Making your home more eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean huge overhauls — sometimes, it’s as simple as swapping your toilet roll. But with so many brands making big claims about their eco-friendly options, how do you know which one actually delivers?
Today, we’re putting Hello Tushy and Reel Paper under the microscope to see how they stack up. Both are shaking up bathroom habits with big promises of sustainability and convenience. But do they really live up to the hype?
Let’s break it all down, compare the perks and figure out which eco-friendly toilet paper is worth a spot in your cart.
What is Hello Tushy toilet paper?
If you’ve been searching for eco-friendly toilet paper, chances are you’ve waved a hand at Hello Tushy. Since 2015, they’ve been shaking up sustainable bathroom habits, making a splash with their bold approach to all things loo related.
Their 100% bamboo toilet paper is just the beginning. Hello Tushy — or just Tushy for short — is best known for their bidets, but their product line doesn’t stop there. From stools to cleaners and beyond, they’ve got plenty of options to upgrade your bathroom routine.
What are the benefits of Hello Tushy?
Tushy’s 100% bamboo toilet paper is doing its part to blend sustainability with softness. It’s 3-ply, bleach-free and plumbing-safe, making it a solid option for those looking to switch to bamboo. Plus, bamboo’s impressive growth rate (up to 3 feet in a single day!) adds to its sustainability cred.
Beyond the basics, Tushy has a no roll option, skipping the cardboard core altogether for even less waste. They’ve also partnered with Samagra to support clean community toilets for families in India, which aligns nicely with their mission to do greater good.
Their give back programme promises “one Tushy equals one toilet.” It’s a great concept, but the specifics are a bit unclear. Is it tied to each roll, subscription, or bidet purchase? The details could use a bit more transparency.
What are the downsides of Hello Tushy?
Some customers have noted that Hello Tushy’s toilet paper isn’t the softest option out there. In fact, it’s been compared to the texture of a cardboard box — not exactly the gentle touch your bum might hope for.
Also, If you’re thinking of trying it out, keep in mind that Hello Tushy's bamboo products are final sale — no returns, refunds or exchanges. Their pack sizes are also pretty limited, offering only 8 or 36 rolls boxes.
On the customer service front, there’s also major room for improvement. Many users report delays or even a lack of responses to inquiries. So, while you might say hello to their tushy, their customer service team might be more of a missed connection.
On the sustainability side, another concerning aspect of Hello Tushy is its environmental impact. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) rated Hello Tushy’s sustainability efforts with a D (200 points). One reason? Hello Tushy lacks a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which is a key standard for responsible forest management. While the brand makes eco-friendly claims, the NRDC suggests their bamboo products might not have the environmental impact you’d expect.
What is Reel Paper?
Founded in 2019, Reel may not have been the first to the plastic-free party, but they’ve Reel-y rolled in with confidence. The California based TP brand has quickly caught the eye of the eco-conscious crowd with their bamboo and recycled options.
We know what you’re wondering: is it the Reel deal? Let’s dive in.
What are the benefits of Reel Paper?
Reel offers 100% bamboo toilet paper that’s bleach-free, septic-safe, and designed with sustainability in mind.
For added convenience, Reel offers recurring subscription discounts on its products and free shipping to the United States, making it easier to stock up without breaking the bank. They also provide flexible pack sizes — choose from 12, 24, or 48 rolls to fit your household’s needs.
For the kids, Reel’s Little Lemurs boxes wrap up their rolls with a pint sized surprise. Each kids toilet paper pack comes packaged with a storybook adventure starring a lemur, and the rolls are wrapped in a coloring book to keep the wee ones entertained.
On the impact front, Reel has teamed up with One Tree Planted, a non-profit dedicated to global reforestation. Exactly how much of their profits go to planting trees? That part’s a bit murky — call it an eco-mystery.
What’s clear is that the NRDC has awarded them a B rating (400 points), recognising their strong commitment to sustainability, supported by their use of recycled materials in other products. We love to see it.
What are the downsides of Reel Paper?
One major sticking point is Reel’s shipping limitation — as of now, they only deliver within the United States.
