Green Bean?

via goodhousekeeping.com

No, not that kind of green bean. I’m talking green Bean

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via cjerickson.com

Like, me going green.

I do care about the environment, but I often feel like I’m not doing enough. I recycle. I don’t {often} use plastic water bottles, I fill up a reusable mug of water.

Here’s the thing though, I’m kind of a germaphobe. {and yes, I know that’s not a real word.} I do have issues with spreading germs. Not nearly as bad as my sister (Love you sister!) but certain things gross me out.

#1 – Dishcloths. I’ve never met a dishcloth that didn’t smell bad after the first use. And in my mind all of those bad odors come from the germs stuck in them. Plus, my hands smell after I use them. Not okay. The only thing worse than dishcloths?

#2 – Sponges. Oh, don’t even get me started on sponges. Germacological nightmare. {In the words of my SIL Kate, “It’s a word. Look it up.” Meaning, of course, that I know that one isn’t a word either. Leave me alone, I’m a technical writer by day, which means I can break the rules at night all I want.}

So herein lies my dilemma. I know it’s not green at all to use as many paper towels and Clorox wipes as I do. Because I use a lot. Every time I wipe my counter – which, as a germaphobe I do a lot – I use at least one of those options. Sometimes both. And I like to cook, which means I use my counters – and wipe them – often.

So friends, here’s where you come in. Does anyone out there have any good alternatives to paper towels or Clorox wipes that I can feel good about using? Both germacologically and environmentally?