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9 Best Eco-Friendly Toilet Papers in 2022 (Environmental Scientist-Reviewed)

It’s crazy to think about how many natural resources we go through on a daily basis. It can sometimes feel like we’re literally flushing trees down the toilet because, well, we are. Toilet paper is one of the most unnecessary uses of a resource that takes over 30 years to grow. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are quite a number of eco-friendly, tree-free toilet papers available now. The only issue is finding the right one. In this guide reviewed by an environmental scientist, we’ll go over the factors you should consider when choosing the right eco-friendly toilet paper for you. At the end, we also have a list of our 9 favorites to help you get started, including our top choice by Green Forest.
Last updated 09/26/2023
Gwen Lynn
Expert
Environmental Health & Safety Scientist
Gwen Lynn

Gwen Lynn is an environmental health and safety scientist who provides environmental and safety consulting and monitors air, land and water resources. She is also the founder of In A Green Minute, who creates podcasts and informational videos on environmental progressiveness and green technology.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper – Buying Guide

Picking toilet paper is a very intimate decision, so keep your own situation and preferences in mind as you consider your options.
1

Look for Tree-Free Materials Like Recycled Paper and Bamboo

When it comes to the materials eco-friendly toilet papers are made from, there are two main options: recycled paper and bamboo. Each has their strengths and weaknesses, so it’s good to be aware of the differences before you make your purchase.

Recycled Paper is Resourceful but Can Be Rough

Recycled Paper is Resourceful but Can Be Rough
Recycled paper may be the most eco-friendly toilet paper option as it uses no new resources and makes use of materials that would otherwise go to waste.


However, due to inconsistencies in the paper used as well as the process of turning already processed paper into further processed paper, toilet paper made from recycled materials can feel rougher or less soft than paper made from virgin wood.

Bamboo is Sustainable and Comfortable

Bamboo is Sustainable and Comfortable
Bamboo seems to be the material of the moment. It’s fast growing, sustainable, requires no pesticides or fertilizer, and can be used in much the same way wood is without as large of an ecological impact. 

Since it comes from virgin material, bamboo toilet paper tends to be quite a bit softer on average than recycled paper.

2

1-Ply Uses Less Material, but 2- or 3-Ply is Softer

1-Ply Uses Less Material, but 2- or 3-Ply is Softer
When deciding which ply to buy, you’ll probably need to make some tradeoffs. On one hand, single-ply uses less material and gives you two to five times more sheets per roll than a higher ply. But, it can feel rougher and be less comfortable when wiping.


On the other hand, 2- or 3-ply paper is noticeably softer on your behind, which can be especially important if it’s made from a naturally less soft material. But it uses more material, and you’ll likely find yourself going through rolls at a much faster rate.

3

Look for Toilet Paper That’s Free from Harmful Chemicals

Look for Toilet Paper That’s Free from Harmful Chemicals
In the process of turning trees into the soft white paper you use to wipe your bum, some pretty strong chemicals are often employed to process it.


Chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, and BPA are often found in rolls of toilet paper made from both trees as well as recycled paper. These chemicals can be harmful for both us and the environment, and it’s best to look for paper that explicitly states it’s made without them.


A side note: Recycled toilet paper does contain trace amounts of BPA that comes from recycled thermal receipt paper, newspaper, and so on. 

But don’t worry: it’s in incredibly small concentrations. Simply reading a newspaper would expose you to more BPA than wiping recycled toilet paper would. Still, it’s up to you to decide if you would rather just avoid the risk altogether.

4

Septic Safe Paper Breaks down Quickly and isn’t Just for RVs

Septic Safe Paper Breaks down Quickly and isn’t Just for RVs
If you have a septic toilet, you probably already know that you need to buy toilet paper that’s specifically designed to break down in your system. For those who don’t have septic toilets, however, it can still make sense to buy toilet paper that’s septic safe.


For one thing, having toilet paper that will break down quickly will help prevent any (toilet paper-related) pipe blockages, which can give some peace of mind to those who live in older buildings.


More importantly, though, septic safe paper that breaks down quickly won’t end up in the landfill. While all toilet papers are designed to break down before it reaches the solid waste filtration level of the sanitation process, quite a bit of it actually doesn’t dissolve and ends up contributing to waste.

5

Tube-Free Rolls Reduce Waste Further

Tube-Free Rolls Reduce Waste Further
While most toilet paper comes wrapped around a cardboard tube to help retain shape, when you think about it, those tubes aren’t totally necessary. So some manufacturers have done away with them completely.


If you’re focused on reducing waste, then a tube-free roll might be something you want to look for. Just note that the paper might not unroll as smoothly and can look a little messy as you get toward the end.

