The topic of today’s post is a little different to what I usually write about, but today I want to talk about toilet paper. Specifically, Who Gives A Crap’s toilet paper. Who Gives A Crap is a company that started in Melbourne just over a year ago and creates sustainable, fully recycled toilet paper that is free from inks, dyes and perfumes. Even better than that, 50% of the profits of their sales goes to Water Aid to help build toilets and improve sanitation in the developing world – how impressive is that! Toilet paper with a heart!
The idea behind the company is so simple, but that’s why I love it so much. The link between purchasing this toilet paper and helping the 40% of the world that doesn’t have access to toilets is so clear, and the fact that you are actually helping the planet twice, first by purchasing recycled toilet paper and therefore reducing the amount of paper and water being used and secondly by helping people in need, makes this an obvious choice for me.
So how does it work? The toilet paper is available online, and they do free, same day shipping to most Australian capital cities and mainland USA. You can do one off orders in boxes of 24 rolls or 48 rolls, or you can set up a standing order whereby you nominate the number of rolls and the frequency of delivery, and then you never have to think about buying toilet paper again!
One of the other great things about this company is that they are addressing so many of the reasons why people don’t get involved in sustainability initiatives – people often see things as too hard, too expensive, they don’t have enough time or they simply don’t know where to start. It’s a product that we all need, all the time so they are not asking people to introduce something new into their lives, rather just make a different choice for an existing need. The ease of ordering (particularly if you set up a standing order) takes care of the time and difficulty concerns and at just $20 for 24 rolls or $30 for 48 rolls it is definitely competitively priced.
The packaging on the rolls is also really well thought out – it is bright and colourful, so it’s not the kind of thing you would mind having on display if you don’t have room in your cupboards to store the whole box full at once.
So I guess the only question left is how well it actually does its job! I know some people don’t like recycled toilet paper as it tends not to be as thick, soft and luxurious as the non-recycled options, however I’m pleased to say this one isn’t like that at all. It’s 3-ply and surprisingly soft and strong feeling.
I think I’ve probably talked about toilet paper enough for one day, but I do encourage you to jump on their website (http://www.whogivesacrap.org), have a look around and give it a try for yourself. I think these guys are doing great things and deserve all the support we can give them!
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!