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Bidet vs Toilet Paper: Environmental Impact Comparison

You’ve probably never given much thought to your bathroom habits, but the choice between toilet paper and bidets can make a significant difference to our environment.

As expert plumbers with years of experience installing both traditional and modern bathroom fixtures, we’ve seen firsthand how these choices impact both your home and the planet.

The Impact of Toilet Paper

The numbers might shock you. Americans use about 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper each year, which requires cutting down 15 million trees.

That’s just in the U.S. alone. Manufacturing this amount of toilet paper uses up 473 billion gallons of water and 253,000 tons of chlorine for bleaching. The production process also releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

You might not realize that about 27,000 trees are cut down daily just to make toilet paper. While many manufacturers use sustainable forestry practices, the truth is that this level of tree harvesting still affects our environment, particularly in regions like Canada’s boreal forest—often called the “lungs of the north.”

Toilet vs Bidet: The Problem

When people first learn about bidets, the biggest concern they have is a wet backside and another fixture sitting in their bathroom taking up space. This is where the washlet or as is commonly known – a bidet toilet seat – made its way into the modern bathroom combining the traditional toilet seat with advanced bidet functions and helps solve that problem.

Of course, you’ll still need to dry yourself unless you purchase a bidet toilet seat with a drying feature, and most people reach for toilet paper which can defeat the purpose but can drastically reduce the total consumption of toilet paper saving money and the environment in the long run.

What are some of the economic benefits of using a bidet toilet seat or washlet?

• Water usage and efficiency – typically only .5-1 liter of water per use
• it’s just a drop in the bucket compared to the 37 gallons of water needed to make a single roll of toilet paper.
• Reduction in toilet paper consumption – leading to substantial savings
• Health & hygiene benefits – indirect savings with reduced risk of infections and skin irritations.
• Energy efficiency – many modern-designed bidet toilet seats requiring electricity to operate the many advanced features are energy efficient.
• Environmental Impact – the reduction of toilet paper means less trees being cut down.
• Overall long-term value – the initial cost may be higher than a traditional toilet seat, but the ongoing savings in water, toilet paper, cleaning supplies make it a cost-effective choice.
• Plus, the water from your bidet goes straight to water treatment facilities, unlike the chemical-laden wastewater from paper manufacturing.

Why Don’t More People Use Bidet Toilet Seats?

Cost

The upfront cost of a bidet can seem steep to some people. Basic bidet seat attachments start around $100, while premium models with features like heated seats and motion-activated lids, can run up to $1,000 and more.

Installation

Many people also worry about installation, thinking they’ll need major bathroom renovations, but that was only true with a traditional bidet fixture. The truth is some modern bidet seat attachments can be installed in about 30 minutes with basic tools; and still, some models might need professional installation, especially if you’re opting for a bidet toilet seat that requires electric from an outlet properly placed within 6 inches to the left or right and behind the existing toilet as well as both hot and cold water.

Lack of Popularity (Especially in West)

In North America, bidets and bidet toilet seats just haven’t caught on like they have in Europe, Asia, and South America. Cultural barriers and misconceptions about cleanliness have kept many Americans from embracing this technology. But that’s starting to change, especially with the introduction of the bidet toilet seats or washlets as they are called, and since the toilet paper shortages of recent years.

Lack of Popularity and Perception of Necessity

While Americans often find it uncomfortable to talk about bathroom related topics, some find a bidet or washlet an uncomfortable topic to even discuss and too graphic. In American toilets are often seen as a necessity and are under the opinion that all toilets are equal and basic and do not see them as an upgradable item. People usually replace their toilets only when they break, and not for upgrading.

Is a Bidet Seat Cleaner than Toilet Paper?

The short answer is yes. Using water to clean yourself is more thorough than wiping with dry paper.

Think about it: if you got mud on your hands, would you just wipe it off with paper, or would you wash it with water?

The same principle applies here. Bidets also reduce the risk of irritation and infection that can come from rough toilet paper or excessive wiping.

Using a Bidet Toilet Seat vs Toilet Paper: The Solution

Thankfully, we have options with bidet seats and toilet paper. A bidet toilet seat is the most sustainable choice because it uses less water and reduces the need to use toilet paper.

If you’re not ready for a bidet toilet seat, choosing recycled toilet paper can help reduce your environmental impact.

The financial benefits of bidet toilet seats are also clear. A family of four typically spends $200-$300 annually on toilet paper. A bidet toilet seat pays for itself within months. Premium models cost more upfront but offer luxury features like heated seats, adjustable temperatures, warm water, air drying, deodorizing, self-cleaning wands—turning your ordinary bathroom visit into a spa-like experience.

Final Thoughts

Making the switch to a bidet toilet seat isn’t just about environmental impact—it’s about embracing a cleaner, more comfortable, and more sustainable bathroom routine. While the initial adjustment might take time, most people who switch never want to go back to just toilet paper.

Discover Our Plumbing Services! At Three Way Plumbing, we’re experts at installing all types of bidet toilet seats, from simple attachments to luxury models. We’ll help you choose the right option for your bathroom and ensure proper installation for years of trouble-free use.

Contact us today to learn more about making your bathroom more sustainable and comfortable.