For many people, toilet paper is an indispensable everyday item. On average, every German uses 134 rolls per year, surpassed only by the USA with 141 rolls. But this convenience comes at a price. The production of toilet paper is not only resource-intensive, but also harmful to the environment. Millions of trees are felled worldwide every year to meet the demand.

Did you know that the production of primary toilet paper consumes an enormous amount of water? Around 76,000 liters of water are needed to produce one ton of toilet paper. This considerable consumption is mainly due to the fact that extracting the cellulose fibers from the wood is one of the most energy- and water-intensive steps in paper production. The wood fibers are dissolved in chemical or mechanical processes and then bleached - another water-intensive step. These massive amounts of water represent a considerable burden on the environment, especially in regions that already suffer from water shortages. In addition, paper is often presented as a natural product and an ecological alternative. However, large quantities of chemicals are used in the production process.

Every day, at least 27,000 trees fall victim to the production of toilet paper. These massive interventions in nature have a profound impact on our environment. Forests are not only home to countless plant and animal species, but also play a crucial role in the carbon cycle. When trees are felled, the carbon dioxide stored in them is released, which accelerates climate change. But that's not all: deforestation leads to soil erosion and deteriorates water quality.

Another problem is the sometimes illegal logging for the manufacture of paper products, which, together with the industrial processing of wood, has led to a dramatic decline in virgin forests. Experts report that between 2000 and 2010, Indonesia lost twice as much forest area through the pulp industry as through the cultivation of palm oil plantations.

One aspect of the environmental impact of toilet paper that is often overlooked is the transportation involved. The journey from raw material to end product involves numerous transportation stages that consume considerable amounts of energy and resources. These emissions are mainly caused by the use of fossil fuels for transportation over long distances. 

Toilet paper is a major contributor to global waste. Billions of rolls of toilet paper are used worldwide every year, which immediately become waste after a single use. The disposal of toilet paper in landfills leads to the production of methane, which contributes significantly to global warming. In addition, the plastic packaging often used to protect toilet paper from moisture contributes to global plastic pollution.

We clearly agree with NABU: "Valuable wood should be used responsibly towards nature and people, primarily for durable goods instead of short-lived products such as toilet paper and packaging." The environmental impact of toilet paper is considerable and diverse. Its production requires immense amounts of water and energy and millions of trees are felled every year to meet global demand. These practices contribute to deforestation, the release of CO2 and the exacerbation of climate change.

In the face of these challenges, it is urgent to think about more sustainable alternatives. It is up to us to make conscious choices and promote more environmentally friendly alternatives to safeguard the future of our planet.

Recycled toilet paper is already a good start because, according to the Federal Environment Agency, the production of recycled paper is much more resource-efficient than conventional white toilet paper. Energy consumption is only about half as high and the amount of water required is between one seventh and one third of the amount needed to produce conventional toilet paper.

However, when it comes to the durability and consumption of toilet paper, our butt shower scores particularly well. Unlike toilet paper, it is not produced for the garbage can and the consumption of toilet paper can be reduced by up to 100%.

Instead of cutting down trees, we are committed to regenerating forests and, together with the Eden Reforestation project, have already planted over 206,435 trees, binding 63,643 tons of CO2 over the next 25 years.

By rethinking our hygiene routines and switching to more sustainable alternatives, we can make a significant contribution to protecting the environment. Choosing the butt shower is a step towards a greener and more sustainable future - for us and for future generations.