The 5 Best Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper
When trying to make your home as eco-friendly as possible, switching to reusable materials makes a huge difference. That said, in certain situations, single-use items are non-negotiable — like when you’re using the toilet, for example. Luckily, the best eco-friendly toilet paper makes your bathroom as sustainable as possible. Before choosing a brand, however, you should first consider the material, ply, texture, shipping, and price.
What To Consider When Picking The Best Sustainable Toilet Paper
Material: Eco-friendly toilet papers are made from eco-friendly materials. Bamboo is the most popular one, since it’s fast-growing and “tree-free.” (Even though it’s absorbent and durable, it’s technically a grass, so when you cut it down, it regrows.) Alternatively, you can choose a recycled toilet paper, which reuses old paper materials instead of harvesting new ones. Whichever you choose, be sure that it’s compatible with your sewage system or septic tank.
Ply: Like all toilet papers, eco-friendly rolls come in various ply options. (Ply is another word for layer.) Typically, the higher the ply, the stronger the paper, but this is largely a matter of personal preference.
Texture: Ultimately, you want your toilet paper to be strong, but soft. Most top-selling brands even have a ridged texture to absorb more moisture and offer a more thorough clean.
Shipping: Your toilet paper might be eco-friendly, but if the shipping isn’t, it somewhat defeats the purpose. Most of the brands below take careful measures to ensure that their packaging is as sustainable as their product.
Price: Since toilet paper comes in multi-packs, it can be difficult to determine the price of each roll. Some rolls are bigger than others, too, which can also throw off your math. For all of the below brands, I’ve listed the sheets per roll and the cost per roll, so you can more easily compare and decide which is the best value.
Shop The Best Eco-Friendly Toilet Papers
If you’re in a rush, here are our top picks for the most sustainable toilet paper brands.
- The Overall Best Bamboo Toilet Paper: Reel Bamboo Toilet Paper
- The Best Value: Caboo Tree Free Bamboo Toilet Paper
- The Best Recycled Toilet Paper: Who Gives A Crap Recycled Toilet Paper
- The Best Texture: Cloud Paper Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper
- The Most Stylish Wrapping: Tushy Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper
1. The Overall Best Bamboo Toilet Paper
Reel tree-free toilet paper has earned an overall 4.9-star rating from more than 8,000 customers, making it a reviewer favorite that’s difficult to ignore. The 300-sheet, three-ply rolls are made from 100% dye-free bamboo, and buyers report that the “texture and thickness of the paper is excellent.” You can subscribe to receive regular deliveries or make a one-time purchase, but either way, the packaging is plastic-free and the minimalist wrappers go with any decor.
One reviewer said: “The hype is accurate. Everything you wrote about Reel toilet paper was right on. No toilet paper ‘dust’, thick and absorbent, and heavier weight is accurate. We are sold. We love making an environmental difference in the ways we can. We are ordering your paper towels also. Thank you.”
Material: 100% bamboo. Ply: 3-ply. Sheets Per Roll: 300. Cost Per Roll: $1.83
2. The Best Value
A top-seller on Amazon, Caboo bamboo toilet paper is one of the best values around — especially if you have free Prime shipping and you use Amazon’s Subscribe & Save feature. Despite its lower price, it still offers two-ply, 300-sheet rolls of soft, biodegradable, septic-safe toilet paper made entirely from bamboo. (The only downside: The packaging isn’t as eco-friendly, granted it’s wrapped in plastic rather than paper.)
One reviewer said: “My family has been buying Caboo for a few months now and we never want to go back to regular toilet paper again! We love that it’s made from bamboo and better for the environment, and the thickness and quality are top notch. If you’re used to ultrasoft toilet paper, this will feel rougher, but we love the softness level of this product, and love that we can get such a big package on Amazon for such a good price!”
Material: 100% bamboo. Ply: two-ply. Sheets Per Roll: 300. Cost Per Roll: $1.45
3. The Best Recycled Toilet Paper
Bamboo isn’t for everyone. (Some find it rough and linty when they’re used to standard toilet paper.) In that case, recycled toilet paper is your best bet, and Who Gives A Crap recycled toilet paper is the best around. It’s biodegradable, safe for most septic systems, and made entirely from old paper supplies from schools and office buildings. The rolls are also individually wrapped in colorful, eye-catching paper and shipped straight to your house (with or without a subscription). Finally, 50% of the brand’s profits go to their charity partners who help secure clean water and sanitation for countless people.
One reviewer said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect. While different from the toilet paper I usually buy, I’m actually quite pleased at the strength and softness of the paper. I thought it might be that horrible thin stuff, but it’s quite good. And definitely something I can get used to since it’s more environmentally friendly than other options.”
Material: 100% recycled paper. Ply: two-ply. Sheets Per Roll: 385. Cost Per Roll: $1.58
4. The Best Texture
If texture is your biggest priority, Cloud Paper’s bamboo toilet paper lives up to the brand’s name. Yes, it’s more expensive than other brands, but reviewers report that it’s “plenty soft,” especially compared to other bamboo TP. It also has a three-ply wave texture that effectively absorbs moisture and provides a thorough clean. Finally, whether with a one-time purchase or auto-shipping, the materials are responsibly sourced, the packaging is 100% recycled, and the delivery is carbon-neutral.
One reviewer said: “Best of the green options. I tried three other ‘green’ grands prior to Cloud Paper, and Cloud has the best balance between soft and strong.”
Material: 100% bamboo. Ply: three-ply. Sheets Per Roll: 300. Cost Per Roll: $1.87
5. The Most Stylish Wrapping
Who knew that your toilet paper could make such a statement? Tushy premium bamboo toilet paper is made from three-ply, silky-strong bamboo, so it’s eco-friendly, sustainable, biodegradable, and safe for septic systems. That said, it’s the plastic-free wrapping that really sets it apart; each roll is individually wrapped in modern, artistic paper that actually helps to elevate your bathroom aesthetic. That way, you can display it out in the open without a second thought. Opt for a one-time purchase, or save over 14% with a subscription.
One reviewer said: “Couldn’t love this toilet paper more. Sustainable, soft, comfortable and strong. Great plastic free packaging, looks good on the shelf and most importantly does it’s job well. Couldn’t recommend more. Also love the subscription model [which] means I’m never out of TP!”
Material: 100% Bamboo. Ply: three-ply. Sheets Per Roll: 300. Cost Per Roll: $1.91
Referenced Scientific Studies:
Iroegbu, A.O.C.; Ray, S.S. Bamboos: From Bioresource to Sustainable Materials and Chemicals. Sustainability (2021), https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/21/12200
