We Are Flushing Our Forests Down the Toilet

by Tara Lohan · 2010-04-15 15:02:00 UTC
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In wealthier countries like the U.S. we rarely think twice about the toilet paper we use -- or the fact that we even have toilet paper. Like the running water in our sinks, it's gone from a privilege to a given. But the environment is feeling the toll, even if we scarcely notice. Last year the Guardian reported that 98 percent of the toilet paper used in the U.S. is from virgin forests. We're wiping our butts with our best defense against climate change and some of the world's richest biodiversity. But, that's not all: Others are clamoring for the same luxury — and who could blame them?

The latest issue of World Watch Magazine explains that of the 270,000 trees that we dispose of globally, about 10 percent is from toilet paper. A combination of increasing population, the proliferation of Western lifestyle, and improved sanitation in developing countries means that demand for toilet paper is going up and up, the magazine reports.

And while that's great news for toilet paper manufacturers, it's bad news for the environment. Companies have been planting monoculture farms to grow enough trees for the virgin pulp and fiber that our soft bottoms relish — but this also means increased use of pesticides and chemicals, a drain on water resources and the displacement of indigenous plants and wildlife, World Watch explains.

So what are we to do? Increased demand for toilet paper is often equated with better sanitation and health. The obvious answer is to use recycled paper instead. About 35-40 percent of the total crap tossed into landfills in the U.S. is actually paper, much of which can be re-used, saving not just trees, but also water, energy and air pollution. This seems like a no-brainer, but unfortunately most of the big toilet paper manufacturers aren't biting yet (although some smaller ones are) — a good indicator of where consumer demand stands on the issue. Others point to different sources of fiber — like hemp — as yet another alternative. And then there are various bidet-like devices (some of which are portable) to allow people to clean themselves using water instead of paper — genius, except of course where water is scarce, too.

If you're not quite ready to give up the TP altogether, here are some tips to buy greener bathroom products. Start by looking for the word "recycled."

Photo credit: Nancy Wombat

Tara Lohan is a senior editor at AlterNet.org where she heads up the environment, water, and food sections. Her work has appeared on the websites of The Nation, Mother Jones, the Huffington Post and in Yes! Magazine.
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