Two tabs, one tough decision. Reel Paper vs. Save Trees — which toilet paper brand deserves your checkout click? Before you start typing in your shipping details, let’s settle this toilet paper tug of war once and for all. Both Reel and Save Trees are part of a growing movement in the toilet paper industry toward eco-friendly alternatives.

Choosing eco-friendly toilet paper doesn’t have to be tricky. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to close one of those tabs (maybe even both) and make your next move with confidence. Opting for these brands supports a more sustainable lifestyle.

Let’s get into each brand’s strengths and weaknesses one ply at a time, to help you make the best choice for your bum.

What is Reel Paper?

Reel Paper is a company dedicated to sustainability, offering 100% bamboo toilet paper alongside a range of eco-friendly products like bamboo and recycled paper towels. Bamboo is a highly renewable resource, making it an excellent way to reduce your environmental impact, when compared with paper made with virgin trees. Since its launch in 2019, Reel has made a name for itself by supporting reforestation efforts.

In the wild, you’ll spot Reel’s signature brown wrapper with the bold “r” in the middle, but it’s the brand’s purpose – and their partnership with environmental non-profit One Tree Planted – that really stands out.

What are the benefits of Reel Paper?

Reel Paper offers eco-friendly bamboo toilet paper and paper towels that skip BPA, inks, dyes, chlorine and fragrance, meaning their products contain fewer chemicals than traditional toilet paper options. In short, they’re a simple and sustainable alternative.

For families, Reel Paper also offers kid-friendly packaging with a playful twist. Think colouring book wrappers and a storybook to keep young minds engaged.

But Reel Paper hasn’t forgotten the grown-ups: free US shipping and a tiered subscription program (with discounts)make it a simple way to stock up and save.

> What are the downsides of Reel?

Reel Paper only delivers within the United States, which is bound to leave customers in other countries feeling a little left out. Price-wise, it’s on the higher side, especially next to competitors like (ahem) Who Gives A Crap.

Then there’s the feedback on texture. Some reviewers have called it "scratchy" and "non-absorbent," with a few evencomparing it to sandpaper. For people accustomed to softer bamboo rolls, the problem seems to go beyond the expected difference in the texture of eco-friendly products.It’s a Reel issue.

What is Save Trees?

Save Trees, formerly known as Cloud Paper, offers eco-friendly essentials likebamboo toilet paper, paper towels and tissues. But it’s not just about sustainable products; Save Trees showers its community with kindness.

What sets them apart? Their partnership with Food Lifeline, donating over 120,000 rolls to food banks and shelters. Plus, Save Tree’s work with One Tree Planted has helped plant over 2,000 trees in the Pacific Northwest. Think sustainable products, a commitment to reforestation and a whole lot of heart.

What are the benefits of Save Trees?

Save Trees is toxin-free and planet-friendly, offering products made with no PFAS, scents or pesticides. Through their partnership with CarbonFund, Save Trees offsets their shipping emissions twice over through reforestation efforts. Save Trees' toilet paper is also septic-friendly and compatible with all plumbing systems.

But wait, there’s more! Customers in the US get free shipping and a 30-day refund policy for extra peace of mind. But what really sets Save Trees apart is their commitment to giving back: donating toilet paper and paper towels to communities and organisations in need.

What are the downsides of Save Trees?

For starters, their smallest pack size is 24 rolls, so trying it out means committing to a bulk order. And if you’re overseas, don’t bother refreshing your cart. Save Trees only ships within the United States.

The reviews also paint a mixed picture. Some customers have flagged durability issues, describing the paper as prone to shredding and leaving residue. There’s also been feedback about rolls arriving unwrapped, which raises some understandable sanitary concerns.

What’s the price per roll of Save Trees vs Reel Toilet paper?

When comparing Save Trees and Reel Toilet Paper*,there isn’t much daylight, pricewise.

For a one-time purchase of a 24-pack, Reel costs $43.99, or $1.83 per roll, while Save Trees is $49.99, or $2.08 per roll. Looking at the cost per 100 sheets, Reel comes in at $0.61, while Save Trees is slightly higher at $0.69. So, Reel offers better value per sheet and per roll.

In terms of subscriptions, Reel offers a nearly 16% discount, while Save Trees charges $10 less (or a 20% discount) for its auto-ship option.

While the price may be slightly higher than regular toilet paper, both brands offer a more sustainable alternative.

*Note: The pricing comparisons from this section were updated for accuracy in May 2025.

The verdict: Reel vs Save Trees

When it comes to sustainability, the brands are neck and neck, both sharing a respectable NRDC sustainability score of 400 (B grade) and a commitment to bamboo and plastic-free packaging. Both bamboo and recycled toilet paper options are available from these brands, giving you more eco-friendly choices.

Save Trees may tempt you with a sweeter deal on subscriptions, but the order size options are a bit more limited than Reel’s.

As for presentation, Reel leans into a minimalist, modern design, while Save Trees keeps things light and playful. Different wipes for different types!

Save Trees’ reviews suggest it’s softer than Reel. But watch out — some folks have noticed it can be a bit delicate, with concerns about durability and residue.

Bamboo vs Recycled Toilet Paper: What’s the best sustainable alternative?

Still toggling between Reel Paper and Save Trees? We’ve got a third tab for you: Who Gives A Crap (hi!). With bold packaging, sustainable practices and social impact rolled into one, we’re here to make your choice a whole lot easier.

Not only does Who Gives A Crap donate 50% of profits to help provide access to clean water and sanitation, we’re also leading the eco-friendly game with our recycled toilet paper and household goodies. (Psst… they’re even better for the environment than bamboo and further reduce your environmental footprint).

With a strong environmental commitment, international shipping, a 30-day money-back guarantee and more product variety than the competition, we’re here to end analysis paralysis  once and for all.

Conclusion: Eco-friendly recycled toilet paper for the win!

Both Reel and Save Trees pack your cart with promise, but which deserves the final click? Reel Paper brings polished packaging and durability to the table, though reviews mention a less-than-soft texture and higher cost. Save Trees scores points with its charitable efforts and softer rolls, but stumbles on durability and flexibility.

Both brands stick to US shipping only. Yet Reel edges out with better packaging aesthetics and more roll options, earning it a slight advantage.

But who’s the real winner? It’s us – Who Gives A Crap! With international shipping, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and eco-friendly recycled toilet paper options that outshine even bamboo toilet rolls, we check all the boxes. Who Gives A Crap matches Reel’s durability and flexibility while donating 50% of profits to sanitation projects worldwide.

Your cart’s calling. It’s time to make that click count. These sustainable alternatives are biodegradable and contain fewer harmful chemicals than conventional options. For environmentally friendly toilet paper, choose Who Gives A Crap — because your bum deserves the best.