Why Cloth Napkins
I don’t like to throw things out. There, I said it. My grown children and others who have watched me wash plastic cups and utensils have looked at me as if I grew two heads! Why do I make the effort? Well, there are three reasons I can put my finger on. First, I believe that the God who created us has charged us with being good stewards of the resources He has created for us. Second, my personal preference is to avoid contributing to landfills as much as possible. Third is more vague - even emotional. It just doesn’t feel right to me.
A quick assumption is that I am being cheap. Really, my tendency has little to do with money. I don’t like running out of things and I don’t want to throw things out. So for me, the most peaceful choice is to wash the utensils I have on hand and reuse until they break.
Why don’t you just use real utensils instead I can almost hear you asking? Interesting thought. My best answer is that I don’t like other people washing my dirty dishes when they are guests in my home. I want their experience to be relaxing & enjoyable. When you use regular dishes and utensils, then your guests tend to feel that they need to help you clean up. That sense is reduced because guests generally assume that you will just be throwing out the paper and plastics used.
Well, I digress.
My purpose in writing today is to advocate for use of cloth napkins. I love to cook and share what I make with those I love. We have a lot of people join us at our tables (we have two indoors). I just don’t want to generate that much waste.
When I set the table, it also brings me joy to use fabrics that look beautiful. A pretty table is very welcoming and starts a meal off right. Our guests know that we have been looking forward to their arrival.
Also, when you are hosting a special event like a bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or birthday party, the napkins can double as decorations and a gift. I have used cloth napkins at such an event and then given those napkins as a gift to the guest of honor. It is a good use of resources.
For me, there is really no extra work either. I throw our napkins in with the laundry already in the works and place them in the center of the table when they are dry. The use of fabric napkins flows easily into our everyday life.
Bottom line, it has little to do with being cheap or frugal. My alternatives are not cheap; they are investments. So, for me, cloth napkins show my Heavenly Father that I appreciate the world He created, reduce the waste we generate, and bring me satisfaction. I highly recommend using cloth napkins!