Bidets are becoming more popular in the United States because they’re seen as a more environmentally friendly option than dry toilet paper.
But is that true? Bidet vs toilet paper is a hot debate when finding the right option for your bathroom needs. Before you can decide which method of cleaning up is more eco-friendly, it’s important to compare the two.
Tissue paper has been around since at least the 6th century but isn’t as popular in other parts of the world as bidets are. Bidets originated in France and were made popular by French royalty in the 17th century. Now, they’re very popular in Europe, Asia, and South America.
This article will compare the two products in terms of environmental impact, cost, comfort, and health benefits.
What is toilet paper made of?
Toilet paper is made up of four main ingredients: pulp (usually pine or spruce), water to bind it together, clay for density, and wax to coat the paper so that it doesn’t stick together while rolling it up into a sheet.
How do bidets work?
Bidets are relatively simple devices that consist of a faucet and a basin. Filling the basin with water is what cleanses the skin, while the faucet water dries it up afterward. The process is similar to washing your hands, but with water instead of soap.
What’s wrong with toilet paper?
Using too much toilet paper causes deforestation by cutting down trees for new paper pulp, killing animals, and upsetting the balance of soil nutrients; increased water use (because it takes more water to make tissue paper than bidets); and an increase in wastewater, which can pollute oceans.
How much does a bidet cost?
An entry-level bidet that attaches to a bathroom seat costs around $15, but there are higher-end models that can be as pricey as a luxury car. The average price of a high-quality bidet is about $100.
Most people who have never used a bidet would consider it an unnecessary luxury. However, those who have used it are fans for life.
If you want to check out the latest pricing on bidets yourself, here is a helpful Amazon link.
Which cleans better?
Toilet wipes clean by physically removing waste from the skin, while bidets clean by using water to remove it.
In terms of efficacy, toilet paper does a better job of cleaning up after yourself. However, some people experience irritation from using too much toilet paper because it’s not soft enough for their delicate tissues.
Others oppose bidet use because they believe it wastes water, and conversely, some people oppose toilet paper because it wastes trees. However, in terms of cleaning, the bidet outshines the tissue paper.
Using less toilet paper in favor of toilet water is healthier for your body because you’re not using chemicals to clean it up.
Which is more hygienic?
Personal hygiene is obviously a big deal when it comes to choosing between these two options. Toilet paper is hygienic for some because it’s not in contact with the skin for long, but there are some concerns about wiping too hard or scrubbing back and forth.
Bidets are considered more hygienic because of the way they clean better The water cleans better than using new sheets of paper, and there’s no risk of poking yourself with dirty tissue.
Using fewer tissue rolls means you’ll spend more time cleaning up after yourself, but it’s definitely worth the effort because you won’t need to worry about getting your hands full of poop.
Does bidet waste water?
A bidet uses water to clean up after yourself, but it uses far less than paper.
TP is wasteful because each roll can use up to six gallons of water during its manufacture.
For those concerned about wasting water by using a bidet, there are bathroom seat bidets that use even less water than traditional bidets.
A bidet uses up to 80 percent less water than using an average of three sheets of tissues per bathroom visit, so it’s the more sustainable option for those who are worried about wasting water.
Which is cheaper?
Tissue paper is much cheaper than a watershed, but you would need to buy a roll of toilet paper every time you clean up after yourself.
A single bidet can last forever if it’s well maintained, whereas rolls of toilet paper need to be replaced regularly.
Less toilet paper usage is more economical in the long run because you won’t need to keep purchasing new rolls every month. It’s worth getting a bidet now and then replacing the roll of toilet paper, especially since bidets won’t make a large dent in your wallet.
The impact of both on the environment?
TP production requires cutting down trees and manufacturing, which takes a toll on the environment. As previously mentioned, a single tissue roll can take up to 6 gallons of water during its manufacture.
It would, however, be a lie if we say that a bidet does not have an impact on the environment at all, because you’ll still need water to clean up after yourself. But using less bathroom paper is better for the environment since it will not require cutting down trees.
Since the manufacture of bidets requires plastic, glass, and metal, all resources that take a toll on the environment, one can’t deny that both products impact the environment.
However, bidets often last entire lifetimes, while just one roll of tissues lasts only about thirty hours in some households. Using a bidet ultimately helps reduce your carbon footprint because you’re not increasing the demand for tissue papers, and thus don’t contribute to deforestation.
Bidet versus toilet paper, which is better?
This is a hot question when it comes to the toilet paper debate. Some studies claim that the manufacture of bidets emits more greenhouse gases than dry paper, but other studies say it’s much less.
TP is cheaper to manufacture, but it’s also more damaging to the environment because of its high consumption.
Using a bidet is better for the environment because every time you clean up with tissues, there are risks that you might cut yourself or poke around too much due to roughness. A watershed helps minimize these risks by providing a gentle spray of water to clean yourself instead.
Most people believe that bathroom tissues are more eco-friendly than bidets, but some studies conclude the opposite. There’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the issue because there isn’t enough information available to determine how much less harmful bidets are to the environment.
