If you are going to use a tea towel, then choose ones made from cotton, linen or hemp, so they don’t deposit microplastics in the machine when washed (these can go out to sea, and harm marine wildlife). This organic cotton tea towel is beautifully illustrated with British wildlife designs.
Wash dishes with zero-waste washing-up tools and biodegradable dishwash liquid. Avoid scents for pregnancy/nursing, babies, pet bowls and affected medical conditions. If donating old towels to wildlife shelters, avoid ones with tassels/strings, to avoid tangling.
Unlike polyester or microfiber towels, these don’t deposit microplastics in the machine, so you can wash them again and again, without harm to the planet or our marine eco-systems. The towels are sent in easy-to-recycle kraft paper packaging. Choose from navy, pink or grey.
other ways to dry your dishes
Some people prefer too dry dishes naturally on a sunny windowsill or on the dishwasher’s dry cycle. All Finnish homes have a drying rack above the sink, they don’t dry dishes, they just pop them on top and let them drain into the sink.
Silicone dish mats are a good idea, if you don’t have much space. They look like cloths, but absorb water and are easy to recycle at end of use. But be sure to clean them regularly. Or use an over-the-sink drainer that rolls up, when not in use. You can also buy steel wall-mounted dish racks.