We use it every day, without really thinking about it. However, toilet paper is far from ideal: unhygienic, polluting and expensive. As mentalities evolve, other more modern and environmentally friendly solutions are emerging. Between wipes, water jets and other innovations, a big change seems to be looming.
Toilet paper: a fake essential?
For decades, toilet paper has reigned supreme in our bathrooms. However, this apparent comfort hides many drawbacks.
A lack of hygiene: Contrary to what one might think, wiping with dry paper is not always enough to guarantee optimal cleanliness. It can even promote irritation and infections, especially for sensitive skin.
A worrying ecological impact: Every year, millions of trees are cut down to produce toilet paper, not to mention the liters of water needed to manufacture it. On average, the production of a single roll consumes around 140 liters of water!
A significant budget: High-end papers are expensive, while economy versions often lack comfort. A recurring expense that, accumulated over a year, can represent a certain cost.
So, what alternatives are available to us for more effective and more ecological cleaning?
Alternatives for more effective and more ecological cleaning
Wet wipes: a false good idea?
Long reserved for babies, wet wipes are now appealing to adults. Softer and more refreshing than paper, they offer a feeling of enhanced functionality. Some are even enriched with antibacterial agents.
A problem? Their environmental impact. Even biodegradable models dissolve much more slowly than paper, and flushing them down the toilet can cause blockages in the pipes.
An alternative responsible party? Opt for washable cloth wipes, reusable after a simple machine wash. A zero-waste solution, much more sustainable!
Japanese toilets: innovation from Asia
If you have traveled to Japan, you have surely come across these famous high-tech toilets. They work with a water jet that completely replaces the use of paper.
Why adopt this technology?
Optimal hygiene thanks to water cleaning
Saving paper and reducing waste
Less skin irritation
The installation cost can be a deterrent, but adaptable kits can transform a classic toilet into a Japanese version for around a hundred euros.
The return of traditional methods
Continued on the next page
