David vs. Goliath. TikTok vs. your to do list. Toilet paper vs. the environment. All legendary showdowns, each with their own stakes.
The first two you’re probably familiar with. But just how harmful is toilet paper to the environment? Let’s dig in and discuss some possible solutions (like bamboo and 100% recycled toilet paper) for easing the strain on the planet.
What are the different ways toilet paper production harms the environment?
Traditional toilet paper production harms the environment at every step of the process — chopping down virgin trees, pumping out nasty chemicals and piling up landfill waste. Not great.
Fortunately, many brands are stepping up to impact the environment in positive ways by offering more eco-friendly alternatives, including bamboo and 100% recyclable toilet paper options.
But traditional toilet paper is still the big player and the biggest problem. From harvesting virgin pulp trees to chemical bleaching, its impact adds up.
How harmful is making toilet paper white for the environment?
Ever wondered how those traditional store brands get that bright, toilet paper white look? The answer isn’t great: for many manufacturers, chlorine is used in the bleaching process. It’s a process that isn’t just bad news for your bum — it can also pollute water supplies and disrupt ecosystems.
However not all bleaching methods are created equal.
Some, like elemental chlorine, are heavy hitters on the pollution scale, while others, like processed chlorine-free (PCF) and totally chlorine-free (TCF), are far less harmful. Unbleached toilet paper or paper whitened with hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide both create less impact on the planet.
How bad is virgin pulp paper for the environment?
Most traditional TP relies on virgin pulp paper — meaning it’s made by chopping down tonnes of trees, instead of using recycled materials. And by tonnes, we mean tonnes — one million trees are harvested each day to keep up with demand.
This doesn’t just wipe out forests — it also wreaks havoc on ecosystems and uses staggering amounts of energy and water. If lowering your carbon footprint is on your to-do list, switching to more sustainable options is an easy way to make a big difference.
How much toilet paper winds up in the landfill?
Most of us imagine that toilet paper disposal ends as soon as we flush, but in many cases, that’s only the start of the story. In regions with limited plumbing infrastructure, disposal alternatives often mean toilet paper ends up in landfills — where it makes up 15% of paper products.
Even modern septic systems aren’t perfect. Without regular maintenance, they risk leaking waste into the environment, creating a negative impact on nearby water sources.
Is all toilet paper equally bad for the environment?
The short answer is no, not all toilet paper is equally bad for the environment — some rolls are putting in the work to do better. Making the switch to bamboo or 100% recycled toilet paper brings big eco benefits to your bathroom — think lower carbon emissions, less water waste, and more virgin trees standing tall where they should be.
While both are a huge upgrade for the environment compared to traditional TP, each brings its own strengths to the table. Let’s dig into the real impact of bamboo toilet paper and recycled toilet paper.
How bad is bamboo toilet paper for the environment?
While bamboo toilet paper has a smaller environmental footprint than virgin pulp paper, it’s not entirely impact-free. Most bamboo for toilet paper comes from China, where coal still powers some of the harvesting process.
On the plus side, bamboo toilet paper breaks down quicker than traditional TP, reducing pressure on sewage systems and landfills. It’s also the fastest-growing plant on the planet — sometimes growing up to 35 inches in a single day — meaning it takes much less time to replenish. Un-bamboo-lievable!
How bad is recycled toilet paper for the environment?
Don’t worry, it’s not used toilet paper. 100% recycled toilet paper just means no virgin trees were used in the production of the rolls. Instead, recycled toilet paper gives post-consumer waste like office paper, newspapers and junk mail a new lease on life.
While the process isn’t impact-free — carbon emissions and water usage are still part of the equation — these effects are significantly less compared to traditional toilet paper. The wins are clear: reduced deforestation, lower water consumption and a chlorine-free whitening process that’s easier on the earth and your conscience.
Conclusion: Making eco-friendly purchases
Toilet paper vs the environment doesn’t have to be a losing battle. While virgin pulp paper comes with a host of environmental troubles — deforestation, carbon emissions and water waste — your bum can still be part of the solution. Bamboo toilet paper and 100% recyclable toilet paper are way better options than virgin tree paper to help mitigate the harm toilet paper has on the environment.
By choosing bamboo toilet paper, you’re backing a sustainable, fast-growing resource. Opting for 100% recycled toilet paper gives refuse a second life and helps keep trees right where they belong.
Turns out the environment and toilet paper don’t have to be sworn enemies — with thoughtful choices, your bathroom habits can do their part for the planet. Everybody wins!