As someone trying to sustain-if-fy her home and life, I’ve been flabbergasted by the environmental footprint of our, often overlooked, daily habits. It’s fascinating to see how traditional practices are being re-examined through the lens of sustainability, and one such practice is the use of bidets. These fixtures, common in many parts of the world, are gaining popularity as an alternative to toilet paper. But what is the actual environmental impact of bidet? Is it all marketing greenwashing or do they really provide a significant benefit to our Earth?
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While scrutinizing the environmental impact of bidets, it becomes clear that our choice between using a bidet or toilet paper could have more consequences than just our personal hygiene and health. The production of toilet paper involves not only the cutting of trees but also water and energy consumption during manufacturing. On the other hand, bidets use water more directly, which raises important questions about water conservation. It’s a complex balance to weigh, and it’s one of the rabbit holes I dove down before we purchased our bidet.
Table of Contents
Environmental Benefits of Bidets
As with everything in life, the environmental considerations of bidets are more than the outward appearances. It’s not only how we as consumers use it (although that’s a really big part of it), but the manufacturing and transportation factors need to be factored in, especially when comparing to see if it is better than toilet paper for the environment. Bidets can offer a significantly positive impact on natural resource conservation and waste reduction.
Reduction in Toilet Paper Usage
Our bidet has {almost} completely eliminated the need for toilet paper in our home. We still use toilet paper occasionally, but we haven’t bought ANY since before the run on toilet paper in the beginning of the pandemic (Mar-2020…nearly four years ago). Toilet paper gets used in our house by guests that have no desire to utilize the bidet and when we haven’t put away our laundry to find our bamboo butt towels.
Toilet paper is traditionally made from the pulp of trees. By using a bidet, I can save numerous rolls of toilet paper each year. The manufacturing process of toilet paper involves significant consumption of water and energy, and sometimes even additional chemicals used to bleach the paper. It’s estimated that a single roll of toilet paper requires 37 gallons of water to manufacture. Simply by transitioning to a bidet, we’ve reduced our paper use, saved our septic system the hassle of breaking the toilet tissue down, and the consequential environmental toll. All with one purchase. And we haven’t bought any toilet paper in four years. Better for the environment? Hell, it’s even better for my wallet.
Water Supply Conservation
Although bidets use water, my personal water use for hygiene and every day living is less than the the water used in toilet paper production. On a large scale, if more people use bidets, collectively we can conserve millions of gallons of water annually. This water conservation can contribute to sustainability goals, particularly in areas where water scarcity is a growing concern.
Waste Management and Pollution
By minimizing toilet paper, we can also ease the burden on waste management systems. Less toilet paper being flushed means fewer problems like fatbergs—large masses of solid waste in sewer systems caused by the combination of flushed non-biodegradable materials like plastic and flushable wet wipes.
We’re not connected to a water or sewage system on our small homestead. We live in rural farming country and have a septic tank and a well instead of relying on city waste and water management. But that just means we’re in charge of our septic system if something goes wrong. I grew up in a very old house with a lot of septic issues. So when we bought our house, I was constantly paranoid that the Boyfriend would use non-Septic-safe wipes or that we would accidentally buy toilet paper that wasn’t considered septic-safe.
Our bidet has solved ALL of those issues that I was paranoid about. I MADE free space in my brain. I love it. Waste water from bidets is generally considered cleaner and less polluted which reduces the amount of pollution entering our waste streams and ecosystems.
Sustainable Materials and Alternatives
Bidets support the continued discussion on the use of sustainable materials. With the focus on the environment in recent years, the shift to more sustainable toilet paper can be seen in big box stores, as well as the niche sustainability-focused small businesses. For instance, some companies now offer eco-friendly toilet paper made from bamboo, which is a fast-growing and more sustainable alternative to traditional wood pulp. And recycled toilet paper, including those with high recycled paper content, further reduces the environmental impact of paper altogether. However, my bidet use noticeably lessens need to implement these eco-friendlier alternatives, steering me toward a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.
The Cost and Savings Aspect
When considering the transition to bidets from traditional toilet paper, I had all the questions, not just on the environmental benefits (and how to dry myself), but also the potential to save money over time.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
In my experience, one of the most significant long-term benefits of using a bidet is the reduction in the need for toilet paper. Studies show that bidets can drastically cut down on toilet paper use, resulting in substantial savings. According to one poll, Americans spend $182 on toilet paper every year. Maybe that doesn’t seem like a lot in the grand scheme of things…but that adds up to around $11,000 across a lifetime. On TOILET PAPER for your SHIT!!
Put another way, the average American goes through 85 rolls of toilet paper annually, which can be more than 13,000 sheets every year.
