What is the downside of bamboo toilet paper?

Bamboo toilet paper has become increasingly popular in recent years as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper made from virgin trees. Major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Amazon have started offering their own brands of bamboo toilet paper, marketing it as a sustainable product that reduces deforestation. While bamboo toilet paper does have some advantages over regular toilet paper, there are also some notable downsides that consumers should be aware of before switching. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of bamboo toilet paper to help you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

The Case For Bamboo Toilet Paper

Here are some of the main reasons why bamboo toilet paper has become so popular:

Sustainable Resource

One of the biggest appeals of bamboo toilet paper is that it’s generally considered a renewable and sustainable resource. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world – some species can grow up to 3 feet per day. It reaches maturity and can be harvested for pulp in just 3-5 years, compared to 20-50 years for most wood trees used for paper. This means bamboo can be replenished much quicker than regular virgin trees.

Reduced Deforestation

By providing an alternative source for toilet paper pulp, bamboo takes pressure off forests and trees typically used for paper products. About 27,000 trees are estimated to be cut down daily just to produce toilet paper around the world. Bamboo toilet paper gives consumers a way to enjoy soft, comfortable toilet paper without depleting forests.

Often Organic and Chemical-Free

A lot of bamboo toilet paper options on the market are made using organic bamboo pulp processed without harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach. This makes them better for sensitive skin and the environment versus traditionally made toilet paper. Many bamboo toilet paper brands advertise themselves as chemical-free, biodegradable, and septic-safe.

Soft and Strong

Bamboo fiber is naturally soft, smooth, and very strong. This makes bamboo toilet paper very comfortable and less likely to rip or create lint than some kinds of regular toilet paper. Many consumers find it feels very luxurious.

Potential Downsides of Bamboo Toilet Paper

While bamboo toilet paper has some excellent benefits, there are also some important downsides and controversies consumers should keep in mind:

Still Requires Bleaching

While it is true that most bamboo toilet paper avoids chlorine bleaching, it still usually involves some other chemical bleaching process to turn the natural bamboo pulp white in color. Hydrogen peroxide is often used instead, which is less harsh than chlorine bleach, but still alters the fiber’s natural state. Truly natural, unbleached bamboo toilet paper is harder to find.

May Involve Synthetic Chemicals

Much of the bamboo toilet paper marketed as eco-friendly is actually a blend of bamboo and other wood pulps, along with synthesized binders and softeners added into the paper. This helps give it its soft, fluffy texture, but means there are synthetic chemicals involved, rather than just natural bamboo fiber. Consumers should read labels carefully and look for 100% bamboo options to avoid this issue.

Shipping Footprint

A lot of bamboo pulp and products are shipped long distances from China and other Asian regions where bamboo is heavily cultivated. This contributes significantly to the overall carbon footprint. Local toilet paper options or brands using regional bamboo may be more sustainable overall, even if it’s not pure bamboo.

Toxic Processing Risks

Some investigations and reports have found unsafe contaminants in certain bamboo products due to poor processing practices, especially in operations based in China. This includes traces of sulfur, harmful hydrocarbons, and toxic chemicals. Consumers should look for reputable bamboo toilet paper brands that state their bamboo is safely processed.

Intensive Farming

While bamboo itself renews quickly, some large scale bamboo plantations use intensive farming practices involving pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and irrigation that can negatively impact the environment. Responsibly sourced bamboo comes from more sustainable farms and smallholder sources.

Still Requires Transport and Manufacturing

Even though bamboo pulp itself is renewable, turning it into toilet paper still takes energy, chemical processing, water, and generates pollution. It must also be transported long distances in many cases. This means bamboo toilet paper still has impacts, even if it compares favorably to tree-based toilet paper.

Higher Cost

The overall costs involved in making bamboo toilet paper, along with import expenses in many cases, mean it is usually notably more expensive than regular toilet paper – often 2-3 times higher per roll. This added cost makes it less accessible than conventional toilet paper for many consumers.

Lack of Industry Standards

As of yet, there are no standardized labels or certifications specifically for bamboo toilet paper’s sustainability practices. This makes it hard for buyers to really confirm if a product is eco-friendly or contains any synthetic chemicals, bleaches, etc. Consumers have to rely on brands’ claims and any available info on sourcing and manufacturing.

May Be Over-Packaged

In efforts to appear even more eco-conscious, some bamboo toilet paper brands sell their rolls individually wrapped in extra plastic packaging. This actually generates more unnecessary single-use plastic waste. Unwrapped or paper-wrapped rolls are better for the environment.

Few Options for Bulk Purchasing

Unlike regular toilet paper, bamboo options are rarely available to purchase in bulk or multi-pack amounts. This means more frequent purchases necessary and less opportunity to save. However, as bamboo toilet paper expands, more bulk purchasing options may open up to the consumers.

