When it comes to toilet paper fads, we’ve seen them all, from delicate pastels that match your bathroom’s décor to panic buying and stockpiling during a pandemic. More recently, we’ve noticed an increasing number of our clients wondering about bamboo toilet paper – what it is, why it’s so popular, and (most importantly) whether it’s safe for their septic systems. Here are our answers to those questions, and more.
What is bamboo toilet paper?
Bamboo toilet paper is exactly the same as regular (virgin) toilet paper, only made with bamboo instead of wood. In fact, the process for manufacturing bamboo toilet paper is very similar to that used to create toilet paper from wood chips (as for virgin toilet paper) or recycled paper (as for recycled toilet paper). The bamboo plant is broken down into fibers and made into a pulp that is pressed and dried before it is fashioned into rolls for consumer purchase.
Why is bamboo toilet paper so popular?
Gaining in popularity, bamboo products, including toilet paper, are recognized as being both environmentally friendly and sustainable. In fact, bamboo toilet paper is noted as being more environmentally friendly than recycled toilet paper. Recycled paper requires harsh chemicals to break down the post-consumer recycled content (PRC) and process it into a pulp. In addition, new research has discovered that recycled toilet paper contains traces of BPA, likely stemming from thermal receipt paper consumers are putting into their recycle bins.
Bamboo toilet paper, on the other hand, is a clean, virgin product made from a highly sustainable material source. Bamboo is not only a fast-growing plant, but also Earth’s fastest growing plant, capable of growing more than 37 inches a day. Its biggest drawback is that it is an “intentional” crop, and bamboo plantations are sometimes grown in deforested areas. With that being said, bamboo toilet paper manufacturing releases 30% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than its hardwood counterpart.
In addition to its environmental benefits, bamboo toilet paper is also a strong but soft material, making it a luxurious choice that is still durable enough to do its job. Hypoallergenic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial, bamboo toilet paper is an exceptional choice for sensitive skin.
Is bamboo toilet paper septic-safe?
Perhaps one of the biggest factors making bamboo toilet paper popular among septic professionals is its ability to break down faster than both virgin hardwood and recycled toilet paper. This means bamboo toilet paper flushed into your septic’s primary treatment system will take up less space and put a lighter strain on the bacteria working to break down the solids. Bamboo toilet paper is also free of any harsh chemicals that may interfere with the septic system’s bacterial environment. It requires no bleaching or de-inking, which makes it great for both your septic system and the environment.
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