Marcal Small Steps Review and Giveaway




Happy Earth Day, everyone! People seem to talk a lot about making small steps to reduce our impact on the planet, and here's another small step that can make a big impact -- if a family of four switched to paper products made from 100% recycled materials, they could save two trees a year. Imagine what a whole nation could do!

One of the drawbacks to "green" products has been the cost: many times "green" products are priced at a premium. But I was recently introduced to a company that has managed to keep their products green and low-cost: Marcal Small Steps. They sent me a Small Steps starter kit containing everything from toilet paper to tissues to paper napkins and paper towels, and I thought they'd be a great company to feature on Earth Day:

The Basics
Marcal makes toilet paper, napkins and paper towels from 100% premium recycled paper, not trees. They are available at Walgreens and other retailers, and typically sell for equal to or less than traditional paper goods because Marcal doesn't use expensive dyes or fragrances in their products.

Here's how Marcal describes their products:
Our 100% premium recycled eco friendly products are hypoallergenic, virtually lint free, and whitened without chlorine bleaching. Small Steps® bath tissue, towels, napkins and facial tissue contain just the right combination of strength, absorbency and softness to handle every job.


The Bongga
Here are some things I love about Marcal's product line:

* The paper looks clean and white, even though they do not use chlorine bleaching.

* The paper towels are nice and absorbent.

* I'm glad they haven't added any dyes or fragrances because I hate perfumed products.

* I love how the paper napkins come in a plastic bag that has a drawstring, so you can seal it up to protect the napkins that are still in the bag.

* Usually, when you're talking about paper products, the phrases "feel good" and "gentler" refer to your skin, but in this case I feel good when I use this product because I know it's gentler on the environment. I'm not going to pretend that the paper is as soft as most of the regular brands on US supermarket shelves, but frankly it's a costly luxury so I'm not holding it against Marcal, or any recycled-paper product. It takes a lot of trees to get all that softness, and it might be time to break that habit. Hey, if the Europeans and Latin Americans can live with rougher toilet paper for the sake of the earth, so can we!


The Blah
I wish they made jumbo toilet paper rolls so we wouldn't have to keep changing rolls every few days! Their 2-ply bathroom tissue rolls come in rolls of 168 sheets per roll, whereas conventional brands have mega-rolls with 250, 300 and more sheets per roll. Think of the number of toilet roll centers you could save by putting more sheets per roll! Also, I'm curious as to why they didn't package their paper products in more recycled paper instead of plastic?


The Bottom Line
Switching to recycled paper products is one small step anyone can make to help save the planet. Marcal Small Steps paper products makes it easy and cost-effective to do so!


Win a Month's Supply of Marcal Small Steps Paper Products
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a Marcal Small Steps starter kit. It's good for about a month's supply of paper products , is worth $25, and contains everything you see in the photo below (except the boy holding the loo roll):

* 1 roll of Marcal Small Steps Giant Towel Roll
* 4 rolls of Marcal Small Steps 2-ply bathroom tissue rolls
* 4 rolls of Marcal Small Steps 1-ply bathroom tissue rolls
* 1 box of Marcal Small Steps 2-ply tissues
* 1 pack of Marcal Small Steps paper napkins


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell us one small step you would like to make to reduce your carbon footprint.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following, (you can only do each extra entry once; please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

1) Write this on Marcal's Facebook Fan Page wall (leave a comment here with your FB id):

I entered your giveaway for a Marcal Small Steps starter pack on Bonggamom Finds! http://ow.ly/1C0vm

2) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook Fan Page wall (leave a comment with your FB id):

I entered the giveaway for a Marcal Small Steps starter pack! http://ow.ly/1C0vm

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (leave a comment with your FB id).

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(leave a comment with your Blogger profile name).

5) Leave a comment on any of my blog posts on Finding Bonggamom (leave a comment here with the link to the post that you commented on).

6) Tweet this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your tweet). Here is a sample tweet you can copy and paste:

Take small steps to save the earth! You could win Marcal Small Steps paper products fr @marcalsmallstep on @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/1C0vm


The Rules
Maximum of 7 entries per person. This giveaway ends at midnight PST on May 7, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on May 8 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!




Disclosure: I received product samples, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.

69 Comments, Leave yours here:

Anonymous said...

we have a compost pile

lmurley2000@yahoo.com

lmurley2000 on April 22, 2010 at 7:19 PM said...

posted message on marcel facebook wall-lmurley2000

lmurley2000@yahoo.com

lmurley2000 on April 22, 2010 at 7:20 PM said...

follow on networked blog-facebook

lmurley2000@yahoo.com

lmurley2000 on April 22, 2010 at 7:22 PM said...

tweeted

http://twitter.com/lmurley2000/status/12677047740

lmurley2000@yahoo.com

Unknown on April 22, 2010 at 7:42 PM said...

