Alexei Volkov
Toilet paper is an everyday essential, but it's also a major contributor to waste and deforestation. The average person doesn't think twice about using toilet paper, but its production and disposal have significant environmental consequences. Not only is the production of toilet paper responsible for the felling of 27,000 trees daily, but the plastic packaging that most toilet paper comes wrapped in is also detrimental to the environment. This plastic film is often unrecyclable, and even when it is technically recyclable, most states don't accept it, leading to unnecessary waste. However, there are alternatives to traditional toilet paper, such as bamboo toilet paper, which uses less water and absorbs more CO2, and comes in plastic-free, compostable, and recyclable packaging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in toilet paper | Most toilet paper is packaged in soft plastic, which is derived from fossil fuels. |
| Recyclability | Plastic packaging is often unrecyclable, as most states don't accept plastic film for recycling. |
| Environmental impact | Plastic waste contributes to the waste crisis and climate crisis, with plastic packaging increasing the carbon footprint of toilet paper. |
| Alternatives | Some brands, like Ecoroll, Pure Planet, and Tushy, offer plastic-free packaging made from biodegradable paper or compostable materials. |
| Storage | Buying plastic-free toilet paper in bulk may address storage concerns and minimize the carbon footprint. |
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What You'll Learn
Toilet paper packaging is often plastic
Some companies, like Who Gives A Crap, offer plastic-free, recycled toilet paper. Their products are forest-friendly, toxic-free, and delivered to the consumer's door. Additionally, half of the company's profits go to helping others across the globe. However, their products are sold in smaller quantities and may be more expensive than regular store brands.
Toilet paper manufacturers prefer to deliver their products with packaging, and plastic packaging is commonly used. The plastic film is printed with brand designs, and the transparent packaging allows consumers to see the product inside. This type of packaging is also used for facial tissues and paper towels.
To address the environmental concerns associated with plastic packaging, some companies are adopting AI-enabled technology for packaging inspection. This technology can detect unacceptable packages with defects and protect brand value by ensuring only good packages reach the end retailer.
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Plastic packaging is usually unrecyclable
Plastic packaging is a major contributor to the global plastic waste crisis. While plastics have important uses, such as in medical devices and straws for people with disabilities, single-use plastic packaging is often unnecessary and unrecyclable.
The majority of plastic packaging falls under the category of non-durable goods, meaning it is designed for one-time use and quick disposal. This includes items such as plastic bags, wrappers, bottles, and containers. The production and consumption of these items have skyrocketed since the 1970s, with companies prioritising convenience and flashy designs over durability and environmental considerations. As a result, the world produced over 460 million metric tons of plastic in 2019, more than double the amount produced in 2000.
The disposal of plastic waste is a critical global issue. Plastics are nearly indestructible in natural conditions and persist in the environment for thousands of years. While all polymers are technically 100% recyclable, the recycling of plastic waste faces several challenges. Firstly, the recycling rate of plastic is relatively low, with only 8.7% of plastic recycled in 2018. Certain types of plastic, such as PET bottles and HDPE bottles, have higher recycling rates, but the overall proportion of recycled plastics is minimal.
Secondly, the economic model of produce, consume, and dispose promotes a linear approach to plastic usage, assuming endless economic growth without considering the planet's finite resources. This model prioritises convenience and cheap goods, resulting in a staggering accumulation of plastic waste.
Lastly, some types of plastic, such as mixed plastic waste and certain polymers like rubbers and elastomers, are labelled as "unrecyclable" by the recycling sector due to technical difficulties and unprofitability. However, entrepreneurs and universities are exploring innovative solutions, such as using plastic waste to create building materials.
To address the issue of unrecyclable plastic packaging, consumers can take steps to reduce their plastic consumption, such as avoiding individually packaged goods, buying in bulk, and supporting companies that utilise reusable or compostable components. Policy changes and government frameworks, like the global plastics treaty, can also spur action from industries to reduce plastic waste and increase corporate responsibility.
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Plastic-free alternatives are available
Toilet paper is an essential item for most people, but it can be an environmental concern. The plastic packaging that toilet paper comes in is not recyclable and ends up in landfills or the ocean. Many toilet paper manufacturers also use bleach to give their product a white and soft appearance, but this process has hazardous effects on human health and the environment.
There are several plastic-free alternatives available that are also free of the chemicals used in conventional toilet paper. These alternatives are made from recycled paper or bamboo fibres and are wrapped in paper or cardboard packaging.
One option is to choose toilet paper made from 100% recycled materials, such as the brand Who Gives A Crap. This brand uses recycled office paper, not used toilet paper, to make their product. They also donate 50% of their profits to clean water and sanitation non-profits around the globe. Another option is ARIA, which has the highest post-consumer content on the market (over 90%) and comes in recyclable plastic-free packaging. Natural Value is another good option, with 80% post-consumer recycled content.
