Bamboo vs recycled toilet paper

Caring for your bum with quality toilet paper is an often overlooked aspect of everyday routine. Going to the supermarket and buying traditional toilet paper from the big brands, thinking their 3ply sheets are the best around, is a no-brainer choice in most households. But is it really the best option out there?

Traditional toilet paper and its harsh environmental impacts are often not discussed. With so many bigger issues happening across the world, toilet paper choices aren't really the top conversation topic – we get that. That's why at Urban Ethos, we strive to shed light on the overlooked topics that although may seem insignificant, leave a big impact on our beautiful planet.

Toilet paper has an enormously negative effect on our planet. Think about it, it's a product we reach for multiple times a day, every day of the week. A study conducted by The World Counts found that 42 million tons of toilet paper are used around the world each year. This cuts down 712 million trees, consumes 1,165 million tons of water and 78 million tons of oil. Crazy, we know.

Luckily, more sustainable options such as bamboo toilet paper and recycled toilet paper exist. These are two substitutes that are far more planet-conscious than the conventional types. But which is better to use: recycled toilet paper or bamboo toilet paper?

At Urban Ethos, we know which toilet paper is best for you – and for the planet. We're here to help you make more sustainable choices in the bathroom.

What is bamboo toilet paper?

Bamboo toilet paper is made from the pulp of bamboo grass. It's a naturally growing grass that regenerates quickly, making it a more sustainable option than trees which can take decades to grow back. In fact, bamboo is the most quickly growing plant on earth, making it an efficient alternative to traditional trees used to create toilet paper. This is why bamboo toilet paper is becoming increasingly popular in Australia.

Bamboo doesn't require harmful chemicals or pesticides to grow, so it has a smaller environmental footprint than traditional toilet paper. Plus, bamboo grows naturally without the need for irrigation systems, making it a more water-wise option.

What is recycled toilet paper?

Recycled toilet paper is made from, you guessed it, recycled paper products! This could include office paper, newspapers or even used cardboard boxes. The process starts with these waste products being pulped,  de-inked, and then turned into soft, absorbent sheets – just like traditional toilet paper.

The recycled paper used to create toilet paper often contains a mix of pre and post-consumer waste. Pre-consumer waste is material that's leftover from the manufacturing process and would otherwise go to landfill. Post-consumer waste is material that's been used by consumers and would alternatively go to landfill or be incinerated.

Bamboo VS. recycled toilet paper. Which is better for the planet?

While both seem like great, eco-friendlier options to clean ourselves up with, is one option better than the other?

Although recycled toilet paper is more sustainable than traditional toilet paper, it still isn't the best option. The process of recycling uses more energy and water than it does to simply create bamboo toilet paper. And, most recycled toilet paper on the market still contains a mix of virgin tree fibre (traditional toilet paper), making it not entirely recycled.

At Urban Ethos, we believe in being as sustainable as possible. That's why we opt for 100% premium bamboo toilet paper in all of our rolls. If you'd like to test it out before you invest in a larger pack of our super soft toilet paper, Urban Ethos stocks single rolls.

Why is switching to bamboo toilet paper a good choice?

Bamboo toilet paper is the best route to go down when picking a paper buddy for the loo. Not only does it love your booty, but it loves the planet, too. Aside from the fact that bamboo toilet paper is a more eco-friendly option than conventional toilet paper choices, more reasons to shop bamboo include:

Bamboo toilet paper is softer and luxurious to use

While it's often thought that sustainable toilet paper options are rougher and thinner than traditional toilet paper, this isn't the case. Bamboo toilet paper is softer and more comfortable to use than traditional toilet paper. This is because bamboo fibres are shorter and smoother than wood fibres, making them less likely to irritate the skin.

Our bamboo toilet paper and toilet paper tissues are 3 ply and super soft, making it a comfy, planet-loving alternative.

Bamboo toilet paper is better for your plumbing

Bamboo toilet paper is better for your plumbing, as it dissolves more quickly in water and septic tanks. This means that it is less likely to clog pipes or cause other problems with your plumbing that will result in you forking out money to fix unnecessary issues. Additionally, bamboo toilet paper does not contain any bleach or other chemicals that could harm your plumbing.

Bamboo toilet paper is biodegradable and compostable

Bamboo toilet paper is biodegradable and compostable, meaning it will break down far more quickly than traditional toilet paper. When bamboo toilet paper does break down, it can provide nutrients for the soil, rather than causing pollution due to harmful chemicals found in conventional toilet paper options.

Bamboo toilet paper is hypoallergenic

Bamboo toilet paper is hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin. It's free of chemicals and fragrances, so bamboo toilet paper won't irritate your skin or cause respiratory problems. You can read more on where Bamper toilet paper products are made.

Urban Ethos' selection of bamboo toilet paper is the optimal choice. Not only is it more sustainable than traditional toilet paper, softer and more comfortable to use, but it's also biodegradable and compostable.

Shop our range of bamboo toilet paper, or subscribe to Urban Ethos' toilet subscription service so you never have to worry about running out of rolls when you're on the loo again.