From bamboo rolls to sleek bidets, more households are rethinking their bathroom routine — and for good reason.
The average American uses 141 rolls of toilet paper every year, and while that may sound like a small personal footprint, it adds up fast.
Switching to eco-friendly toilet paper alternatives can significantly reduce waste, save trees, and lessen water pollution from paper production. Let’s explore the options, the stats, and how you can make your bathroom a little greener.
What Do Other Countries Use Instead of Toilet Paper?
The U.S. accounts for 20% of the world’s toilet paper use, despite having just 4% of the global population - and no, it’s not because we go more often!
Much of the world meets the same need in very different — and often more sustainable — ways.
In countries like Italy, France, and Japan, bidets are a standard bathroom fixture. Across much of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, water jugs or handheld sprayers are the go-to for freshening up.
These approaches not only slash paper use but can also be gentler on sensitive skin, showing there’s more than one way to keep clean without contributing to the global TP footprint.
Ultimately, it’s about finding what works for you, and balancing your comfort and your commitment to reducing your bathroom footprint.
What is the Most Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper Alternative?
The “most” eco-friendly choice isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your lifestyle, budget, and comfort level. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Bidets
- Bidets use a stream of water to clean instead of wiping with paper. They cut toilet paper use by up to 75% or eliminate it altogether.
- Models like the Classic Affordable Bidet attach easily to your existing toilet, while the TUSHY Travel Bidet is portable for on-the-go hygiene.
- Bonus: The TUSHY Stand keeps your bidet fresh and ready.
2. Bamboo Toilet Paper
- Bamboo grows rapidly without pesticides, making it a highly renewable resource.
- Brands like PlantPaper use bamboo fibers to create strong, soft, and tree-free toilet paper.
- Bamboo TP is biodegradable and septic-safe, making it easy on your plumbing and the planet.
3. Recycled Toilet Paper
- Made from post-consumer recycled paper, this option saves trees and reduces landfill waste.
- Look for rolls that are processed without chlorine bleach for the lowest environmental impact.
Bamboo vs. Bidet: A Quick Comparison
|
Feature |
Bamboo Toilet Paper |
Bidet |
|
Water use |
Minimal (manufacturing) |
Low (per use) |
|
Waste reduction |
Reduces need for tree-based TP |
Eliminates or greatly reduces TP use |
|
Installation |
None |
Simple attachment to toilet |
|
Travel-friendly |
Yes |
Yes (with portable bidet) |
|
Cost over time |
Moderate ongoing cost |
One-time purchase + minimal TP cost |
Our Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper Picks
PlantPaper Bamboo Toilet Paper
- 100% bamboo, no dyes, inks, or scents
- Strong yet soft 3-ply texture
-
Ships plastic-free
Classic Affordable Bidet
- Easy to install with no electricity required
- Adjustable water pressure
-
Saves money and paper
TUSHY Stand
- Keeps your bidet accessible and hygienic
-
Sleek, minimal design
TUSHY Travel Bidet
- Portable, squeezable bottle for fresh cleaning anywhere
- Perfect for camping, road trips, or public restrooms
Final Thoughts
Whether you go for a bamboo roll, a sleek bidet, or both, choosing eco-friendly toilet paper alternatives helps save trees, reduce landfill waste, and lower your bathroom’s environmental footprint.
With options like PlantPaper and TUSHY bidets available right here at EarthHero, it’s never been easier to make the switch.
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