Hey folks. Let’s talk about dollars. The impact of dollars. The cost of dollars. The cost of things. As I’ve had an increased ratio of these kinds of conversations in the last year
(and let me tell you, I was already annoyingly interested in these kinds of conversations before I started this project), I keep hearing a couple similar themes over and over when it comes specifically to sustainably manufactured and/or socially responsible goods & services. One is time. Put a pin in that one (or, rather, listen to many of the previous & future Between the Interviews episodes for counter points to that one). Two is cost. It is seemingly more expensive to purchase sustainable goods.
We could start with just the straight harm reduction on a global scale example like with Indosole, but sometimes I think these examples feel too abstract or global to impact the individual person (unless your individual person is me). Instead, let’s go back to elementary school and talk this through word-problem style.
Reusable paper towels:
Single Use Option:
1 roll of disposable paper towels at my local Walmart = $1.31/roll of 165 sheets each sold in a pack of 3 “triple rolls” = $7.92 = $0.016 a sheet
Assuming you only used 2 11x7in sheets (which is actually a “half-sheet” size and is confusing to someone who hasn’t purchased paper towels in many years…) per day, this package of 3 rolls should last you about 8 months. Total cost over 5 years = $59.78.
Swaps:
Swedish Discloths (available at the local Walmart)
1 pack = $9.99/set of 4 = $2.498/each
The average lifespan of each cloth is roughly 6-9 months, so conservatively, this pack would last approximately 2 years and you could expect to purchase 3 packs in 5 years. 5 year total = $29.97
5 year minimum savings = $29.81
Reusable Paper Towels (handmade 100% cotton knit also available at the local Walmart)
1 pack = $22.99/roll of 24 sheets = $0.958 lasting a minimum of 5 years
5 year minimum cost savings = $36.79 + additional packaging and product waste
**Now, you’re right to point out that reusable paper towels should be washed and thus will likely have a higher rate of water and soap usage. I would recommend considering (and maybe even further considering other ways to reduce water usage and lower soap costs if that’s a concern).
This same formula can be applied to things like cotton balls, q-tips, makeup wipes, coffee filters, plastic zipper bags, foil, plastic wrap, plastic bags (including plastic produce bags from the grocery store produce section although I’m personally an advocate for just forgoing all bag options for your produce because you’re going to wash it anyway so why put it in a separate bag at all when you’re at the store?), dryer sheets, lint rollers, and tea bags.
Hair Care
Dip - taken from their website:
“One full sized Dip conditioner bar alone can save you over $200 (personally I save over $500) if you're switching from pricey salon brands...”
Products like those made by Dip & Dew Mighty might be more expensive per purchase, but are designed to eliminate fillers like water that take up space in their containers prompting multiple purchases over the course of months...
Purchase the full Collection of Between the Interviews episodes (includes video option) here or at Patreon.com/CapitalismForGood
All the ways to find, follow, & support the Capitalism for Good universe:
Apple Podcasts (Capitalism for Good) | Apple Podcasts (Capitalism for Green) | Bittersweet Paradox Patreon | Bittersweet Paradox Writing Club | Bluesky (Bittersweet Paradox) | Bluesky (Capitalism for Good) | Capitalism for Good Patreon | Capitalism for Green Patreon | Capitalism for Green: The Blog | Company Mentions | Email | Facebook | Instagram (Andrea & her 2026 Goal = No New Things, Only New Experiences) | Instagram (Bittersweet Paradox) | Instagram (Capitalism for Good) | Instagram (Capitalism for Green) | Spotify (Bittersweet Paradox) | Spotify (Capitalism for Good) | Spotify (Capitalism for Green) | The Store, by CFG | TikTok | YouTube
","author_name":"Andrea Masterson"}