Is Sustainable Toilet Paper Necessary?
What to Know Before You Go
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. 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!
When it comes to proper heart health, there is no shortage of advice. Getting regular exercise, eating fruits and vegetables daily, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding smoking are just some of the heart-healthy directives doctors give their patients. But what if your home is hindering your cardiovascular health? It’s possible! Consider the following high-risk factors of an unhealthy home. Poor Air Quality We like to think of our home as a safe place to live, work, and play, but the very air you breathe in the home can be dangerous. A 2016 study published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that long-term exposure to toxins in the air can age blood vessels and lead to greater buildup in the heart’s arteries, which increases the chance for heart attack and stroke. To determine if the air in your home needs intervention, simply pay attention to your body’s signals. Signs of poor air quality may include regular headaches, nausea, frequent sneezing or sinus dryness, and coughing or breathing issues. Your house may also have unexplainable hot or cold spots, which could indicate poor air circulation and therefore poor air quality. This creates an environment where mold, mildew, and bacteria can linger and grow. You then breathe in these spores and spread these toxins throughout your body. Low Access to Activity Part of a heart-healthy lifestyle includes movement. Where you live can have a significant impact on this endeavor. For instance, neighborhoods that have poor “walkability” — like limited sidewalk access or dangerous infrastructure — may force residents to stay indoors. Furthermore, small spaces that don’t allow for at-home workouts don’t encourage exercise. You can combat these factors in a number of ways. For starters, contractors and professional organizers can help those with smaller homes install or design their space for better movement. Petitioning your city or neighborhood board to improve walking conditions can benefit the whole neighborhood. You can also search for “exercises for small spaces” on YouTube for more ideas on at-home workouts. To learn more about how you can improve your home to boost your health, speak with an HVAC or home repair expert. Is Your Home Heart Healthy? 2 Signs Your House Is Hurting Your Heart
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