Goodbye to toilet paper: the alternative used in Asia and studied in the United States
Given the high consumption of toilet paper each year, the option of a small hose installed next to the urinal is being considered by many.
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, toilet paper became an unlikely symbol of global panic. In Spain—and many other countries—supermarket shelves were wiped clean as shoppers stockpiled rolls, filling their carts to the brim. Images of people scrambling for this everyday necessity spread across the world, highlighting the sense of urgency and scarcity.
While toilet paper has been a household staple for generations, its origins trace back to 1857, when American inventor Joseph Gayetty introduced the first commercially available version. However, it wasn’t until 1890 that Clarence and Irvin Scott revolutionized the product, rolling it into the familiar form we use today. But could we be witnessing the beginning of the end for toilet paper as we know it?
The original patent from 1891 for a toilet paper roll actually shows the correct rolling direction pic.twitter.com/ZGHhDH5S3l
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) August 26, 2022
A growing environmental concern
The issue? The sheer volume of toilet paper consumed each year. In the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, the average person uses between 33 and 55 pounds (15 to 25 kg) annually. According to the European Environment Agency, the process of turning wood into tissue paper is highly polluting, requiring significant resources and chemical treatments—especially for scented varieties.
Sergio Baffoni, a senior campaign coordinator at the Environmental Paper Network, notes that while tissue paper only accounts for about 10% of global paper production, its impact is growing. “It’s not as significant as packaging, but its demand is increasing,” he explains. And with most toilet paper made from virgin pulp, concerns over deforestation are mounting.
A water-based alternative
One potential solution gaining traction is the “bum gun”, a handheld bidet sprayer commonly used in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Advocates argue that it not only drastically reduces the need for toilet paper but also consumes far less water than the production of traditional tissue paper.
Even Europe is beginning to consider alternatives. Recently, EU lawmakers passed regulations banning products linked to deforestation, which could eventually affect the availability of toilet paper made from unsustainable sources. Last year, environmental activists staged a protest in the European Parliament, swapping out toilet paper rolls for messages condemning its environmental impact.
Could the U.S. follow suit? While Americans have long been loyal to toilet paper, shifting environmental attitudes—and growing awareness of sustainable alternatives—may eventually lead to a major bathroom revolution.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment
Your opinion will be published with first and last names