A while back I decided to forego paper coffee filters, even environmentally friendly ones. I bought a stainless steel mesh basket filter and I love it! No more changing the soggy mess, hoping to make it to the the compost pail before it breaks or leaks all over the floor! No more thinking that there are still filters in the pantry only to find out that there aren’t! So far, I don’t see any drawbacks to my recent acquisition other than what to do with my leftover paper filters.
I know there are numerous uses for those little guys. I just can’t see using them to clean windows. A few things I’ve come up with so far:
- Making Sachets: They’re the perfect size to tie up some fragrant herbs to stash in a drawer or closet. Just fill & tie with a piece of ribbon, twine, or rubber band.
- Lining Flowerpots: They keep soil from escaping form the drain holes while allowing adequate drainage.
- Microwave Part I: Like a paper towel, they keep food from splattering all over the inside of the microwave, and for most leftovers, they can be reused before going into the compost pail.
- Microwave Part II: When placed under the food being reheated, it helps absorb any moisture or grease.
- Dryer Sheet: Since I don’t use chemical cleaning products, I add a few drops of essential oil to one and pop it in the dryer with my clothes. They can be used for several loads before composting (along with the dryer lint!)
- Cheesecloth: For small straining jobs, a coffee filter works great due to their tough construction.
- Doily: Filters work great to line a regular sandwich plate before putting cookies or crackers out for guests, and the edges can be decorated with non-toxic markers or paint in advance.
**Originally posted by Bernadette Cooper at bernadettecooper.com/blog on July 20, 2010**
