Americans are known for doing big things in the bathroom.

Americans have a reputation for doing everything with a bit of excess — and their toilet paper habits are no exception. Despite the worldwide popularity of bidets, toilet paper in the USA remains the go to. 

But some states? They’re not just following tradition — they’re setting records. We’re talking about individual states using more toilet paper annually than entire countries. (Yes, really).

So, which U.S. states top the list in toilet paper consumption and why? The numbers might just make you rethink what’s happening behind closed doors.

How much toilet paper do Americans consume each year? 

The average American tears through 141 rolls of toilet paper every year — enough to stretch across 14 football fields (and stage the world’s worst halftime show). That’s triple the toilet paper used by the average European and about five times what’s typical in some Asian countries. 

All this consumption costs more than dollars and cents. Each year, the US sends 31 million trees to the paper mill to keep rolling out those fluffy white rolls.

We get it — nothing beats that fluffy quilted feel. But sending forests down the drain? That’s a tough wipe to justify.

Where does the USA get their toilet paper from? 

While you might think of toilet paper as a global phenomenon, the truth is, the US is a heavyweight champion in toilet paper production — ranking fourth among the world’s largest TP exporters. 

America’s massive paper mills churned out rolls worth $222 million in 2023 to help keep bathroom tissue stocked globally, with Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas at the top of the list of countries that consider American made toilet paper a hot commodity.

But while we’re sending plenty of rolls abroad, we’re bringing in even more. Between August 2023 and August 2024, exports dropped from $98.9 million to $89.5 million, while imports jumped from $149 to $164 million. 

The numbers paint a clear picture: the appetite for toilet paper in the USA is continually growing. And that means bathroom habits are shaping more than just our shopping lists.

​​The top five states in toilet paper consumption

Americans love their toilet paper, but some states really go the extra mile. Literally.

According to Mr. Rooter’s survey of over 2000 Americans, the average household runs through 4,910 feet of toilet paper annually — nearly a mile per family.   

Then there are the states going through enough TP to make a mummy blush. Here are the top five TP titans, per capita:

• Pennsylvania wipes out the competition, with residents unrolling a stunning 6,407 feet annually.

• Mississippi is hot on their tails, with 6,375 feet used each year.
  Michigan rolls into third, with Michiganders tear through 6,216 feet annually.

• Kansas flushes its way into fourth, with locals going through 5,769 feet of TP a year.

• Louisiana is bringing up the rear, rounding out the top five with 5,743 feet per person annually.

Fun fact: while these states lead in toilet paper usage, the spending stats tell another story. South Carolina claims the top spot for lifetime TP spending at $23,151 — more than some people pay for a year’s college tuition — without even cracking the top 10 for usage. Maybe they’re investing in those ultra deluxe rolls?

Why certain states lead the way in empty rolls

You’d think population size would be the biggest factor in toilet paper consumption — more people, more paper, right? But it’s not that simple.

Take Pennsylvania, the reigning champ in toilet paper consumption. Despite ranking fifth in population, Pennsylvanians use enough paper to make California — the most populous state — look downright conservative. In fact, California doesn’t even crack the top 10 for usage.

Then there’s Mississippi, 35th in population but second in per-resident usage. Clearly, it’s not just about headcount.

Adding to the disparity, coastal cities have been quicker to put old habits behind them, embracing modern bathroom alternatives like bidet usage, while traditional TP habits hold strong in the heartland.

States with stronger eco initiatives also tend to be more mindful of their paper trail. Access to sustainable alternatives, waste reduction campaigns and even bills to curb single use plastic production (like the kind that wraps traditional toilet paper) are helping these states roll toward a more sustainable future.

Conclusion: Let’s flush out old habits 

Americans’ love affair with toilet paper isn’t just surprising in its scale but also its environmental consequences. 

America’s bathroom habits are overdue for a refresh. The consumption of toilet paper in the USA is wiping out forests at an alarming rate, with trickle down effects that impact ecosystems across the country.

It’s time to rethink how we roll. Swapping out traditional toilet paper for eco-friendly alternatives like bamboo and recycled toilet paper can cut waste, save forests and still keep your bum in bliss. Keep an eye on your sheet count, too — a little goes a long way. Want to go pro? Pair your TP with a bidet and you’ve got a luxury bathroom routine that’s good for you and the planet.

For the ultimate eco-friendly upgrade, Who Gives A Crap’s 100% premium bamboo toilet paper combines comfort and sustainability in every roll. Get ready to flush those bad habits for good.