Who Gives a Crap Toilet Paper Review

The United States is the world’s largest consumer of toilet paper, according to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). When a typical household of 4 people uses about 100 pounds of toilet paper a year, it’s worth trying to figure out a way to be more eco-friendly when it comes to our toilet paper habit.

Our family switched to recycled toilet paper, and I want to share this unsponsored Who Gives A Crap toilet paper review with you.  

That’s right! This review is my personal review, experiences, and opinions on this recycled toilet paper because I want to bring you a completely unbiased, true review of this product. 

Even as a modern, busy mom to three beautiful girls with special needs, I know that I can make a difference by choosing to vote with my dollars and support a company like Who Gives A Crap.

And if you are busy like me, yet concerned about the deforestation happening to feed the United States’ toilet paper habit, then I’ve got the resources and information to make your decision making process easier! 

Now, there are many zero waste toilet paper options out there, including several that don’t use paper at all.  However, you may be a little like me and not quite ready to introduce the bidet to your family. I think my girls may eventually come around, but honestly, I think my husband would be the most resistant. 

That’s ok if you aren’t at that point on your zero waste journey!  We are all about progress, not perfection. 

The good news is there are better, more eco-friendly options than the plastic-wrapped conventional toilet paper using virgin paper from new trees. 

And that’s where my Who Gives a Crap toilet paper review comes in and can help you avoid the hassle of trying out a ton of different products! 

(If you are ready to try some other paper-free options, the Top 5 Zero Waste Toilet Paper Options is a great resource for you!)

{Are you ready to start going green and living clean? Get this FREE 3-Day mini workshop. Start today! Perfect for zero waste beginners and busy families! Get the video for Day 1 below!}

WHY IS TOILET PAPER BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

Toilet paper is probably not something most people think about much – except for when it runs out! 

Clearly, you ARE thinking about toilet paper and how you can reduce your waste. So let’s discuss all the reasons that you are on the right track.

First of all, it is drastically impacting the sustainability of the Canadian boreal forest, the largest forest in our world currently.  This forest is home to hundreds of indigenous communities and is vital to our fight against climate change since it stores the “carbon equivalent of nearly twice the worlds’ recoverable oil reserves in its soil,” according to the NRDC.

The majority of virgin trees cut down by logging operations to make tissue pulp for the toilet paper in the United States come from the Canadian boreal forest. 

This is threatening the environment for the animal species and indigenous communities that live there and is accelerating the speed of climate change for us all. 

Second, according to the NRDC, “it takes a tremendous amount of water and energy to process trees into toilet paper, along with a startling amount of bleach, formaldehyde, and various organochlorines to increase strength, softness, and color.” 

If you also live a clean living lifestyle and limit (or eliminate) the use of harsh chemicals such as bleach and formaldehyde, then this would be another reason to avoid the use of conventional toilet paper – for both your health and the health of the environment. 

The NRDC and Stand.earth developed a Toilet Paper Sustainability Scorecard to help consumers make conscious purchasing decisions and be able to support brands that are making more sustainable choices.  It also helps us avoid brands that are doing nothing to make their products and practices more sustainable.  

I found this chart to be extremely helpful. 

Another eye-opening resource to put this all into perspective is on The World Counts website and is their Kilometers of Toilet Paper Used counter.

Without an understanding of the impact of our consumer decisions, we won’t be propelled to take action to make the necessary changes to protect our planet and climate. 

So while you might not be ready to go completely zero waste when it comes to your toilet paper, you can definitely choose better, more sustainable toilet paper options. 

THE GOOD NEWS: RECYCLED TOILET PAPER IS MORE SUSTAINABLE

Yes, there is good news! 

Toilet paper made from recycled materials is much more sustainable and eco-friendly. According to the NRDC, they not only eliminate the need to clear cut forests to make virgin tissue pulp but recycled toilet paper also only emits “one-third the greenhouse gases as tissue products make from virgin fiber.” 

