Which Is Most Eco: Recycled or Bamboo Toilet Paper, Reusable Wipes, Or Bidets?
Wiping out the competition: which of all the sustainable loo roll options, bamboo and recycled, and toilet paper brands is best? How do you use reusable bum wipes? And, why a bidet is better for your butt health and good for the planet.
TLDR:
Most eco option toilet paper - locally made recycled
Reusable wipes - not scary or stinky when following a few how to use simple rules and following a bidet spray
Bidet - worth installing for better butt health and the planet’s health
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Collectively, wiping our butts with toilet tissue made from trees causes approximately 15% of the world's deforestation! There’s a lot of butts out there and that’s a lot of trees. In just one year in Australia only bums wipe through 2.164 billion rolls of toilet paper. And each of these rolls is individually wrapped and then packaged together in thick plastic. There must be a better way!
Actually, there are a few better ways: tree-free toilet paper made from bamboo, toilet paper made from recycled paper, and using reusable cloths and a bidet.
It can’t only be us that thought it’s really now time to get that bidet installed when the hoarding of toilet paper happened at the beginning of the pandemic? We’ve been considering one for ages and have finally gotten around to researching how to go about this and the best options. New Year, new loo!
Bidets save toilet paper as you only need a minimal amount to dry yourself, and they can also be used in conjunction with cloth wipes, which will not get as soiled as the strong stream of water will do most if not all of the cleaning and they should simply come out wet with water, removing the icky factor that makes many hesitant to use cloth wipes, including us.
But, first, toilet paper…
Is Recycled or Bamboo Toilet Paper Better for the Environment?
100% post consumer recycled toilet paper is the best, most environmentally friendly choice when it comes to single-use wiping. Recycled toilet paper has a lower environmental impact overall, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
For every tonne of recycled paper used, 4,100 kwh of power, 3.1 m3 of landfill, and 26,500 L of water is saved. This is what the NSW Department of Environment & Climate Change has found, according to icare. Some more stats on the difference made from Going Green Solutions: recycled paper uses 64% less energy and 50% less water to produce, creates 74% less air pollution, saves 17 trees (per ton of paper produced), and creates five times more jobs than one ton of paper products made from virgin wood pulp.
To make it, paper fibres from all types of pre- and post-consumer waste, including books, documents and office paper, are used. These are cleansed and purified so it is perfectly sanitary.
When choosing recycled toilet paper, check the percentage of recycled material used - while labelled ‘recycled’, this can mean only 30% is recycled and the rest is virgin material - and look for post-consumer recycled toilet paper.
Using post-consumer recycled fibre means that manufacturing these toilet rolls uses a lot less energy, creates demand for waste paper, saves trees and saves landfill, according to Going Green Solutions. One thing to be aware of and a downside to this type of TP is that BPA has been found in recycled toilet paper. Although this poses minor health consequences to users, it can have an environmental impact downstream.
100% recycled toilet paper is a good choice for alternative wastewater treatment systems (AWTSs), aerobic treatment units (ATUs) and septic systems as recycled material breaks down much quicker than virgin materials; however, bamboo toilet paper decomposes faster than both regular and recycled varieties.
Bamboo toilet paper also saves trees and bamboo is a fast growing, easily renewable, carbon drawing plant. However, while harvesting bamboo is eco-friendly, the rest of the manufacturing isn't really that great eco-wise as it takes a lot of resources (mostly water) to make bamboo soft, but it is still an environmentally friendly alternative to toilet paper that is comprised of virgin pulp. If going the bamboo route, look for a FSC-accredited bamboo product to make sure it is from a sustainably planted and managed plantation.
We list some recycled options and bamboo options, where to buy them, and all the information we could find about them below to help you choose which to go with.
The Best Sustainable Recycled Toilet Paper Options
Best Australian Recycled Toilet Paper Options:
We think these are all good options, especially the first one, which we think ticks all the boxes, but your pick of the bunch may be different. Some of the others are locally manufactured but in plastic packaging, while others are made in China but have the best eco credentials otherwise.
Or, it may just depend on which one you can get delivered to you in bulk. This is the best way to buy toilet paper we reckon - in bulk and plastic free. It’s low waste and lasts a whole year - and is a good way for a commercial business to reduce its impact (you can find recycled jumbo toilet rolls here).
