For most of us, toilet paper is merely another commodity. It’s important when we need it during those critical bathroom breaks. Afterward, it’s forgotten faster than it takes to flush. 

How often do you stop to think about the environmental cost of that daily comfort? The global demand for toilet paper significantly impacts our planet, affecting forests, water resources, landfills, and climate change.

Let’s take the plunge together to see the dirty details behind toilet paper's ecological footprint.

Roll call: toilet paper usage 

To fully understand toilet paper's environmental impact, first examine the numbers behind its usage: 

According to Statista, the average person will use (or 13.4 pounds) of toilet paper in 2024. 

While only 30% of the population uses toilet paper, 42 million tons are used worldwide annually, as noted by The World Counts. 

Regarding usage by country, QS Supplies shares that China leads the world by consuming over 4 billion miles of toilet paper yearly. 

Per QS Supplies, the United States is the second-largest TP consumer, with over 2.6 billion miles used annually. However, China’s population is four times larger than that of the U.S. 

How does one try to fathom billions of miles? To give it some perspective, we have to go to outer space. One needs to travel to Mars and back to Earth approximately 9.18 times to cover a 2.6 billion-mile distance.

Toilet paper’s impact on water consumption

Toilet paper production wipes out the world’s natural resources. Massive amounts of water are used in the pulping and manufacturing processes. 

For the world to use those 42 million tons of TP each year, The World Counts reveals it takes 1,165 million tons of water. 

Treehugger asserts that one toilet paper roll requires up to 37 gallons of water, while recycled TP takes about half that much. 

In addition, chemical-intensive bleaching and treatment processes leads to water pollution, harmed aquatic life, and affects water quality in local communities. The combination of high water consumption and pollution significantly strains our precious freshwater resources.

The downfall of forests and biodiversity

The relentless demand for virgin pulp contributes to deforestation and damages biodiversity, particularly in vital ecosystems like the Canadian Boreal Forest and Indonesia's rainforests.

According to The World Counts, 712 million trees are felled yearly to produce virgin pulp toilet paper. 

It takes around 1.5 pounds of wood to make a single roll. One tree produces about 1500 rolls of toilet paper per World Atlas. 

The World Atlas also points out that we sacrifice over 31 million trees to satisfy America's toilet paper needs for one year. 

The act of logging in the boreal forest unleashes a staggering amount of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere.

Earth911 estimates that 26.4 million metric tons of this greenhouse gas is released annually, which equates to roughly a quarter of all the carbon emissions from every car and truck in the U.S. in 2019. 

The carbon footprint of toilet paper extends beyond tree felling. It disrupts the forest's soil and releases stored carbon, while diminished forest cover reduces carbon dioxide absorption. 

These forests are home to countless species and play a crucial role in climate regulation. When they're cleared for toilet paper production, we lose biodiversity, carbon sinks, and the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Energy’s role in TP production

From harvesting trees to transporting logs to powering factories, toilet paper production consumes a considerable amount of energy that affects climate change.

Toilet paper production requires 78 million tons of oil annually, as reported by The World Counts. 

Per the Big Think, a single roll of TP calls for 1.3 kilowatt/hours (KWh) of electricity. The same source also reports that a whopping 17.3 terawatts are consumed annually in the US alone. 

To put it in perspective, the electricity needed to make our toilet paper each year could power millions of homes.

While recycled paper production is more energy-efficient than virgin pulp, it still requires resources and contributes to emissions. According to the Pure Planet Club, recycling paper uses anywhere from 28-70% less energy than virgin paper. 

Finding a sustainable solution for the paper industry

Reducing our toilet paper usage is critical. Simple habits like using fewer sheets or opting for better toilet paper products make a difference. 

As consumers, we have the power to influence the industry and drive positive change by choosing sustainable brands and demanding eco-friendly practices.

Turning to eco-friendly solutions

The market for eco-friendly toilet paper is growing, with options made from bamboo, recycled materials, and alternative fibers like wheat straw. These options significantly reduce the environmental impact compared to traditional virgin pulp toilet paper.

At Who Gives A Crap, we're proud to be part of the solution. Our toilet paper is made from 100% bamboo or recycled materials, and we donate half of our profits to help build toilets for those in need. We believe a better bathroom experience for the world is possible — one that's kind to both your bum and the planet.

Conclusion: Supporting the eco-conscious consumer

Every consumer choice, even in the bathroom, has ripple effects on our planet. From decimated forests to polluted water, the environmental cost of toilet paper is far from insignificant. 

The industry's reliance on virgin pulp drives deforestation and habitat destruction, while its water and energy consumption contribute to pollution and climate change. The use of chemicals and the challenges of recycling further compound the problem, leading to a growing environmental burden.

However, we're not doomed to a future of unsustainable wipes. Positive impact is made by embracing eco-friendly alternatives like bamboo and recycled paper, adopting mindful consumption habits, and demanding change from manufacturers. 

At Who Gives A Crap, we're committed to leading the way toward a more sustainable future. Our toilet paper offers a guilt-free wipe because it's gentle on your bottom and the environment. Join us in making a difference, one roll at a time!