Are you using Eco-friendly TP?
December 11, 2009
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
Related posts:
- Ecozuzu – a new Eco-friendly fashion line!
- Greenfest Philly: '08 Recap
- Conscious Alchemy: All-natural beauty treats by PA company
- Eco-Friendly Fashion Show on Earth Day hosted by Drexel Student
- Philadelphia's Big Green Earth Store
Filed under: Green Living, Let's Shop!, Quick Tips
2 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
RhodeyGirl | December 20, 2009 at 10:24 am
TP is not one of those things I ever even considered. Thanks for this great info!
2.
Julie | December 20, 2009 at 8:51 pm
No problem, RhodeyGirl! Glad we can find greening tips for every room in the house…
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