Plus, as you can see from The World Counts website, the “difference between using new toilet paper and toilet paper made from recycled materials is 400 million trees, 660 million tons of water, and 45 million tons of oil.” 

For these reasons alone, it makes complete sense to buy recycled toilet paper (or use zero waste toilet paper alternatives) versus conventional toilet paper products. These recycled and alternative options are widely available and more convenient than ever before. 

WHO GIVES A CRAP TOILET PAPER REVIEW

Who Gives A Crap is my favorite brand of recycled toilet paper for many reasons.  I am someone who does a lot of research before trying out a new product including sampling the product myself before heading into a big purchase or zero waste swap. 

This Who Gives A Crap toilet paper review is completely based on my own personal experiences with the product and is in no way a sponsored post. 

I’m just passionate about sharing my experiences with eco-friendly and sustainable products so that you can save time and money when making these same decisions for your family.  I hope this information is helpful to you!

WHAT IS RECYCLED TOILET PAPER?

First off, this Who Gives a Crap toilet paper review is based on their 100% recycled toilet paper option. Our family has been a recycled toilet paper subscription member since May 2019.  

Our very first purchase was for 30 rolls of their 100% recycled toilet paper (3-ply, double-length rolls). 

So to be clear, we need to understand what recycled toilet paper is exactly.   

Recycled toilet paper is toilet paper made from non-virgin wood pulp and doesn’t involve deforestation and logging operations of virgin trees.

It’s typically made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper such as office supply paper and other home paper products. Don’t worry – it’s not reused toilet paper! 

RECYCLED VS. BAMBOO TOILET PAPER

Who Gives A Crap does offer both 100% recycled toilet paper and premium 100% bamboo toilet paper.  So you’re probably wondering, what’s the difference and why would I choose one over the other.

Pros of Bamboo:

• Softer
• Stronger
• A sustainable resource
• Is a grass that grows very quickly even when harvested multiple times 
• Grown with little or no pesticides
• Uses little water
• A better option than conventional toilet paper
• No risk of BPA exposure

Cons of Bamboo:

• Most bamboo producers are in China, where labor and environmental issues can be a concern, according to Vox.com.
• More expensive than recycled toilet paper

Pros of Recycled Toilet Paper:

• Repurposing post-consumer paper vs. harvesting new bamboo
• Requires less energy and transportation resources (according to Vox.com and other sources)
• Less expensive than bamboo toilet paper

Cons of Recycled Toilet Paper:

• May contain BPA from post-consumer recycled paper

My one concern initially with recycled toilet paper was that it can contain varying amounts of BPA due to the inclusion of post-consumer recycled paper that contains BPA, such as thermal receipt papers, fax and telex papers.  In most cases, the biggest culprit is thermal receipt papers.  

The good news is that Who Gives A Crap specifically addresses this concern by sourcing their recycled paper from “high quality raw materials, mostly from schools that are close to our factories with a small amount coming from post industrial sources. Our papers– loose leaf, textbooks, paper off cuts, journals– should not contain any BPAs.”

Additionally, they conduct third-party BPA testing regularly and address this concern with more details on their website. 

Their commitment to quality and testing has me feeling confident that Who Gives A Crap 100% recycled toilet paper is the best option for my family. 

GOOD FOR YOUR BUM (In other words, it’s chemical-free!)

In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Who Gives A Crap is also mindful of their manufacturing process and eliminating harsh chemicals from their manufacturing process.  

Their recycled toilet paper contains no inks, no dyes, no scents, and no bleach.  

Instead, they use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to whiten their recycled toilet paper.  Hydrogen peroxide is “an eco-friendly alternative that turns back into water (H20) when the manufacturing process is finished,” according to Who Gives A Crap. 

So if you are also aiming to live a clean living lifestyle, then this is great news and another perfect reason to support a company that is making clean and sustainable choices. 

HOW DOES RECYCLED TOILET PAPER FEEL?

