If you're going to make the leap to eco-friendly options, you want to know your choice is impactful. That's why today, we're looking into the great debate between Hello Tushy and Reel Paper.

Both brands vow to help the planet while keeping your bathroom experience top-notch. But which one delivers on its promises?

Let's crack into the details, compare the perks, and find out which eco-friendly toilet paper is worthy of being in your cart!

What is Hello Tushy toilet paper?

In the search for eco-friendly toilet paper, chances are you've waved a hand at Hello Tushy. Founded in 2015, Hello Tushy has become a big name in the world of sustainable bathroom habits.

Hello Tushy, also known as just Tushy, offers 100% bamboo toilet paper — and that's just the beginning. Known for their awesome bidets, they also sell bathroom essentials like cleaners, stools, and other goodies. 

What are the benefits of Hello Tushy?

Tushy offers 100% bamboo toilet paper that's...drum roll, please... 3-ply! This means that as far as bamboo goes (which can grow up to 40 feet, if you were wondering), it's pretty soft! Not to mention bleach-free and plumbing-safe.

But, you know me — I want to dive deeper to see how much these businesses are actually dooing for the planet. Tushy offers a no-roll option, eliminating the cardboard aspect and producing less waste (or creative ways to use the roll). They also have partnered with Samagra to provide families in India with access to clean community toilets.

Navigating to their give-back program, you'll find that one Tushy equals one toilet. However, the details are a bit murky. Is this for every roll, subscription, or bidet? It's not entirely straightforward.

What are the downsides of Hello Tushy?

Multiple customers have reported that Hello Tushy's toilet paper misses the mark on softness. Instead of a gentle, comfortable wipe, users describe it as similar to using a cardboard box. Yikes!

Thinking you can just return it? Think again! Hello Tushy's bamboo products are final sale — no and, if, or butts about it. It offers just two pack sizes, 8 and 36, which leaves no room for a middle option.

Ironically, for a company with "hello" in its name, it also has massive customer service issues. Report after report indicates that they seldom even respond back. 

I guess that makes one thing clear: you may say hello to their tushy, but you won't get a "hello" from their customer service.

Another concerning aspect of Hello Tushy is its environmental impact. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a leading nonprofit environmental advocacy organization in the United States, rated Hello Tushy’s sustainability efforts with a C (300 points). 

The NRDC points out that Hello Tushy lacks a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which sets standards for responsible forest management. By choosing Hello Tushy, you might not be helping the planet as much as you think.

What is Reel Paper?

You can't compare plastic-free toilet paper without Reel entering the chat. Founded in 2019, Reel may have come later in the game but has swiftly made a mark with its bamboo and recycled options.

Based in California, Reel appeals to consumers looking to reduce their environmental impact. But I'm here to get down to what we are all dying to know: Is it the Reel deal?

What are the benefits of Reel Paper?

Reel offers 100% bamboo toilet paper that is bleach-free and septic-safe. While that may sound familiar, one unique feature is their kid's toilet paper. 

No, it's not a smaller width or crazy fun colors. It's their very own storybook adventure that follows a lemur on its search for some toilet paper. Each toilet paper is wrapped with a coloring book, too. 

Reel offers recurring subscription discounts on its products and free shipping to the United States, making it easier and more affordable to support its sustainable initiatives. They also offer flexibility in their packs, with options of 12, 24, and 48.

Beneath the lid, Reel has teamed up with One Tree Planted, a non-profit focused on global reforestation. You think they wood tell you how much of your money goes to One Tree planted, but that one I'm stumped on.

Regardless, the NRDC, has awarded them a B rating (400 points), recognizing their strong commitment to sustainability. This rating is further supported by their use of recycled materials in other products.

What are the downsides of Reel Paper?

One major downside is Reel's shipping limitation — they only ship within the United States. 

Isn't it ironic that a company shipping only within the US chose a lemur, native to Madagascar, as the star of their kids' toilet paper storybook? That lemur is in for quite the adventure crossing an ocean to get Reel.

