For many, toilet paper is an everyday essential. The average German uses 134 rolls per year, only topped by the U.S. at 141 rolls. But this comfort comes with a price. Toilet paper production is not just resource-intensive, it's also harmful to the environment. Every year, millions of trees are felled to meet demand.

Did you know that making toilet paper consumes a massive amount of water? It takes around 76,000 liters of water to produce one ton of hygienic paper. This heavy consumption is mainly due to the process of extracting cellulose fibers from wood, which is one of the most energy- and water-intensive steps in paper production. The fibers are dissolved through chemical or mechanical processes and then bleached – another water-guzzling step. These enormous amounts of water are a significant environmental burden, especially in regions that are already struggling with water scarcity. Plus, paper is often touted as a natural, eco-friendly product, yet massive amounts of chemicals are used in its production.

Every day, at least 27,000 trees are sacrificed for toilet paper production. These massive intrusions into nature have profound effects on our environment. Forests are home to countless plant and animal species and play a crucial role in the carbon cycle. When trees are cut down, the carbon dioxide stored within them is released, accelerating climate change. But that's not all – deforestation also leads to soil erosion and deteriorates water quality.

Another issue is illegal logging for paper products, which, along with industrial wood processing, has caused a dramatic decline in rainforests. Experts report that Indonesia lost twice as much forest area to the pulp industry between 2000 and 2010 as it did to palm oil plantations.

One often overlooked environmental impact of toilet paper is the transportation involved. From raw material to finished product, the journey includes multiple stages that consume vast amounts of energy and resources. These emissions primarily come from the use of fossil fuels for long-distance transportation.

Toilet paper also contributes significantly to global waste. Billions of rolls are consumed worldwide every year, only to be thrown away after a single use. Disposing of toilet paper in landfills produces methane, which significantly contributes to global warming. Moreover, the plastic packaging often used to protect toilet paper from moisture adds to the worldwide plastic pollution problem.

We see it clearly, just like NABU: "Valuable wood should be responsibly used for durable goods, not for short-lived products like hygiene papers and packaging." The environmental impact of toilet paper is significant and diverse. The production process requires huge amounts of water and energy, and millions of trees are cut down annually to meet global demand. These practices contribute to deforestation, CO2 release, and climate change.

Given these challenges, it’s urgent to think about more sustainable alternatives. It’s up to us to make conscious choices and promote eco-friendlier alternatives to ensure the future of our planet.

Recycled toilet paper is already a good start. According to the Federal Environment Agency, the production of recycled paper uses far fewer resources compared to conventional white toilet paper. The energy consumption is about half, and the water required is between one-seventh and one-third of the amount needed for regular toilet paper production.

But when it comes to longevity and toilet paper consumption, a butt shower or bidet truly shines. Unlike toilet paper, it’s not destined for the trash, and using it can reduce toilet paper consumption by up to 100%.

Instead of cutting down trees, we’re committed to reforesting and have already planted over 206,435 trees with Eden Reforestation Projects, sequestering 63,643 tons of CO2 over the next 25 years.

By rethinking our hygiene routines and switching to more sustainable alternatives, we can make a significant contribution to environmental protection. Choosing a butt shower is a step toward a greener, more sustainable future – for us and for the generations to come.