What You Need to Know About Bamboo Toilet Paper

Sustainability 101

What You Need to Know About Bamboo Toilet Paper

Author: Team Grove

We don’t usually think twice about the toilet paper we reach for — it’s just something we buy, use, flush, and forget. But behind that soft, white roll is a surprising environmental story that’s worth a second look.

Toilet paper might not seem like a climate issue, but it turns out the kind we use matters.

The problem with the “regular” stuff

Most conventional toilet paper is made from virgin tree pulp — meaning freshly cut trees, not recycled material. In North America alone, much of Canada’s boreal forests are gutted to produce the U.S. demand for toilet paper.¹

On top of deforestation, the process of making traditional toilet paper requires water usage for production, energy, and often incorporates chlorine-based bleaches that can create harmful byproducts.² It’s resource-intensive, chemical-heavy, and usually wrapped in plastic.

So, what’s the alternative?

Bamboo: a fast-growing fix

Bamboo has been getting buzz for a reason. It’s one of the fastest-growing plants on earth (some species can grow up to three feet a day), and it doesn’t need to be replanted after harvest.³ It regenerates naturally, requires far less water than hardwood trees, and doesn’t need pesticides or fertilizers to thrive.

That means bamboo toilet paper can come with a significantly lower environmental impact — less deforestation, fewer resources, and a smaller carbon footprint when sourced responsibly.

It’s not just about the planet — it’s about you, too

What you use on your body matters. Some traditional toilet paper contains trace amounts of forever chemicals known as PFAS — ingredients you wouldn’t necessarily want near sensitive skin.⁴

Many bamboo options skip those harsh chemicals, such as PFAS and BPA, altogether. When made according to strict ingredient standards, bamboo TP can be a cleaner, more skin-friendly choice. And because it breaks down easily, it’s also a better option for septic systems and waterways.

Read the fine print

Not all bamboo toilet paper is created equal. As with any product marketed as “eco,” there are some key things to look for:

  • Ingredient transparency: Make sure there are no added dyes, chlorine bleach, or fragrances, especially those on Grove’s "No Way" list.

  • Packaging: Look for minimal or plastic-free packaging.

  • Sourcing practices: Bamboo should be grown without contributing to habitat destruction or overharvesting (hint: check to see if the bamboo is FSC Certified).

A small swap that actually adds up

Switching your toilet paper might not feel revolutionary, but small choices stack up. Making the move to bamboo TP is an easy, everyday action that supports reforestation, reduces pollution, and protects sensitive ecosystems all while keeping your home healthier. Pro tip: if you want to take your household sustainability to the next level, pair up your bamboo toilet paper with a bidet

We can’t change the world overnight, but we can choose better with what we use every day. And that starts with something as simple as a roll of toilet paper.


Sources:

1 Skene, J. (2021). Toilet paper is driving a climate crisis with every flush. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). https://www.nrdc.org/bio/jennifer-skene/toilet-paper-driving-climate-crisis-every-flush

2 American Forest & Paper Association. (2023). Facts About Bleaching Agents Used in the Pulp and Paper Industry. https://www.afandpa.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/FactsAboutBleachingAgents.pdf

3 One Tree Planted. (2022). Bamboo: The sustainable super plant. https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/bamboo#:~:text=Bamboo%20Grows%20Fast%20%2D%20Like%2C%20Really,just%20grow%20before%20your%20eyes

4 Environmental Working Group. (2023). Study: Toilet paper a major source of toxic ‘forever chemicals’. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2023/03/study-toilet-paper-major-source-toxic-forever-chemicals#:~:text=Researchers%20found%20toilet%20paper%20to%20be%20a,in%20the%20journal%20Environmental%20Science%20&%20Technology

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