We recycle all our paper, plastic and cans. We also use reusable containers for lunches instead of baggies. Any plastic grocery bags get taken to Walmart to recycle and we use our cloth reusable bags when we can.

melaniederrick@comcast.net

Unknown on April 22, 2010 at 7:48 PM said...

I posted on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1512199386&ref=profile

melaniederrick@comcast.net

Unknown on April 22, 2010 at 7:50 PM said...

Posted on bonggafinds facebook

http://www.facebook.com/BonggamomFinds#!/profile.php?id=1512199386&ref=profile

melaniederrick@comcast.net

Unknown on April 22, 2010 at 7:55 PM said...

following networked blogs.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1512199386&ref=profile

melaniederrick@comcast.net

Unknown on April 22, 2010 at 7:59 PM said...

following publicly on Blogger.

derrick6

melaniederrick@comcast.net

Unknown on April 22, 2010 at 8:11 PM said...

I commented on your blog post http://ow.ly/1C0vm titled Brainless, mindless things I've done. Funny and so true!

melaniederrick@comcast.net

Unknown on April 22, 2010 at 8:13 PM said...

I tweeted. =0)

http://twitter.com/melaniederrick/status/12679652539

melaniederrick@comcast.net

Tamara B. on April 22, 2010 at 8:27 PM said...

I would like to rid myself of the paper plates and paper towels.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. on April 22, 2010 at 8:31 PM said...

I am a fan of Marcal on Facebook and posted on their wall about this (Tamara Bennington)
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. on April 22, 2010 at 8:34 PM said...

I am a fan on your Facebook and posted on the wall (Tamara Bennington)
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. on April 22, 2010 at 8:35 PM said...

I follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs(Tamara Bennington)
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. on April 22, 2010 at 8:36 PM said...

I follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger
(tamaraben)
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. on April 22, 2010 at 8:39 PM said...

I left a comment at http://bonggamom.blogspot.com/2010/04/brainless-mindless-things-ive-done.html

tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

We walk to places that are close to us, instead of driving.
debp
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

kjasus on April 23, 2010 at 5:58 AM said...

to reduce my carbon footprint i would continue to compose our kitchen waste
raggammuffin@gmail.com

kjasus on April 23, 2010 at 5:59 AM said...

wrote on marcal's Fb wall. kari mcdonald jasus

kjasus on April 23, 2010 at 6:00 AM said...

wrote on your FB wall. kari mcdonald jasus

kjasus on April 23, 2010 at 6:00 AM said...

following you on networked blogs. kari mcdonald jasus

kjasus on April 23, 2010 at 6:01 AM said...

following you on GFC. raggammuffin

kjasus on April 23, 2010 at 6:02 AM said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/12700544020

Jennifer F on April 24, 2010 at 5:52 PM said...

we stopped using the store's plastic bags and use our own tote bags when we go shopping.

mail(@)southernbabies(dot)com

Jennifer Fraunfelder on April 24, 2010 at 5:54 PM said...

I posted on Marcal Small Steps Facebook Page

Jennifer D Fraunfelder

mail(@)southernbabies(dot)com

Jennifer Fraunfelder on April 24, 2010 at 5:55 PM said...

I Fan/Liked you on Facebook and posted on your wall

Jennifer D Fraunfelder

mail(@)southernbabies(dot)com

Jennifer Fraunfelder on April 24, 2010 at 5:59 PM said...

I am following you on NetBlogger
Jennifer Fraunfelder and posted a comment on your blog under Marcal Small Steps post

mail(@)southernbabies(dot)com

Anonymous said...

There is no such thing as a "green" paper company. That is impossible - they destroy everything around them, whether they recycle or not. It is purely a marketing ploy. And insulting for them to claim to be "green".

Marcal recycles because it is cheaper to do so. So the way to sell an inferior product, but still make money, is to convince the consumer they are helping the environment by using their product. Even though that is a bold faced lie.

Marcal has contributed to massive air and water pollution, and continues to do so. But they are eco- friendly? That is tough for me to believe.

This is a plain and simple marketing ploy. They could care less about the environment, and all their actions show it. Anyone who buys into that message is a fool, and doing a disservice to those who really care about the environment, and our children. Take the time and look it up. The answer is to use less paper. Paper towels, napkins and facial tissues are all easily replaced. For toilet paper, buy a bidet. But don’t buy into Marcals false claim about them being “green”. That is an out and out lie.

Angela on April 26, 2010 at 12:02 PM said...

We reuse everything we possibly can and recycle. I am slowly switching to natural cleaning products. I would like to be using all natural and/or environmentally friendly products by the end of the year.
veniceangel@hotmail.com

Angela on April 26, 2010 at 12:03 PM said...

I Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger.
veniceangel@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I have virtually eliminated paper towels from our house.

Christie
ropp(dot)5@wright(dot)edu

Anonymous said...

Entered roots

Christie
ropp(dot)5@wright(dot)edu

Anonymous said...