With one bidet reducing the amount of toilet paper you need, families can save on the recurring cost of purchasing these products. This can be especially meaningful considering the ongoing expenses households incur, and the rising cost of goods year-over-year.
Initial Investment Versus Ongoing Expenses
The initial investment in a bidet system can range from very affordable for a basic attachment like our Tushy Spa, to a larger sum for a high-end model. However, this upfront cost is balanced against the ongoing expenses of buying toilet paper.
When considering purchasing a bidet, it’s crucial to keep in mind that some bidets require some electricity and water to operate, but these costs are often minimal compared to the savings achieved from using less toilet paper. The financial benefits expand on the aspect of sustainability, as the reduced need for manufacturing and transporting toilet paper means a lower environmental footprint from my household.
Health and Hygiene
When I consider the impact of bidets on our health and overall personal hygiene, I focus on how their use can lead to a higher standard of cleanliness and can offer various health advantages.
Hygiene Improvement
I’ve found that the use of bidets can significantly improve personal hygiene. Bidets offer a stream of water that more effectively removes residual fecal matter compared to toilet paper alone. This method of cleansing can be particularly helpful in reducing the presence of bacteria like E. coli, which often lingers after traditional toilet paper use. By limiting the spread of these microbes, bidets contribute to overall sanitary conditions in the bathroom and reduce the potential for bacterial contaminations.
I was really, really worried about yeast infections and UTIs when we were considering the switch to a bidet, but it turns out that bidets probably help prevent these infections more than toilet paper would. I still take the added precautions of rinsing front-back-front to make sure nothing nefarious can get where I don’t want it. But I am happy to say (KNOCK ON FREAKING WOOD), that I haven’t had a single UTI or Yeast Infection since we installed our bidet.
Potential Health Benefits
Bidets not only promote cleanliness but also offer several health benefits. For example, they can be gentler on the skin, which means they might help people avoid irritation and discomfort associated with the friction from wiping, particularly for those suffering from hemorrhoids, or postpartum moms. Another instance where this is really helpful can be after a really fun bedroom romp. I know, it was absolutely amazing, but having to wipe with toilet paper afterwards can be excruciating. Save yourself, seriously a bidet has been a lifesaver.
Additionally, the hands-free nature of bidets minimizes the contact of my hands with bacteria, potentially reducing the spread of germs. It’s especially pertinent in providing a measure of protective health benefits in environments where maintaining personal hygiene is paramount.
Impact of Bidets on Energy and Resources
In my exploration of the environmental implications of bidets, I’ve found some specific impacts on energy consumption and resource utilization. The shift from traditional toilet paper to bidets involves aspects of electricity use, manufacturing processes, and the environmental costs associated with bathroom fixtures.
Electricity and Energy Use
I’ve found that electronic bidets require electricity to heat water and operate various features. This means they consume more energy than non-electric bidets or using toilet paper and flushable wipes. The energy use varies depending on the model and frequency of use. The carbon footprint associated with this energy depends on the source of electricity; if it’s from fossil fuels, the environmental impact is more significant.
However, not all bidets require electricity. Our Tushy SPA is hooked up to both our hot and cold water, but does not require an electrical connection. Seriously, it was super easy to install by just connecting the water lines. And I’ve obviously never utilized one of these super fancy and confusing bidets, but I don’t really think they seem necessary.
Material Manufacturing and Production
When considering the manufacturing process of bidets, it’s clear that both the materials used and the production processes have environmental costs. Bidets are often made with plastics and other materials that may need to be mined, processed, and transported. The packaging involved may also contribute to waste, which might end up in landfills or be incinerated.
Environmental Cost of Bathroom Fixtures
Finally, the end-of-life disposal of bathroom fixtures like bidets can affect the environment. If they are not disposed of properly, they can contribute to landfill waste. However, high-quality bidets can also reduce the use of toilet paper, which has its own environmental cost from the transportation of logs, production, and packaging. This reduction can, in turn, decrease deforestation and the energy required to convert trees into paper products.
It’s important to consider all the factors when trying to make sustainable shopping decisions. We purchased our Tushy SPA in 2020, haven’t had to buy any toilet paper since then, and our bidet attachment is still going strong. If we take care of it, I don’t see why it can’t last us a really long time.
Bidets as an Alternative to Toilet Paper
Let’s dive a little deeper into the environmental impacts of bidets in comparison to toilet paper, including the implications of using recycled versus traditional toilet paper options.
Bidet Versus Toilet Paper Environmental Impact
Switching to a bidet may significantly reduce the environmental footprint associated with post-toilet cleaning practices. For instance, the use of traditional toilet paper contributes to deforestation and water pollution due to the bleaching processes involved. A bidet, on the other hand, minimizes this impact by reducing the demand and use for paper products in our bathroom habits. A study highlighted by Popular Science points out that bidets could be a more sustainable choice over toilet paper. While a bidet does use water, the total environmental cost, when considering factors such as production, transport, and disposal of toilet paper, could be lower.