Australian owned and operated, with manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand
100% post-consumer recycled paper with all pulp sourced from Australia
can be bought individually with no plastic packaging and available as 48 rolls in cardboard cartons
also comes as recycled interleaved toilet tissue
ABC Tissue Express assists people with vision and hearing problems in Cambodia and mainland China
company sells both virgin and recycled, and sells other brands in plastic packaging
Australian owned and operated, with manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand
100% recycled toilet paper made from post-consumer paper and manufacturing waste papers
12 pack has no plastic and is in a paper wrap
company sells both virgin and recycled, and sells other brands in plastic packaging
paper, core, wrap and outer carton are all 100% recycled
rolled, wrapped and boxed plastic free in Australia, but made from local and imported materials
no inks, dyes, scents, BPAs or chlorine
purchases fund large-scale cleanups
Australian owned, made in China
made from 100% post consumer recycled paper
purchase individually or as a box of 48 plastic free
support Gateway Community Services, Deaf Children Australia, CARE, Rainforest Alliance, B1G1, and Rainforest Rescue
Australian owned and made (owned by Encore Tissue, which will only supply large retailers and not small retailers)
made from locally sourced pre- and post-consumer waste (about 98%)
not individually wrapped but packaged in plastic wrap - biggest pack size 24 rolls
company sells both virgin and recycled, and sells other brands in plastic packaging
Safe:
Australian owned and made (also owned by Encore Tissue, which will only supply large retailers and not small retailers)
made from locally sourced pre- and post-consumer waste (about 98%)
packaged in paper packaging (but apparently this can’t be recycled because it has a plastic lining) - biggest size 12 pack
company sells both virgin and recycled, and sells other brands in plastic packaging
Australian owned; made in different locations - some from overseas and some made in Australia (also owned by Encore Tissue, which will only supply large retailers and not small retailers)
made from 100% recycled clean office waste paper
individually paper wrapped, with 48 to a single plastic bag
company sells both virgin and recycled, and sells other brands in plastic packaging
Best UK/EU Recycled Loo Roll Options:
made in the UK
made from 100% recycled fibre sourced exclusively from the UK
pack of 9 packaged in plastic-free recycled and recyclable paper here
made of 100% recycled paper - mainly magazine paper, packaging material and cardboard boxes
Dutch company, produced in Germany and the Netherlands, only European recycled paper used
plastic-free packaging
24, 48, or 96 naked toilet rolls one time order or subscription straight from The Good Roll here / from UK store here
donates 50% of profits to building toilets in in developing countries
Best US/Canadian Recycled Bathroom Tissue Options:
made in the US and Canada from materials that are recycled in the US
made from 100% recycled paper (minimum 50% to more than 80% post-consumer content)
single rolls wrapped in paper, but some packs wrapped in plastic
bulk box of 60 completely plastic free here
made in the US
made from 100% recycled content, and at least 80% post-consumer recycled content
smaller packs come in plastic
pack of 48 plastic free in a box here
The Best Plastic Free Bamboo Loo Roll Options
Best Australian/New Zealand Tree-Free Bamboo/Sugarcane Toilet Paper Options:
Pure Planet (AU):
Australian owned and made in China
plastic free
Social Bums (AU):
Australian owned and made in China
plastic free
have jumbo bamboo toilet paper rolls for businesses, schools, etc.
50% of all profits are donated to Launch Housing and Orange Sky charities
Greencane (NZ):
New Zealand owned and made in China
70% sugarcane and bamboo with 30% FSC certified tree pulp
plastic-free packaging and not individually wrapped
supports the active protection of forests, particularly the ongoing promotion of restorative forestry
How We Roll (AU):
Australian owned, made in China
individually wrapped - comes in a cardboard box with no plastic
partnered with One Tree Planted to plant one tree for every box sold
Best UK Bamboo/Sugarcane Toilet Tissue Options:
made from FSC certified 100% bamboo pulp
UK company, bamboo sourced and manufactured in China
plants a tree for every box purchased through Eden Reforestation Projects
48 rolls in 100% plastic-free packaging here
Best South African Bamboo/Sugarcane Toilet Paper Options:
Gudsheet (SA):
made in South Africa
60% sugar cane fibre, 40% FSC approved wood pulp
plastic-free packaging - each roll is wrapped in recyclable paper sheets and comes in a box made from 70% recycled carton
portion goes towards The Güdfoundation to build toilets for underprivileged schools and crèches
8 pack here
Faithful to Nature Sweet Sheets (SA):
proudly South African
made from 65% sugar cane bagasse and 35% FSC certified wood pulp
paper wrapped rolls, 100% recycled inner roll, and 100% plastic-free packaging
single rolls available here
Best US/Canadian Bamboo/Sugarcane Bathroom Tissue Options:
US company
made of FSC Certified, organically grown bamboo pulp harvested in China
16, 32 or 96 rolls (from Zero Waste Store to most of US) in 100% plastic-free packaging
Your Toilet Paper’s Transport Emissions
Producing toilet paper and sourcing the raw material needed makes up most of its carbon footprint, but how it is transported also plays a role. Where it is made (in the country you are in or a different one), where its raw material comes from (in the country you are in or a different one) and how it is transported all make a difference.
A lot of Australians are disappointed when they find out that the popular Australian recycled toilet paper brand, Who Gives A Crap (WGAC) is made in China and not Australia.
