TLDR
We talk a good deal about the environmental impact and the lack of sustainability in paper production, but the reality is that we have barely scratched the surface in terms of how many industries it impacts. It has been referred to as the forest-to-toilet pipeline. The supply chain that causes tens of thousands of trees to be cut down every day to make toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissue, and baby wipes. It's crucial to consider how this pipeline affects Mother Earth and the broader ecosystem.
How can something as small as toilet paper cause that much devastation? When you think about fast-moving consumer products like this, it’s something that is used every day in almost every household in the United States. The environmental impact of this seemingly innocuous item is often underestimated, but it's crucial to consider how our daily choices can affect Mother Earth.
So you know all of this and you want to be more eco-friendly in your choices, then you have come to the right place. We will take you through a list here of some eco friendly toilet paper alternatives to traditional toilet paper - from the common, easy ones - all the way to some more unconventional tactics.
Different Culture’s Toilet Paper Alternatives
You may have experienced a culture shock during your visit to one of these continents. After all, the toilet roll isn't something that is used universally around the world. There are different methods for cleaning that have not caught on here in the states. Let’s take a look at sustainable toilet paper and other toilet paper alternatives in different countries or cultures, some of which may involve recycled materials to reduce their environmental impact.
Western Europe
In most Western European countries, you will find bidets as the primary cleaning tactic. Many will include toilet paper options as well, being the closest to US habits throughout the world. When selecting a toilet paper brand in these regions, it's worth considering options that are labeled as septic safe if you have a septic system. These products are designed to break down more easily in septic systems compared to regular toilet paper, reducing the risk of plumbing issues.
Asia
In most Asian countries, you will likely find a water alternative - such as a bidet or other water options. In some eco-friendly cases, individuals might clean off with a shower or a water source for a quick rinse. It's important to note that some traditional toilet paper brands may contain harmful chemicals, so if you're considering this option, it's wise to seek out septic safe and eco-friendly alternatives to ensure both personal and environmental health.
Africa
Similar to Asia, many African countries will use water alternatives to toilet paper. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable practices. Some individuals and communities are opting for toilet paper options that incorporate recycled content to reduce environmental impact while maintaining their traditional cleaning methods.
5 Best Toilet Paper Alternatives to Choose From
#1 Tree- free toilet paper
Tree-free toilet paper is going to be the easiest switch for many that who are used to traditional toilet paper. This option uses alternative fibers such as bamboo toilet tissue paper or recycled paper, but can still be a quality bathroom tissue toilet paper that you can trust to do the job, especially if you have sensitive skin. However, be sure to check reviews of the product before buying. Some tree-free alternatives are not a premium eco-friendly toilet rolls and can be a not-so-great transition from what you are used to.
#2 Bidet
Bidets are probably the second most popular alternative to traditional toilet paper, and they can be a great choice for individuals with sensitive skin. This is going to be a slight change in routine and practice, but it is a very common practice in many parts of the world. Depending on what type of setup you go with, adding a bidet to your bathroom can become very expensive.
However, there are also more budget-friendly options like ones that you can attach to an existing toilet, which can work effectively and are often septic safe. This is an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the harsh chemicals and chlorine often found in traditional toilet paper while prioritizing comfort and hygiene, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.
#3 Reusable toilet paper
The third option on the list would be switching to sustainable toilet paper options, such as reusable cloth or old clothing that you have upcycled into little toilet paper squares. This option is a big step in terms of changing your habits in the bathroom, but the reality is that it significantly cuts down on your impact in exchange for traditional toilet paper production. Reusable diapers are much more widely accepted, so why not reusable toilet paper? For this one - the main hurdle is really creating the a system for cleaning and care for the wipes. Once you have that setup and outlined, it is a pretty low-cost and low-impact, cost-effective habit to introduce.
#4 Paper Scraps
Historically, things like newspapers and phone books have been used as toilet paper when you’re in a pinch. These serve as cost-effective alternatives and are strangely an upcycling feat of their own. That being said, if it is something like a newspaper or magazine, it might have ink or other harsh chemicals on it, so we wouldn’t recommend using it for toilet paper.
However, if you have paper scraps around your house or office, any piece of paper or recycled material that hasn’t been marked up could be a toilet paper alternative.
#5 Leaves
Now we’re thinking outside the box with unconventional zero waste tactics. That being said, if you were out in nature and had to go, leaves would likely be your first option or the first thing you look at. On the positive side, if you get a few cheap plants for this - they will likely be a very cost-effective alternative made from natural recycled material and help improve the overall decor of your bathroom visually while reducing waste.
On the other hand, we would not recommend flushing any leaves down your pipes without speaking with your local plumber beforehand. Proper disposal of waste is crucial to avoid plumbing issues and environmental harm.
Make Real Sustainability Changes With Reel Paper
If you can’t stop using toilet paper completely, then consider the thickness of the toilet paper. The next time you go shopping, decide whether you would go for 1 ply vs 2 ply toilet paper, or explore sustainable toilet paper and tissue products made from recycled materials to reduce your environmental impact. You may also want to consider buying bulk toilet paper, so that you need to purchase less often, which saves on packaging and reduces plastic waste.
What’s more important is incorporating more sustainable habits into your lifestyle. For instance, if you have a baby, instead of buying regular diapers, consider washable cloth diapers. When you're sick, try using eco friendly tissues or recycled toilet paper. When you clean your kitchen top, table, or any other flat surface at home, use recycled paper towels made of 100% recycled paper. from a trusted eco-friendly toilet paper brand.
Feel confident in your sustainable switches by shopping our tree-free paper products that combat deforestation by reusing existing paper material and tree alternatives like bamboo. Explore these eco-conscious choices for a greener and more environmentally responsible lifestyle.
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