In the realm of modern conveniences, few items are as essential as toilet paper. According to a study from The Toilet Paper Encyclopedia, approximately 69% of individuals consider toilet paper to be a taken-for-granted necessity. Surprisingly, if stranded on a deserted island, 49% would prioritize toilet paper over food. The reliance on this product is striking.
Each year, Americans consume around 7 billion rolls of toilet paper, which equates to the destruction of approximately 7 million trees annually just for personal hygiene. It was this alarming statistic that prompted me to explore the concept of family cloth. For those unfamiliar, family cloth is a euphemism for reusable toilet paper, essentially cloth wipes that are stored in a designated bucket instead of being flushed. After usage, these wipes are laundered, and the cycle repeats.
The Process
The process involves several steps: using a cloth wipe, leaving it in a designated container, and eventually washing it. My experience with cloth diapering made this transition somewhat seamless; I was already accustomed to handling soiled fabric. With a stockpile of wipes I had prepared during my pregnancy, I placed them strategically in each bathroom alongside a small trash can. To my surprise, I found the cloth wipes to be remarkably effective and comfortable.
Family Reactions
However, my husband was less enthusiastic. He staunchly refused to participate, insisting, “I only use TP for one thing, and I’m not having it stick around the bathroom.” The kids, blissfully unaware of any stigma, adapted quickly to the family cloth system, aided by my supervision to prevent any unintended messes.
Challenges Encountered
Initially, the system functioned smoothly until an unpleasant issue arose: an overpowering odor began to permeate our bathroom. The source was unclear—perhaps the pH balance of adult urine differs from that of infant urine, or maybe the plastic container absorbed the smell. Regardless, it soon resembled the scent of a neglected subway restroom.
My husband firmly declared that the family cloth experiment must end. He argued that as red-blooded Americans, we could afford toilet paper, and when faced with dire circumstances, we would have ample resources to maintain hygiene. Reluctantly, I gathered the cloth wipes, cleaned the containers, and completed the last load of laundry associated with this endeavor. In the end, I likely saved only two rolls of toilet paper, which hardly made a dent in our consumption habits, but my bathroom was odor-free and the laundry load reduced.
Nevertheless, I must admit that I miss the convenience of the cloth wipes, especially during those moments when I needed them the most.
Further Reading
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Summary
The attempt to adopt family cloth as a sustainable alternative to traditional toilet paper ultimately fell short due to practical challenges, particularly odor issues. While it initially seemed promising, the realities of adult hygiene proved too cumbersome, leading to a return to conventional toilet paper usage.