So it would take about 8 of these trees to produce between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds of paper, Since a typical 500-sheet packet of the paper weighs 5 pounds, that's 10,000 to 20,000 sheets per tree, which doesn't sound all that bad.

The small molecules that combine to make up cellulose are sugar molecules; that's the key to the absorbency of paper towels. Think how easily sugar dissolves in water. When you get a paper towel wet, the water molecules rush in and cling to the cellulose fibers. That's why paper towels are great at picking up spills.

Mount the paper towel holder inside the wall cabinet near the sink. Cut a slot in the bottom of the wall cabinet and pull the end of the roll through. Shut the door, and the roll is hidden, yet the end of the roll is easily grabbed.