In the realm of essential household items, few are as universally acknowledged as toilet paper. A survey from the Toilet Paper Encyclopedia indicates that 69% of individuals consider toilet paper the most taken-for-granted modern convenience. Remarkably, if stranded on a deserted island, nearly half of respondents would choose toilet paper over food. Clearly, it’s a staple we often overlook in our daily lives.
In the United States alone, the statistics are staggering: Americans use approximately 7 billion rolls of toilet paper annually, resulting in the depletion of around 7 million trees each year. This sobering fact prompted my decision to test out the concept of “family cloth,” or reusable toilet paper.
For those unfamiliar, family cloth refers to the practice of using cloth wipes in lieu of traditional toilet paper. The process involves using a cloth wipe, placing it in a designated container, and then laundering it for reuse. This method necessitates several actions:
- Utilize a cloth for personal hygiene.
- Store the soiled cloth in the bathroom.
- Wash the cloth regularly.
Having previously cloth diapered my child, I found these steps manageable. My experience with diapering made transitioning to family cloth feel like a natural progression. After all, I had already dealt with the cleanliness of cloth wipes, which had been used and stored similarly.
Equipped with an ample supply of cloth wipes I had sewn during pregnancy, I set up a system in each bathroom, complete with a small bin for storage. To my surprise, the cloth wipes were remarkably efficient and comfortable to use. With a quick spritz from a spray bottle filled with a solution I had used for diaper cleaning, the experience felt almost luxurious.
However, my husband was less enthusiastic about this new arrangement. He firmly refused to participate, asserting that he preferred conventional toilet paper and would not tolerate the presence of used cloth in our home. The children, oblivious to the stigma, happily embraced the family cloth concept under my supervision to prevent any mishaps with the spray bottle.
All was going well until an unexpected issue arose—the unpleasant odor of urine began to permeate the bathroom. Unlike baby urine, which seemed more manageable, the adult version left a lasting and distinct scent that was hard to ignore. It soon became reminiscent of a neglected public restroom.
Faced with this dilemma, my husband vetoed the family cloth initiative. He emphasized our ability to purchase toilet paper and insisted that we should not compromise on hygiene or comfort. Consequently, I gathered the cloth wipes, cleaned out the storage bin, and completed the last load of laundry that included both diaper and family cloth items. Ultimately, I realized that my experiment had saved only a minimal amount of toilet paper—a mere two rolls, equating to hardly more than a twig in terms of environmental impact.
While I may have lost some credibility in my commitment to eco-friendly practices, my bathroom regained its freshness, and I had a much lighter laundry load. Yet, I still find myself longing for the convenience of that spritz and my cloth wipes when nature calls.
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Summary
The trial of family cloth—reusable wipes instead of toilet paper—revealed both advantages and significant challenges, particularly in odor management. Despite a commitment to eco-friendly practices, the practicality of traditional toilet paper ultimately prevailed in my household.