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I hate to be indelicate, but it’s high time that we all wipe more responsibly. Yup. I mean our bottoms. The NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) recently published their annual survey on the sustainability of toilet paper brands, and it opened my eyes. (Google Issue With Tissue 2022 to check it out.)
I had no idea that most of our toilet paper comes from Canadian virgin timber, and it turns out the boreal forest is the world’s most carbon-dense forest. Who knew? Extending from the northern U.S. through Canada, the boreal forest holds twice as much carbon in its soils and trees as all the world’s oil reserves. It’s also the home of hundreds of Indigenous communities and abundant wildlife. Definitely worth preserving.
I’ve been purchasing bamboo paper products from Grove, an online subscription-based seller. Though I patted myself on the back for being a responsible wiper, these bamboo products only earned a B on the NRDC Issue with Tissue ratings. WHAT???
Well, reading the fine print on the report shed some light on their reasoning. They gave the highest scores to tissues that come from recycled content, particularly post-consumer content from recycling programs. The production of recycled tissue produces 1/3 the carbon emissions of that produced from virgin wood.
They also preferred post-consumer paper to industrial wastepaper because it supports the recycling industry, generating jobs and promoting a circular economy in sustainability. You know— reduce, reuse, recycle.
Bamboo paper is a good option because bamboo grows incredibly fast, but some of it is grown on areas where old timber was burned to make way for bamboo. Consequently, it doesn’t get the high rating of the recycled tissues.
The survey’s complicated point system also includes credit for ethical forestation practices, including replanting, protecting wildlife species, and respecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
It’s clear, though, that recycled paper gets the highest ratings. Interestingly, too, some of the recycled toilet tissue brands are only partially recycled material. Hmmm… 100% recycled tissue is also better for septic systems because it has shorter fibers that deteriorate more quickly in septic tanks. If you want to test a few brands for “septic health,” put about 4 to 5 squares of each into a large mason jar or clear container, then fill it 3/4 full of water. Cover and shake vigorously for ten seconds, then check to see whether it’s broken apart into tiny pieces. Roto Rooter suggests trying different brands to find the one that breaks down the best.
The NRDC survey evaluated sixty toilet paper brands as well as paper towel and facial tissue brands. Only four TP brands earned an A+: Green Forest, Natural Value, Trader Joe’s, and 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods). The downside is that they cost a little more, some up to $2 a roll. Seventh Generation (available locally) and Marcal (available online) both received an A rating and cost slightly less than a dollar a roll.
As I investigated the plethora of A-rated butt-wiping options, I was intrigued with Who Gives A Crap tissue, partly because of its moniker and partly because the rolls are wrapped in a cheerful variety of printed paper.
By the way, all five of our best-selling toilet paper brands received an F rating because they’re made almost exclusively of virgin pulp from centuries old timber in Canada. Those top forest-destroying brands were Charmin, Angel Soft, Northern, Cottonelle, and Scott. Enough said.
I hope you give a crap and will wipe wisely in the future.
I do, and I will.
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