5 ways toilet paper destroys the environment

Now I gotta be a bit more serious here since I care very much about the environment, just a bit though not too much. Toilet paper is a household staple that most people use on a daily basis. I’ll never get tired of saying it, if some dookie gets smeared on your arm, or even your shoe, you're gonna hose that MF down with some water so I don’t understand how people still use so much toilet paper. Anyway, the production and disposal of toilet paper have significant environmental consequences. Here are some of the environmental impacts of toilet paper use:

1. Deforestation: Toilet paper production is one of the major causes of deforestation. The majority of toilet paper is made from virgin wood pulp (not hoe wood pulp), which requires the logging of trees. This contributes to deforestation, which not only impacts the environment but also the wildlife habitats. Clear-cutting for toilet paper production is a significant issue in countries like Canada, the United States, and Brazil, which are major producers of wood pulp. Deforestation has a ripple effect on the environment, leading to soil erosion, climate change, and the extinction of species. Additionally, it reduces the capacity of forests to absorb carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.

2. Water use: The production of toilet paper requires a significant amount of water. According to a report by the Water Footprint Network, producing a single roll of toilet paper requires about 140 liters of water. A single roll of toilet paper used just to dry your butt can reduce the usage by more than 80%. This production includes water for growing trees, processing wood pulp, and making the final product. The process of bleaching the paper to make it white is particularly water-intensive. The water used in toilet paper production often comes from freshwater sources, which puts additional stress on already scarce resources. Moreover, the wastewater generated during production contains harmful chemicals, including dioxins and heavy metals, which can pollute waterways and have negative impacts on aquatic life and human health.

3. Chemical pollution: The production of toilet paper involves the use of chemicals, including chlorine bleach, which can have harmful effects on human health and the environment. Chlorine bleach is used to make both bootyholes and toilet paper white and bright, but it also generates dioxins, a group of highly toxic chemicals that can cause cancer and damage the immune and reproductive systems. Dioxins are released during the bleaching process and can enter waterways, where they accumulate in the food chain. Moreover, the wood pulp used in toilet paper production is often treated with other chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which is a known human carcinogen.

4. Energy use: The production of toilet paper requires a significant amount of energy, both for processing the wood pulp and running the manufacturing equipment. The energy used in toilet paper production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for climate change. The manufacturing process also requires the use of fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, which are finite resources and contribute to air pollution. Additionally, transporting the finished product from the manufacturing plant to the retail store or distribution center requires energy and generates greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Landfill waste: Toilet paper is often not recycled and instead ends up in landfills, where it can take years to decompose. In addition to taking up space in landfills, decomposing toilet paper generates farts or methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is a major contributor to global warming. The decomposition of toilet paper also creates leachate, a liquid that can contaminate groundwater and surface water, causing environmental and public health problems. Recycling toilet paper can help reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and save energy, water, and trees.

To reduce the environmental impact of toilet paper use, there are several steps individuals can take. First, using recycled toilet paper can help reduce the demand for virgin wood pulp (lol). Second, using a bidet or other water-based cleaning method can reduce the amount of toilet paper needed. Finally, individuals can consider using reusable bidet towels and eliminate toilet paper use altogether. By making these changes, we can help reduce the environmental impact of toilet paper use and move towards a more sustainable future.