Have you ever thought about what happens to toilet paper after you flush it down the toilet? It’s not something most people think about, but it’s actually an important environmental question.
Believe it or not, toilet paper is designed to break down in water, making it biodegradable. But not all toilet papers are created equal when it comes to how quickly they degrade. Some toilet papers are more eco-friendly than others, and understanding the factors that affect biodegradability can help you make a better choice for the planet.
The United States leads the world in toilet paper consumption. The average person uses about 140 rolls of toilet paper per year.
Below is a breakdown to help you understand all you need to know about the biodegradability of toilet paper.
Is Toilet Paper Biodegradable?
Yes, toilet paper is considered biodegradable on its own.
So when you pick up that package of Charmin or Angel Soft, it will biodegrade on its own.
The problem is how long it takes to go through the process.
Toilet paper that is specifically made to be biodegradable forces the paper to disintegrate at a more rapid pace. This makes it more septic-safe than the traditional toilet paper we use. I am sure I am not alone in thinking that “biodegradable” toilet paper was just a ploy to charge us more money – but I am happy to report that is not the case.
Biodegradable toilet paper breaks down four times faster and consumes significantly less water than traditional bath tissue.
The distinctions don’t end there.
Standard bath tissue is manufactured from virgin trees, comprising a blend of 70% hardwood and 30% softwood. In contrast, biodegradable toilet paper is sourced from more sustainable materials:
- Sugar cane paper – Derived from bagasse, a byproduct of sugar production. With the ever-increasing demand for sugar, this resource is unlikely to dwindle. Moreover, it reduces the excessive waste generated by the sugar industry.
- Bamboo paper – Bamboo thrives abundantly worldwide, adapting to varying conditions. This up-and-coming star not only aids in our transition to a plastic-free world but also paves the way for a paper-free future. Additionally, its natural antibacterial properties negate the need for chemical additives. As eco-friendly alternatives gain popularity, the production and use of bamboo toilet paper have gained traction, serving as a sustainable and naturally antibacterial option for conscientious consumers.
- Hemp – One of the most versatile plants on Earth, yet it still bears an undeserved stigma due to its association with marijuana. With hemp cultivation legal in most U.S. states, it presents a viable solution to deforestation challenges.
- Kenaf – A remarkably fast-growing plant. Research has shown that a single hectare of Kenaf can yield fifteen tons of paper-friendly materials – an astonishing amount for such a small area.
So, there are a lot of reasons to change to a truly biodegradable toilet paper option. Using reusable toilet paper is also a great way to save money while going green.
How Long Toilet Paper Takes To Decompose
The decomposition process might not be as quick as you think. This is why we see so many issues with septic systems clogging due to toilet tissue.
In most cases it might take less than a month for toilet paper to decompose, but in less friendly conditions it could be years. The last thing we want is toilet paper stuck in our public systems for years.
Factors that can affect decomposition include:
- Tissue thickness
- Fiber length
- Water source availability
- Weather
And in case you are wondering, paper towels have a whole different structure. Check out whether paper towels are biodegradable so you can have the most eco-friendly home possible.
Environmental Footprint of Toilet Paper
Here’s a rewritten version that keeps all the important facts while making it unique:
Our planet is suffering from the widespread use of toilet paper, but this issue often goes unnoticed. It might have briefly crossed your mind, but most people don’t give it much thought. As mentioned earlier, the average American uses around 100 rolls of toilet paper per year.
When you multiply that by the country’s population, the numbers are astonishing. Since toilet paper comes from trees, it’s clear that a massive number of trees are being cut down. We’re already facing deforestation problems, and according to National Geographic, nearly 27,000 trees are flushed down toilets every day, exacerbating the situation.
The worst part is that most of the wood used for toilet paper comes from virgin forests, which are harvested to produce fresh, soft pulp. This pulp is then chemically treated and transformed into paper. These chemicals used in the manufacturing process end up decomposing in septic tanks or making their way to water treatment facilities.
While you might assume that water treatment centers can remove all the chemicals, that’s unfortunately not the case. Some of these harmful substances inevitably slip through and pollute our water sources.
Using More Sustainable Options
The biggest hinderance to more sustainable toilet paper seems to be consumers. Recycled paper if often more scratchy and rough compared to their softer counterparts.
But, hopefully change will continue to happen both by consumers to adjust to a little discomfort and manufacturers to improve the products.