A U.S. household staple — toilet paper — suddenly holds a tender place in the hearts of panic-stricken consumers as they shove shopping carts full of brands such as Charmin and Cottonelle amid the COVID-19 crisis.
However, with the sudden rise of March toilet paper sales comes bad news for Canada’s boreal forests. Representing nearly 30% of the global forest area, boreal forests
trap
carbon critical to combatting climate change, according to the International Boreal Forest Research Association. In addition, the high-altitude forests offer refuge to wildlife and indigenous populations whose cultures are tied to the land. Trees from boreal regions also make up one quarter of the international paper market, a fact most Americans aren’t aware of.
U.S. consumers play a key role in toilet paper consumption, outpacing every other country in the world, as “the average four-person household in the U.S. uses over 100 pounds of toilet paper a year,” according to the environmental advocacy organization NRDC. As citizens, it’s our responsibility to prove to businesses such as Proctor & Gamble that Americans don’t support the destruction of the environment in exchange for cheap toilet paper, especially when other options are available. In a capitalist society, money often drives action. It’s through the decisions of consumers that companies learn what sells and what doesn’t. The destruction of a resource pivotal in ensuring the survival of human, plant and animal life shouldn’t sell.
One solution to this destruction is to make thoughtful choices when we shop, choosing brands that incorporate recycled materials into their tissues to reduce the destruction of the forests. The NRDC scoreboard pictured offers information on which brands have the most recycled materials in their toilet paper.
Another possible solution that may require some foresight would be a revival of bidets, fixtures commonly used in some European countries that clean users with water — no toilet paper needed. Modern bidets greatly contrast the comical devices represented by popular culture as contraptions that squirt icy water onto users. Many bidets no longer stand alone, and are often incorporated into toilets as special seats that offer temperature-controlled water and air dryers. Contrary to some arguments, water is more sanitary than toilet paper because it doesn’t spread bacteria back onto the user.
By switching to options that require little-to-no toilet paper, consumers have the chance to save a significant amount of money as well as precious ecosystems necessary to the survival of countless species of plants and animals. All that is needed is a little planning. Ultimately, going toilet paper free is a no brainer — it’s better for our wallets and the environment.
