An independent study commissioned by TRSA compared three common reusable products to their disposable counterparts and found that the reusables (cloth) have less environmental impact than disposables (paper/synthetic). The products cited included: 
 

• Using a napkin in a mid-priced or upscale restaurant
• Wearing a shoulder-to-shin gown to protect clothing in a hospital
• Wiping oil, grease, solvents and other soils in an industrial setting

 
The research quantifies the natural resources needed and waste generated in the manufacturing, distribution, use and disposal of various reusable and disposable versions of these products. “The findings ...