My father was visiting, from across the country, the other day and he realized that he had forgotten his handkerchiefs. He asked if their was a mall around where he could buy some. I said, "Of course there is a mall around, but will JC Penney or Macys even sell handkerchiefs? " Guess what! They actually do. What seemed to me an antiquated accessory now seems to be so cool and eco-friendly. I mean, as long as you wash them when you soil them they are really handy and good for the environment, (as you are not cutting down trees to make them). I must admit that growing up I was always a little grossed out by the thought of my dad carrying a dirty handkerchief in his pocket until we got home to wash it. But perhaps he was just ahead of his time. Not to mention, those little tissue packs that we moms tend to carry in every coat, bag, pocket and stroller are wrapped in plastic that might never breakdown. So here's to my dad and to all that carry around a handkerchief. He is so cool! The good news is that although I have always associated handkerchiefs with men, we ladies can actually find pretty ones (even monogrammed) online. Click Here to see some.
That's all for now from Ana Cabán, La Buena Life.
Posted by Elizah Leigh - May 28, 2009 09:27 PM
I remember my grandpa honking into a handkerchief all the time (when I was growing up) and every time he made that noise, it sounded like Canadian geese flying overhead. I was also a little repulsed with the snot factor, but I just shrugged my shoulders and figured that that's what grandpas do. My grandma, on the other hand, always had a tissue tucked in her sleeve. Same households but very different runny nose strategies. I'm sure lots of Walas might argue that the water necessary to wash a handkerchief might negate its eco-friendly qualities and make it just as bad as disposable tissues. I don't know which is better, but I might need a lot more convincing to carry a reusable cloth version around with me. I can't get past the ewwwww part.
Posted by Meena Kapur - May 28, 2009 09:34 PM
As a mom, I know there are situations where I just need to thrown the snot or whatever else is coming out away. But I like the old fashion idea and think there maybe a middle ground. Carry cloth hankies for small jobs and recycled tissues not wrapped in plastic for larger jobs.
Posted by Bob Kurz - May 28, 2009 09:38 PM
It's nice that you're giving props to your dad for reviving the handkerchief. I guess it is pretty earth friendly, but I'm surprised he doesn't follow the primal order of the brother. Everyone knows that men need no frou-froey tissues or delicate handkerchiefs. As a rule, we use our sleeves, a sock or just relieve nasal congestion in the shower. Jeesh, Ana...aren't you married? You should KNOW this about our species.
Posted by Mark Butkus - May 28, 2009 10:48 PM
I started using a "hankie" a couple of months ago and with my seasonal allergies I think that I have saved a rain forest in the interim. I don't get mine at Macy's I get mine at the dollar store and most people call them bandanas. They make do as a pretty cool accessory too as it hangs from the loop on my pants...at least it looks cool until you get too close and personal or realize why its hanging there :)
Posted by Mary Johnson - September 10, 2009 03:56 PM
Also, don't forget to go even greener and recycle vintage hankies online at ebay and etsy.