Toilet Paper Taboo
Let’s Sit On It (Literally)
No one really wants to talk about reusable cloth toilet paper. It feels a little taboo. And yet, when my daughter Rhiannon was in cloth diapers, we used cloth hemp wipes every single day. Back then, it didn’t feel like a big deal at all. Somehow, when it comes to adults, though, it feels riskier, scarier—even though what comes out of us is not all that different from what comes out of our children. Why is that? Is it marketing? Societal pressure? Psychology? Honestly, I think it often boils down to simple laziness. And I’ll admit it—I’ve been wavering between recycled toilet paper and cloth “toilet towels” for almost 20 years now.
The Hidden Cost of Toilet Paper
Here’s the sobering truth: Worldwide, the equivalent of almost 270,000 trees is flushed or dumped in landfills every single day—and roughly 10 percent of that total is just toilet paper. That’s a lot of trees for something we use once and throw away.
I’ve experimented with so many brands over the years, and two remain my mainstays based on price, accessibility, and longevity. I haven’t bought the big-brand “softest ever” toilet tissue in more than a decade. Why? Because your toilet shouldn’t have to break down your waste and thick, quilted paper at the same time. To me, the most important feature of a roll is simple: 1,000 sheets per roll. Anything less is just a waste of money and resources.
From Cloth Wipes to Spray Rigs
If you’re curious about alternatives, cloth bathroom tissue is nothing new. Before the rise of commercial paper in the late 1800s, families used cloth rags or squares—often called “family cloth”—that were washed and reused. It sounds shocking now, but it was normal practice for centuries. Today, many eco-conscious families are circling back to that method, especially with the help of modern washing machines.
Another option that makes the idea less intimidating is installing a spray rig (also called a bidet sprayer or diaper sprayer) to your toilet. It attaches easily to your water line, giving you a gentle rinse before using either a small cloth or just a quick pat-dry with paper. This cuts way down on consumption and actually leaves you feeling cleaner.
My Go-To Brands (and Why)
I used to swear by CVS’s store brand of recycled toilet paper—1,000 sheets per roll and post-consumer recycled. Then, they discontinued it. My next love was Seventh Generation’s 100% recycled bathroom tissue, also 1,000 sheets per roll. That was my jam until things changed.
In 2016, Seventh Generation was bought by Unilever, a massive multinational corporation. After that, many longtime customers (myself included) felt the company shifted away from its original eco-friendly mission. This is where the term greenwashing comes in. Greenwashing happens when a company markets a product as environmentally friendly while quietly cutting corners or adding hidden chemicals behind the scenes. It’s a way to appear “green” without truly committing to sustainable practices.
These days, when I can’t find a true post-consumer recycled option, I turn to Scott’s 1,000-sheet rolls. While the brand only scores a “D” on the NRDC’s toilet paper scorecard, it still reduces waste by offering more sheets per roll and, in the long run, saves trees compared to the ultra-thick mainstream brands. So if your only choice is between Charmin and Scott’s—always go with Scott’s.
I am also torn between keeping our $$ in our community. I do not buy groceries online and I don’t travel to the next big city to shop at my once favorite natural stores. I make do with what is provided for us in our community (minus our trip to Costco every 8 weeks.) I’m a big proponent of spending your hard earned dollars in your local community. Since moving to an area with limited natural resources we have brought the idea of family cloth back to the table. This may just be the year.
The Bigger Picture
“While the paper industry often touts plantations as the solution to creating an ongoing supply of virgin pulp and fiber, these monocultures often displace indigenous plant and animal life, require massive amounts of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and soak up large quantities of water.”
That means 100% recycled post-consumer paper is still the best option whenever possible. Advocates of recycled toilet paper remind us that it not only takes less water to produce than virgin pulp, but it also helps put to use the mountains of waste paper already sitting in landfills.
Should We Ditch Toilet Paper Altogether?
So, should we all ditch toilet paper and switch to cloth? From an environmental perspective, the answer is yes. It saves trees, clears out pipes, and reduces landfill waste. And while I haven’t completely made the leap myself, I keep circling back to the idea.
Maybe the future of bathroom hygiene lies somewhere between the old and the new—cloth wipes, a spray rig, and an occasional recycled roll for convenience. What do you think? Could you make the switch?
