Eco Cloth vs Paper Towels: The Maths of Modern Cleaning

We reach for paper towels without thinking. A spill on the floor, a quick wipe of the bench, drying a plate - rip, wipe, bin. It feels cheap and convenient in the moment, but the reality is that single-use paper towels are quietly draining your wallet and filling up your rubbish bin.

"The absorbency is insane. You will not find a cloth with better absorbency," says Good Change founder Stine Moller, describing the moment customers switch from paper towels to the Eco Cloth. "They try them and say, 'I can't believe how good they are. I can't believe I haven't tried these before. They just do the job.'"

If you are still buying multipacks of paper towels every week, it is time to look at the numbers. Switching to a reusable, compostable alternative is not just an eco-friendly choice - it is a remarkably smart financial one.

The True Cost of Paper Towels

Let's do the maths. A conservative estimate suggests the average household uses 1.5 rolls of paper towels per week. If you have children or pets, that number is likely much higher.

Over just four months (about 17 weeks), that equates to 26 rolls of paper towels. At an average cost of $3.50 per roll, you are spending roughly $91. That is $91 literally thrown in the bin, along with the plastic packaging they come wrapped in.

Paper towels require massive amounts of water and energy to produce, and even if they are made from recycled paper, the sheer volume of waste generated by a single household is staggering. There is a better way.

The 26-to-1 Rule: Why the Eco Cloth Wins

Now, let's compare that to the Good Change Eco Cloth. Made from a clever blend of wood pulp and cotton, this cloth is designed for heavy daily use.

One single Eco Cloth lasts between 6 to 9 months. In the first four months alone, it replaces those 26 rolls of paper towels. An Eco Cloth from a 3-pack costs about $4.

You spend $4 instead of $91. That is $87 saved in just a few months, simply by changing the tool you use to wipe your bench. And at the end of its long life, you bury it in the garden and it fully composts in a couple of months. No landfill, no plastic packaging, no waste.

Beyond the Sink: The Bamboo Towel Upgrade

If you love the format of a paper towel roll but hate the waste, there is another brilliant option: Reusable Bamboo Towels.

These look and feel like a thick, premium paper towel, but they are made from FSC-certified sustainable bamboo. You tear off a sheet, use it to mop up a mess, and instead of throwing it away, you rinse it out or throw it in the washing machine.

• One roll replaces 65 traditional paper towel rolls
• Each of the 20 sheets can be washed up to 85 times
• Saves approximately $117 compared to buying 65 rolls of paper towels
• Made from FSC-certified bamboo - fast-growing, renewable, and biodegradable

It is the perfect bridge for those who are used to the convenience of a roll but want to stop throwing money in the rubbish. One roll on your kitchen counter, and you are set for months.

People Also Ask

Are reusable paper towels worth it?

Absolutely. While the upfront cost of a reusable bamboo towel roll or an Eco Cloth is slightly higher than a single paper towel roll, the long-term savings are significant. One reusable option can replace dozens of disposable rolls, saving you hundreds of dollars a year while eliminating a huge amount of household waste.

Is it more sustainable to use cloth towels vs paper towels?

Yes. Consuming single-use paper towels demands vastly more energy and water for manufacturing and shipping compared to using and washing a reusable cloth. Reusable cloths also eliminate the continuous stream of landfill waste and plastic packaging associated with paper towels.

What is the best reusable paper towel alternative in NZ?

The best alternatives are the wood pulp and cotton Eco Cloth for general bench wiping and spills, and Reusable Bamboo Towels for those who prefer the tear-off roll format. Both are highly absorbent, durable, and fully compostable at the end of their long life.

How do you wash reusable bamboo towels?

You can simply rinse them under the tap with warm water and a little dish soap for quick cleanups. For a deeper clean, place them in a laundry wash bag and run them through a normal cold or warm machine wash. Do not use fabric softener, as it reduces their absorbency over time.

How long does an Eco Cloth last?

With normal daily use in a kitchen, an Eco Cloth will last between 6 to 9 months. You can clean it by putting it in the top rack of your dishwasher or boiling it in water for a minute. When it finally wears out, you can bury it in your garden where it will fully compost in about 2 months.