Bamboo toilet paper is another viable option, as bamboo grows abundantly in China, where the infrastructure to process it is well-established. PlantPaper is one such brand, offering a 3-ply gently dimpled paper that breaks down quickly and completely. It is important to note that bamboo toilet paper is only a good option if the bamboo is not planted on deforested land.
In addition to plastic-free toilet paper, there are also alternatives to toilet paper itself, such as using a bidet or handkerchiefs. Making the switch to plastic-free and eco-friendly toilet paper is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and support sustainable practices.
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Plastic is derived from fossil fuels
Plastic is indeed derived from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen, and other minerals. The generally accepted theory is that fossil fuels are formed from the remains of living organisms, such as plankton, that existed during the Jurassic era. Over time, these organisms were buried beneath heavy layers of sediment in the Earth's mantle, subjected to immense heat and pressure, and decomposed without oxygen, transforming into tiny pockets of oil and gas. Crude oil and natural gas accumulate in reservoirs, often at the bottom of oceans, and coal is derived from dead plants.
Crude oil, natural gas, and coal are the primary fossil fuels used in plastic production. In the United States, natural gas is the most common feedstock for plastic manufacturing, while the rest of the feedstocks are produced at crude oil/petroleum refineries. The petrochemical industry has a high degree of flexibility in the feedstock it consumes, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact amounts and origins of the materials used in plastic production.
The process of converting fossil fuels into plastic involves refining crude oil to obtain various chemicals. For example, naphtha, a mixture of hydrocarbons, can be derived from crude oil distillation. Decane, another hydrocarbon, can be cracked down into propylene, which is used to make polypropylene. These raw materials are converted into monomers like ethylene and butene, which have double bonds that allow carbon atoms to react and form polymers. The polymerization process creates thick, viscous substances known as resins, which are used to make plastic products.
The connection between the fossil fuel and plastic industries is significant, with over 99% of plastic being made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels. This link has implications for the environment, as the expansion of plastic production drives increased pollution risks and undermines efforts to address the growing plastic crisis. Some organizations, like CIEL (Center for International Environmental Law), advocate for solutions that address the entire lifecycle of plastic and support communities opposing new petrochemical infrastructure.
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Plastic waste is harmful to the environment
Plastic waste is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to the environment. It is a non-biodegradable material that takes hundreds of years to decompose, leading to its accumulation in our ecosystems. Plastic pollution encompasses a range of plastic waste, from single-use items like bags and straws to plastic packaging and microplastics from personal care products. This waste does not break down naturally and persists in the environment, causing harm to wildlife, ecosystems, and even human health.
The presence of plastic waste in our oceans is a significant concern. Plastic ends up in bodies of water, where it harms marine life and contributes to ocean pollution. Aquatic animals mistake plastic for prey, ingesting microplastics that ultimately make their way into the fish we consume. The ocean's surface alone contains up to 51 trillion microplastic particles, and over 900 marine species are affected by plastic, according to ecologists.
Plastic waste also contaminates soil and water sources, impacting agricultural land in Europe and North America. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that approximately 650,000 metric tons of microplastics enter these regions annually, altering soil properties and threatening crop health and food security. Additionally, the chemicals associated with plastics can leach into the soil and water, further exacerbating the issue.
The production and disposal of plastic contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, intensifying climate change. Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, and the process of fracking, refining, production, recycling, and waste management releases harmful chemicals and gases into the atmosphere. The vast amount of plastic waste generated annually poses a significant waste management challenge, and the economic costs of dealing with plastic pollution are substantial.
To address plastic waste, several countries have implemented bans on single-use plastics. For example, California has passed a law to eliminate single-use plastics by 2032, and Canada has a similar goal of achieving zero plastic waste by 2030. These efforts aim to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic and encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices.
Toilet paper is often wrapped in plastic packaging, contributing to plastic waste. Many brands package their toilet paper in plastic, which is then thrown away because it is non-recyclable. This plastic packaging waste adds to the overall plastic pollution problem, highlighting the need for more sustainable packaging solutions in the industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Toilet paper itself does not contain plastic, but most toilet paper brands package their product in plastic, which is not recyclable.
Plastic is often used to package toilet paper because it is cheap to produce.
Some alternatives to plastic-wrapped toilet paper include bamboo toilet paper, such as Tushy and Pure Planet, and recycled toilet paper, such as Who Gives A Crap.
You can search for plastic-free toilet paper options online or in stores. Some brands that offer plastic-free packaging include Tushy, Pure Planet, and EcoRoll.
