Hemp Toilet Paper – Saving the Environment, One Poop at a Time

Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, public awareness around the benefits and utility of cannabis’ components and extracts has significantly improved. Hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant, is now rightly established as a highly sustainable resource viable for manufacturing n environmentally friendly textiles, biofuels, and even nanotechnology materials.

Unlike conventional toilet paper and paper towels, hemp toilet paper is made entirely of hemp fibers rather than processed wood pulp. In this piece, we’ll review a few good reasons to consider switching to hemp toilet paper, even though it doesn’t share the ubiquitous availability of its conventional counterparts just yet.

For now, you can settle for the next best thing to hemp for toilet paper: bamboo. Hemp toilet paper is still unavailable unless you find a local artisinal brand (doubtful).

A Safer & Less Energy-Intensive Manufacturing Process

Wood fibers are very rigid, which is great when producing industrial materials. However, this makes the use of toxic chemicals necessary to break wood fibers down into pulp that’s soft enough for use in products such as facial tissues and toilet paper.

Hemp toilet paper is entirely composed of fibers extracted from the hemp plant. Hemp fibers are finer than wood fibers, making manufacturing much simpler and significantly less dependent on harsh chemicals. It takes less work to get hemp fibers into a state usable in products that regularly contact sensitive skin tissue.

Hemp’s Complementary Natural Properties

Along with being naturally softer due to how fine hemp fibers are, hemp also comes with numerous naturally occurring qualities that don’t diminish during manufacturing. For instance, hemp fibers are longer than wood fibers, making hemp-derived products lighter but more robust. The standard issue of toilet paper tearing is far less likely with hemp toilet paper than with conventional toilet paper because its fiber length adds structural integrity.

In addition to being naturally softer and stronger, hemp fibers have antibacterial properties, according to a 2014 NC State University study. This property comes as a welcome bonus in a product like toilet paper. The resulting pulp from processing hemp fibers is also much brighter than wood pulp, diminishing the need for bleach or at least lessening the amount used in the manufacturing process. The fewer chemicals that come in contact with our skin, the better.

Sustainability in Rapid Growth

Worldwide, toilet paper wipes out 27,000 trees daily, according to the National Geographic Society. On the other hand, hemp is considerably more cellulose fiber-dense than wood pulp. One acre of hemp can produce approximately as much cellulose fiber as four acres of trees grown for timber. This means that hemp farms would require less additional land to be converted to keep up with the growing demand for paper products.

The final consideration is the sheer difference in growth rate. Some industrially grown trees have as long as a 20-year growth cycle that they must undergo to maximize the amount of cellulose fiber produced. Conversely, hemp matures to a point where its fibers can be harvested in only 100 days. Within the 20 years it takes an acre of trees to grow, an acre of hemp can be harvested over 700 times.

Mass Adoption & Legislative Red Tape

With all these apparent pros, one might wonder why hemp toilet paper hasn’t wholly replaced its conventional counterpart. A 2019 article in Forbes noted that “industrial hemp production is now legal at the national level under the 2018 Farm Bill, and more jurisdictions are getting involved.” However, it’s not yet fully legal for farmers to grow hemp in all states.

Fortunately, the benefits of cannabis legalization — such as significantly lower crime rates, higher tax revenue, and increased tourism — is causing an increasing number of states to reassess legislation around the cannabis plant. In that sense, mass adoption of practical hemp alternatives to everyday items is likely just around the corner.

Bamboo Toilet Paper vs Recycled Toilet Paper: Which is the Best Choice?

Two other popular eco-friendly options are bamboo toilet paper and recycled toilet paper. Both offer unique benefits and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Bamboo Toilet Paper: Soft, Sustainable, and Eco-Friendly

Bamboo toilet paper has also gained popularity in recent years due to its environmental benefits. Made from fast-growing bamboo plants, this type of toilet paper is a sustainable alternative to traditional options. Here are some key advantages of bamboo toilet paper:

Sustainability: Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, making it an excellent renewable resource.

Eco-Friendly: Bamboo requires fewer resources (such as water and land) than trees used for traditional toilet paper production.

Softness: Bamboo fibers are naturally soft and gentle on the skin, providing a comfortable experience1.

Strength: Despite its softness, bamboo toile

The Cheeky Panda offers bamboo toilet paper that is not only sustainable but also soft and luxurious. By choosing bamboo toilet paper, you can make a positive impact on the environment without compromising on quality.

Recycled Toilet Paper: A Second Life for Paper Waste

Recycled toilet paper is another eco-friendly option that helps reduce deforestation and waste.

It’s made from post-consumer recycled materials like office paper and newspapers. Here are some reasons why recycled toilet paper is worth considering:

Environmental Impact: Using recycled materials, this type of toilet paper helps reduce the demand for virgin wood pulp, saving trees and reducing carbon emissions.

Chlorine-Free Bleaching: Many brands use chlorine-free bleaching processes to minimize environmental harm.

Softness: Recycled toilet paper can be just as soft as traditional options, providing a comfortable experience.

We can recommend Who Gives A Crap. They produce recycled toilet paper that is not only eco-friendly but also stylishly packaged. You can contribute to a circular economy by choosing recycled toilet paper and help protect our planet.

Conclusion

By choosing hemp-based products like hemp toilet paper, you can support sustainable farming practices and reduce your carbon footprint.

Consider your priorities and values when deciding, and remember that every small step towards sustainability counts!

We hope this article helps you make an informed choice about your bathroom essentials. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Author: Eric

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