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Globally, the annual consumption of toilet paper reaches a staggering 22 billion kilometers, an amount that nearly equals circumnavigating Earth's circumference almost 50,000 times.
To put this immense quantity into perspective, it could encircle the entire planet every 10 minutes or make a round trip to the sun and back every 7 days. This vast length could also blanket an area nearly three times the size of France annually.
The environmental impact of traditional toilet paper
When it comes to our daily habits, one that often goes unnoticed is the choice of toilet paper we use. However, the environmental impact of traditional toilet paper is significant, primarily due to the following factors:
Deforestation: The production of traditional toilet paper often involves the cutting down of trees, particularly softwood trees like pine and spruce, to make pulp. This contributes to deforestation, which can harm ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and disrupt local communities.
Energy and Water Consumption: The manufacturing process of toilet paper consumes substantial amounts of energy and water. The pulping, bleaching, and processing of wood fibers require energy and chemicals, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution.
Chlorine Bleaching: Many traditional toilet paper brands use chlorine-based bleaching agents to whiten the paper, which can release toxic chemicals like dioxins into the environment. These chemicals can have harmful effects on both human health and aquatic ecosystems.
Packaging Waste: Toilet paper is often packaged in plastic wrapping or plastic cores, contributing to plastic waste, which is a major environmental concern. Plastic packaging can take centuries to break down in the environment.
Transportation: The transportation of toilet paper from manufacturing facilities to distribution centers and stores can generate greenhouse gas emissions, especially if the product is shipped long distances.
Wastewater Disposal: After use, toilet paper contributes to the volume of wastewater in sewage systems. While toilet paper itself is designed to break down easily in water, excessive flushing can strain sewage treatment plants and cause environmental issues if not properly managed.
To put it in numbers.
It necessitates the harvesting of 712 million trees.
It consumes 1,165 million tons of water.
It requires 78 million tons of oil.
It results in the loss or burning of 19,510,792.30 hectares of forests globally in 2023.
Additionally, the toilet paper production process involves trading a significant 1,133,534,970,236 tons of "virtual" water globally this year and utilizing 404,931,362 terajoules of energy.
All of these statistics underscore the environmental consequences of toilet paper production, particularly the immense resource consumption and deforestation associated with meeting global demand, as roughly 712 million trees are felled annually to produce this ubiquitous product.
So what can be done?
We can opt for eco-friendly options that cause lesser harm.
What makes toilet paper eco-friendly?
Eco-friendly toilet paper, on the other hand, offers a more sustainable alternative. There are several characteristics that make toilet paper eco-friendly. One of the key factors is the source of the paper. Recycled toilet paper is made from post-consumer waste paper, reducing the need for fresh wood pulp and minimizing deforestation. Another eco-friendly option is bamboo toilet paper, which is made from a highly renewable resource that grows quickly and requires fewer resources to produce. Additionally, reusable toilet paper, often made from organic cotton or bamboo, provides a long-lasting and zero-waste alternative.
Using eco-friendly toilet paper not only helps to protect the environment but also offers several benefits. Firstly, it reduces the demand for virgin wood pulp, which helps to preserve forests and wildlife habitats. Secondly, eco-friendly toilet paper often undergoes a more sustainable manufacturing process, using less water and chemicals. Lastly, many eco-friendly brands donate a portion of their profits to environmental causes, making your purchase contribute to positive change.
Different types of eco-friendly toilet paper
When it comes to eco-friendly toilet paper, there are several options to choose from.
Recycled toilet paper is one of the most common and widely available options. It is made from paper that has been recycled from various sources, such as office paper and newspapers. This process reduces the need for new materials and helps to divert waste from landfills.
Bamboo toilet paper, on the other hand, is gaining popularity due to its rapid growth and sustainable qualities. Bamboo is a grass that can be harvested without killing the plant, making it a highly renewable resource.
Reusable toilet paper, also known as family cloth, is another alternative that involves using cloth wipes that can be washed and reused.
Toilet paper crafted from recycled paper eliminates the need for tree felling. To put it another way, choosing recycled toilet paper over its virgin counterpart preserves approximately 712 million trees. Moreover, recycling conserves roughly 50% of water usage and one third of energy consumption. Recycled toilet paper and household tissue products are readily accessible options
Factors to consider when choosing sustainable toilet paper
When it comes to choosing the best sustainable toilet paper for your needs, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, think about your priorities. Are you looking to minimize deforestation? Opt for recycled toilet paper or bamboo toilet paper. If reducing waste is your main concern, reusable toilet paper might be the best option for you. Secondly, consider the softness and strength of the toilet paper. Some eco-friendly options may not be as luxurious as traditional toilet paper, so it's important to find a balance between sustainability and comfort. Lastly, consider the cost and availability of the toilet paper. Sustainable options may be slightly more expensive or harder to find, but the environmental benefits are worth it in the long run.
What to look for in a Sustainable toilet paper brand
When choosing a sustainable toilet paper brand, there are a few key factors to consider.
Firstly, look for certifications such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), which ensure that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests. These certifications guarantee that the toilet paper is not contributing to deforestation or habitat destruction.
Additionally, consider the manufacturing process. Look for brands that use chlorine-free bleaching and minimize the use of water and chemicals.
Lastly, examine the packaging. Choose brands that use minimal or plastic-free packaging to further reduce waste.
Other sustainable alternatives to traditional toilet paper
While choosing eco-friendly toilet paper is a step in the right direction, there are also other ways to reduce toilet paper usage and explore earth-friendly alternatives.
Firstly, consider using a bidet or installing a bidet attachment to your toilet. Bidets use water to clean, reducing the need for excessive toilet paper usage.
