TikTok's Sustainable Toilet Paper Find Can Save You Money (But It's Not For Everyone)
If you're looking to cut costs but have already run out of options, you may feel stuck at how else you can shave more dollars off your monthly expenses. However, a TikTok from @netzerocompany presents a potential solution: reusable toilet roll. Yes. Reusable toilet roll. It has been touted online as a great money-saving solution if you're looking to cut costs in your bathroom. Why? Because you can use it again and again, which arguably makes it a perfect sustainable option for those looking to make their homes more eco-friendly.
Once you break it down, however, it turns out this may not be entirely true. This is because the washing methods you need to use may end up counteracting any cost savings that you would otherwise make, so, in essence, you may not be saving much money in the long term. Properly sanitizing reusable toilet paper requires cleaning them separately from your other laundry items, using both bleach and high temperatures. Thanks to all the hot water you'll need for the additional loads of laundry, you may end up spending more. It also wouldn't be any better for the planet, not to mention the amount of time it would likely take up.
Reusable toilet paper can be risky
Understandably, one of the most common concerns with reusable toilet paper comes down to hygiene. Using reusable toilet rolls could increase your household's chances of becoming ill, as the germs can be easily transmitted if not properly sanitized and disinfected. While there are certain drawbacks to reusable rolls, it is worth noting that they could potentially be better for individuals with sensitive skin. If you choose to try out reusable toilet paper, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using chlorine bleach alongside water that's at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Understandably, some people may feel that it's a lot more hassle than it's worth.
Instead, you could just try using as little toilet paper as possible every time you're in the bathroom rather than a larger handful. This way, you're keeping your toilet roll use to a minimum. Likewise, you could always try switching to bamboo toilet paper, which may be a more sustainable alternative to regular toilet rolls. When you finish with them, you can always reuse the cardboard tubes around your home as well. However, if your focus is on cost-cutting, you may want to consider bulk buying or using a subscription service. While you may not consider these options the most eco-friendly, they won't need any washing, as reusable rolls will.