Buzz
The pandemic unexpectedly turned toilet paper into a highly discussed topic, with shortages and frantic buying sprees making it a prized item. Amid the frenzy, alternatives like bamboo paper and bidets might have crossed your mind, or perhaps you're contemplating a switch now.
Some advocate for bamboo toilet paper as a sustainable choice that doesn’t compromise on comfort. Made from bamboo instead of trees, it demands fewer resources for cultivation, processing, and manufacturing. As concerns shift from availability to environmental impact, here’s the essential information you should consider.
Is bamboo-based toilet paper a greener option for the planet?
Generally speaking, yes. Traditional toilet paper production reportedly consumes 1.5 pounds of wood and 37 gallons of water per roll, whereas bamboo toilet paper uses no wood and under a gallon of water. Bamboo is also highly sustainable, growing rapidly—up to three feet or more daily—and maturing much quicker than trees, eliminating the need for deforestation for bathroom use.
Additionally, most bamboo toilet paper is free from added chemicals or bleach and is biodegradable, decomposing faster than standard toilet paper, making it septic system-friendly.
Is bamboo toilet paper gentle on the skin?
The texture of toilet paper is a matter of personal taste. While ultra-thick, plush toilet paper might not be a necessity, no one prefers a rough, abrasive feel. A key factor to consider is the ply, or the number of layers in each sheet. Single-ply has one layer, whereas triple-ply has three. More layers don’t always mean softer, but they do mean stronger and potentially more efficient, reducing the number of sheets needed.
Bamboo toilet paper from brands like Tushy and Reel is triple-ply, and numerous reviews on Amazon praise its combination of strength and softness. It’s also lint-free, adding to its appeal.
Naturally, the only way to determine if the texture suits you is to give it a try.
Does bamboo toilet paper cost more?
Conventional toilet paper is typically less expensive than bamboo or recycled alternatives. For instance, a 24-roll pack of 3-ply Reel bamboo toilet paper, containing 300 sheets per roll, is priced at $39.99 on Amazon. In contrast, a 24-pack of 3-ply 'mega rolls' from Quilted Northern, with 255 sheets per roll, costs $27.55 at the time of writing.
Breaking it down further: Reel paper costs $0.55 per 100 sheets, while Quilted Northern comes in at $0.45 per 100 sheets. Opting for a 2-ply traditional option reduces the cost per sheet even more.
While bamboo toilet paper is slightly more expensive, its durability might lead to using fewer sheets per use, potentially balancing out the cost.
