First the Hummer, now three-ply toilet paper

Did you know that there is a three-ply toilet paper on the market? Quilted Northern Ultra Plush is the first TP on the shelves to go triple-ply. Maybe those of you who demand a lot from your toilet tissue already knew that, but it was news to me. Sad news at that.

According to environmentalists, toilet paper is usually made from trees that are a few decadesor perhaps even a centuryold. The reason? Apparently, each sheet of TP is a web of wood fibers and quite simply put, the fibers from old growth trees are longer and produce a smoother web. Toilet paper made from recycled paper (e.g. newspaper, magazines, etc.) has shorter fibers, which are likely to be a bit coarser.

Now, some people may counter with the fact that toilet paper represents only a small percentage of products that are derived from trees in the forest. Frankly, I don't care. Do we really need to contribute to deforestation for an extra ply?

Then, there's the ripple effect. Wood pulp that comes from natural forests destroys ecosystems that wild animals and birds depend upon for their survival. And, pulp from wood farms takes up land that would otherwise be left in its natural state.

Europe is ahead of the U.S. in so many ways. Its citizens have been using toilet paper made from recycled paper goods for quite some time. But, here in America, we continue to be a society that makes purchases based on wants instead of needs. Consumer demands drive new products and until Americans truly embrace a lifestyle based on social responsibility, there is no real hope for the green movement in this country.

5 comments:

  1. I always buy recycled TP. Well, I mean TP made from recycled paper. Saying recycled TP sounds a little creepy, doesn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tina,

    Thanks for your comment. And your correction. Yes, recycled TP did sound a little creepy!

    So glad to hear that at least some people are doing their part to help the environment. Thanks for being part of the solution, and not part of the problem.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Toilet paper is a HUGE industry. It's incredible. I read an interesting article recently in Brandweek about marketing of TP to Hispanic markets. I suppose it IS a product we all need to buy.

    ReplyDelete
  4. "Mom, it's like wiping with tree bark...gee, thanks!" LOL
    Hey, deal with it kid, we're saving the earth!
    #EcoMom #FTW

    ReplyDelete
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