When you get down to brass tacks, toilet paper is just a bunch of recyclable paper that you use to wipe your butt. And yet, somehow this simple product has become a battlefield for many companies. The war rages on between traditional toilet paper brands and their fans vs. the people who believe in switching over to bamboo rolls and other sustainable products that come from renewable resources. We’re here to help you sort through the options so that when you make your next trip to Costco (or wherever else), you can pick out the best bamboo toilet paper companies for your needs without breaking the bank or an eco-friendly rule!
The War on Toilet Paper
Let’s face it: toilet paper is a necessity, but not everyone has access to a roll.
In countries like China and India, people use a variety of methods to wipe their behinds. From leaves and grasses to old newspapers and even sandpaper. But when you live in the U.S., where most homes have access to plenty of TP (and those who don’t can buy it at any corner store), you might be surprised by how much unnecessary waste we produce every day because we rely on this single-use product.
A single sheet of toilet paper has about 4 grams of wood pulp. Since Americans go through about 50 sheets per capita each day (or 23 billion annually), that means millions upon millions of trees are cut down every year just so we can wipe our butts clean after going number two! The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that manufacturing one role requires up to 7 gallons (26 litres) worth of water. Then, there are transportation costs factored into all those rolls being shipped across state lines. Finally, disposal: According to EPA estimates, Americans throw away 2 pounds (.9 kilograms) worth each year!
Why Bamboo Is Better Than Tree Paper?
Bamboo is way more efficient than trees.
Bamboo is a grass, not a tree. This means that it grows much faster than trees do–in fact, bamboo can reach maturity in just three months! Trees take years to grow and aren’t always available in every country. Bamboo also has other benefits. It’s environmentally friendly. It doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers. It’s sustainable, you can replant it over and over again. Lastly, it’s easy to harvest without damaging the environment around you.
Bamboo grows more quickly than trees.
Bamboo grows up to a foot per day and is harvestable in 3 years. This makes it more sustainable than trees, which can take decades or even centuries before they’re ready for harvesting. Bamboo also thrives in harsh conditions like drought and high winds, making it an ideal crop for farmers in developing countries who have limited access to water or fertilizer but need something that will grow quickly to provide food security.
It’s a renewable resource.
Bamboo is a renewable resource, meaning it can grow back when harvested. It grows quickly, up to 35 feet per year and thrives in a variety of climates. Bamboo is also very hardy and durable. It can withstand harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold temperatures without wilting like other plants do. Bamboo is harvestable every 3-5 years depending on how long you want your paper to last. The longer you wait between harvests, the tougher your paper will be.
It helps to clean the air.
Bamboo is a natural air purifier. It absorbs carbon dioxide, which helps clean the air. Bamboo is a natural insulator. It keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Bamboo is a natural water filter. It absorbs heavy metals and other toxins from the soil and water, which are usable for growing more bamboo plants.
Bamboo products are often more durable than tree paper products.
Bamboo is strong. It can withstand harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold temperatures without wilting like other plants do. Bamboo is a natural fibre, so it’s stronger than tree paper. It is stronger than cotton and hemp. Bamboo is also more absorbent than tree paper, an important factor for towels and napkins.
Doesn’t contain toxic chemicals, as tree paper does.
Bamboo is a natural product that doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals. Tree paper, on the other hand, is treated with chemicals to make it white. This includes chlorine bleach and dioxin which show linkage to cancer. Tree paper also contains formaldehyde. It is a carcinogen that can cause respiratory problems and irritate eyes and skin when inhaled or touched directly (source).
Bamboo does not require chemicals or pesticides to grow.
Bamboo is naturally pest-resistant. It’s not a tree; it’s grass, so it doesn’t need to be treated with chemicals to grow. Many countries around the world grow bamboo, which makes it an easily renewable resource. Bamboo can grow quickly and will produce more fibre than trees do over time. This means less land is needed for growing paper products using trees (and less deforestation).
Bamboo is hypoallergenic.
Bamboo is a hypoallergenic fibre. This means that it doesn’t cause an allergic reaction in most people, which makes bamboo products great for anyone sensitive or prone to allergies.
Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. This means that it resists mould and mildew growth (and thus smells better), as well as bacteria and yeast growth (which can irritate). It also helps keep you cool during the summer months because of its breathability!
Now, let’s check out these 6 best bamboo toilet paper companies you’ve never heard of.
6 Best Bamboo Toilet Paper Companies You’ve Never Heard Of
Betterway
Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper uses 100% organically grown bamboo, and it’s biodegradable and compostable. It is also made in the USA, which makes it a great option for those who want to support local businesses. The company is family owned and operated, so you can be sure that you’re getting high-quality products that aren’t just good for your bottom line but are also good for the earth!
Read more: A Quiet Shout Out For Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper
Cheeky Panda
Cheeky Panda Toilet Paper is a top-notch brand that offers biodegradable and strong toilet paper, made in the United Kingdom. The company also donates 10% of its profits to charity. Cheeky Panda’s bamboo toilet paper is soft and strong, as well as a 100% renewable resource. It comes in adorable prints like octopus tentacles or banana trees!
Read more: Cheeky Panda Toilet Roll: Perfect for Pooping
Nature’s Call
Nature’s Call Bamboo Toilet Paper is made in the USA, and it’s 100% biodegradable. It’s also compostable, so you can feel good about using it knowing that no trees were cut down to make this toilet paper. It supports sustainable forestry by using bamboo fibres from sustainably managed forests instead of cutting down trees for their pulp. This is a practice that has a connection to deforestation and habitat loss.
Plant Paper
Plant Paper Bamboo Toilet Paper consists of 100% renewable resources and does not require the cutting down of trees to create it. The paper comes from bamboo. It is a fast-growing grass that’s harvestable every 3-5 years without harming the environment or wildlife. The company makes its toilet paper in North Carolina, USA and uses 40% bamboo fibres and 60% recycled paper. It’s biodegradable and compostable as well.
Roll Up
Roll Up Bamboo Toilet Paper is a family-owned business that has been manufacturing sustainable toilet paper since 2011. The company’s mission is to provide the most environmentally friendly, high quality and affordable toilet paper on the market. Roll Up Bamboo Toilet Paper uses 100% bamboo, which makes it biodegradable and compostable. It also features a unique honeycomb texture that helps prevent clogging in your pipes!
Who Gives A Crap
Who Gives A Crap is a social enterprise that sells toilet paper using 100% recycled paper. The company was founded by Matt Damon, who wanted to help solve the global sanitation crisis and promote sustainable living. Who Gives A Crap toilet paper comes from 100% recyclable paper, and it comes from a factory in India where women receive equal pay for equal work. The company also donates proceeds to WaterAid and other organizations working on water conservation projects around the world.
Read more: I Tried WGAC Bamboo Toilet Paper and Now I May Never Switch Back
Conclusion
You’ve just read about six bamboo toilet paper companies that will ease you in your decision-making. However, there are many more out there. If you’re looking for something unique and eco-friendly, then these brands might be the right fit for your home.
