Zero Waste Alternatives to Tissues

I've always had this love, hate relationship with Fall. Yes, it's pretty and we don't have to fight the sweltering heat any longer, and the leaves are glorious, and it's time for pumpkins, Halloween, and Fall festivals, but it's always that time for allergies, the flu, and numerous sinus infections. It also doesn't help that the little guy is in daycare and we all know what kind of germ factories those are. Just yesterday I went to pick him up and stuck right to the front door was a big, black and white notice that said, "LICE REPORTED." Great. 
Thankfully, like nearly all disposable products, there is a reusable alternative to my tissue box hoarding obsession during these chilly Fall months. I always remembered my Great Grandparents carrying hankies and I thought, why don't we do that any longer? Is it because marketing is just that good into turning us all into major germophobes so we fork over cash for, what we think/assume, are healthier, more sanitary products? Probably. I mean, what's your first thought when you think about using a hankie? 

Well, when I decided to live zero waste, I dove right in. All or nothing - that's just how I am - you go at your own pace. Diving right in meant that I had to at least give hankies and reusable tissues a try...you know...for science.

My mother and I love scouring local antique stores, and one day I came across a basket of beautiful, floral hankies. I just couldn't pass them up. Yes, they were secondhand but to me, that's a bonus. I purchased 3, took them home, washed them, and stuck them in my purse for when my nose started to betray me. When they are ready for washing, I put them in my wet bag, that I already carry because I'm a menstruating woman, and I have a diaper wearing child. They work wonderfully! Yes, I may get the occasional, "you use a hankie?" Followed by a raised eyebrow but I feel it's best to approach something like "zero waste living" with as much confidence as you've got. That's the best way to get people on board, I assure you.

If you'd like your own beautiful, hankie, check out my shop!

Now, for those instances where I'm constantly blowing my schnozz, I have turned to a quick, t-shirt upcycle project to make it more sanitary and convenient. Because we all know, 3 hankies are not enough for a cold.

Take an old cotton or flannel t-shirt, cut it into scraps, about the size of a standard tissue, and stuff them into a jar or any container for that matter. Put them on your coffee table, bedside table, or in the bathroom for when Fall gets the better of your nasal cavities. 

I do have to mention, that my nose does not get red, chapped, and raw like it used to with disposable tissues. The fabric is more gentle.

You can also use essential oils to help relieve nasal congestion. 

To your jar of tissues, add a few drops of lime, lemon, and peppermint essential oils. These oils will help break up that mucus and help relieve some of those symptoms.

Do you use reusable tissues or hankies?