Back when I was a little girl whenever I had an owie or a dramatic incident worth crying over, my father would whip out his hankie and dry my tears. Hankies were a thing back then that men and women carried.  I remember giving my father a pack of monogrammed handkerchiefs for Christmas.  “Disposable” facial tissue was the demise of the handkerchief.  They were introduced in 1924 as a way to remove cold cream. Later they were marketed as a more hygienic choice than handkerchiefs warning that by using them, you were essentially putting a “cold in your pocket”.  By 1980 they had fallen out of favor.  Now, most people use tissue thinking it’s a better alternative. So not true.

Now how many people actually throw their tissue away?  Many times used tissue becomes litter or placed back in a pocket or purse. They are also hard on the nose, are from an unsustainable source of VIRGIN timber, wind up in the landfill, contribute to climate change, and are expensive.

Now consider the new version of the handkerchief, the “nose cozy”. (I credit friend Linda B. for coining this one).  A nose cozy is a square, or rectangle if you prefer, of soft absorbent fabric you cut from existing cloth such as worn flannel sheets, pillowcases, shirts and so forth. Natural fibers are best. Cotton T shirts work great.  Cut or tear them into a size that will fit nicely into a pocket or purse.  Mine are roughly 9” x 9” or 9” x12.”If you are short on decent fabric, go purchase a yard of some soft flannel.  No worries about exact sizing or hemming.  Make lots so you can have a cozy basket and keep a supply in the car, house, pockets and packs.  Throw them in the wash after use.

If you’re worried about hygiene with the coronavirus, it all is about technique.  After a blow, fold up the used portion of the cozy and you will have a fresh place for you to park your nose. No matter what, wash your hands frequently. Once you try them, you will never go back.  Your nose and the environment will thank you!

Also blogging at By Alanna Pass