But the limited shipping isn’t the only issue bubbling up here. Several users have experienced recurring problems with Reel toilet paper causing clogs. They've shared their frustrations on multiple occasions, finding that it consistently leads to plumbing issues.

Adding to the frustration, customers have noted that the roll sizes are smaller than expected. With less paper and more clogs, the premium price is hard to justify, especially with their return policy.

Reel offers refunds up to 30 days for one item, but only once per order. This policy means that if you order two products in the same order, you'll only receive a refund for one.

Additionally, the 48-pack consists of two 24-count packages, so if you attempt to get your money back on that order, Reel will only refund you for one box, which is half of your total order.

What’s the price per roll of Hello Tushy vs Reel Toilet paper?

Based on the information available at the time of writing this in 2024, Hello Tushy sells bamboo toilet paper at a one-time purchase price of $69 for a one-time purchase of 36 rolls, translating to $1.92 per roll.

Reel, on the other hand, prices its one-time purchase at $82.99 for 48 rolls, making it $1.73 per roll. The price per 100 sheets for Hello Tushy is $0.64, while for Reel, it is slightly lower at $0.58.

For subscription options, Hello Tushy offers a 36-roll pack at a 10% discount, while Reel provides a 48-roll pack at a 15.7% discount.

The verdict: Hello Tushy vs Reel Paper

Each option provides toilet paper with 300 sheets per roll and 3-ply thickness. Hello Tushy offers pack sizes of 8 and 36 rolls, whereas Reel offers packs of 12, 24, and 48 rolls. So, when you look at the price per sheet for the same length rolls from each brand on the largest package offered, Reel also takes the lead.

Reel Paper also leads in the subscription discount category, offering a more substantial discount and more flexibility regarding pack sizes.

In terms of materials, Hello Tushy uses bamboo exclusively, while Reel offers both bamboo and recycled options. Each uses plastic-free packaging, but their NRDC sustainability ratings have the biggest discrepancy, with Hello Tushy rated C (300) and Reel rated B (400).

Overall, Reel Paper seems to have a slight edge in several categories.

What’s the best alternative to Hello Tushy and Reel Paper?

There are three sides to every story, and now let me introduce you to the third one.

Who Gives A Crap is a worthy alternative to Hello Tushy and Reel Paper. We’re transparent in all of the right places and proudly donate 50% of profits to ensure everyone around the planet has access to clean water and a toilet.

We don't settle for plain old dull wrappers; even the black-and-white ones have cool patterns. The trendy, bright designs turn toilet paper into a bathroom decoration and talking point. 

This means you get to tell everyone who visits about your contribution to the planet (bragging points)! And you don't have to keep this secret from your overseas friends because they ship to Australia, Europe, the US, and the UK. 

Who Gives A Crap caters to everyone’s preferences with both recycled and bamboo options. And hey, if you find out plastic-free toilet paper isn’t for you, we also offer a 30-day full refund if the product is mainly unused.

The recycled toilet paper has scored an impressive A from the NRDC. We also offer subscription and bundle discounts to keep your bathroom stocked without breaking the bank.

So, if you're ready to make a difference while keeping your bathroom stylish and fun, Who Gives A Crap is the way to go. 

Conclusion: Eco-friendly toilet paper for the win!

Comparing eco-friendly toilet paper can feel a bit like comparing apples to oranges — they're both good, round, and similar-looking, but they offer wildly different values. The same goes for Hello Tushy and Reel Paper. 

Both brands use plastic-free packaging, partner with amazing organizations, and provide 3-ply softness. They also offer 300 sheets per roll and use bamboo, but Reel includes a recycled option, earning a higher sustainability rating.

Reel Paper excels with a better subscription discount, more flexible pack sizes, and a lower price per sheet. It also wins in toughness, while Hello Tushy shines with its luxurious designs and broader shipping options.

This is where Who Gives A Crap picks up the slack. We are transparent about where your money goes (50% is donated), ship internationally, sports fun, trendy packaging, and offer recycled and bamboo toilet paper options.

So, choose the best eco-friendly toilet paper that makes the biggest positive impact (for your bum and the world), and switch to Who Gives A Crap today!