6

Official Seals and Logos Add Legitimacy to Claims

Official Seals and Logos Add Legitimacy to Claims
If you’re looking for some assurance as to a toilet paper’s eco-friendly claims, a quick way to check is to look for any seals and logos from official agencies. Some of the more common ones you’ll find are Green Seal, EcoLogo, and the Forest Stewardship Council certification.


However, it’s important to remember that just because a product has a green label doesn’t automatically make it a quality product. On a similar note, if a product doesn’t have a seal, that doesn’t make it a bad product, either.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

9 Best Eco-Friendly Toilet Papers

Here are our favorite eco-friendly toilet papers to consider, all of which are either recycled, biodegradable, or both. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available. *Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Gwen Lynn. For more on our selection process, check out our content policy. Prices were gathered from respective EC sites on August 4, 2022.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Green Forest

Premium 100% Recycled Bathroom Tissue

Green Forest Premium 100% Recycled Bathroom Tissue 1

$26.17

Mid

Indistinguishable from Conventional Toilet Paper

2

Seventh Generation

100% Recycled Bath Tissue

Seventh Generation 100% Recycled Bath Tissue 1

$32.94

Mid

Untreated Paper That's Great for Sensitive Skin

3

Silk'n Soft

Bamboo Toilet Paper

Silk'n Soft Bamboo Toilet Paper 1

$24.99

Mid

Soft and Absorbent for a Regular Toilet Paper Feel

4

Rebel Green

Tree Free Toilet Tissue

Rebel Green Tree Free Toilet Tissue  1

$11.99

Low

Tree-Free and Carbon Neutral

5

WholeRoll

Organic Bamboo Toilet Paper

WholeRoll Organic Bamboo Toilet Paper 1

$44.99

High Mid

Organic Paper for Conscious Consumers

6

NooTrees

Bamboo 3-Ply Bathroom Tissue

NooTrees Bamboo 3-Ply Bathroom Tissue 1

$17.49

Low Mid

Soft and Sturdy Bamboo Paper

7

Bim Bam Boo

Tree-Free Toilet Paper for Sensitive Skin

Bim Bam Boo Tree-Free Toilet Paper for Sensitive Skin 1

$37.99

High Mid

For Sensitive Skin and Robust Plumbing

8

Caboo

Bamboo Bath Tissue

Caboo Bamboo Bath Tissue 1

$17.99

Low Mid

Great for Those with Chemical Sensitivities

9

Georgia-Pacific

2-Ply Embossed Toilet Paper

Georgia-Pacific 2-Ply Embossed Toilet Paper 1

$61.25

High

Huge Pack of Certified Recycled Paper

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Green ForestPremium 100% Recycled Bathroom Tissue

Premium 100% Recycled Bathroom Tissue 1
Source:amazon.com
Premium 100% Recycled Bathroom Tissue 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$26.17
Mid
Reference price
$26.17
Mid

Indistinguishable from Conventional Toilet Paper

This 100% recycled toilet paper is made from at least 90% post-consumer recycled fibers–and only fibers of the highest grade at that. It’s thick, soft, and the plies hold together well.

Many reviewers note that this toilet paper is on par with conventional papers in terms of both look and feel and ahead of other recycled brands by leaps and bounds.
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Seventh Generation100% Recycled Bath Tissue

100% Recycled Bath Tissue 1
Source:amazon.com
100% Recycled Bath Tissue 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$32.94
Mid
Reference price
$32.94
Mid

Untreated Paper That's Great for Sensitive Skin

This toilet paper is about as untreated as you get and is ideal for those with chemical sensitivities. Despite its rough looks, it’s surprisingly soft for toilet paper made from 100% recycled materials with a minimum of 80% post-consumer fibers.

However, it is the most expensive product per-roll on this list and might not make financial sense to those who don’t need completely chemical-free paper.
No.3

Silk'n SoftBamboo Toilet Paper

Bamboo Toilet Paper 1
Source:amazon.com
Bamboo Toilet Paper 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$24.99
Mid
Reference price
$24.99
Mid

Soft and Absorbent for a Regular Toilet Paper Feel

This toilet paper is softer than most bamboo-based papers, doesn’t shed, and is quite strong. Plus, the plies stick together well, too, meaning you don’t have to worry about unraveling.

It’s pretty absorbent, and several reviewers have noted that these last longer than other bamboo rolls. Good thing too, since this toilet paper is also a bit more expensive.
No.4

Rebel GreenTree Free Toilet Tissue

Reference price
$11.99
Low

Tree-Free and Carbon Neutral

This toilet paper is soft, durable, and comparable in feel to conventional toilet paper. It comes in a smaller pack, which could be good for those living alone or without much storage.