Performance Concerns

Some bamboo toilet papers have received complaints about shredding, ripping easily, or making a mess. The quality and performance seems to vary widely between different brands and types of bamboo toilet paper. Trying sample rolls first or reading reviews can help avoid disappointment.

Conclusion

Bamboo toilet paper has clear advantages over traditional tree-based toilet paper for sustainability. However, consumers should be aware it still has environmental impacts of its own, and quality between brands can be very inconsistent. With proper research, purchasing from reputable sellers, and realistic expectations, bamboo toilet paper can be a greener choice overall for many eco-conscious buyers despite some unavoidable downsides. Using it in moderation, buying from sustainable sources, and combining it with other sustainable habits can help maximize its benefits.

Here is a quick recap of the key pros and cons covered in this article:

Pros of Bamboo Toilet Paper

• Renewable and fast-growing resource
• Reduces deforestation for virgin pulp
• Often organic and chlorine-free
• Very soft and comfortable

Potential Downsides

• Still bleached with chemicals like hydrogen peroxide
• May involve synthetic binders, softeners
• High shipping footprint from Asia
• Toxic chemical risks from poor processing
• Intensive farming practices possible
• Higher costs for consumers
• No sustainability certification standards yet
• Overpackaging concerns
• Hard to buy in bulk
• Quality and performance inconsistencies

By understanding both the pros and cons, eco-conscious consumers can decide if bamboo toilet paper fits into their green lifestyle and make choices that support responsible brands and manufacturers. While no product is perfect, bamboo toilet paper offers some clear environmental improvements over traditional tree-based options.

Pros of Bamboo Toilet Paper	Potential Downsides
Renewable and fast-growing resource Reduces deforestation for virgin pulp Often organic and chlorine-free Very soft and comfortable	Still bleached with chemicals like hydrogen peroxide May involve synthetic binders, softeners High shipping footprint from Asia Toxic chemical risks from poor processing Intensive farming practices possible Higher costs for consumers No sustainability certification standards yet Overpackaging concerns Hard to buy in bulk Quality and performance inconsistencies

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bamboo toilet paper better for the environment?

Bamboo toilet paper is generally considered better for the environment compared to tree-based paper because bamboo is a very renewable resource that can replenish more quickly. However, there are still environmental impacts from intensive farming, processing, bleaching, and shipping bamboo pulp long distances. Responsibly sourced bamboo toilet paper produced sustainably is the most eco-friendly option.

Does bamboo toilet paper clog pipes?

No, bamboo toilet paper breaks down in water just as easily as regular toilet paper and will not clog pipes. In some cases, it may even dissolve a bit faster. However, none of the added chemicals in any bleached or processed toilet paper are advantageous for plumbing systems or septic tanks.

Is bamboo toilet paper softer than regular toilet paper?

In most cases, yes, bamboo toilet paper does tend to be noticeably softer, smoother, and more comfortable than standard tree-based toilet paper. However, softness can vary greatly between brands. Trying out a few different options is recommended for consumers to find one with the desired softness.

Is bamboo toilet paper cheaper than regular toilet paper?

No, bamboo toilet paper is almost always significantly more expensive than traditional toilet paper, usually costing 2-3 times as much per roll. The higher material and processing costs involved make it a premium-priced product. Over time, manufacturing improvements and increased demand could potentially lower costs.

Does bamboo toilet paper leave lint like regular toilet paper?

High-quality bamboo toilet paper is generally less likely to pill, shred, or leave behind lint and residue compared to traditional pulp-based toilet paper. However, lower-quality bamboo paper may still have some linting issues. Trying out different brand options is advisable.

Can you flush bamboo toilet paper?

Yes, bamboo toilet paper is just as flushable as regular toilet paper despite being more durable. It breaks down easily when saturated with water. The only exception would be if a bamboo product specifically says it contains plastic fibers or materials not meant to be flushed – but most are fully flushable.

Is there toilet paper made completely from bamboo?

There are a few brands that make toilet paper from 100% bamboo fiber, without any wood pulp or added chemicals. However, this is less common, since blending with other materials is often necessary to achieve the right balance of softness and durability. Reading labels closely can help identify which products are 100% bamboo.

What are the best bamboo toilet paper brands?

Some reputable and highly-rated bamboo toilet paper brands include Caboo, The Cheeky Panda, No. 2, Cloud9 Living, Hello Bottle, Reel, and Who Gives a Crap. Trying out a variety pack from different eco-friendly brands can help find one that has the right softness, strength, and value.

Does Costco sell bamboo toilet paper?

Yes, Costco does offer its own Kirkland Signature brand of bamboo toilet paper, made in partnership with manufacturer cocoon. It is a blend of bamboo and recycled fibers designed to be soft, strong, and septic-safe. The large bulk rolls offer decent value compared to other bamboo toilet paper options.