The Hidden Danger in Recycled Toilet Paper

Written by:

Maia James

01/14/2019

Updated: 09/29/2023

Looking for a different product guide? Browse them all HERE.

Would you guess that the product recommendation I struggle with most in my consulting practice is toilet paper?

Most of my clients hire me because they are worried about chemical exposure in their homes. Of course, they also care about the environmental impact of what they buy, but when I ask them to be entirely candid, they usually admit that first priority is the safety/health of their kids.

Normally, what’s better for the earth also is better for us, so the Good Stuff is an obvious choice. One notable exception is toilet paper (along with paper towels and napkins and facial tissue).

BPA in Toilet Paper

From an environmental perspective, papers with high recycled content are obviously the way to go. Unfortunately, these types of paper generally contain BPA, which is widely used in the paper made for the thermal printers that produce sales receipts (which are then recycled and turned into other paper). The ink in newspaper (which is often recycled) is another source of BPA.

BPA, as you probably know, is an endocrine disruptor. Animal studies link it to cancer and early puberty, and at least one epidemiological study shows that adults with higher levels of BPA in their urine have increased rates of various metabolic disorders (including diabetes and cardiovascular disease). It’s impossible to know, of course, what the actual health implications are of rubbing toilet paper with traces of BPA on our nether parts. But it seems reasonable to avoid this exposure to the degree we are able.

My husband was secretly happy when I stopped buying the “scratchy” toilet paper and went back to the fluffy new stuff (just be sure to avoid bleached versions if you go this route). Of course, buying un-recycled paper, the production of which contributes to pollution and climate change, didn’t really settle well with either of us, and I needed a better option for my clients.

Avoiding BPA in Toilet Paper

Here are two potential solutions— one of which is sort of easy and the other of which is more complex.

1. Wipe With Sugar
A byproduct of the sugar-making process that would otherwise be disposed, bagasse can be used to make toilet paper, paper towels, plates, and napkins (plus things like burger boxes and printer paper). Sugar cane is the world’s number one crop, and it is one of the most readily available non-tree fibers. Best of all, bagasse is completely biodegradable. Unfortunately, bagasse paper products are still relatively hard to find. Here’s one toilet paper option.

2. Use a Bidet, Like the Rest of the Planet
You may be surprised to know that people in India see Americans as unsanitary. But we use enough hand sanitizer to overflow Lake Michigan!, you’re probably thinking. Of course, India’s opinion of us has nothing to do with our hands, which are in fact, probably too clean. Rather, it has to do with how we clean up after going number two.

Look at it this way: If you accidentally fell in some dog poo and got it on your arm, would you grab a piece of toilet paper, wipe it off, and go about your day? Anyone who has tried to clean up a baby’s poopy diaper with dry toilet paper can attest to how ineffectual it is.

Almost every other developed nation uses a bidet in place of toilet paper–thus avoiding the issue of BPA in toilet paper. Traditionally, the bidet was a cleaning device that was placed next to the toilet. These days, bidets can be retrofitted into your existing toilet. They can also be plumbed into your hot water supply to make the experience far more pleasant than the old cold water types.

Bio Bidet makes an extensive line of bidets that retrofit to existing toilets. Adding an attachable bidet is obviously a less expensive option. Toto offers a range of bidet options, and I often recommend these to clients who are willing to spend more for the best.

Stay sane,

Maia, Founder & CEO

Note: This article contains affiliate links or sponsored content, which means that if you make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that meet our strict standards for non-toxicity and that we use (or want to use!) ourselves. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Good Stuff! 

Enjoying this guide?

Join the 60,000 families who rely on our free non toxic product reviews to buy everything from milk to mattresses!
Subscribe
wooden non-toxic cutting board with apples and cheese

What Is the Best Non-Toxic Cutting Board?

Posted on
Cutting boards are essential tools in any kitchen, and our readers want to know what materials to look for when seeking a non-toxic cutting board. This article explores various types…
Image showing two cups of tea. | Gimme The Good Stuff

How To Avoid Drinking Toxic Tea

Posted on
Tea has many health benefits, but it can also be a source of toxins. But there a plenty of clean tea brands out there if you know where to look!

Safe, Non-Toxic Toys Guide

Posted on
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure page. Toys, like evvvvverything else, can introduce toxins into your home, to say nothing of the environmental impact of producing…

2023 Non-Toxic Back-to-School Supplies

Posted on
From backpacks to erasers, and hand sanitizers to sandwich baggies, we’ve compiled 25 items that will have you all set for a non-toxic back to school season!

Leave a Reply

  1. Concerned Avatar
    Concerned

    Bidets can be an electric shock hazard and also use water, which is arguably more precious than paper.

  2. Susan Seagren Avatar
    Susan Seagren

    The bagasse brand you recommend has been out of stock forever. Any other brands you recommend? What are you thoughts on Better Way organic bamboo toilet paper?

  3. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    Hi thanks for the info. Do you happen to have any other recommendations?So far I’ve found pure plant they use bamboo and sugarcane but use using elemental-free Chlorine bleaching technology to make them white. Which of the two evils is worst BPA or Chlorine ay 🙁 Thanks again!

  4. Janna Avatar
    Janna

    It seems to me that you have a pretty sophisticated audience so instead of the cutesy “…after going number two…” why don’t you just say “…after having a bowel movement…”. We are all adult here.

    1. Lorre Avatar
      Lorre

      I prefer number 2. Having a bowel movement sounds like work.

      1. LG, MD Avatar
        LG, MD

        I’m also fine with saying #2…

        Thanks for all the work you do on this site! Looking fwd to more TP recs!

  5. Kristin Avatar
    Kristin

    What about bamboo TP?