Producing a single roll of toilet paper requires around 12 to 37 gallons of water, along with a good amount of the same to flush it. Now, that is too much water wastage which we can reduce with environmentally friendly toilet paper alternatives. Let’s find out more about them.
Sustainable Toilet Paper Alternatives
Let’s explore the toilet paper options as a substitute for traditional toilet paper in this blog.
1. Water
In many cultures, using water for personal cleaning after using the toilet is common. It’s a natural alternative to toilet paper and helps the environment. Take a look at these 10 Most Water-Efficient and Sustainable Toilets
2. Recycled-Paper Toilet Papers
They conserves resources and reduces deforestation due to its lower energy and water requirements. Recycled toilet paper production creates 95% fewer air pollutants than regular toilet paper. It also saves 30,000 liters of water and 4,000 kWh of electricity per tonne of pulp.
Some renowned companies like Who gives a crap (WCG) and Cloud paper produce affordable eco-friendly toilet paper.
Also Read: 20+ Sustainable Bathroom Upgrade Ideas
3. Bamboo Toilet Paper
It is an eco-friendly, sustainable, and helps reduce deforestation and CO2 imbalance. To make this bamboo trees are cut into pieces, boiled, and turned into pulp without harsh chemicals. It is produced in 2-ply and 3-ply for a smooth texture, providing an eco-friendly alternative.
Betterway and REEL are among the well-known bamboo toilet paper manufacturing brands.
4. Post-Consumer Recycled Toilet Paper
Products like office waste, household mail, schools, and colleges, along with wood chips, are termed as Post-consumer waste. These are recycled to make soft toilet paper, thus, preventing landfills and reducing deforestation.
Green Forest, Cloud Paper and Marcal Company are the brands producing post-consumer recycled toilet paper.
5. Bidets
Originating in 17th-century France, bidets transitioned from royal indulgence to global hygiene. This one of the toilet paper alternatives is available in the following types:
- Standalone bidet: It’s an extra commode that looks like a big sink with a water nozzle for cleaning.
- Add-on attachment bidet: It is a space-saving option with a movable or fixed nozzle connected to the toilet bowl.
- Handheld bidet sprays: It is a convenient shower-like attachment near toilet that sprays water for effective cleaning.
- All in one Bidet: It combines toilet and bidet, with adjustable temperature, pressure, and drying function, promoting personal hygiene and comfort in a space-saving design.
Also See: 10 Best Composting Toilets for Sale
6. Mullein Leaves
They stay soft when dried, with a velvety texture, and have medicinal properties for personal hygiene. However, the selection of the best sanitary alternative to toilet paper requires careful consideration of the right leaves to avoid any allergic reactions.
How to use:
- Harvest the selected, organically grown leaves
- Air-dry them thoroughly.
- Store in a cool and dry place
- Put them in a compost bin for natural decomposition.
7. Unbleached and Chlorine-Free Toilet Paper
For cleaning commodes, instead of traditional cleaners and chemically laden toilet paper, try an eco friendly alternative to toilet paper. Some ways are mentioned below.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Using it as a bleaching agent causes zero adverse effects.
- Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF): It substitutes chlorine with chlorine dioxide, a less toxic derivative. Many brands are prioritizing this eco-friendlier approach for making toilet papers. For example, Caboo and Tushy
Also See: 18 Best Eco-friendly Sustainable Toilet Paper Brands
8. Wet Wipes
They are useful for travelling and picnics, but it is important to dispose of them responsibly. It’s also a good idea to choose sustainable wet wipe brands that are free of alcohol, making good sanitary alternatives to toilet paper.
Cross-Reference: Toilet Paper Alternatives for Sustainability and Backup Use
9. Reusable Cloth Toilet Paper
Use cloth diapers instead of plastic and foam-filled ones for babies. For adults, use a clean cloth cut into the right size, sewn at the ends. After use, place in separate box, sanitize, and let it dry for future use. Simple!
Did you know: According to various sources, approximately 9.8 million trees are cut in a year to make basic toilet paper costing fresh oxygen and deforestation.
10. Bathroom Sponge
They are reusable, natural, and can be easily sanitized. Plus, they cut down on paper waste, have a longer lifespan and do not occupy much space. Thus, making them a convenient option to adopt sustainable toilet practices.
11. Banana Leaves
These are soft-textured and offer gentle cleaning, with no irritation or discomfort. In tropical regions, banana leaves are often used for toilet purposes due to their quick decomposition quality. Thus, they are considered the best natural alternatives to toilet paper.
12. Cotton Balls
Primarily made from cotton, these are soft, comfortable, and highly absorbent. Additionally, cotton balls are widely and easily available as they are commonly used in most skin care routines.
13. Corn Husks
One traditional method that prioritizes eco-friendliness and hygiene is using corn husks cleaning. These outer layers of corn ears are a natural by-product of agriculture. If cut without tearing, these can be preserved for toilet purposes.
Corn husks are also considered antibacterial and sustainable toilet paper alternatives as they are biodegradable.
14. Moss
Its soft and pliable texture makes it gentle on the skin, naturally decomposes and returns nutrients to the soil after disposed.
In addition, it is important to highlight that World Toilet Day is observed on November 19th. Let us spread the word about sustainable and eco-friendly toilet paper alternatives. Small efforts matter!
To meet Sustainable Development Goals and bring change, governments, institutions, and individuals must take responsible actions. You can also check out the World Toilet Day website, educate yourself, and share the campaign with your networks.
Cross-Reference: Sustainable Alternatives to Conventional Toilet Paper
What are the 3 Ways to Reduce Landfill with Toilet Paper?
The following are the ways.
1. Composting of Toilet Paper Rolls: The cardboard rolls can be composted instead of thrown in the garbage. Follow these simple steps.
- Cut the roll into thin strips
- Soak the strips in water
- Outspread the compost pile and pin it down with a spade
- Add some green waste to speed up the organic breakdown.
Also See: 25 Sustainability in the Workplace Ideas and Practices
2. Usage of Bidet: They are a more hygienic and sanitary alternative to toilet paper that uses less water. With longer lifespan they can be used for several years, further reducing additional landfill waste.
3. Use Recycled Water: This conserves resources, reduces pressure on landfills, and solves sanitation problems. Moreover, it reduces water pollution, protects ecosystems, and promotes sustainable living for a greener future.
Ultimately, the eco-friendly toilet paper alternatives for traditional toilet paper leave us with diverse choices that align with contemporary environmental sustainability. Essentially, this sustainable transition signifies a dedication to aligning our daily practices with the health and prosperity of our planet. Thank you.
Recommended: 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Composting Toilets
1 Comment
nice article – toilet paper really is a “blind spot” for many westerners concerned with saving the planet – we are so indoctrinated by culture and marketing. There are estimates that 70% of the world is aware that water is better for making you clean than little bits of “soft”, “scented”, “double strength”, “quilted”, “recycled”, “FSC certified” bits of paper to rub it off. Using very simple and cheap to install bottom sprays can 1. save you money 2. help save the planet 3. actually make you clean.
When you use toilet paper you are not wiping your bottom clean but you are wiping out a forest! (https://www.worldwildlife.org/magazine/issues/spring-2015/articles/price-of-toilet-paper-for-the-planet)