WGAC has a long explanation of why this is the case on its website here. It has also made this statement about being made in China: "It may seem counterintuitive, but our current transport emissions are less than what they would be if we manufactured in Australia and road-freighted stock across the country. To test this reasoning, we’ve commissioned an initial analysis of our Australian business by an external life cycle assessment group. This analysis has included modelling the environmental impacts of three production scenarios:
producing in China and sea freighting into each port
producing in Victoria and road freighting into the major cities
producing in Victoria and rail/road freighting into the major cities
“The analysis included modelling outputs of global warming potentials, particulate matter, land use, and water scarcity. Our operation minimises road transport emissions as much as possible by shipping directly into the major ports and distributing from there. This is because sea freight miles are 6-10 times less emissions-intensive than road miles.”
In addition, a lot of Australia's recycled paper is sent to China, so while the recycled toilet paper is made in Australia, the recycled paper pulp used to make it may come from China.
How to Use Reusable Bum Wipes
Reusable toilet paper aka toilet wipes, bum hankies, toilet cloths, wash cloth or family cloth - the debate about the best name for them continues! - may seem a step too far too many, but, according to those who do reuse, once you set up a system, it’s pretty simple and un-stinky.
Clean Cloth Nappies offers some excellent basic advice on how you should go about using them:
• Storage before use: “As per cloth wipes for babies and toddlers. Either store wet (but replace wipes and water frequently) or store dry and wet as you go [ a little squirter/sauce bottle with water in it can be used for this]. Or, you might prefer to use dry. Use only water and particularly avoid using essential oils, they are unnecessary and can be harmful.”
• Fabric choice: “This is personal preference. Buy a commercial kit, buy cheap face washers or make your own. Apart from choosing fabric that can be sanitised, it makes no difference to laundering.”
• Storage after use, and washing: “Rinse poo off after use. Dry pail as you would with wipes used for babies. If you use nappies, place in an airy pail (dry pail) with the nappies, then wash with nappy laundry. If you don’t use nappies, dry pail after use. Ideally prewash 1-2 times per week and wash on 60°C with towels, or add to family laundry.” More in-depth information on washing routine here (it talks about cloth nappies and diapers, but it’s the same process).
• Hygiene considerations: “Families live in close confines and share a lot of environmental factors and germs. Sanitising wipes after each use isn’t necessary unless a family member has a fungal rash or other illness that is contagious, or if you have someone whose immune system is suppressed.”
• Sanitising wipes after use (optional): “Wash on 90°C with a towels load (this will also sanitise your machine), or do a bleach sanitise. No need to prewash using this method.”
Most households have rolls of toilet paper available for visitors.
A choice many make to reduce the ick factor and to remove most of the residue before wiping is to install a bidet. More on bidets in the next section!
Sew your own or find toilet wipes to swipe your sustainable tushie:
AU: baby cotton or bamboo cloth wipes / reusable cloth wipes
UK: bamboo flannel / cotton reusable wipes / black reusable cloth wipes
US/CA: cotton wash cloths (CA) / cloth baby wipes (US) / reusable cloth wipes (US) /
locally handmade ones worldwide here
Why Bidets Are Great for Butt Health & Good for the Planet
Bidets reduce toilet paper consumption - in fact they reduce it by 75 to 100% according to Tushy! So whether you go the reusable cloth route or stick to toilet paper, either way, installing a bum gun is a good idea. It also reduces water use overall if you look at the big picture as, on average, bidets only use 1/8th of a gallon per use while it takes 37 gallons of water to create a single roll of toilet paper.
It is also better for your bum as its more hygienic, removing faecal matter with a precise, concentrated stream of water, and gentler, better for your wallet due to buying less toilet paper, better for people with mobility issues as they’re easier for them to use, and better for your peace of mind in a pandemic.
Versions of bidets include standalone bowl ones, handheld spray gun ones, electronic smart ones, or basic ones just added on as an attachment. A bidet attachment is the easiest way to retrofit one to your toilet. They attach directly to your existing toilet without any electricity, plumbing or other effort required. The water is supplied by attaching a hose to your existing water supply.
Recommended bidet brands:
Betterway bidet attachment
Tushy bidet attachment
Boss Bidet attachment
Bio Bidet toilet attachment, handheld sprayer, or toilet seat bidet
Kohler bidet toilet seats
GenieBidet handheld, attachment, electric, or smart bidet
Brondell handheld, attachment, advanced, or luxury bidet
You also get portable bidets for traveling and for use during postpartum care like the Tushy Travel Bidet, Boss Bidet Mini, and Frida Mom Peri Bottle.
The Bottom Line
Our butts can make a big difference and there are much better ways to wash them than with toilet paper from trees. Go for tree-free toilet paper every time, give reusable cloth wipes a try, or get spraying with a bidet, or all three and toot your own tushie about how clean, swish and sustainable your backside is.
How do you cleanse after ablutions in your bathroom? Will you be sticking to toilet tissue or have you gone the reusable or bidet route? Let us know how you’ve gone and your tips in the comments below.
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