6 Reasons Why You Should Use A HANK:

What are the 6 reasons why you should use a handkerchief?

     
The humble handkerchief has been a staple accessory for centuries, and yet it seems to be a forgotten item in modern times. But with the current emphasis on environmental sustainability and reducing waste, the handkerchief is making a comeback as a practical and eco-friendly alternative to disposable tissues.

The origins of the handkerchief can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where cloths were used for practical purposes such as wiping sweat, mopping up spills, and even as makeshift bandages. In the Middle Ages, handkerchiefs were a status symbol, with wealthy individuals owning elaborate and expensive versions made of luxurious fabrics like silk. 

1. Organic Cotton

50% less water and energy used to create organic cotton.

No synthetic pesticides, chlorine bleach, no dyes or fragrances used. Gentle on your nose and skin, kinder for you & the environment.

2. Gentle on the environment

When it comes to comparing water use, energy use, human health, and waste, the HANKie is the more sustainable option (esp Organic Cotton - LCA Study)

Look for compostable packaging, and wash in a front loader to reduce your eco-footprint even more!

3. 1233 Blows A Year (sourced from Ecosystems Analytics)

The number of annual nose blows for an average adult.
WOW.  Imagine if a chunk of this was reusable HANKie's and not all single-use tissues.

(This number includes 4 respiratory illnesses and one daily use during well periods)

4. Moments of Emotion

Wedding, funerals, sad movies or a knock to your funny bone.

Sometimes the eyes leak, emotions erupt when you don't expect it and you wish you had a nice looking designer HANK to pull out in front of your friends.

5. Outdoor Enthusiast

Nature lovers rejoice. Out for a ride, walk or camping you know you have to carry all your waste home.

You can use a HANK to wipe sweat, clean glasses, bandana, catch a runny nose, dry hands, sun shade and more ...

6. Tools of Chivalry

"A man should carry 3 Hanky's. One for wiping hands, one for when eating and one you can offer for drying someones tears " BLOOMING

Modern -day Chivalry Tools: breath mints, hanky, lighter, pen, umbrella

 

Are handkerchiefs making a comeback?

Today, handkerchiefs are most commonly made of cotton, which is both soft and durable. They can be easily washed and reused, making them a more environmentally friendly choice compared to disposable tissues. Handkerchiefs are also compact and lightweight, making them convenient to carry around in a pocket or purse.

In addition to their practical uses, handkerchiefs can also be used for accessorising. They can be folded and tucked into a pocket or used to add a pop of colour to an outfit. Handkerchiefs also make for a thoughtful and personal gift, especially when they are monogrammed or embroidered with a special message.

Let’s also highlight on top of their environmental benefits, handkerchiefs also have a certain nostalgia and style factor. They have been a staple accessory for centuries and can be used for decorative purposes as well as practical ones.

So the next time you reach for a tissue, consider the impact on the environment and your wallet, and consider switching to a reusable handkerchief. It may take a little more effort to wash and maintain, but the benefits are well worth it.

 

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Eco reusables you'll love to use everyday:

HANK-ies

HANK-ies

All designs are back in stock. Enjoy x HANK is our reinvention...

Handkerchiefs, bags, cloths + bold design collabs.

About The Green Collective:

The Green Collective: Sustainable products designed in Nelson, NZ since 2014

Every product we sell gets used in our house. Every single day. But I was so bored of beige, boring reusables.

That’s where it started. Back in 2014, we couldn’t find eco products that were actually built for real family life. Tough enough to survive three boys, a cat called Kiki and our five chickens (Maudie, Bertha, Honey, Sheila and Mabel). 10+ years ago everything eco was beige. Think back to stainless steel drink bottles and the original totes. All were plain to signify that they were in fact ‘eco’. We discovered certified eco inks and processes that allowed colour to be added safely so we could create art on our sustainable designed products.

The rules were simple: we had to want to use the products ourselves, and they had to handle our months of testing and trials.

Our Impact:

Since 2014, The Green Collective has:

Kept 174 tonnes of waste from ending up in landfill!

Taken over 9 million single-use plastic bags out of circulation. That’s nine million plastic bags that didn’t end up in oceans or blowing down our streets. Mind blown.

Cut down on more than 143,000 plastic sponges - meaning no more microplastics sneaking down your sink. (Your dishes, and the fish, say thank you.)

Saved 17.7 million single-use tissues from being used once and tossed. Who knew tissues could add up like that?

The impact of these achievements is significant. They demonstrate that small actions can lead to substantial change over time. Every plastic bag that is kept out of circulation contributes to a healthier environment. It’s a reminder that conscious choices matter.