Are you using Eco-friendly TP?

My friends, co-workers & family know I co-write “Green Philly Blog” and ask for green advice. While I often can assist, I occasionally don’t even know the answer… (Sorry to expose that fact.)  As Beth & I have mentioned before, the green route isn’t always crystal-clear – especially with green imposters. When I was asked about eco-friendliness of toilet paper, I had to do a little research.

My old roomie & I were meant to be: As one visiting friend pointed out, we were huge fans of 1-ply toilet paper – not always found at mid-20, chick apartments.  However, it turns out this mutual love of 1-ply is quite eco-friendly.

Want to know what to look for in TP purchases?  Experts recommend:

• Contain 100% overall recycled content
• At least 50% post-consumer recycled content
• bleached without toxic chlorine compounds

What brands qualify?   A few ranked high include Atlantic Packaging’s Ambiance, April Soft or Fiesta; Planet Inc’s Green Forest, Whole Foods’ 365 Everyday Value, and Trader Joe’s TP.  Need more?  Here’s a complete list of ranking for eco-friendly TP.

According to this UK Guardian article (hint: read it with a British Accent), “The tenderness of the delicate American buttock is causing more environmental devastation than the country’s love of gas-guzzling cars, fast food or McMansions, according to green campaigners.”  In 2008, there was a 40% rise in sales of luxury brands of toilet paper in the US – And the extra soft, multi-quilted and triple-plys aren’t eco-friendly between cutting down trees & pulp manufacture. More than 98% of toilet paper sold in the US comes from virgin wood, compared to 40% or recycled products from Europe & Latin America.  These so-called ‘luxury’ brands are damaging to the environment – especially since barely 1/3 of paper products in America come from recycled sources.

Posted by Julie

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher