Going Green With Sustainable Toilet Paper
When it comes to toilet paper, sustainability may not be at the forefront of most people's minds. But this sanitary essential is no stranger to the environmental spotlight, and there are many options for a greener alternative. The main way to reduce your tush's impact is by switching to sustainable toilet paper, which uses repurposed office and newspaper waste to make it instead of cutting down brand new trees for the job. It also uses 28-70% less water and electricity than regular toilet paper. But if you're looking to go even greener, try eco-friendly bamboo TP from Marcal. This two-ply, soft, and strong product is made with post-consumer recycled content and whitened without chlorine, bleaches, or dyes, so it's better for your tush and the environment. Plus, it's virtually lint-free and safe for septic tanks.
While the coronavirus made buying toilet paper more urgent than ever, when you're able to pick out a pack again, it's best to prioritize sustainability. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council's second annual report, The Issue with Tissue, the majority of toilet papers sold are sourced from the same few primary forests (such as Canada's boreal forest), which are already being cut down at a rate faster than they can regenerate. This "tree-to-tissue pipeline" is contributing to climate change, and threatening the survival of wildlife like the boreal caribou, American marten, and Canada lynx.
In the NRDC's report, brands that use only recycled or bamboo pulp received top marks with an A rating while major toilet paper companies that still use virgin wood got F ratings. Among the worst were Cottonelle, Scott, and Charmin. Fortunately, many alternatives have emerged, including the tush-friendly Bamboo Paper from Thrive Market. This 2-ply, ultra-soft and absorbent tp is a combination of post-consumer recycled paper with sustainable and renewable bamboo fibers, and it's free from bleach, chemicals, and dyes. The septic-safe, lint-free paper is also surprisingly tough and strong. Plus, it's a reusable product the packaging can be used for zero waste gift wrapping and tucked into the bottom of your compost bin.
The company uses a carbon-neutral production process and ships its products in plastic-free, earth-friendly boxes. You can buy one-off packages or sign up for a customizable monthly or biannual subscription.
Another excellent option is Cloud Paper, which uses no dyes, bleaches, or BPA and makes its tp with FSC-certified and sustainably harvested bamboo. The company's paper is extra thick and strong and the TP is embossed for added softness. Plus, the company's packaging is both eco-friendly and stylish, coming in a variety of colors and patterns that you can toss in your indoor compost or use for zero-waste gift wrapping. It's available as a one-time purchase or in 8, 28, and 48 roll cartons, with a
variety of subscribe-and-save options. The female-founded business is also donating 50 percent of its profits to build toilets in developing countries.