What Is Toilet Paper?
Toilet paper is a soft and absorbent tissue paper product that is primarily used for cleaning oneself after using the restroom. It is made from wood pulp and/or recycled paper content and comes in various forms such as standard rolls, jumbo rolls, and individual sheets.
Types of Toilet Paper
There are several types of toilet paper, including:
- Standard Toilet Paper: The most common type of toilet paper used in households and public restrooms
- Jumbo Rolls: Typically used in commercial settings to reduce the need for frequent refills
- Bamboo Toilet Paper: An eco-friendly alternative made from sustainable bamboo
- Recycled Toilet Paper: Made from post-consumer recycled paper content and can be a more eco-friendly option
Types Of Toilet Paper
When it comes to choosing toilet paper, there are various options available in the market. Here are some of the most common types of toilet paper:
Recycled Toilet Paper
Recycled toilet paper is made from post-consumer recycled paper. It is an eco-friendly option as it helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills. However, not all recycled toilet papers are biodegradable as they may contain toxic chemicals from the recycling process.
Bamboo Toilet Paper
Bamboo toilet paper is made from bamboo pulp, a sustainable and fast-growing resource. It is biodegradable and compostable, making it an excellent eco-friendly option.
Virgin Toilet Paper
Virgin toilet paper is made from freshly cut trees rather than recycled paper. Although it is soft and luxurious, it is not environmentally friendly and takes longer to biodegrade than other options.
Hemp Toilet Paper
Hemp toilet paper is made from the pulp of the hemp plant. It is a sustainable option as hemp grows quickly and is biodegradable. However, it can be more expensive than other types of toilet papers.
Bidet Toilet Paper
Bidet toilet paper is not actually paper but a stream of water used to clean after using the toilet. It is the most eco-friendly option as it doesn't produce any waste and saves paper usage.
Is Toilet Paper Biodegradable?
Toilet paper is a staple item in most households and workplaces, but have you ever stopped to consider whether it's biodegradable? Simply put, biodegradability refers to a substance's ability to break down naturally in the environment, often through the actions of microorganisms.
Conventional Toilet Paper
Most conventional toilet paper is made from virgin wood pulp, which means it's not biodegradable. This is because the process of turning wood into pulp requires a lot of chemicals, which can remain in the paper even after it's been processed. Additionally, the use of virgin wood contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction.
Alternative Options
Thankfully, there are alternative options available that are biodegradable, such as recycled toilet paper or bamboo toilet paper. Recycled toilet paper is made from post-consumer waste paper and has a similar texture to conventional toilet paper. Bamboo toilet paper is made from bamboo pulp, which is more sustainable than virgin wood pulp and can break down more easily in the environment.
Why Is Biodegradable Toilet Paper Important?
Biodegradable toilet paper is important for a number of reasons, mainly for its positive impact on the environment. Unlike traditional toilet paper, biodegradable toilet paper breaks down rapidly in the presence of microorganisms, which helps prevent the accumulation of waste in landfills and oceans.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Regular toilet paper is made from virgin trees, which makes it non-sustainable and harmful to our environment. The production of traditional toilet paper requires a significant amount of energy and resources, including trees, water, and chemicals. Biodegradable toilet paper, on the other hand, is often made from recycled materials, which reduces the impact of deforestation and limits the use of natural resources. Additionally, since it breaks down quickly, biodegradable toilet paper is less likely to contribute to clogs or damage the pipes in your septic system.
Better for Your Health
Biodegradable toilet paper is typically free of harmful chemicals, such as bleach and formaldehyde, which are often found in traditional toilet paper. These chemicals can cause irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. Biodegradable toilet paper is a better option for those who want to avoid or reduce exposure to these chemicals.
Support for Sustainable Companies
By choosing biodegradable toilet paper, you are supporting sustainable companies that prioritize the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. These companies often work towards further reducing their environmental impact, which is good news for everyone.
How To Choose Biodegradable Toilet Paper
Choosing biodegradable toilet paper is an important step towards sustainability. Here are some factors to consider when making your selection:
Material
Choose toilet paper that is made from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled paper or hemp. These materials are renewable, biodegradable, and have a lower impact on the environment than virgin wood pulp.
Manufacturing Process
Look for toilet paper that is manufactured using green processes. Avoid toilet paper that has been treated with bleach, as this can release harmful chemicals into the environment. Instead, opt for toilet paper that has been whitened with hydrogen peroxide or ozone.
Certifications
Check whether the toilet paper has any certifications from independent organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certifications ensure that the toilet paper has been produced sustainably and that the manufacturing process meets environmental and social standards.
