SUGGESTIONS:

TOILET WASTE

Other than driving a car, two of our daily rituals that most negatively impact the environment over time involves going to the restroom: using toilet paper and flushing the toilet. Americans use more toilet paper than any other country with an average of 2-3 rolls per week*. Many of the big brands/bulk toilet paper such as Charmin, Quilted Northern and Kirkland brands use virgin fiber to make their toilet paper, therefore use of these products is directing contributing to the clearing of forests (click here to view study performed).

On top of this, every time we flush the toilet, we are using 1.6 to 3.5 gallons of water, depending on whether you have a high efficiency toilet. Since the average person visits the toilet 4-7 times a day or more, this averages out to 14 gallons of drinking water per person per day. This then ends up in sewage treatment plants, which use energy and chemicals to clean the waste, releasing nitrogen greenhouse gas into the atmosphere as biproduct.

Maintaining good hygiene is critical; however, there are more effective ways to keep clean while also benefiting the environment.

“Simple/quick”: Start with switching the toilet paper that is produced more sustainably. Our preferred brand at this time is Seventh Generation, as the product is made from 100% recycled material and is whitened without chlorine bleach (we would prefer the unbleached version, but we don’t usually see it available at our local stores). If you can’t get toilet paper made from recycled material, then the next best option is to use toilet paper made from sustainable materials such as bamboo. The only drawback is that most of the products we’ve found are made in China, as bamboo is more abundant and can be produced more affordably at scale. However, we tried bamboo toilet paper and paper towels from Who Gives a Crap and Reel as they use proceeds to provide toilets for those in need. Yes the toilet paper has to travel by freight from further away then we would like, but at least we are supporting companies who are working to make positive impacts.

“Slightly more involved”: Although bidets have been in existence for centuries, it still has not quite taken off in America despite the fact that it is a more hygienic way of cleaning up vs. toilet paper, especially after no. 2 (and relieves rashes and hemorrhoids). And if you can’t afford the full-service Japanese variety, don’t worry - neither can we. Based on positive reviews for ease of use, ease of setup, and ease on the wallet, we tried the Greenco Bidet (less than $35 and took us less than 30 mins to setup). Finding it true to its reputation, we now have them in both of our bathrooms. This cut our toilet paper consumption in half, and we feel much more clean and refreshed!

“All in”: We’re not quite ready to eliminate both toilet paper or water entirely when it comes to toilet hygiene, but we’re committed to doing without one or the other. Here are 2 solutions we are pursuing:

  1. Bidet + towel: Clean yourself with the bidet and then use your normal towel, or a dedicated hand towel, to dry off instead of toilet paper. If you have the “ick” factor, then experiment this with no. 1 only - this should be no different than padding yourself dry after a shower.

  2. Eco-toilet: This solution requires no water, plumbing, or electricity - you just need a bucket with a toilet seat and a bucket of sawdust. Your “ick” reaction may be rising fast, but believe us that it works, and the magic is in the sawdust which absorbs odors. Although the eco-toilet can be placed indoor or outdoor, this solution is most practical when you have some yard or land where you can turn the waste into useful compost. Instructions and videos with Joe Jenkins provide a helpful overview of how the toilet and composting works, and it is inspiring to see that he has helped teach communities in Africa. Although we are looking to invest in the Loveable Loo designed by Joe Jenkins, in the meantime we’re going to test out this solution with a cheaper camping portable toilet (such as the Luggable Loo) which is based on same 5-gallon bucket concept.

    REFERENCES:
    Humanure: The Next Frontier in Composting
    Loveable Loo Overview