Okay, in our last issue I told you about my family's switch from paper to cloth napkins. It's been two weeks and we haven't killed one tree! But to that, my friend WENDY (a very busy mother of five) writes: "So here's a question for you...which is the more precious resource: water or trees? My water bill is through the roof. The thought of adding one (or seven) more napkins per load, though worthy of consideration (especially if it could become a "kid" job) just makes me envision the water meter whirl even faster. These bartering folks - where do they find the time to do all

this baking, for example? I know, I know: simplify. Simplify all around. A lesson to still learn, I suppose. And I feel like I'm one of the few around here who's doing the "at home" mom thing - minus the au pair, cleaning lady, interior designer, etc. - minimizing the number of activities per kid. Help...I'll be looking forward to more tips!"

My tip for sparing the trees and the water is this: Lower your standards a little. You don't have to wash each napkin after each use. Get an assortment of napkins and/or an assortment of napkin rings. Let every member of the family create his or her own unique napkin/napkin ring combination. This way everyone has their own napkin which they can use several times before it needs washing. We do this in our house and only wash napkins once or twice a week.

To read more of your neighbors' ideas for living simply and sustainably, go to (fill in URL or appropriate click here icon). And write us at (fill in appropriate address here) and let us know how you are simplifying your life. It'll help you keep your commitment and it will inspire others.

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