People all over the world are switching to bidets. There are numerous reasons to use a bidet, but their low-environmental impact is undoubtedly at the top of the list. Bathrooms in America are constantly being restocked with toilet paper, so switching to bidets may be a culture shock. But it's 2022, and you're better than toilet paper and wet wipes! So find out how purchasing a bidet will benefit the environment and your bathroom.
What Is A Bidet?
For those who are unfamiliar with bidets, there are a few types to consider. The bidet toilet seat is the most popular option, replacing the seat on standard toilets to include spray nozzles and other built-in features. Bidet attachments are also popular due to their affordability and easy installation. The last option, which is less common in modern homes, is the standalone bidet. This bathroom fixture operates independently from the toilet and typically requires professional installation.
A T-fitting is installed to split your toilet water supply, which allows the bidet to function. Depending on your type, the bidet will either replace your toilet seat or sit between the existing seat and bowl. The nozzles can then extend to spray users when the wash functions are used. In the same way we shower to get clean, bidets focus a stream of water to cleanse sensitive areas. This removes particulates in a clean, efficient manner.
America's Toilet Paper Usage Is An Issue
With an ever-growing population, the demand for toilet paper is higher than ever. With each paper user consuming
approximately 140 rolls per year, the environment has been ravaged by toilet paper production. According to World Atlas, a tree produces around 100 pounds (200 rolls) of toilet paper, so two people can easily consume an entire tree in one year! When you multiply that by the number of households in the U.S, you have a serious issue. It would take more than 1.5 million trees to give everyone in the United States just one roll of toilet paper- that's a big forest! It's time for you to make a switch and stop being part of the public health concern.
Yes, bidets utilize tap water to cleanse users, but they require fewer resources than producing recycled toilet paper â and a fraction of the amount consumed by virgin pulp. Flushing itself uses far more water than a bidet spritz.
Paper Is A Money Pit
Can we talk about how
Statista reports a $15.29 Billion revenue for the toilet paper industry, which is only projected to increase? Toilet tissue, wet wipes, and other bathroom products are ongoing investments with a low yield. While toilet paper companies make billions, rainforests are plowed to fuel our bathroom habits. Switching to a bidet can cut or eliminate the need for toilet paper and take back control, one household at a time!
Using A Bidet Toilet Seat Instead of Paper
Now that we've seen a small part of toilet paper's environmental impact, let's take a look at why bidets are better. After your initial purchase, bidets start reducing waste and saving money. They also add a special touch to the bathroom, especially when you opt for a
model like this.
Water Consumption
How much water do bidets use? The average bidet uses eight times less water than a toilet flush, so the additional cost on your water bill is marginal. You will probably use more water showering, filling a pot, watering plants, or washing your hands on an average day, making bidets highly sustainable.
Making one roll of toilet paper consumes more water than a bidet would in a week, with many processes requiring around 37 gallons of water per roll. A single roll of recycled toilet paper can take up to 69 gallons of water to create, equaling about 276 bidet uses! With the average roll of toilet paper holding about 150 squares, that makes a single bidet use on par with about half a square of toilet paper in terms of water consumption.
What About Electricity?
Electric bidet models bring energy consumption into consideration, but that is hardly an issue. With the highly-efficient bidets sold today, you can expect to use less than $15 per year powering your system, less than an incandescent bulb.
Money Savings
Bidets may seem like a pricey investment, but think of how much you spend annually on toilet paper. A bidet attachment or seat requires a one-time purchase, but monthly expenses will plummet. Every time you donât have to stock up on toilet paper after adding a bidet, you'll really be saving! When the average person spends more than $100 per year on toilet paper, you might as well invest that towards heated seats, night lights, air deodorizers, and other cool bidet features.
Better For The Sewer System
Toilet paper, recycled paper, wet wipes, and other wiping materials are all additional stressors for sewer systems. Any professional will tell you that even flushable wipes will cause a clog someday, whereas a bidet offers nothing to clog your plumbing. This is especially beneficial for people with septic tanks since no breakdown is required.
Bidets Are The Environmentally Friendly Option
Toilet paper has been a part of American culture for centuries, but old habits don't have to last forever. While converting to recycled toilet tissue seems eco-friendly, it's still not the best answer. Not only is it less efficient than a bidet, but you will probably receive little comfort. Most people who purchase a bidet quickly discover that a wash is more comfortable and thorough than paper solutions.
Whether you use normal toilet paper or recycled paper,
bidets are the more eco-friendly option. Cleaning with a bidet saves trees, uses less energy, and deters climate change fractionally. If America switched to bidets, it could save millions of trees each year and increase the sustainability of our country, so do your part and install a bidet in your bathroom.
See What Else A Bidet Can Offer
If you're stuck on toilet paper use, it's time to look at everything else bidets can do. Besides being an eco-friendly option and a great way to save money, bidets create a superior experience. What more could you want after getting rid of "the wipe"? Let's find out:
Various Spray Settings
Why do with a basic bidet shower when so many of these systems offer an enhanced process? With oscillating nozzles, massage settings, enema features, and more, each person can find their own best cleaning experience.
Heated Seats
With all the money you save from using a bidet,
purchase a model with heated seating. This feature is amazing on cool mornings when you typically dread sitting down. Set your temperature preference, and the bidet will warm up when you get there.
Deodorizer Functions
Bathroom odor is an issue for people around the world, so the deodorizer feature is especially appreciated. Using carbon filters, certain bidets can absorb smells from the toilet after use. This helps people keep a fresher, better-smelling restroom.