Environmental considerations for Bidet Use versus Toilet Paper:
- Deforestation: Zero trees are harmed in the direct day-to-day use of bidets.
- Water Pollution: Fewer chemicals are released into environments because there’s no need for bleaching or sewer maintenance, as is required for producing and use of toilet paper.
- Waste: Bidets reduce the physical waste that ends up in landfills, not just in toilet paper but also the plastic packaging it comes in.
Sustainability of Recycled Versus Traditional Toilet Paper
When assessing toilet paper options, the difference between recycled and traditional products arises in their respective production processes. Recycled toilet paper makes use of post-consumer waste, reducing the need for virgin wood pulp and thus potentially saving millions of trees from the environmental burden of tree cutting. As noted on Utopia, about 15 percent of deforestation is due to the production of toilet paper, making recycled content an environmentally friendlier option.
Comparing Recycled versus Traditional Toilet Paper:
- Environmental Impact: Recycled toilet paper has a lower carbon footprint owing to less resource-intensive production.
- Chemical Usage: Recycled toilet paper requires fewer chemicals in processing since it often skips the bleaching stage, reducing its overall toxicity profile compared to traditional toilet paper.
By considering the environmental impacts of both traditional and recycled toilet paper, it’s clear that using recycled products or adopting alternatives like bidets can play a substantial role in eco-friendly living.
Technical Aspects of Bidets
Okay, you’re ready for a bidet, but there are SO. MANY. DIFFERENT. OPTIONS. out there. Let’s look at the technical aspects of bidet shopping likethe various types available, what their installation and maintenance entail, and the technological advancements that have been made in recent years.
Types of Bidets and Features
Bidets come in several forms, ranging from standalone fixtures to attachments for standard toilets. Standalone bidets are like traditional sinks and often have their own space in the bathroom. They are not as common in modern bathrooms due to space and cost considerations. Bidet attachments are simple sprayers that connect to the existing toilet setup. They are usually easy to install and relatively affordable. Bidet seats can replace the toilet seat and offer features such as adjustable water temperature and pressure, air drying, and sometimes even a heated seat. Brands like Toto and Tushy are well-known in the market for their bidet technology.
- Standalone Bidets
- Bidet Attachments
- Bidet Seats
I’ve always considered our Tushy to be an attachment, since it doesn’t actively replace the seat. It sits under the seat and is held in place by the screws that hold the seat to the toilet.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing a bidet usually involves some level of plumbing work, which can range from simple to complex. A bidet attachment or seat often requires no additional plumbing and can be attached to the toilet’s existing water supply. Our Tushy bidet kit came with everything needed and step-by-step instructions. And I was able to install it all by myself, with the Boyfriend checking for leaks prior to turning the water back on.
For maintenance, bidets typically need regular cleaning, just like other bathroom fixtures. Our bidet attachment has a self-cleaning wand that gets cleaned by having water spray down into the toilet (as opposed to your ass). And then we clean it weekly-ish when we clean the rest of the bathroom and the toilet.
Some bidets with advanced features may need occasional checks to ensure their electrical components are functioning correctly. Compared to regular toilets, however, the added comfort and hygiene features of bidet seats can justify the extra maintenance effort.
Advancements in Bidet Technology
Bidet technology has evolved significantly over the years. Modern bidets may include energy-saving features, self-cleaning nozzles, or even UV lights for sterilization. The integration of smart home technology is also on the rise, with products being able to interface with users for customized experiences. These high-tech bidets can elevate the standard of hygiene in the bathroom while also considering environmental impacts, as they often reduce the need for toilet paper.
Final Thoughts on Environmental Impact of Bidets
The environmental impacts of bidets is complicated, much like everything else these days. But, in general, bidets can have a significant positive environmental impact. Bidets, when compared to traditional toilet paper, use less water and can significantly reduce household waste. This translates to a decrease in the demand for toilet paper production, which inherently involves large amounts of water and trees. Moreover, the energy required to produce toilet paper is substantial, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting a bidet in my bathroom, I’m contributing to these eco-friendly initiatives.
While bidets require an upfront investment (some attachments, like the Tushy Spa we bought are really affordable) and some water to operate, the long-term savings in water and reduction in paper waste make them a more sustainable choice for personal hygiene.
Adopting a bidet can be a step towards sustainable living in our homes. And one that I wish we had transitioned to sooner. Seriously, I LOVE our bidet and hate traveling for work without my bidet. It’s like a clean and gentle caress of my ass that shows me love every single day.
