Just a short time ago it was Arbor Day, a day to focus on trees, planting them, and appreciating them. Trees offer so much to the health of the planet, and ultimately us (provide oxygen, take in carbon dioxide, provide shade for us and our homes, provide beauty).
Unfortunately, we use trees at an alarming rate. According to Recycling-Revolution.com, the average American uses seven trees a year in paper, wood, and other products made from trees. This amounts to about 2,000,000,000 trees per year!*
If we look at one single aspect of using trees, we can see how problematic it is. Let’s take toilet paper, because it’s so universally used in the United States (not in other countries, though – 70-75% of countries don’t use TP**). According to ToiletPaperHistory.net, the average man will use 384 trees’ worth of toilet paper in a year**.
Think about it. You have probably seen those images of beautiful beaches with palm trees or coconut trees bending over the beaches, providing a snapshot of paradise. Or imagine having a picnic lunch with your family under the broad shade of a mature tree. Pretty fantastic, right? Now picture that tree cut down so you can, (clear my throat) wipe your bum.
The good news is there are lots of options for TP! According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 15% of deforestation is to use the toilet (yikes). I think, however, there is a growing awareness about usage and trying to be more sustainable.
Here are some options that may or may not cost a bit more but can provide really good alternatives to traditional TP options. Every small step we take adds to collective change which creates massive change (even if we don’t see it highlighted in the news).
TP has even been ranked for its sustainability; Find out where your TP stands regarding sustainability.
Alternatives for toilet paper made from trees: some use recycled paper and many are made from bamboo (bamboo is a ‘grass’ that grows very quickly so it’s a sustainable option):
- Who Gives a Crap (and they have a hilarious email opt-in pop up!)
- Grove Collaborative
- Tushy toilet paper
- A bidet toilet add-on to clean your bum through Tushy
- Green Forest (TP made from recycled paper)
- Seventh Generation (TP made from recycled paper)
- Family Cloth (a movement to use cloth; before you cringe, read the upside here)
- Some in-store brands, such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods that have a very high percent of recycled material
I know that I’d rather lie in the hammock under the shade of trees than cut them down to wipe my bum. So I will commit to making a TP change; trees are better in the forest than going down the toilet.
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"For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it." -Jacques-Yves Cousteau |
Tell us your story on creating change; do you use alternatives to tree toilet paper? Is there sustainable changes you have added to your life and if so, what are they? We’d love to hear how you are making a difference in your life.
*http://www.recycling-revolution.com/recycling-facts.html
**http://www.toiletpaperhistory.net/toilet-paper-facts/toilet-paper-fun-facts/