What to Look for in Sustainable Toilet Paper

1,000,000 — that’s the number of trees we cut down daily to make toilet paper. It’s unbelievable! Is there a more sustainable way to do that? Should we move to recycled toilet paper or try ones made from more sustainable materials, such as bamboo? Or should we go the bidet route and ditch the toilet paper altogether?

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Let’s look at this from a few different angles:

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Materials Used

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Recycled toilet paper is a more sustainable alternative to virgin toilet paper since it doesn't contribute to deforestation, which harms ecosystems and wildlife. It diverts waste from landfills and supports a circular economy. Compared to virgin toilet paper made from forest fiber, recycled paper uses 50% less water and produces only one-third of the emissions. While some brands mix recycled and virgin paper, the higher the recycled content, the more sustainable the product.

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Bamboo toilet paper offers another sustainable option. Though not as sustainable as recycled paper, it's still better than virgin toilet paper because bamboo has a smaller land-use and carbon footprint than Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) fiber — the wood pulp commonly used in tissue. But make sure that the bamboo in your toilet paper is responsibly sourced. Look for certifications like FSC (not FSC-mix), Green Seal, and AFPA. Wheat straw is another option, but only a few brands manufacture it.

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When choosing alternative fibers like bamboo or wheat straw, carefully check the materials list. Some products are deceptively marketed — toilet paper labeled as "bamboo" but containing only 10% bamboo is greenwashing.

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Also, whatever material you choose, avoid chlorine-bleached options. Instead, look for PCF (processed chlorine-free) or ECF (elemental chlorine-free) options.

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Also read: Ready to Quit Paper Towels? Try These Sustainable Alternatives

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Packaging and Shipping

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Packaging is another important consideration. While those cardboard inner tubes might briefly entertain your cats, they're ultimately wasteful, so avoid them when possible. To minimize packaging waste, buy in bulk quantities. Ideally, choose a plastic-free packaging option; if that's not available, look for products that use recycled plastic packaging.

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Many sustainable alternatives, like bamboo toilet paper, are shipped from Asia to the U.S., which creates a significant carbon footprint from transportation. According to a 2017 Life Cycle Assessment of toilet papers, bamboo can require as much or more fossil fuel as northern softwood when both materials travel equal distances to the tissue mill. That's why it's important to check where your toilet paper is manufactured.

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Should You Switch from Toilet Paper to Bidets?

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Bidets use a stream of water for cleaning and produce no deforestation. Though less common in North America, a lifecycle assessment has shown that bidets have a lower environmental impact than toilet paper across multiple categories — climate, human health, resources, and ecosystems.

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While bidets do use more water during operation, it's important to note that manufacturing a single roll of toilet paper requires 37 gallons of water.

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If you choose to use a bidet, opt for a washcloth rather than toilet paper for drying — using toilet paper would negate the sustainability benefits.

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