This can only be answered on a case by case basis.  I think each brand is too unique to make a sweeping generalization. 

What I can tell you is our experience with Who Gives A Crap recycled toilet paper. 

It is definitely a little different than conventional toilet paper and not as soft. Yet, I wouldn’t say that it’s rough either.  It’s soft enough that after a couple of days, I never gave it a second thought (until needing to reflect on it now).

Even my fairly selective and picky husband has been fine with it and the kids never noticed a difference!

IS WHO GIVES A CRAP TOILET PAPER PLASTIC-FREE?

Who Gives A Crap is one of the only toilet paper companies that comes in mostly plastic-free packaging. 

The toilet paper is wrapped in compostable, recyclable paper wrappers. The paper roll tubes are also fully recyclable and compostable, as well as the cardboard boxes used for shipping. 

They publicly acknowledge there are a couple of items that are still plastic on their website, such as:

• Plastic packing tape on their shipping boxes 
• Retail 6-packs are wrapped in plastic (only available and sold in Australia)
• Plastic strapping on multiple-box orders
• The top of their tissue boxes

The good news is that they accepted the Plastic-Free July Challenge in 2019 and made it a goal to eliminate the plastic by the end of 2019.  
They have updates available on their progress on We’re on a plastic free journey! webpage along with information on how you can take the challenge yourself. I’m happy to report that they have made some great strides, and I admire their commitment to change.

MOSTLY PLASTIC-FREE SHIPMENTS AND ITS BENEFITS

Bulk shipments of recycled toilet paper are more eco-friendly versus going to the store over and over again to buy small packages of toilet paper (that are usually wrapped in plastic packaging).  

With fewer shipments, there are less carbon dioxide emissions and your supply will last you longer. This means less time spent thinking about and buying toilet paper. 

Ironically, at the time I am finishing up this review, we are living through a major shortage of toilet paper due to the health crisis in our world today.  As schools, businesses, restaurants, employers and more are shutting down, people have been scrambling to stockpile food and supplies – including toilet paper! 

Most people cannot find toilet paper on the shelves in local stores and it is causing major panic.

I am so relieved that my subscription to Who Gives A Crap recycled toilet paper arrived the week before this toilet paper shortage began.  Our family currently has a full box of 48 rolls of recycled toilet paper, plus the remaining 10 or so rolls from the previous shipment.  

It’s just another benefit of living a zero (or low) waste lifestyle and becoming a bit more self-sufficient!

On top of all those benefits, you should also consider that you will be saving money when you purchase in bulk.  Who Gives A Crap recycled toilet paper is $30 for 24 rolls or $48 for 48 rolls. 

So buying in bulk has many advantages!

A COMPANY THAT GIVES BACK

One of the best, unexpected benefits of purchasing Who Gives A Crap toilet paper is that they are Certified B-Corporation. This means that they must meet a certain set of standards related to environmental sustainability, fair employment, transparency, and are committed to social change.  

I am a strong supporter of Certified B-Corps in general because I can have confidence that they are a company truly passionate and committed to the wellbeing of people and the environment. 

Who Gives A Crap was launched in July 2012 by 3 co-founders who had learned that 2.3 billion people worldwide – or 40% of the population – didn’t have access to a toilet. They vowed to raise money to help build toilets for those in need and to improve sanitation in developing countries. 

Currently, Who Gives A Crap donates 50% of its profits to this effort. 

So even if you may find a cheaper alternative somewhere else, consider how your money is being used by the company. How are they using their profits? Are they using it to improve the lives and health of others?

THE COST OF WHO GIVES A CRAP VS. OTHER BRANDS

When you compare the cost of Who Gives A Crap recycled toilet paper to similar recycled toilet paper brands, its price point falls in the middle.  

Yet, we need to remember that the cheapest option is not always the best. Who Gives A Crap recycled toilet paper is a 3-ply toilet paper compared to a cheaper alternative which is only 1-ply.  

