Ah potty-training! There are so many benefits to convincing your kids to use the potty. Big savings on the expense of diapers and wipes--whatever type you use. And then there's the eco-guilt factor. When cloth diapers probably harm the environment by using excessive water and detergent (and possibly chlorine bleach, depending on your own proclivities), and disposable diapers are all but considered the highest form of environmental sin known to the first world, getting the kids into underwear and onto the potty lets you off the hook, right?
Wait just a minute, say environmental experts. According to Allen Hershkowitz, senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council:
"Future generations are going to look at the way we make toilet paper as one of the greatest excesses of our age. Making toilet paper from virgin wood is a lot worse than driving Hummers in terms of global warming pollution."
According to an article in the Guardian, Americans have a dangerous proclivity for what the Brits term "luxury" t.p.--those with two or (gasp!) three "plys," quilting, and even lotion infused in the roll. These varieties are the worst sinners when it comes to decimating virgin forest.
My roll of choice has always been one of the very simple, single-ply, 1000-sheet varieties. A friend with a cruder sense of humor than I calls it "John Wayne toilet paper" because, according to him, it's "rough and tough and don't take s--t off anybody." I like my t.p., personally, but alas, it is not made of recycled paper. Not one bit of it.
Who knew?
If you're curious about the effect your roll has on the planet, Greenpeace has helpfully created a PDF that you can conveniently print, clip, fold and carry around in your wallet to spot-check any paper product you're thinking of buying. Unfortunately, it would seem that the "good" brands cost more than some of the "bad" brands (though not all). I suppose I will swap out my virgin 1000-sheet choice for a recycled option, but probably not 100% of the time. I just can't resist the bargain of buying 20 rolls for that low, low price.
What do you think? Does your toilet paper choice merit reconsideration, given the scorn of the Europeans for "delicate American buttocks" or will you just teach your kids to chant "USA!" as they reach for the Charmin?
See also:
When is Eating Healthy Unhealthy?
Peanut Butter Sales Plummet--Even "Safe" Brands
image: what must pass for "luxury" toilet paper in the UK, brought to us by guardian.uk.co
