Cleaning your Booty or Applying Chemicals?

Toilet papers are a bathroom staple but little do we know about what they are made of.  Is it safe or unsafe? It is no secret that chemicals are used in manufacturing commercial paper products. And to say that it is not the case with ‘my toilet paper’ is like fooling yourself and turning blind eye to the swathes of trees being ripped off.

A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) unveiled some of the top toilet paper brands on the market that are behind causing major damage to the forests.

If you did not think of it before, it is time to start doing it now and take corrective actions when you buy toilet paper, next time. 

Here in this article, we will find out 

1. The commonly used chemicals or additives in making toilet paper.


2. The significance of Bamboo and other alternatives

Let’s start.

Chemicals Used in Making Toilet Papers

Chemicals do no good. But making toilet papers without using chemicals is not a popular option for most companies. 

Toilet paper is generally made out of a combination of approximately 70% hardwood and 30% softwood. The remaining resources are chemicals, bleaches, and water. It’s a sign of global worry as it builds pressure on the environment.  

A 2010 study says that toilet paper was found to be a likely reason behind the chronic irritation of the vulva. Though the presence of Formaldehyde is considered to be the possible reason, more studies are needed to make people aware of the dangers. 

Some of the harmful chemicals are

• PEG Compounds: They are practically harmless and approved by the FDA. But there are Ethoxylated ingredients which when exposed to other chemicals release ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane (carcinogens). They are known to cause breast cancer and other cancers.


• Artificial fragrance: Typically, no one would feel bad. However, some people can be allergic to certain fragrances and suffer from itching, burning and redness on their skin.


• Paraffin Wax: It is safe and hygienic but if you are sensitive to certain chemicals, there are likely to be skin breakouts and/or swelling.

Coming to bleaching, it gives white color to the paper. Most companies use chlorine that is known to produce dioxins and other cancer-causing pollutants. They are harmful to humans and the environment. There are alternative ways of preventing the deteriorating impact of chlorine bleaching, like the use of

• Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF):  The method involves the use of less-harmful chlorine derivative- chlorine dioxide- for bleaching the wood pulp.


• Process Chlorine Free (PCF): No chlorine or chlorine derivatives are used in bleaching.  The method involves the use of already bleached paper products.


• Totally Chlorine Free (TCF): In this Chlorine-free bleaching method, hydrogen peroxide plus ozone or peracetic acid are used.


• Bleach-free Products: There is also a possibility of not bleaching at all. It will leave the surface of the paper rough and harsh on the skin.


• Bamboo: Bamboo has become a hot favourite for making toilet paper. This grass is incredible and considered over hardwoods. Let’s find more on bamboo as an alternative to make toilet paper in the next section. 

Bamboo Toilet Papers

Bamboo is widely used to make toilet paper. They are manufactured like traditional toilet paper but unlike conventional trees, bamboo grows faster and thus supports regular production. Plus bamboo crops are environment-friendly. 

They can grow in practically any climatic condition, require less water and do not require the use of pesticides. One can be assured of less environmental damage with bamboo as the source of paper pulp. 

The benefits of bamboo toilet papers

Bamboo toilet papers are the softest, strongest and free of lint. All thanks to the core strength of the material, the quality is never compromised while offering a smoother surface to your skin.

Bamboo toilet papers are the most eco-friendly option on the market. They do not need fertilizers or pesticides to grow bamboo nor do they use chemicals for manufacturing. They are non-toxic and good for the environment and humans alike.

Bamboo grows faster than other trees. Plus, they are 100% biodegradable and break down without releasing any chemical or harmful waste. One can be assured that you have a sustainable source in hand without fearing its depletion in the near future.

Bamboo as a source of toilet paper has many benefits that keep the sewage system in a good condition. It does not release any toxic substance that can affect the plumbing system of your home or commercial areas. Plus it dissolves quickly and naturally. So, one can be assured that excessive use will not do any unexpected damage. It is for the very reason that they can be used in RVs and other moving commercial vehicles. 

Is Bamboo Toilet Paper a Permanent Solution?

Bamboo toilet paper is growing popular for the reasons explained above. This nowhere means that we can sit and relax. There can be more eco-friendly options out there and we need to continue our search for many such solutions. 

Bamboo toilet paper has proved its worth and one can’t find a sensible reason for not using it. For decades, tree-based toilet paper has ripped the world of precious and thriving trees. Deforestation is not good news and the rampant felling and burning of trees should be controlled before it is too late. 

Let’s create a future that is clean, safe and thriving for us and the generations to come. Start small and use sustainable toilet paper that relieves some pressure off the forests. There are many brands out there that offer you bamboo toilet rolls for sale. Visit online and find the best site to buy toilet paper online.