Plus, I love that Who Gives A Crap donates 50% of its profits to building toilets and improving sanitation for those in need.  Are the other recycled toilet paper companies committed to helping others like this? 

I’ll gladly pay a little more to support a Certified-B Corporation any day! 

Also, Who Gives A Crap has a great referral program!  You can save $10 on your first order! Just click here to place your order. 

Who Gives A Crap:

• 24 rolls for $30 ($1.25 per roll)
• 48 rolls for $48 (BEST DEAL at $1 per roll)
• Save $10 on your order by clicking HERE (making it only $0.79 per roll for 48 rolls)
• 3-ply toilet paper 
• 400 sheets per roll
• Free shipping on orders over $25

Seventh Generation: 

• 60 rolls for $99.60 ($1.66 per roll)
• 1-ply toilet paper
• 1000 sheets per roll
• Free shipping if you have Amazon Prime

Marcal:

• 48 rolls for $26.52 ($0.55 per roll)
• 2-ply toilet paper
• 504 sheets per roll
• Free shipping, if you have Amazon Prime

WHERE IS THE TOILET PAPER MADE?

Who Gives A Crap is based in Australia, but the company manufactures its toilet paper in China. 

While many people frown upon products made in China, Who Gives A Crap made a thoughtful decision and wants to clear up the misconception.  You can read all the details on their website, but the highlights are: 

• Local manufacturers would not allow the use of paper wrappers or recycled cardboard boxes, but they were able to do so with the manufacturer in China.
• Local raw materials were available to lessen the cost and environmental impact of importing raw materials
• Cut operation costs, which means lower prices for customers
• Stocked in the U.S. on both the east and west coasts to minimize shipping

WHO GIVES A CRAP BRANDING IS FUN!

Who knew that toilet paper could be fun? 

An extra bonus is that the branding and marketing for Who Gives A Crap toilet paper are really funny and entertaining.  They have a way of using cheeky humor to make the bathroom topics a little less taboo and embarrassing.  

I also love their colorful, fun paper wrappers that can be upcycled in so many ways.

REUSE, REPURPOSE, OR UPCYCLE THE PACKAGING

While all of the packaging is fully recyclable and compostable, it can also be reused, repurposed or upcycled to extend the life of these products.  This is another great reason to purchase Who Gives A Crap recycled toilet paper if you are concerned about protecting our environment. 

From the recycled cardboard boxes to the cardboard tubes and decorative paper wrappers, you can keep all of it out of the trash and give it a new life. Use your imagination! The sky’s the limit, but if you need a few ideas to get started, I’ve got you covered.

Cardboard Boxes: 

• Any of the ideas listed on the box (see above photo)
• Make a fort
• Cut into small pieces and use to make paintings
• Use for crafts
• Reuse for shipping
• Use underneath T-Shirt painting projects
• Makes a great moving box

Cardboard Tubes:

• Paper roll crafts (see my Upcycling for Kids Pinterest board for lots of ideas)
• Use to organize cords. Bundle one cord in each tube for a tangle-free organization.
• Make home decor crafts, such as wreaths and paper flowers
• Toilet Paper Roll Seed Starter Pots 

Paper Wrappers:

• Use as gift wrap (The patterns are perfect for this!)
• Place in gift bags to replace tissue paper
• Make origami
• Use for paper crafts

Need more ideas?  Head over to Who Gives A Crap’s blog, called Talking Crap, to see their Top 5 Gift Edition Crafts – with videos!

RECAP: WHO GIVES A CRAP TOILET PAPER REVIEW

At the end of the day, my Who Gives A Crap toilet paper review hopefully convinced you to seriously consider giving it a try! There are so many benefits to help an eco-conscious family make the switch from conventional toilet paper to a more sustainable version with Who Gives A Crap.

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P.S. – Are you ready to start going green and living clean? Get this FREE 3-Day mini workshop. Start today! Perfect for zero waste beginners and busy families! Get the video for Day 1 below!