Another alternative is using cloth wipes, which can be washed and reused, similar to reusable toilet paper.
Additionally, explore the world of "family cloth" or "toilet cloth," which involves using small cloth squares that can be washed and reused.
These alternatives not only reduce waste but also save money in the long run.
The best eco-friendly toilet paper brands
To help you make an informed decision, here is a list of some of the best eco-friendly toilet paper brands:
Who Gives a Crap is an eco-friendly toilet paper brand that stands out for its commitment to sustainability and social impact. Here are some key features of their products:
They offer bamboo and 100% recycled toilet paper options, free from harmful chemicals.
Their products are hygienic, BPA-free, and biodegradable.
Who Gives a Crap uses chlorine-free whitening and compostable packaging.
They donate 50% of profits to improve sanitation in developing countries.
As a Certified B Corporation, they prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
Local sourcing reduces the supply chain and shipping emissions.
Bim Bam Boo Paper specializes in bamboo-based toilet paper, paper towels, and facial tissues. It provides eco-friendly alternatives to traditional paper products, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.
They prioritize eco-conscious practices by:
Using bamboo as a raw material to reduce deforestation and promote sustainability.
Creating products without harmful chemicals, making them safe for users and the environment.
Ensuring their items are soft, durable, and septic-safe, maintaining quality and functionality.
Using plastic-free packaging to minimize waste and environmental impact.
Demonstrating commitment to the environment by offering free carbon-neutral shipping on all orders.
Cloud Paper is a leading eco-friendly toilet paper brand that prioritizes sustainability and comfort. Here are the key highlights of their products and practices:
They offer some of the softest eco-friendly toilet paper options on the market. Their toilet paper is made from 100% FSC-certified bamboo
Toilet paper is free from scents, dyes, pesticides, BPA, and chlorine bleach.
They use a small amount of cornstarch adhesive to attach the first sheet to the roll, minimising additional materials.
Has earned recognition from the Natural Resources Defense Council for their commitment to eco-friendly bamboo toilet paper.
Their packaging is plastic-free and uses compostable paper wrapping for each roll. The boxes are made from 100% recycled content.
The company offsets shipping emissions through Carbonfund, and they double the offset.
Cloud Paper plants a tree for every order placed.
They source bamboo from family-owned farms in Asia, manufacture their Premium rolls nearby in China, and produce 2-ply Basic rolls in the USA.
Reel's bamboo toilet paper is a sustainable choice that cares for the planet and communities. Here are the key features of Reel's eco-friendly toilet paper.
100% bamboo toilet paper, individually wrapped in recyclable or compostable paper.
Reel produces 100% tree-free products, including FSC-certified recycled paper towels and sustainable toilet paper.
They are free from BPA, inks, dyes, and fragrances.
They use chlorine-free bleach to whiten the toilet paper.
They source Bamboo from southwestern China which is then ethically manufactured abroad.
They focus on addressing toilet waste and inequality through partnerships.
Their orders are shipped via Carbon Neutral freight.
Betterway offers eco-friendly toilet paper that's gentle on the planet and on you and believes that small everyday choices can shape a better world. Some of their features include:
It features a hypoallergenic design with 3-plies of 100% FSC-certified organically grown bamboo.
Free from inks, dyes, scents, or BPA.
The embossed, lint-free texture is backed by a 100-day Happy Wiping guarantee.
One of the most affordable eco-friendly options; their calculations suggest only 2-3 rolls per person per month.
Betterway is Climate Neutral certified with BSCI-certified manufacturing partners and plastic-free, recycled packaging.
Bamboo is hand-harvested from local farms, not part of panda habitats.
They also offer bidet attachments as another sustainable option.
Whisper Bidet offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper. Bidets, which spray water for cleaning, are a sustainable and hygienic choice.
The most eco friendly toilet paper solution is no toilet paper at all.
The Whisper Bidet is easy to install and cost-effective.
Contrary to misconceptions, bidets are not messy and offer a refreshing clean.
After use, you may need just a few squares of eco-friendly toilet paper (or reusable cloth) for drying.
By making the switch, you can reduce toilet paper usage by 80%, save money, and contribute to environmental conservation.
Whisper Bidet encourages a shift towards more sustainable and healthier bathroom practices.
Marley's Monsters is a zero waste online store specializing in reusable replacements for single-use paper products, including reusable paper towels.They offer an unconventional yet eco-friendly toilet paper alternative: reusable toilet paper.
Their Toilet UNpaper Roll is made of 100% cotton flannel and is not flushable (do not flush them).
Used wipes can be collected in a bin or wet bag and washed every two to three days.
They offer various products in categories such as bath and beauty, home and living, zero waste baby, and kitchen.
Based in Eugene, Oregon, this family-owned brand started as a small project for the owner's daughter, Marley, and has since grown into a global business.
Marley's Monsters is a BRING certified sustainable business, employing energy-efficient techniques for handmade products and using plastic-free packaging and shipping.
Fabric waste is donated to nonprofits for upcycling into new products.
Choosing eco-friendly toilet paper is a simple yet impactful way to make a positive change for the environment. By opting for recycled, bamboo, or reusable toilet paper, you can help reduce deforestation, minimize waste, and support sustainable manufacturing practices.
When choosing a brand, look for certifications, consider the manufacturing process, and examine the packaging. Remember to find a balance between sustainability and comfort and be willing to explore alternative options such as bidets or cloth wipes. Making the switch to eco-friendly toilet paper may seem like a small step, but when combined with other sustainable choices, it can have a significant impact on preserving our planet for future generations.
We hope with this guide you can start making a difference today! Choose eco-friendly toilet paper and explore alternative options to reduce waste. Together, we can protect the environment and create a more sustainable future.
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