Facial tissues — especially name brands like Kleenex — are a staple in most households. They’re there for allergy attacks, romcom meltdowns, and even the occasional spill cleanup. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens to those tissues after they’ve done their job?

Sure, tissue products seem small and harmless, but when you consider how often they’re used (and tossed) worldwide, the environmental impact of all this tissue usage starts to add up. Are tissues actually biodegradable? Are they eco-friendly, or are they quietly contributing to a bigger waste problem?

Let’s blow the lid off this tissue issue.

How bad are tissues for the environment?

Facial tissue might be soft on your nose, but it can be rough on the environment. Like many paper products, its biggest environmental impact comes from how it’s made. Deforestation is at the root (sorry) of the problem. Tissues made from freshly cut trees leave behind damaged ecosystems and depleted forests.

Another downside? Tissues are a single use deal. Once they’ve done their job catching all the yuck — body fluids, grease, food, etc. — they’re headed straight for the trash, not the recycling bin.

The good news? It's easy to make smarter choices with your tissues, like choosing brands that prioritize sustainability and commit to no deforestation.

Why traditional tissues are problematic

Traditional tissues might be convenient, but when it comes to their environmental impact, the story gets a little messier.

The problem starts with manufacturing: it’s water-wasting, energy-guzzling, and loaded with chemicals, including PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals. These nasties break down so slowly that they basically stick around for eternity, causing all kinds of harm to the environment.

Worst still, many of these companies are guilty of greenwashing — a sneaky practice where companies claim to be eco-friendly without actually making meaningful changes. Not only is it misleading to consumers, but it also takes the spotlight away from companies with honest practices that are genuinely committed to protecting the environment.

Are all tissues biodegradable?

Technically, most tissues are biodegradable. But when you look closer, things get a bit more complicated. For starters, the manufacturing process matters. Facial tissue products made from trees often come with chemical dyes, slowing the already lengthy decomposition process.

Thinking about tossing tissues in your compost? Not so fast. Tissues are single use for a reason — all that human goo has no place in the compost pile.

As for recycling? Unfortunately, tissues don’t make the cut. Their fibres are too short to be turned into new paper.

Long story short: if you’re serious about sustainable tissue use, your best bet is to choose products that are made with the environment in mind.

Eco-friendly tissue options exist!

Ready to wave goodbye to unsustainable tissues? 100% bamboo tissues are among the most environmentally friendly tissue options.

Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on the planet, making it a renewable and versatile resource for tissue and toilet paper products. And because bamboo tissue can be made free from inks, scents, and dyes, it breaks down faster, leaving less impact on the environment.

Conclusion: Choose eco-friendly tissue with Who Gives A Crap

Name brand tissues often have eco-friendly claims, but the reality doesn’t always live up to the marketing. While it’s true that most tissues are biodegradable, the chemicals used in manufacturing slow the breakdown process. Plus, the fact that they are designed to contain your gross stuff makes them unsuitable for recycling or composting.

Then there’s the deforestation issue. Traditional tissues are made from virgin trees, which does serious damage to ecosystems and accelerates climate change. 

Thankfully, bamboo and recycled tissue options offer a sustainable solution. Bamboo is soft and strong and grows back much faster than trees — making it an easy, environmentally friendly tissue.

So next time you feel a sneeze coming on, do your nose and the environment a favour and reach for an eco-friendly bamboo tissue from Who Gives A Crap.