What’s Greenest and Cleanest When Nature Calls?

By Elizabeth Anne Brown
New York Times
July 15, 2024
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States

These days, the toilet paper aisle is crowded with products that claim to be more sustainable, from bamboo and recycled material to products with “forest-safe” labels. But are they really better for the environment? …If you’re in the United States, your toilet paper likely comes from somewhere in North or South America. It could be a blend of trees from the United States Southeast and the boreal forest of Canada, or maybe from eucalyptus grown in Brazil. Those sources are chipping away at the planet’s old, intact forests and replacing native woodlands with vast monocultures is terrible for biodiversity. …your best bet is probably T.P. made from recycled material. Recycled paper keeps trees in the ground and requires fewer resources to produce. …Bamboo toilet paper shows promise as an alternative to tree-based products. …Bidet toilet seats use a jet of water rather than several rounds of wiping. [To read the full story you’ll need a subscription]

Read More