The Environmental Impact of Toilet Paper: Sustainable Options on the Rise

Toilet paper, a daily necessity used briefly before disposal, carries a significant environmental footprint due to its production from trees, energy-intensive manufacturing processes, and chemicals that can harm the environment.

As consumer awareness grows about these impacts, more people are seeking sustainable alternatives, though navigating the options can be challenging. While environmentally friendly toilet paper typically costs more, the benefits are substantial. According to the Environmental Paper Network, if every American used just one roll of recycled toilet paper instead of conventional products, more than 1 billion gallons of water and 1.6 million trees could be saved.

Traditional North American toilet paper is manufactured using tree fibers from Canadian forests and Brazilian eucalyptus plantations. The production process involves chlorine bleaching to achieve the bright white color consumers expect, along with substantial electricity and heat to dry and form the paper into sheets—all of which contribute to its environmental impact.

“Recycled content is a good starting point for environmentally conscious consumers,” says Gary Bull, professor emeritus of forest economics at the University of British Columbia. He notes that toilet paper can be made from both preconsumer materials—unused scrap from manufacturing—and postconsumer materials that have already been used in other paper products.

Bull explains that postconsumer recycled fibers are particularly sustainable because “paper is one of the easiest materials on the planet to recycle.” This approach reduces demand for virgin forest materials while putting already-used paper to new purpose.

For consumers wanting to make informed choices, third-party certifications can help verify sustainability claims. Labels from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) indicate companies are following scientifically-validated sustainability practices, including water conservation, wildlife protection, biodiversity preservation, and compliance with forestry laws to maintain healthy ecosystems.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) provides additional guidance through its annual “The Issue with Tissue” report, which grades toilet paper products from A+ to F. The highest-ranked products in the 2025 report were Aria, Green Forest, Natural Value, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods 365 100% Recycled, all made entirely from recycled materials.

“We’ve noticed dozens of sustainable toilet paper brands have emerged over the last six years since we launched the report in 2019,” says Ashley Jordan, NRDC corporate campaign advocate. This growth reflects increasing market demand for eco-friendly alternatives.

Kory Russel, assistant professor of landscape architecture and environmental studies at the University of Oregon, emphasizes the power of consumer choice. “When people purchase sustainable products, it sends a message to corporations to make more eco-friendly products available,” he explains.

While sustainable toilet paper typically costs more per square foot than conventional options, Russel believes prices will likely decrease as demand grows. “If more people are buying sustainable toilet paper and demanding it, there should be economies of scale and prices should fall to match that of conventional toilet paper,” he says.

The conventional paper industry is taking notice of this shift. Mark Pitts, executive director of tissue at the American Forest & Paper Association, whose members include major manufacturers like Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Georgia-Pacific, says sustainability is a core industry focus. He notes that member companies have reported reductions in greenhouse gas emissions throughout their supply chains and increased use of recycled materials.

Alternative materials like bamboo are often marketed as more sustainable options, but experts recommend caution. Ronalds Gonzalez, an associate professor at North Carolina State University specializing in fibers for hygiene products, suggests focusing on recycled content instead.

A recent study co-authored by Gonzalez found that bamboo toilet paper made in China but available in the U.S. actually had a higher environmental impact than American-made toilet paper using imported forest fibers. This difference was largely attributed to Chinese manufacturers’ reliance on coal-generated electricity. The research showed that bamboo products’ environmental footprint could be significantly reduced when produced in regions using renewable energy.

For those looking to minimize toilet paper use altogether, bidets offer another sustainable solution. These devices, which use water to clean after bathroom use, are popular in Europe and are becoming increasingly available in North America. They range from simple $30 attachments to sophisticated toilet seats with features like heated water and air drying that can cost over $600.

“Bidets are a sustainable alternative to conventional toilet paper because you’re not using any sort of logging, it’s water that’s already coming to your household and it’s very little water,” Russel explains.

As environmental concerns continue to influence consumer choices, the toilet paper industry is evolving to meet the growing demand for sustainable options, giving consumers more power than ever to reduce their bathroom’s environmental footprint.