While we don’t know who is correct about which method of cleaning up is more eco-friendly, this much we know: reducing your impact on the environment will help ensure that Earth will be around for future generations.
Eco-friendly toilet paper vs bidet
Although not all toilet paper is considered worse than toilet water, it is a relatively different story when you compare bidets with eco-friendly TP or flushable wipe
Today, eco-friendly loo paper is available, and while it does cost slightly more than traditional TP, you’ll be doing the environment a favor.
There are cleaning tissue brands that are made of sustainable materials such as recycled paper or bamboo to reduce carbon emissions produced during its manufacture, so while there is still some impact on the environment due to its creation, it’s much less than using regular tissues.
If you’d like to know more about eco-friendly TP, here is an article that has all information on sustainable toilet paper
8 Economical Bidets You’ll Want to Swap Your Toilet Paper For
Nebulastone Non-Electric Ultra-Slim Fresh Water Sprayer Bidet
This bidet is a sleek, handheld bidet that can be attached to your toilet seat. It has a nozzle that sprays water directly onto the area you need to clean without requiring any electric outlet.
Nebulastone is perfect for winter because there’s no electricity required for this product to work, so you won’t have to freeze or potentially get electrocuted (especially if you live in certain regions with faulty wiring). And since there’s no electricity, it can be used anywhere – even on outdoor toilets!
The nozzle is also adjustable to any degree of intensity. It works off the low water pressure from your regular sink or showerhead, so even if you don’t have much pressure of water in your bathroom, this bidet will work fine.
Brondell Swash Eco seat Non-Electric Bidet Toilet Seat
The Swash is perfect for people who like to have a premium bidet experience. A beautifully designed seat with dual nozzles ensures a more thorough clean than other bidets. With a variety of settings and modes to choose from, you can customize your experience to achieve maximum comfort.
You don’t need any electronic parts with this product, so if you’re looking for something that powers up quickly, this is the way to go.
SAMODRA Ultra-Slim Bidet, Minimalist Bidet for Toilet with Non-Electric Dual Nozzle
SAMDORA is another great eco-friendly bidet model for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint. It is made of eco-friendly ABS material and can be attached to almost any bathroom seat.
You don’t need to use electricity with this bidet, so it’s perfect for regions without reliable access to power or people who are looking for an eco-friendlier alternative. You’ll be able to install it easily with just a screwdriver. You can also detach this nozzle for easy washing and maintenance.
Purrfectzone Bidet Sprayer for Toilet
Purrfectzone bidet is a sleek, handheld bidet. It is perfect for people who are looking to upgrade their bathroom or toilet with an eco-friendly device that will reduce their carbon footprint.
It sprays water at low pressure directly onto the area you need to clean, so you don’t need enough pressure of water in your home, this one might be worth considering.
SmarterFresh Handheld Bidets (Stainless Steel)
This is a budget-friendly option for those who want to spend less than $50. SmarterFresh handheld bidets have adjustable water stream and spray pressure, so you can customize your clean-up experience.
It works with low pressure from existing faucets or showers so you won’t need electricity to operate it.
LUXE Bidet Neo 120 – Self Cleaning Nozzle
LUXE Bidet Neo 120 is a luxury model and different cleansing options. It can be attached to any toilet bowl. With this bidet, you’ll be able to achieve the feeling of freshness throughout your whole bathroom.
You don’t need electricity or batteries for this product. The nozzle sprays on low pressure from your existing sink or showerhead.
Greenco Attachment Sprayer for Toilet Seat
Greenco bidet is a low-priced option, which is very easy to install and doesn’t require electricity. It can adjust the pressure of water and can be attached directly to your toilet seat.
You don’t need any electronic parts with this product, which makes it perfect for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint or those living in regions where power outages are common.
DUDE Wiper 1000, Bidet Toilet Attachment
DUDE wiper is another non-electric bidet option. It comes in three different colors and has adjustable water pressure. It is very easy to install. This product is good if you are looking for a bidet that can be attached directly to your toilet seat. It also helps save money on batteries.
This product can be attached to most toilet seats, but you’ll need to buy extra washers if your toilet is made of plastic or fiberglass.
Final thoughts
The most commonly expressed environmental concern with dry paper is that harvesting trees for virgin pulp have a negative impact on the environment. However, it’s important to note that many brands of tissue paper use recycled material as well as post-consumer paper products thus, thereby saving trees.
Without proper recycling facilities, though, these efforts ultimately serve as little more than marketing ploys. on the other hand, bidets require no electricity, so this is a great alternative to use if you are looking for an eco-friendly way of cleaning yourself.
Bidets are more eco-friendly than tissue rolls because they use low pressure and don’t require an electric outlet to operate. The water used in bidets also doesn’t need any chemical additives and can be recycled, while the water used in toilets is treated at wastewater plants.
Toilet paper has its environmental problems too. Even recycled toilet tissue uses bleach, which can be harmful to the environment when introduced into waterways through septic systems or landfills.