Toilet Paper Plant

Toilet paper made from virgin wood pulp currently dominates the global industry. "Typical toilet paper is made of 70-80% short fibre hardwood and 20-30% long fibre hardwood," says Ronalds Gonzalez, a professor in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at North Carolina State University.

According to research by the environmental impact consultancy Edge, roughly one million trees are cut down worldwide each year to make toilet paper.

The pulp and paper industry is the world's largest consumer of virgin wood, using roughly 35% of harvested trees for paper production. This is driving deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, species extinction and widespread ecosystem disruption according to the latest Ethical Consumer report on ethical toilet paper. (Source BBC)

"Living in Harmony with Earth – At the heart of this way of being is the pursuit of living closely with Earth and in connection with the resources and gifts that Earth provides me. Living closely with Earth means observing, analyzing and self-examining all of the ways in which I meet my basic needs for food, water, energy, waste management and transportation. For me, these are five of the key pillars to sustainable living. In every way possible, I aim to be a part of local, sustainable systems rather than systems of extraction. At home and wherever I go, I plan to spend time outside deepening my connection and bond with Earth. By creating relationships with Earth and our plant and animal relatives, I have gained much independence from political and corporate control and agendas."

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Meet the Toilet Paper Plant Click here for Video



Plectranthus barbatus is a leafy plant that can grow up to 2m (6.6ft) tall. Its leaves are roughly the size of an industrial toilet paper square and emit a minty, lemony fragrance. Covered in tiny hairs, the leaves have a soft texture.



(Attribution: Author Robin Greenfield (no relation) https://www.robingreenfield.org/ who graciously granted permission to GHI to publish his content on our site)