I stopped using paper towels!

[GREENBACK]

Don't know what kind of oil you mean. I do sometimes use paper towels to wipe out excess cooking oil after frying/sautéing. However, I will sometimes tear pieces of newspaper to fit flat in the pan and set it aside to let the oil get soaked up. Whether I use paper towels or newspaper, I can then add it to the compost pile rather than put it in the trash.

Joan

I'm speaking of cooking oil and the occasional spill on the stove or floor. I know newspaper works but isn't as absorbent as paper towels. I don't get to upset about using a few paper towels for this. I use paper towels conservatively and don't worry beyond that.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

For oil on the floor, I'd use a paper towel, too. Newspaper takes too long to soak it up. You can't thoroughly wipe a spill with newspaper. On the floor you need to get it up quick before someone slips on it. So I'm with you on that.