Making sustainable swaps in your bathroom is a smart way to reduce the environmental impact of your household significantly.
At ecoHiny, we believe supporting sustainable practices promotes ethical and responsible consumption, which benefits the planet and future generations.
Using sustainable products and packaging helps reduce environmental pollution caused by single-use products. Opting for natural and biodegradable ingredients in personal hygiene products can be better for both our bodies and the environment.
Another option for bringing your bathroom up to good sustainability standards is installing a bidet. Toilet paper is one of those single-use products that we use daily, and the use of a bidet can virtually eliminate the need to purchase it.
A more sustainable option for your bathroom might be a bidet, but is it right for you?
Bidet vs. Toilet Paper
A bidet is a plumbing fixture designed for personal hygiene, primarily to wash and clean the lower body after using the toilet.
The bidet dates back to the 17th century in France. It was originally created as a way for people to wash themselves after using the toilet. The word "bidet" comes from the French word for "pony," as users would straddle the early versions of the bidet. Over time, the design and functionality of the bidet have evolved, and it has become a popular bathroom fixture in many parts of the world for its hygiene benefits. (1)
Bidets come in various types, including standalone fixtures and attachments to existing toilets. They function by spraying water to cleanse areas after using the toilet, providing an alternative to toilet paper. Bidets are known for their hygienic benefits and are considered more environmentally friendly than traditional toilet paper.
Traditional toilet paper is the more common bathroom hygiene choice in the United States. It is a soft, lightweight product typically made from wood pulp or recycled paper and designed to be flushable. Toilet paper comes in rolls of various sizes and thicknesses, and it is an essential item in most modern bathrooms for maintaining cleanliness and comfort.
The Chinese were the first to use paper for hygiene purposes, dating back to the 6th century, but it wasn't until the 19th century that commercially made toilet paper became widely available. In 1857, "Medicated paper for the water closet" hit the market and has since evolved in terms of quality, comfort, and production methods, and it has become an essential part of modern sanitation practices. (2)
With many consumers searching for a more environmentally friendly way to flush, bidets have entered the chat.
Pros and Cons of Both a Bidet and Traditional Toilet Paper
Like any habit change, it's sensible to weigh the positives and negatives. Switching to a bidet in your home is a significant venture, so consider the following.
Pros of using a bidet:
- Improved hygiene and cleanliness
- Reduced toilet paper usage
- Potential cost savings in the long run
- Reduced environmental impact
Cons of using a bidet:
- Costly purchase and installation
- Requires extra bathroom space
- Not widely available in public restrooms
- Some people may find it uncomfortable or unfamiliar to use
Now, consider what you're already using. You might not have given much thought to your T.P., but it comes with some important considerations, too!
Pros of using traditional toilet paper:
- Widely available and convenient
- No installation required
- Familiar and comfortable for most people
Cons of using traditional toilet paper:
- Toxic chemicals, dyes, and fragrances are often included
- Destruction of hardwood trees for their pulp
- Potential for irritation and allergies
A bidet is indeed a sustainable alternative to traditional toilet paper. Bidets help reduce the amount of paper waste generated from using toilet paper. Using bidets also lessens the manufacturing and transport of toilet paper, which requires a significant amount of resources.
Using a bidet can help lower the environmental impact associated with traditional toilet paper use, but is a bidet the right choice for your household? Are there ways to make your bathroom better for the environment instead of using a bidet? ecoHiny has an answer.
Try ecoHiny's Bamboo Toilet Paper as an Environmental Alternative
There's a toilet paper option that doesn't contribute to harmful deforestation and has a wealth of other eco-friendly benefits.
When you buy ecoHiny, you get 100% tree-free toilet paper. How do we do it? Well, we start with responsibly sourced bamboo from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests. It guarantees that not only trees are protected, but so are plant and animal species, workers, and surrounding communities and cultures.
Bamboo is our choice because of its incredible sustainable qualities. Bamboo's incredibly fast growth rate, paired with antibacterial properties that make pesticides obsolete, creates an optimal material for eco-friendly paper products.
Bamboo toilet paper degrades faster than traditional toilet paper and is compatible with any system, including:
- Municipal sewer systems
- Septic tanks
- Alternative toilets
- Camper and R.V. toilets
Bamboo toilet paper is safe for your compost pile, too!
At ecoHiny, we complete the process with fully biodegradable and recyclable packaging shipped to you with carbon-neutral shipping.
Why Bamboo Toilet Paper is a Great Middle Ground
Committing to a bathroom renovation for the sake of sustainability isn't necessary! You can accomplish similar eco-friendly results by switching to bamboo.
Keep the convenience and familiarity of traditional toilet paper without all the harmful environmental side effects. You can feel confident knowing you're helping to eliminate the harmful dangers to our planet that the traditional toilet paper industry poses.
Commit to a Sensible and Sustainable Swap
While a bidet may offer a better option for eco-conscious consumers, it may not be quite the comfortable experience for everyone, not to mention the costly modifications to your bathroom!
To make an impact and retain a familiar routine, choose ecoHiny's eco-friendly toilet paper instead. It's exactly what you need to reduce your environmental footprint and maintain your preferred way to wipe!
- Complete History of the Bidet (and Why You Need One!) ." Bidet Genius. Path: https://bidetgenius.com/pages/complete-history-of-the-bidet.
- "All the Ways We've Wiped: The History of Toilet Paper and What Came Before." History, www.history.com/news/toilet-paper-hygiene-ancient-rome-china.