Entered cafepress

Christie
ropp(dot)5@wright(dot)edu

Stephanie Grant on April 27, 2010 at 2:36 PM said...

We use resuable shopping bags when we shop to cut down on excess plastic bags!
thegrants(at)live(dot)com

Stephanie Grant on April 27, 2010 at 2:37 PM said...

I left a comment on Marcal's Facebook wall (Stephanie Petty-Grant)
thegrants(at)live(dot)com

Stephanie Grant on April 27, 2010 at 2:40 PM said...

I left the comment on your facebook wall (Stephanie Petty-Grant)
thegrants(at)live(dot)com

Stephanie Grant on April 27, 2010 at 2:40 PM said...

Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (Stephanie Petty-Grant)
thegrants(at)live(dot)com

Stephanie Grant on April 27, 2010 at 2:42 PM said...

I follow you on blogger (thegrants)
thegrants(at)live(dot)com

Stephanie Grant on April 27, 2010 at 2:44 PM said...

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/sgrant2005/status/12966807216
thegrants(at)live(dot)com

Emily N. on May 1, 2010 at 2:53 PM said...

buy organic as much as possible. buy less in general.
email in profile.

VickieB on May 2, 2010 at 5:11 AM said...

I use CFLs abd recycle. We water before noon (usually before 10) and after 7pm.. less evaporation

VickieB on May 2, 2010 at 5:14 AM said...

wrote on Marcal's wall http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=69910681997&share_id=103833332994884&comments=1#s103833332994884

VickieB on May 2, 2010 at 5:15 AM said...

wrote on your facebook wall http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=197069383150&share_id=117642818258553&comments=1#s117642818258553

VickieB on May 2, 2010 at 5:18 AM said...

Follow on Networked Blogs vlbsweeps .. Vickie Bartlett

VickieB on May 2, 2010 at 5:19 AM said...

follow on GFC VickieB

VickieB on May 2, 2010 at 5:20 AM said...

tweet https://twitter.com/vlbsweeps/status/13242899029

Tabathia B on May 2, 2010 at 7:46 AM said...

The one small step I want to make is to start using only cloth diapers instead of switching them out with disposable ones at night

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B on May 2, 2010 at 7:46 AM said...

marcals fb fan & commented (michelle barrett)

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B on May 2, 2010 at 7:47 AM said...

fb fan & commented (michelle barrett)

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B on May 2, 2010 at 7:49 AM said...

follow on networked blogs (michelle barrett)

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B on May 2, 2010 at 7:49 AM said...

follow on google blogger (tabathia)
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B on May 2, 2010 at 7:50 AM said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/13249267180

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Mari on May 2, 2010 at 8:49 AM said...

We stopped using disposable plastic water bottles and are now using aluminum ones.

runningmatey at hotmail dot com

Mari on May 2, 2010 at 8:51 AM said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/LuckyDuckyToo/status/13252247175

runningmatey at hotmail dot com

janetfaye on May 2, 2010 at 3:32 PM said...

I recycle glass, paper and plastic.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye on May 2, 2010 at 3:34 PM said...

I left the Marcal's Facebook Fan Page wall - Janet Fri

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye on May 2, 2010 at 3:35 PM said...

I wrote the message on you Facebook wall - Janet Fri

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye on May 2, 2010 at 3:36 PM said...

I follow on Networked Blogs - Janet Fri

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye on May 2, 2010 at 5:23 PM said...

1. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/05/two-of-kind-working-on-full-house-tooth.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye on May 2, 2010 at 5:23 PM said...

2. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/05/two-of-kind-working-on-full-house-tooth.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

Jennifer T. on May 3, 2010 at 6:54 PM said...

I'm planning on converting to enviro-friendly household cleaners.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. on May 3, 2010 at 6:56 PM said...

I'm a facebook fan of Marcal Small Steps under username Jennie Tilson. Left comment.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. on May 3, 2010 at 6:58 PM said...

I'm a facebook fan of Bonggamom Finds under username Jennie Tilson. Left comment.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. on May 3, 2010 at 6:59 PM said...

I follow on Networked Blogs under username Jennie Tilson.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. on May 3, 2010 at 7:02 PM said...

I follow via Google Friend Connect under Blogger profile ID Jennifer T.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Steffanie on May 6, 2010 at 9:11 AM said...

We have a garden.

steffanie771 at hotmail dot com

bonggamom on May 18, 2010 at 9:51 AM said...

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks everyone for entering, and congratulations to the winner, #9: derrick6!

G. White on June 1, 2010 at 12:00 PM said...

This is a plain and simple marketing ploy. They could care less about the environment, and all their actions show it. Anyone who buys into that message is a fool, and doing a disservice to those who really care about the environment, and our children. Take the time and look it up. The answer is to use less paper. Paper towels, napkins and facial tissues are all easily replaced. For toilet paper, buy a bidet. But don’t buy into Marcals false claim about them being “green”. That is an out and out lie.

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