We’ve done the homework on toilet paper so you don’t have to. Need proof? Here are a few of the toilet paper fun facts we’ve picked up along the way.
The first recorded use of toilet paper was in 6th century China.
In the United States, National Toilet Paper Day is celebrated every year on August 26.
Before paper, people used all sorts of things to tidy up with — everything from stones to clay, sponges, ears of corn, hay, leaves, wool and fruit peels.
Feeling smarter? Great! Because now, it’s time for some not-so-fun facts.
Roll call: toilet paper usage
To get a better sense of toilet paper's environmental impact, let’s start things off with some big numbers:
According to Statista, the average person will use (or 13.8 pounds) of toilet paper in 2024.
While only 30% of the population uses toilet paper, 42 million tons are used worldwide annually, as noted by The World Counts.
Regarding usage by country, QS Supplies shares that China leads the world by consuming over 4 billion miles of toilet paper yearly.
Per QS Supplies, the United States is the second-largest TP consumer, with over 2.6 billion miles used annually, even though China’s population is four times larger than that of the U.S.
That’s billions with a B. You’d have to travel to Mars and back close to 9.18 times to cover that distance.
The downfall of forests and biodiversity
The relentless demand for virgin pulp contributes to deforestation and damages biodiversity, particularly in vital ecosystems like the Canadian Boreal Forest and Indonesia's rainforests.
According to The World Counts, 712 million trees are felled yearly to produce virgin pulp toilet paper.
It takes around 1.5 pounds of wood to make a single roll. One tree produces about 1500 rolls of toilet paper per World Atlas.
According to QS Supplies we sacrifice to satisfy America's toilet paper needs for one year.
That kind of deforestation has all sorts of environmental impacts. It disrupts the forest's soil and releases stored carbon, while diminished forest cover means less carbon dioxide absorption.
Every year, logging in Canada’s boreal forest sends a shocking amount of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. Earth911 estimates that 26.4 million metric tonnes of this greenhouse gas is released annually, which adds up to roughly a quarter of all the carbon emissions from every car and truck in the U.S. in 2019.
These forests not only provide habitats for countless species, but they’re also critical to global climate regulation. When they're cleared for toilet paper production, we lose biodiversity, carbon sinks, and the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
Toilet paper’s impact on water consumption
And it’s not just trees — massive amounts of water are used in toilet paper's pulping and manufacturing processes.
For the world to use those 42 million tons of TP each year, The World Counts reveals it takes 1,165 million tons of water.
Treehugger asserts that one toilet paper roll requires up to, while recycled TP takes about half that much.
Worse still, chemical-intensive bleaching pollutes water, harms marine life and affects water quality in local areas. Paired with high water consumption, this pollution seriously strains freshwater supplies.
Energy’s role in TP production
From harvesting trees to transporting logs to powering factories, toilet paper’s carbon footprint is huge.
Toilet paper production requires 78 million tons of oil annually, as reported by The World Counts.
Per the Big Think, a single roll of TP calls for 1.3 kilowatt/hours (KWh) of electricity. The same source also reports that a whopping 17.3 terawatts are consumed annually in the US alone. For context, the electricity it takes to make our toilet paper each year could provide power to millions of homes.
While recycled paper production is more energy-efficient than virgin pulp, it still requires resources and contributes to emissions. According to the Pure Planet Club, recycling paper uses anywhere from 28-70% less energy than virgin paper.
Finding a sustainable solution for the paper industry
Simple habits like using fewer sheets or opting for better toilet paper products are key to reducing our impact.
By choosing sustainable brands and demanding eco-friendly practices, consumers hold the power to push the industry toward positive change.
Turning to eco-friendly solutions
More people are turning to eco-friendly toilet paper, with materials like bamboo, recycled fibres, and wheat straw, which offer planet-friendly alternatives. These options drastically reduce the impact of traditional virgin pulp TP.
At Who Gives A Crap, we're proud to be part of the solution. Our toilet paper is made from 100% bamboo or recycled materials, and we donate half of our profits to help build toilets for those in need. We believe a better bathroom experience for the world is possible — one that's kind to both your bum and the planet.
Conclusion: Supporting the eco-conscious consumer
The choices you make in the bathroom have a bigger impact than you think.
Traditional TP takes a massive toll on the planet, from cutting down virgin trees to polluting water and air with energy-heavy production and chemical treatments. The environmental cost of toilet paper is enough to make you rethink your rolls.
Fortunately, eco-friendly alternatives like bamboo and recycled paper make a major difference. We're committed to leading the way toward a more sustainable future at Who Gives A Crap. Our toilet paper offers a guilt-free wipe that’s gentle on your bum and the environment.
Join the movement today!