main structure is up, we still need to install the gates, which are obviously essential for access. We’re also planning a charming arbor over the main gate, supported by the higher posts, which will add a beautiful focal point to the garden entrance. The sense of anticipation is growing as we envision the lush bounty this protected space will yield.

The momentum is building, and we feel a renewed sense of urgency to step up our efforts. With planting time just around the corner, our goal is to get everything ready to plant at least on time, if not a little early, to maximize the growing season. If you’re curious about the grand vision for our garden and its layout, this article provides the full plan for our vegetable garden. While some minor adjustments have been made since its inception, the fundamental layout and purpose remain consistent, guiding our exciting progress.

What’s Cooking: A Week of Simple, Real Food Menu Ideas

One of the recurring segments on our podcast that listeners consistently enjoy is when I share a real-life snapshot of what we actually ate during the previous week. My aim is to illustrate how genuinely committed we are to menu planning and to demonstrate that eating simple, from-scratch food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. While the featured week had a slight twist—hello, delicious turkey in March!—I sincerely hope this glimpse into our kitchen inspires you to plan wholesome, easy meals that your family will love and that align with your healthy living goals.

Here’s a look at last week’s easy, real food menu, emphasizing efficiency and flavor:

• Monday: Chicken Oven Nachos – A perfect start to the week! We made these quick and customizable nachos using either store-bought frozen rotisserie chicken or chicken prepared in our slow cooker spiced whole chicken recipe. Layered with cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings, they’re a family favorite for a reason.
• Tuesday: Tuscan Onion Soup – A hearty and flavorful departure from typical onion soup. Our version of this Tuscan Onion Soup (Carabaccia) includes a unique twist with an egg cooked right into it, adding richness and substance.
• Wednesday: Roast Turkey Dinner – A comforting mid-week feast! We enjoyed tender roast turkey with amazing gravy, accompanied by creamy garlic sour cream mashed potatoes and vibrant lemon garlic grated carrots. Our secret for fresh turkey in winter? I often buy an extra turkey during holiday sales, roast it, enjoy a dinner, and then chop and freeze the remaining cooked meat. It’s incredibly versatile and works perfectly in all the same recipes that call for cooked chicken.
• Thursday: Leftovers Extravaganza – A key component of efficient meal planning! Thursday is always reserved for enjoying the delicious remnants of Wednesday’s roast turkey dinner, reducing food waste and making dinner effortless.
• Friday: Curried Turkey Rice Soup – A warm and flavorful dish perfect for winding down the week. This curried turkey and rice soup is a fantastic way to utilize leftover turkey, transforming it into a completely new and exciting meal.
• Saturday: Homemade Pizza Night – A fun and customizable meal for the weekend! We love making our own pizza with this simple quick homemade pizza dough. Everyone gets to choose their favorite toppings, making it a delightful culinary adventure.
• Sunday: On Your Own – Giving everyone the flexibility to choose their meal or raid the fridge. This offers a nice break from cooking and encourages independent eating habits.

Menu planning not only streamlines grocery shopping and reduces stress but also ensures that you’re consistently preparing nutritious, homemade meals, saving both time and money. It’s an indispensable tool for a real food lifestyle.

This is Really Cool! Our Latest Discoveries

We love sharing things that make our lives a little better or more interesting. Here are two recent “cool discoveries” that we’ve been enjoying:

Brian’s Pick: Pocket – Your Ultimate Content Curation Tool

Brian’s Cool Thing: Pocket is an invaluable tool for anyone who loves to read and discover new content online. It’s a fantastic service for saving articles, videos, and web pages to read or watch later, across all your devices. Beyond its saving functionality, Pocket also curates an incredibly interesting daily email, delivered right to your inbox. This daily digest is a treasure trove of fascinating articles and insightful pieces, covering a wide array of topics. In fact, many of the compelling subjects we discuss on the podcast, including those that spark our biggest debates and discussions, are initially discovered through Pocket’s curated content. It’s an excellent resource for staying informed, broadening your horizons, and ensuring you never miss a captivating story, making it a powerful productivity and discovery tool.

Jami’s Pick: Happy Salmon – The Wildly Fun Card Game

Jami’s Cool Thing: Get ready for some high-energy fun with Happy Salmon! This wild and fast-paced card game is a universal hit, delighting everyone from energetic kids to playful adults. The premise is simple: players rapidly shout out actions on their cards (like “High 5!”, “Pound It!”, “Switcheroo!”, or “Happy Salmon!”) and then find other players with matching cards to perform the action. It’s a game of hilarious chaos, quick reflexes, and enthusiastic interaction. I recently introduced it to my niece and nephew and their friends, and it was an instant smash hit, filling the room with laughter and infectious energy. Happy Salmon is the perfect game for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun way to break the ice and get everyone moving and laughing together.

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