Additionally, in order to make up for the carbon used in transportation and processing, the company donates cookstoves to women in developing nations who would otherwise be cooking over dangerous, polluting open fires.
No.5

WholeRollOrganic Bamboo Toilet Paper

Organic Bamboo Toilet Paper 1
Source:amazon.com
Organic Bamboo Toilet Paper 2
Source:amazon.com
Organic Bamboo Toilet Paper 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$44.99
High Mid
Reference price
$44.99
High Mid

Organic Paper for Conscious Consumers

For those who are conscious about the materials their toilet paper is made from, this one is top of the line. Made from organic bamboo, it’s fairly soft, sturdy, and doesn’t shed.

However, if you’re looking for pillowy soft, this isn’t going to be the toilet paper for you. Some reviewers also find it a bit stiffer than other options. But if you like some structure, great!
No.6

NooTreesBamboo 3-Ply Bathroom Tissue

Bamboo 3-Ply Bathroom Tissue 1
Source:amazon.com
Bamboo 3-Ply Bathroom Tissue 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.49
Low Mid

Soft and Sturdy Bamboo Paper

This bamboo-based toilet paper is sturdy and softer than many eco-friendly options. The bamboo used is certified sustainably grown, and even the plastic wrapping is biodegradable.

However, it’s quite thin for three-ply, and some reviewers note that the surface can be a bit too smooth and requires you to scrunch instead of fold. So if you’re a folder, you might want to look for something with a bit more grab.
No.7

Bim Bam BooTree-Free Toilet Paper for Sensitive Skin

Tree-Free Toilet Paper for Sensitive Skin 1
Source:amazon.com
Tree-Free Toilet Paper for Sensitive Skin 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$37.99
High Mid

For Sensitive Skin and Robust Plumbing

This toilet paper is free from harmful chemicals and hypoallergenic. It’s comfortable on the skin, doesn’t leave behind any residue, and comes in plastic-free packaging.

However, though this toilet paper claims to be septic safe, several reviewers have noted that it doesn’t break down very well and may lead to problems in septic toilets as well as buildings with older pipes.
No.8

CabooBamboo Bath Tissue

Bamboo Bath Tissue 1
Source:amazon.com
Bamboo Bath Tissue 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$17.99
Low Mid

Great for Those with Chemical Sensitivities

This toilet paper is made from two sustainable, fast-growing plants: bamboo and sugarcane. It is hypoallergenic and whitened with hydrogen peroxide instead of harmful chemicals.

However, despite being two-ply, the paper is quite thin, and you may find yourself using more to make up for it. It also isn’t as soft as a traditional two-ply, so you might be better off thinking of this as single-ply.
No.9

Georgia-Pacific2-Ply Embossed Toilet Paper

2-Ply Embossed Toilet Paper 1
Source:amazon.com
2-Ply Embossed Toilet Paper 2
Source:amazon.com
2-Ply Embossed Toilet Paper 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$61.25
High
Reference price
$61.25
High

Huge Pack of Certified Recycled Paper

This toilet paper is made from 100% recycled material and has all the certifications to prove it. It’s a good, middle-line toilet paper–definitely not soft, but with enough cushion not to irritate. Though to be fair, it might not be good for sensitive skin.

It comes in a huge 80-roll pack that can last a family several months. However, as this pack is designed for use in public spaces, each roll comes individually wrapped, which is irritating at best and wasteful at worst.

Is Reusable Toilet Paper a Thing? Is it Safe?

Is Reusable Toilet Paper a Thing? Is it Safe?
Maybe you’re looking for something even more eco-friendly. After all, even recycled toilet paper technically goes to waste in the end. But if you’re thinking about more reusable options, you might want to think about it really carefully first (like, really carefully).


The first issue is hygiene, naturally. Whether you use it to clean up after just pee, or both pee and poo, used cloths are going to harbor some serious bacteria, and everything that comes into contact with it (including your washer, dryer, and any other laundry that you do with or after it) runs the risk of picking up some pretty gnarly germs.


Which leads to the next issue–unless you already do laundry every day, you’re probably going to have to do laundry much more often than you do now, which uses more water and electricity. So unless you’ve got a bidet and are just using cloths to dry off after, it’s probably better to stick with disposable toilet paper.

More Bathroom Products for Your Private Time

Maybe you've decided your toilet isn't clean enough, or maybe you want to switch to regular toilet paper after all. We've got you covered!

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Toilet Papers

No. 1: Green ForestPremium 100% Recycled Bathroom Tissue

No. 2: Seventh Generation100% Recycled Bath Tissue

No. 3: Silk'n SoftBamboo Toilet Paper

No. 4: Rebel GreenTree Free Toilet Tissue

No. 5: WholeRollOrganic Bamboo Toilet Paper

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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