Last Updated on August 5, 2024

Reusable napkins are ideal for cleaning your hands and face while eating a meal, and there are so many kinds to choose from. Cloth napkins are way better for the environment than paper napkins too!

Making the commitment to using eco friendly napkins will save on waste, and honestly, they work better than disposable napkins. Committing to a zero waste lifestyle takes some preparation, but by making little changes like using sustainable cloth napkins, you are on your way. I’ll share the best cloth napkins for everyday use as well as the best types of reusable napkins for special occasions!

eco friendly napkins

It’s important to train our brains to think about our environment and waste for everything we use — including napkins!

Disposable paper napkins are everywhere nowadays, from restaurants and takeout to homes. But I’m working to change that ONE TABLE AT A TIME as an easy way to make every home more sustainable!

Surprisingly, paper napkins cannot be recycled in most cases. This is because the fibers are too short to be made into new paper. And while paper napkins can technically be composted (as long as there’s no grease, chemical, or unnatural dye on them), most people wipe their faces and then throw them in the trash.

Napkins are such a simple part of dining, whether at home or in a restaurant. It’s an easy way to reduce waste by making a simple switch to sustainable cloth napkins.

Today, I challenge you to swap paper napkins out for reusable napkins. I think you’ll love how well cloth napkins work and all the different styles you can get. Plus, cleaning them is EASY too, so no excuses!

going zero waste challenge: sustainable cloth napkins

It’s day 18 of the zero waste challenge! The beginning of the challenge is focused on simple swaps like bringing your own water bottle and bags to the grocery store.

Now, we’re in the second phase of the challenge. These changes are lifestyle changes like learning to make your own snacks, decluttering your life the zero waste way, and conserving natural resources.

However, in hindsight… this cloth cotton napkins swap probably belongs up in the beginning. Ah, well, watcha gonna do.

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the problem:

Paper napkins aren’t recyclable after use because they are considered soiled after food gets on them. And as stated above, even unused paper napkins can’t be recycled because of their tiny fibers. They can be composted, which is good, but ultimately not the best solution.

Most people don’t compost, but I know you’re working on getting that sorted! Remember, on day 10 we talked all about how to get a compost situation that works for you.

Paper napkins use a ton of resources and energy to make which hearkens back to Day 11: use fewer resources and on Day 11: buy less. Do you see how this challenge is becoming pretty intertwined?

Bottom line is, it’s much better for the planet to ditch disposable items and choose reusable whenever possible. That’s why I am recommending choosing eco friendly napkins instead of paper napkins.

You probably think cloth napkins are a lot more work than paper. But I promise you they are not.

the reusable napkins solution:

Justin and I both use cloth napkins, and if they aren’t dirty, we just carry them over to the next meal.

If they are dirty, then we throw them in the base of a washing machine. That way, whenever we’re doing another load, they’re already in there ready to be washed.

However, if you don’t have a washing machine, you can still own and wash cloth napkins. When Justin and I moved into our tiny house, we didn’t have a washing machine.

Instead, when our reusable cotton napkins got soiled, we let them dry if they were wet and then put them in the hamper.

You can also up-cycle one of your trashcans that you don’t need anymore to hold soiled textiles. This prevents clothing and soiled eco friendly napkins from getting mixed up in the same basket.

To wash our cloth napkins, we just throw them in the laundry. However, if a cloth napkin gets particularly dirty (hello, spaghetti sauce), I might hand wash it and just let it dry by draping it over the oven handle.

best cloth napkins for everyday use

My favorite part is that they’re easy to make yourself! I am so proud that I hand stitched my very first set of reusable napkins, and in my opinion, they’re the best cloth napkins I’ve ever owned.

When I first went zero waste, I was on a TIGHT budget. I grabbed some spare fabric from the thrift store to make a set of napkins. They’re still my favorite to this day.

If you’re not worried about having fancy napkins, consider cutting up an old soft shirt or hoodie and using that. Some of these simple materials are the best cloth napkins for everyday use — cleaning, casual meals, wiping up spills, etc.

best cloth napkins for special occasions

Obviously, you can always purchase a set of premade napkins if making your own is out of the question. However, upcycling previously loved fabrics or thrifting some cool fabric is the most sustainable way.

If you must purchase, consider sustainable materials like bamboo or organic cotton, and avoid polyester, which is derived from plastic.

And if you really want to make stand-out reusable napkins, there are a bunch of tutorials online. However, most tutorials are specifically geared towards people who have sewing machines.

I hand stitched mine, so it’s definitely possible! I used a blind hem stitch around the edges and did it while I was watching TV or listening to a podcast.

If sewing is not your thing, check out this no sew linen napkin tutorial. They’re super cute and low hassle to make.