But that’s not the only concern bubbling up. Some customers have reported recurring problems with Reel toilet paper bogging up their pipes, a hitch that often leads to plumbing issues. Combine that with smaller than expected roll sizes, and it’s easy to see why the premium price can feel like a tough sell.
And then there’s the return policy. Reel offers refunds up to 30 days, but only for one item per order. This means that if you purchase a 48 pack, which consists of two 24 count packages, Reel will only refund you for one box. Half the order, half the refund — not exactly ideal.
What’s the price per roll of Hello Tushy vs Reel Toilet paper?
Hello Tushy sells bamboo toilet paper at a price of $69 for a one time purchase of 36 rolls, translating to $1.92 per roll*.
Reel, on the other hand, prices its one time purchase at $82.99 for 48 rolls, making it $1.73 per roll. The price per 100 sheets for Hello Tushy is $0.64, while for Reel, it is slightly lower at $0.58.
For subscription options, Hello Tushy offers a 36 roll pack at a 10% discount, while Reel provides a 48 roll pack at a 15.7% discount.
The largest packs offered by the brand were used for this calculation.
The verdict: Hello Tushy vs Reel Paper
So how do the sheets stack up? Both brands offer toilet paper with 300 sheets per roll and 3 ply thickness. Hello Tushy offers pack sizes of 8 and 36 rolls, whereas Reel offers packs of 12, 24 and 48 rolls. On a price per sheet level, Reel also takes the lead!
Reel Paper also leads in the subscription discount category, offering a more substantial discount and more flexibility with their pack sizes.
In terms of material, Hello Tushy uses bamboo exclusively, while Reel offers both bamboo and recycled options. Each uses plastic-free packaging, but their NRDC sustainability ratings have a big discrepancy, with Hello Tushy rated D (200) vs Reel’s B rating (400).
The verdict? Reel Paper takes the lead.
What’s the best alternative to Hello Tushy and Reel Paper?
Now, would you believe there’s an even better choice (we bet you saw this one coming)?
Who Gives A Crap is a worthy alternative to Hello Tushy and Reel Paper. We’re transparent in all of the right places and proudly donate 50% of our profits to ensure everyone around the planet has access to clean water and a toilet.
Who Gives A Crap caters to everyone’s preferences with both recycled and bamboo options. Our 100% recycled toilet paper scored an impressive A from the NRDC, plus, we offer subscription and bundle discounts to keep your bathroom stocked without breaking the bank. And if our TP isn’t for you, we also offer a 30-day full refund if the product is mainly unused.
But wait, there’s more! When was the last time someone complimented your loo roll? Our dazzling wrappers double as bathroom decorations and conversation starters. Who says toilet paper can’t be fashionable?
And the good news doesn’t have to stop at your doorstep. We ship to Australia, Europe, the US and the UK, so you can share the toilet paper love with friends and family near and far.
Ready to upgrade your bathroom and do some good for the planet? Who Gives A Crap has your back(side).
Conclusion: Eco-friendly toilet paper for the win!
Comparing eco-friendly toilet paper brands like Hello Tushy and Reel Paper can feel like a balancing act, but it’s worth digging into what truly sets each roll apart.
Both brands use plastic-free packaging, partner with amazing organisations and provide 3 ply softness. They also offer 300 sheets per roll and use bamboo, but Reel includes a recycled option, earning a higher sustainability rating.
Reel Paper excels with a better subscription discount, flexible pack sizes and a lower price per sheet. It also wins in toughness, while Hello Tushy shines with its luxurious designs and broader shipping options.
But here’s where Who Gives A Crap wipes away the competition: we don’t just talk about making an impact — we show you exactly where your money goes. With 50% of profits donated to clean water and sanitation projects, we’re more than just a roll on a mission. Add in international shipping, fun and stylish packaging, and the choice between recycled and bamboo toilet paper options and it’s clear we’re leading the charge.
Your bum deserves the best. If you’re looking for the best eco-friendly toilet paper for your behind and the planet, switch to Who Gives A Crap today!