Wiping our Conscience Clean

I never really gave toilet paper much thought until I was 8 years old and sitting on the toilet in my grandparents’ house in Britain. Which actually means I was in the john, or the loo, or something to that effect. In any case, it was not a place I wanted to be.

The upshot of it was, I couldn’t stand the waxy toilet paper. It seemed counter-intuitive to the purpose it was supposed to provide: absorption. Quick research on the internet shows that this is/was a common technique to reduce roughness in lower-grade rolls. Undoubtedly my grandparents were buying the cheaper paper, whose waxiness was meant to counteract undue wear and tear on sensitive nether regions. That being said, my Nan, in somewhat frailer health, had a special roll of premium soft stuff, which resided alongside the “economy” brand.

We were instructed not to touch it, and I have always considered myself a fairly law-abiding citizen.  However, thirty years later, I’m willing to own up to the fact that I did cave, and used Nan’s coveted, quilted stash. In retrospect, I know that my mother probably had a good idea about my transgression, but thankfully I never was called out on it.

Once more, the plushness of toilet paper has come to the forefront in my life. Recently, various organizations, including Greenpeace, have been bringing the plight of the plush to our attention and while putting the squeeze on products like Charmin, Kleenex and the like. In a recent article in the New York Times, companies like Kimberly-Clark, amongst others, have been called out for their destruction of forests, including old-growth boreal forests in Canada, to make their paper products, most notably toilet paper and facial tissue. The problem is that tree fibers are needed to create that plushness. Straight recycled paper won’t achieve the same feel.

Is North America in general facing the same dilemma my 8 year old self did, those 30 years ago?

As the primary shopper in our house, I regularly choose soft over recycled. I like it better. However, I’ve come to realize, I like our forests more. Recycled paper in North America, in my own Vancouver grocery store, is nothing like that waxy product in my grandparents’ bathroom. Techniques have come a long way, so even if I’m not getting the softest kitteny touch, I’m pretty close. If you’re interested in making a greener choice when it comes to paper products, check out this guide to see what’s available at your local store.

Comments

[Mr Lady]

Oh My Cottonelle hates this post. SO MUCH. Because you're totally freaking right. *sigh*

[Gratton Grapevine]

I know, I know. I so love those little kitties. I'm savouring our last rolls as we wind down to eco friendly purchases.

[katie ~ motherbumper]

I will admit it, my butt gets triple ply plush *sigh* - I mean, it's my bottom and if I don't love it, who will? But you are so right, I do love the trees more (no questions asked) so I will make the switch when we finish off our supply (and you know how much I love TP - or as I like to call them: shit tickets).

[Gratton Grapevine]

I sooooo wanted to steal your "shit ticket" terminology, but I didn't. So I'm glad you got it into the comments!