Let’s ask a question most people wouldn’t dare utter out loud: Do you really need toilet paper? We know – it sounds blasphemous. But if you’ve ever stared at the cardboard tube of an empty roll and thought, “There has to be a better way,” you’re not alone.

A growing number of people are questioning the role of toilet paper in their daily lives and embracing a new frontier: the zero-waste bathroom. Bidets, reusable cloth wipes, and sustainable alternatives are leading the charge, inviting us to rethink our bathroom habits for the sake of the planet – and maybe even our personal comfort.

So, is toilet paper truly essential? Or are there smarter, greener, dare we say... cleaner options out there? Let’s dive into the world of waste-free bathroom swaps and explore the most sustainable alternatives to toilet paper.

Why Toilet Paper Might Be More Wasteful Than You Think

Toilet paper feels like a household staple – but it comes with a hefty environmental price tag. Most traditional TP is made from virgin trees, and manufacturing it requires staggering amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. According to the NRDC, the U.S. alone uses around 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper each year. That’s a lot of trees for something we flush away in seconds.

Add to that the plastic packaging, carbon emissions from shipping, and the not-so-lovely plumbing problems from excessive use, and it becomes clear: toilet paper might not be as harmless as it seems.

And here’s the kicker: there are plenty of zero-waste alternatives to toilet paper that work just as well (if not better) without harming the planet.

What Is the Zero-Waste Bathroom Movement?

The zero-waste bathroom movement is all about reducing or eliminating single-use, disposable products in your bathroom routine – including toilet paper. It’s not just about ditching plastic shampoo bottles or swapping your toothbrush for bamboo (though we love that, too). It’s about rethinking the entire system.

People committed to this lifestyle often opt for bidets, cloth wipes (aka “family cloth”), or sustainable, compostable options like bamboo toilet paper. It’s not about perfection – it’s about progress. Even replacing a few rolls a week with a reusable or earth-friendly option makes a difference.

And don’t worry – you don’t have to go full pioneer overnight. Transitioning to a waste-free bathroom is totally doable in baby steps.

So… What Is an Earth-Friendly Alternative to Toilet Paper?

Glad you asked! There are a few different routes you can take depending on your comfort level and commitment to sustainability:

• Bidets or portable bidet bottles: These use water to cleanse and can eliminate the need for toilet paper entirely. They’re ultra-hygienic, eco-friendly, and quickly becoming mainstream.
  

• Reusable cloth wipes: Think soft flannel squares that you wash and reuse—just like cloth diapers but for grown-ups. They’re gentle, effective, and reduce your reliance on paper products.
  

• Sustainable disposable options: If reusables aren’t for you, bamboo toilet paper (like Rizzi Home’s ultra-soft, eco-friendly version) is a great step forward. It breaks down quickly, is septic-safe, and comes from fast-growing, renewable resources.
  

• Compostable wipes or toilet paper tablets: These are travel-friendly and often made from biodegradable materials. Just be sure they’re labeled as septic- or compost-safe.
  
  

Spoiler: You don’t have to pick just one. Many people use a combination of these depending on the situation.

The Bidet Boom: A Game-Changer for Zero Waste

Once relegated to luxury European hotels, bidets are now having a major moment. And for good reason – they offer a truly waste-free alternative to toilet paper and leave you feeling fresher than ever.

Installing a bidet attachment is often as easy as swapping out your toilet seat (no plumber needed), and many models are affordable, stylish, and water-efficient. If you're not quite ready to commit to a full bidet setup, portable bidet bottles – essentially squeeze bottles with angled nozzles – offer an easy and affordable way to dip your toe into the water (pun absolutely intended).

For a primer on getting started, check out this bidet 101 guide from Healthline.

Reusable Cloth Wipes: Low Waste, High Comfort

Cloth wipes might sound like a big leap, but they’re quickly gaining fans in the zero-waste community. They’re soft, washable, and customizable—you can cut up old t-shirts, flannel, or towels to make your own.

You’ll want a simple system: a basket of clean wipes within reach and a sealed container or wet bag for the used ones. Toss them in with your laundry (hot water, please) and they’re good to go again. This swap alone can eliminate thousands of sheets of toilet paper per year.

And yes—they’re perfectly hygienic when used and cleaned correctly. Think of them as the comfy sweatpants of your bathroom routine: once you try them, you might not want to go back.

A (Single!) List of Sustainable TP Alternatives

Here’s your one and only bulleted breakdown of the best zero-waste toilet paper alternatives:

• Bidets or bidet bottles – Water-based, hygienic, and 100% paper-free.
  

• Reusable cloth wipes – Washable, soft, and customizable.
  

• Bamboo toilet paper – Tree-free, biodegradable, and septic-safe.
  

• Compostable wipes/tablets – Great for travel or emergencies.
  
  

Each of these options has its own perks, and choosing what works best for you is part of the zero-waste journey.

Making the Switch: How to Start Your Zero-Waste Bathroom

Feeling inspired but not sure where to start? The trick is to ease into it. Begin by swapping out a few rolls a week with a reusable or sustainable option. Try a bidet bottle for a week. Test out a handful of cloth wipes for "pee-only" use. Replace your standard TP with bamboo.

Small swaps turn into habits. And over time, your bathroom transforms from waste-heavy to waste-free.

Bonus: A zero-waste bathroom tends to look more aesthetically pleasing too—fewer plastic-wrapped rolls, more beautiful jars, baskets, and planet-friendly products.

Do You Really Need Toilet Paper?

In short? Not necessarily.

Toilet paper has only been the norm for a little over a century, and there are plenty of cultures that have never relied on it. With today’s eco-innovations and easy-to-implement solutions, it’s more feasible than ever to reduce or even eliminate it from your routine—without sacrificing cleanliness or comfort.

Whether you go full bidet, embrace the cloth life, or simply upgrade to Rizzi Home’s bamboo toilet paper, the point is progress. Every sustainable choice adds up—and your bathroom is a great place to start.

Need help making the switch? Check out Rizzi Home’s shop for planet-loving paper that feels as good as it does good. Because zero waste doesn’t have to mean zero comfort.