Not Charmin, Not Cottonelle: Consumer Reports' Best Toilet Paper Is Also Eco-Friendly

Usually, when you think of the perfect toilet paper, a big brand like Cottonelle or Charmin probably comes to mind first. There's no doubt these brands offer a great balance, but they can be expensive and have some drawbacks that keep them from being the best option. Plus, their high environmental impact is one reason why you may want to rethink buying these popular brands. According to Consumer Reports, the best option comes from a lesser-known brand, Who Gives a Crap, which produces soft, strong, and eco-friendly products.

Who Gives a Crap offers two different types of toilet paper. The first is one made from recycled materials. However, Consumer Reports names the three-ply 100% Bamboo Toilet Paper as the best option. It even works with most septic tanks, whereas more plush options like Charmin may be a toilet paper you want to avoid to keep your septic tank healthy.

The bamboo paper uses slightly more water than the recycled option, making it less eco-friendly by comparison, but bamboo is still a more sustainable choice than many alternatives. In addition to their toilet paper being more eco-friendly, the company also notes that the products are scent-free, B Corp certified, packaged in mostly recyclable or compostable materials, and shipped carbon-neutral.

Beyond the product itself, the company donates 50 percent of its profits to organizations focused on water sanitation, and hygiene, and its products — including dyes and wrappers — are fully vegan. Consumer Reports also had quite a few positive things to report about Who Gives a Crap. They are lint-free, and it was easy to both start a roll and tear off squares. The website also mentions that the toilet paper comes in adorable packaging. 

Each roll is individually wrapped in fun, and sometimes limited-edition designs, which means it's easy to store toilet paper in the open and make it look decorative without having to get fancy. The wrapping is practical as well as charming. Some rolls feature a little reminder that you're near the end of your box and it might be time to order again.

As for the cost, it's a bit more expensive than Cottonelle ($0.35 per 100 squares) and about the same cost as Charmin ($0.55 per 100 squares). Depending on how many rolls you buy and whether you subscribe or not, you're looking at somewhere between $0.42 and $0.55 per 100 squares. It's a little on the costly side, but easier to justify given the company's environmental focus and charitable contributions.

There are a few downsides to this company. First, the products aren't widely available in most stores. Unless you want to go to Whole Foods for your toilet paper, you're going to have to buy it online. Technically, they are available on Amazon and Target, but the prices are often much higher. Second, they only offer bulk options, usually 24 to 48 rolls at a time. If you're living alone or you don't have a lot of space, finding a place to store all of this toilet paper is somewhat troublesome.

A bigger drawback is softness. As mentioned before, durability, thickness, and softness are some of the defining qualities of good toilet paper. While Who Gives a Crap performs well overall, it isn't as soft as some other brands, according to Consumer Reports. This is especially true of the recycled toilet paper, but even the bamboo one is said not to be quite the level of softness some people prefer. However, if you've ever looked at other eco-friendly toilet paper,  this might be an upgrade in both strength and softness. Still, if these two problems aren't a big issue for you, then this toilet paper could be worth buying. The subscription model means you won't need to restock manually, and its durability won't leave you high and dry (or wet, in this case).