Pafos Press 9 February 2025
Toilet paper is a staple of everyday life, but its environmental impact is rarely discussed. The history of human hygiene has changed drastically over the centuries. In Ancient Rome, citizens used ceramic shards or sponges on wooden sticks, which were also shared. Today, toilet paper has become established as the main cleaning product, with its mass consumption raising questions about its sustainability.
Producing toilet paper requires huge amounts of water and energy, while many companies use chemical additives and fragrances that are harmful to the environment. According to estimates, the average person in countries such as the US, Canada and Western Europe consumes between 15 and 25 kg of toilet paper per year. The European Environmental Agency has pointed out that converting wood into paper is a highly polluting process, while about 10% of global paper production concerns toilet paper products.
The European Union has passed legislation banning the sale of products from deforested areas, but the implementation of these rules has been postponed until the end of 2025 for large and medium-sized businesses and until mid-2026 for smaller companies.
A new issue that has emerged is the presence of toxic PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” in toilet paper. A 2023 University of Florida study examined 21 popular toilet paper brands from North America, Europe, Africa, and South America and found that all contained PFAS. These chemicals don’t break down easily and have been linked to health problems, including cancer, hormone disruption, and liver toxicity.
Many argue that the use of toilet paper should be reduced or replaced. In countries in Southeast Asia and Southern Europe, residents use bidets or the so-called “bumgun,” a type of hand-held water spray that cleans without the use of paper. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, using a bidet saves more water than producing toilet paper. Other options include using recycled toilet paper with FSC or Ecolabel certifications, while some even suggest using cloth towels that can be washed and reused.
Professor Giovanni De Feo from the University of Salerno stresses that, despite concerns, toilet paper was a revolutionary invention that contributed to improving hygiene and reducing diseases. He argues that even small changes can make a difference, as reducing the amount of paper we use contributes significantly to saving natural resources.
The issue of toilet paper is not only about personal hygiene, but is directly linked to the environment, sustainability and public health. Although replacing it with alternatives may not be easy, choosing products with a low environmental footprint and reducing its unnecessary use can be important steps towards a more sustainable everyday life.
