PeopleTowels was inspired by the Japanese tradition of carrying a small hand towel when you’re out and about. Most public restrooms in Japan don't provide paper towels, so just about everyone uses their own personal hand towel to dry their hands. There are many other convenient uses for the hand towel, such as a napkin, coaster, wiping small spills, etc.
PeopleTowels’ co-founder, Mary Wallace, was a frequent visitor to Japan and thought the hand towel custom was a brilliant idea. She was determined to introduce "B.Y.O.Towel" as an on-the-go green alternative to paper towels in the US and voila - PeopleTowels was born!
In the video below, Mary shares her inspiration for PeopleTowels and her wonderful collection of Japanese hand towels.
In the video below, Mary shares her inspiration for PeopleTowels and her wonderful collection of Japanese hand towels.
Read on to learn more about this environmental friendly eco-habit from two people who grew up with B.Y.O.Towel as part of their culture.
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Anjo, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
"I started carrying a hand towel for school when I was about 3 or 4 years old. My mother gave me the towel and it’s considered good manners to have your hand towel when you’re out. My mom always reminded me every time I left the house. For children, moms can also clip the towels to the kids’ shirts or bags so they won’t forget them." Read full interview
Mellodi Parks Santa Rosa, California
"I don't remember too much of this except that mom would pack little towels in my lunch box for school to clean up with and whenever we went to Japan she'd have one for me whereever we went. "
Read full interview
Hand towels are practical and essential everyday items in Japan. They come in lots of different designs, colors and patterns to suit people's style and preferences. Click on the slideshow below for a cross-cultural perspective of this very sustainable and eco-friendly custom.
For picture captions, maximize the slideshow (icon on lower right corner) and select "show info" for information about the pictures. All photos were taken by Adam Merry.
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"“As a result of salmonella poisoning last year, I became hyper aware of bacteria in our home. Now we use PeopleTowels for the family, dish towels for the kitchen stuff. So simple – but PeopleTowels look different than dish towels and are the perfect size for hands.”"
---Margaret, marketing executive with 2 young children, SF, CA
---Margaret, marketing executive with 2 young children, SF, CA
Show us how you use your People Towel and post it to our Flickr community 
