Reusable toilet paper is a great option for those looking to reduce the amount of waste they produce. Many people use disposable toilet paper because it’s cheap and easy, but what about the environmental impact?
Reusable toilet paper is an eco-friendly alternative that reduces the amount of waste going to landfills. Let’s explore the pros and cons of using reusable toilet paper so you can make an informed decision.
What is reusable toilet paper or family cloth?
The idea behind reusable toilet paper is to use a piece of fabric or sponge specifically designed for washing yourself in the bathroom. These types of fabric or sponges are made out of durable materials (usually synthetic) so they last a long time and are easy to clean.
In some cases, the fabric is connected to each other with a pushpin to make it easier to use. It is then possible to add it to a toilet paper holder.
The reusable toilet paper is thrown in a bin instead of the toilet. This can take some getting used to at first. The toilet is less prone to clogging though and this reduces the need for advanced infrastructure (such as a septic system) making it a great option for remote areas or RVs.
Why use reusable toilet paper: zero waste?
Most disposable toilet papers have a negative impact on the environment. They are made out of wooden pulp and are bleached with chemicals that can harm water quality. Disposable toilet paper can also take up a lot of space in landfills.
Reusable toilet paper, on the other hand, is a great eco-friendly option. It’s easy to wash and dry, and you can use it for years. Unlike disposable toilet paper, you can hand wash it. By using reusable toilet paper, you are reducing the amount of waste going to landfills and you are also saving money.
How does reusable toilet paper work?
There are a couple of different ways to use reusable toilet paper. One option is to use it like traditional toilet paper.
-You can start by using a bidet and finish things off with a piece of reusable toilet paper.
-You can also start with traditional toilet paper and use reusable toilet paper to clean the remaining parts.
Using reusable toilet paper for everything if you are not used to this might be a big step. It is often recommended to start with traditional toilet paper and gradually switch to reusable toilet paper.
Advantages of using reusable toilet paper
While reusable toilet paper is better for the environment, it’s also gentler on your skin. That’s because loofahs and sponges don’t contain chemicals. They do, however, require a bit more effort to clean.
Below are more advantages of using reusable toilet paper:
– It’s good for the environment. Reusable toilet paper is an eco-friendly option. It uses less water and less cleaning product.
– It’s cheaper. Although it costs a bit of money to start using reusable toilet paper, you will save a lot of money over time. You don’t have to buy disposable toilet paper and can use the same loofah or sponge for years.
– You can use it anywhere. If you travel a lot, you can just take your reusable toilet paper with you. Some people use reusable toilet paper while camping as well.
– You have more control over what you’re cleaning yourself with.
– You can choose your cleaning method. If you want to use your loofah like a washcloth, you can. If you want to use it like a sponge, you can do that too.
-You don’t have to worry about running out of toilet paper.
-It takes less space to store this type of toilet paper.
As you can see, reusable toilet paper has some advantages. Let’s take a look at some disadvantages as well.
Disadvantages of using reusable toilet paper
As discussed, reusable toilet paper also has some disadvantages. Let’s discuss these below.
– It takes time to clean. You have to rinse the fabric every time you have used it. If you don’t do that, your toilet paper will start to smell.
– It’s not good for everyone. Some people with skin conditions may not find it helpful because it doesn’t have a disinfectant.
– Your guests might not want to use it as they find it weird.
-It takes some time to get used to this way of going to the toilet. Give it some time and experiment with different approaches to see what works for you.
-There is discussion if this is safe enough to use. Especially if you don’t clean them well enough, it can be quite dangerous to use this as multiple in the household might use the same toilet paper over time.
Reusable toilet paper is still quite new so it is possible that we will see new fabrics and designs popping up that will make it easier and more comfortable to use.
In a lot of countries, bidets are used instead of toilet paper. This is a spray of water that cleans you. The water can be heated and this can be quite comfortable. For this reason, we see more and more people pick this solution over toilet paper.
Conclusion
Reusable toilet paper is an eco-friendly option that’s gentler on your skin and can save you money. It’s important to clean the fabric thoroughly and rinse it out well. You can use many types of disposable toilet paper with one of these reusable options.
It can take some time to get used to this and it is not for everyone. You can also take a look at a bidet if you don’t want to use traditional toilet paper anymore. Wet wipes are an option as well but you have to be careful as they can clog up a toilet.
Reusable toilet paper is still quite new but it is gaining a lot of momentum as people are looking for more comfort and want to reduce their impact on the environment.
