Happy bum, happy planet
Photo by Edward Jenner from Pexels
Sustainability can be awfully confusing to navigate, I feel you. After having conversations with a couple of you, I started researching vigorously about sustainable TP, and decided to aggregate all the info I found to help us all navigate this crazy world together.
Below are a few things to consider when buying TP that’s good for your bum and good for the planet.
100% RECYCLED PAPER: Paper that is made of 100% recycled content does not require “virgin” or new materials to be created. That means no new trees were harmed or forests cut down to clean your bum. Ideally, opt in for high % post-consumer recycled paper content to not leverage any pulp from unsustainable sources.
UNBLEACHED: Chlorine bleach is added to the paper to whiten and soften the material. But honestly, is that really necessary? Look for paper that has been unbleached, so no nasty chemicals are put on your booty or down the drain with your doo-doo.
100% BAMBOO: Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet, and the bamboo trees are not required to be cut down to be harvested. This makes Bamboo a great alternative to virgin wood pulp, but is not quite as low impact as a post-consumer recycled product. However if buying products made with bamboo, look for language or certifications that ensure the bamboo is sustainably sourced (e.g. FSC). Just because bamboo has great growing properties, doesn’t mean that the product was sourced ethically and without deforestation.
FSC CERTIFIED: FSC is a common certification used to ensure that products come from responsibly managed forests. Look for this certification or language about sustainable sourcing on products made of “virgin pulp” materials.
Since the 2019 “Issue with Tissue” article by National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) was released and a follow up article this June 2020, the spot light has been on sustainable toilet paper. I pulled together a short list of brands that are doing some or all of the right things! Check em out below:
Who Gives a Crap: Certified B Corp, 100% Recycled and/or 100% Bamboo Content, Plastic Free Packaging, No Inks, Dies or Scents, 50% of proceeds help Build Toilets
Hey Bippy: 100% Bamboo Content, FSC Certified, Plastic-Free Packaging
Package Free Shop: 100% Bamboo Content, Unbleached, Plastic-Free Packaging
Tushy: 100% Bamboo Content, No bleach, No emulsifying agents. (Also offers a Bidet which actually uses less water than making traditional toilet paper. Learn more here.)
Reel Paper: 100% Bamboo Content, No Dies or Inks. Partnership with SOIL to provide toilets and removing waste from vulnerable communities
Seedling by Grove Collective: 100% Bamboo Content, Plastic Free Packaging, Every time you buy Seedling by Grove, it helps restore American forestland by planting tree seedlings in areas where trees once stood tall
Seventh Generation: Certified B Corp, 100% Recycled Content, Unbleached
365 Brand (Whole Foods): 100% Recycled Content, FSC Certified Responsible Sources, Whitened w/o Chlorine Bleaches
Everspring (Target): 100% Recycled Content, FSC Certified Responsible Sources, Whitened w/o Chlorine Bleaches, No Dies, No Inks.