Regardless, fancier napkins are usually made out of thicker, higher quality fabrics and may even feature embroidery or embellishments.

how many napkins should you have?

I recommend keeping a nice little stash of fabric napkins around your house and in your purse for on-the-go purposes. You never know when you might need them!

To live comfortably, I’d recommend having at least five reusable napkins available per person, and the best cloth napkins are ones that are usable all year and for any occasion.

That might seem like a lot, but if you’re also using them for cleaning, this will prevent you from ever running out!

If you’re the sort of person who likes to use a fresh, clean napkin every day to avoid germs, having seven cloth napkins per person (if you do laundry once a week) might be a better number for you.

Your fabric napkins should last a very long time if you treat them right. This will actually save you money in the long run!

take the challenge!

Over the next 13 days, your challenge is to use linen napkins. Paper napkins are incredibly wasteful and cannot be recycled after use.

Swap them for reusable napkins — you can make them yourself or buy them at a store.

Also, opt for organic cotton and linen material whenever possible, as these are compostable at the end of life.

Will you be taking the challenge?

want more?

Just starting out? Have 1,000 burning questions!? Get access to my private GZW community, where I’ll be hosting weekly lives throughout the challenge and I answer all of your most pressing questions.

PLUS! I’ll be sending out a brand new e-book at the end of the challenge called the Game On Handbook which is all about individual ways to fight climate change.

You don’t want to miss it.

faqs about reusable napkins

where to buy the best cloth napkins:

Don’t forget to ask your parents or grandparents! They probably have some cloth cotton napkins lying around that they don’t use anymore. Or, check out these three zero waste shops for all your plastic free needs.

Look at local stores to see if they sell any cute linen or cloth cotton napkins. Try to get ones that are neutral enough to use for all seasons to get the most bang for your buck.

Whenever possible, choose organic or recycled cotton over conventionally grown cloth cotton napkins.

what to do once the cloth napkins are irreparable:

When cloth eco friendly napkins have run their course, you can compost them — as long as they’re made from natural materials like cotton or linen.

Just cut them up into tiny pieces first! That way, they’ll compost faster.

are linen napkins absorbent enough to clean and cook with?

Some say that reusable napkins are actually more absorbent than paper towels or napkins. It all depends on the material you choose for your cloth napkins. Cotton, bamboo, and linen are all super absorbent and can be manufactured efficiently and sustainably.

when are cloth napkins not eco friendly?

Ah, the other side of the coin! Cloth napkins can be a drain on the environment to produce, so upcycling and making your own eliminates that issue. If purchasing is necessary, it’s vital to choose materials that don’t take a toll on the environment in their production.

The maintenance of your cloth napkins matters a lot too. If you run a load of hot water laundry for every handful of lightly-used napkins, you’re leaving a huge footprint on the environment in the name of being eco friendly.

Refer to my maintenance guide above, consider washing full loads with cold water in a High Efficiency washing machine, and air dry. Air drying will help your textiles last longer too!

what are items I can upcycle into cloth napkins?

So many! If it’s made out of fabric, you can probably upcycle it into your own napkins. Look for bolts (or scraps) of fabric at the thrift store. Consider towels, bedding, old clothes, throw blankets, and even decorative pillows to make your napkins out of before you toss them!

This is my challenge to you: Use cloth napkins for every meal this week, and let me know what you were able to upcycle!

miss a day of the challenge?

Find the quick link to that day right here!

• Day 1: Buy Less
• Day 2: Say No to Straws
• Day 3: Bring Your Own Reusable Water Bottle
• Day 4: Zero Waste Coffee
• Day 5: How to Actually Remember to Bring Your Bags to the Grocery Store
• Day 6: Use Real Stuff
• Day 7: Zero Waste Snacks
• Day 8: Declutter Your Life the Zero Waste Way
• Day 9: The Ultimate Guide to Zero Waste Cleaning
• Day 10: How to Compost
• Day 11: Conserve Natural Resources
• Day 12: Pick Up Litter
• Day 13: Zero Waste Grocery Shopping
• Day 14: Fight Food Waste
• Day 15: Meal Prep
• Day 16: Repair Something
• Day 17: Pack a Zero Waste Lunch
• Day 18: Use Cloth Napkins
• Day 19: Bring Home Leftovers
• Day 20: Zero Waste Dishwashing
• Day 21: Recycle the RIGHT Way!
• Day 22: Zero Waste Toilet Paper
• Day 23: Reduce Waste in Your Beauty Routine
• Day 24: Vote with Your Dollars
• Day 25: Be Prepared
• Day 26: Stop Junk Mail
• Day 27: Shop Secondhand
• Day 28: Shop Local
• Day 29: Start a Local Zero Waste Group
• Day 30: Get Involved in Local Government
• Day 31: Do a Trash Audit