Secretly Incredibly Fascinating Toilet Paper
Jan 5, 2026
Delve into the fascinating world of toilet paper, from personal habits to bidet benefits. Learn about the environmental tradeoffs and how only 40% of people have proper sewer access. Discover the history and archaeology behind wiping practices, including ancient techniques and the invention of modern toilet paper. Hear about pandemic stockpiling and the legendary Johnny Carson toilet paper scare of 1973. Plus, explore the quirky testing methods by NASA and the charm of Charmin's marketing.
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Dispose Of Toilet Paper Safely Outdoors
- When outdoors, carry out toilet paper or bury it in a cat hole at least 70 feet from water.
- Do not burn toilet paper in wild areas because sparks can cause catastrophic wildfires.
Bidet Vs. Paper: It's Contextual
- Bidets generally use less water than manufacturing toilet paper, but local water scarcity and water source matter.
- Recycled-paper toilet paper cuts water use ~50% and greenhouse gases ~70% versus virgin pulp.
Drying After Bidet Use Carefully
- If you use a bidet, dry carefully: use toilet paper or dedicated towels to avoid cross-contamination.
- Avoid shared or poorly maintained towels in public settings to reduce hygiene risk.
