IS SUSTAINABLE TOILET PAPER NECESSARY? WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Break Out of the Mold How to Spot, Prevent, and Treat Mold Growth
When you consider going eco-friendly, the first item that comes to mind might not be toilet paper. However, according to Environment America, the average American uses 140 rolls of toilet paper each year — about twice as much as parts of Europe — and despite just being 4% of the world’s population, Americans are responsible for 20% of the world’s toilet paper consumption. On top of that, production relies on about 37 gallons of water to make one roll of TP.
Mold — it’s great on blue cheese, but not in our homes.
Mold is a subset of fungus, growing primarily as a spore. It’s not an animal, plant, or type of bacteria; instead, mold (and other fungi) is its own species. As scientifically fascinating — and useful in penicillin form — as mold is, it can be very dangerous in your home. Mold growth can cause allergies, skin and eye irritation, lung problems, frequent headaches, immunity issues, and even cystic fibrosis. If you notice mold growth or want to prevent it, it’s imperative that you act. Consider this your go-to guide. Where Mold Grows Mold is resilient, and to make matters more complex, some experts estimate there may be more than 300,000 different varieties! However, there are common household types that tend to grow in equally common places. For instance, Alternaria mold thrives in damp, dark places, like under the sink. Meanwhile, Penicillium mold grows around water damage, like where your water heater may have leaked. The best way to spot mold growth in your home is to regularly examine such places, including your shower or bathtub, under sinks, and your basement or garage. However, mold can grow anywhere, so watch for the following signs:
All of that reliance takes its toll on the Earth and begs the question: Is there a better way to go?
Turns out, there is! Sustainable toilet paper brands have created products that are not only effective but eco-friendly, too. Some brands rely on non-virgin pulp wood, which means the products used to create the paper are not sourced
100% from trees. It’s instead created from recycled products, like office
paper or old newspapers consumers never used. Other brands also rely on bamboo, which has become a sustainability legend. Bamboo is a tree-like grass plant that doesn’t
require chemical protection, produces more oxygen, grows easily, and is very strong!
Brands like Reel, Who Gives A Crap, Seventh Generation, and TUSHY Bamboo all
rely on recycled or sustainable products. Reviewers of these products say the strength of the paper holds up, and each brand offers its own unique perks. For instance, Reel is a subscription- based service, whereas Who Gives A Crap donates 50% of its profits to fighting hygiene-related health issues across the globe. If you’re a champion for eco-friendly causes, you may be asking, “What about bidets?” Bidets use less water and single-use materials compared to toilet paper; however, bidet users need to … uh, dry off after using a bidet, which could require some toilet paper use. You can avoid this by using a washable cloth, but if you do use toilet paper with the bidet, you will use far less than you would without a bidet. When choosing your route for sanitary and eco-friendly bathroom use, be sure to do your research and evaluate what works with your lifestyle. Ultimately, a small change of any kind can make a big difference!
• An earthy smell on a substance or in a room
• Rapid discoloration or warping on a wall or item
• A growing stain
How to Prevent It The best way to attack mold is to create an environment in which it can’t grow. Start by eliminating moisture. Fix leaks immediately and never let wet clothing items or towels sit for a long time. Manage the humidity in your home with a properly functioning HVAC system, too. This will circumvent any potential moisture buildup. And when cleaning, utilize products that are designed to target mold growth, which will attack spores before they appear to the naked eye. For more details on how to remove and prevent mold growth, consult with a mold specialist.
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