Which is more harmful to the environment: using a paper napkin or a cotton handkerchief?

Question

Thanks!

Answer 1

My handkerchiefs usually last for over 3 years...Imagine, if i had been using paper napkins for 3 years in place of hankys.

Handkys are less harmful, apparently...

Lets be environment friendly!

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Answer 2

The paper napkin would be more harmful.  Like someone has already said here, handkerchiefs do last for quite a few years.

For washing, just stick them in the washing machine with the rest of your washing. No extra energy is used.

Answer 3

see according 2 me.... using a paper napkin is more harmful to the environment than a cotton handkerchief.. That's because you can reuse the cotton handkerchief by washing it, whereas once you use the paper napkin,  you have no option but to throw it. Thus there is wastage of paper, and indirectly wood...

Answer 4

Paper napkin cannot be recycled efficiently

Answer 5

I think it depends on the type of cloth versus paper napkin, and how the cloth napkin is being washed and dried.  I will list them from best to worst for the environment below:

1 (Best) Cloth napkin made from flax or organic napkin, washed in cold water with phosphate-free soap and hang on a line to dry.

2 Cloth napkin made from cotton, washed in cold water with phosphate-free soap and hang on a line to dry.

3 Paper napkin made from 100% recycled fibers.

4 Cloth napkin made from flax or cotton, washed conventionally and dried in a dryer.

5 Conventional paper napkin

Answer 6

Paper napkin. Comes from trees that were cut down, and also has to be taken to the landfill. Cotton handkerchief can be washed and reused many times.

Answer 7

As the answers above show it is in the cleaning and production of the napkin/hankie that it matters.

A recycled paper napkin that is flushed and therefore used in a composting process has most of its energy reclaimed, but still the transporting of (say three years using above as an example for how long hankies last) three years worth of napkins has to counted against.

A hand washed napkin would also be very environmentally friendly.