How to Choose Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper

How to Choose Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper It’s easy to overlook, but even a simple household staple like toilet paper can make a bigger environmental impact than you might expect. The average person uses 140 rolls of tp a year, and the majority of those aren’t sustainable or recycled. This means a lot of trees are getting flushed away, especially when the paper is made from wood pulp harvested from Canada’s boreal forests. As a result, environmental groups are urging consumers to look for tree-free alternatives such as bamboo toilet paper. Most companies that offer tree-free tp use some combination of recycled and alternative fibers. However, some companies take it one step further and use bamboo as the primary material in their products. In addition to being soft, absorbent, and lint-free, bamboo has the added benefit of being very fast growing. While it takes a conventional conifer tree a full year to grow just a foot, bamboo can manage that feat in just an hour. When looking for tp made with bamboo, check whether the company is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative. This is the best way to ensure that your tp comes from responsible sourcing, avoiding deforestation and protecting biodiversity. If you want to reduce your tp’s footprint further, choose a company that uses minimal chemicals in the bleaching process. Chemicals can cause environmental damage and may also irritate sensitive skin. Look for tp that is dye-free, fragrance-free, and BPA-free, and is only bleached with a Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) process. Other green features to consider include the tp’s thickness, packaging, and social impact. Some brands are even making tp with biodegradable wraps. Look for plastic-free packaging and a brand that partners with organizations to donate rolls to homeless shelters, food banks, and panda conservation projects. Some brands also use a portion of their profits to help provide clean drinking water, toilets, and sanitation in developing countries. Lastly, be sure that your tp is septic safe and has no added dyes or scents. A septic safe toilet paper will break down easily, which reduces the risk of clogs and septic tank problems. You can also opt for a tp that’s plant-based, organic, and certified carbon neutral. This helps offset your tp’s carbon footprint by funding reforestation and other eco-friendly initiatives.