Does 70% of the world not use toilet paper?

Beyond the Roll: Why 70% of the World Cleans Without Toilet Paper

The humble roll of toilet paper, a ubiquitous fixture in bathrooms across the Western world, is far from a universal necessity. In fact, a surprising statistic reveals that roughly 70% of the global population doesn’t use toilet paper at all, opting instead for a cleaner, more sustainable alternative: water. This isn’t a matter of scarcity or lack of access; it’s a deeply ingrained cultural preference and, arguably, a more hygienic practice.

Across vast swathes of Southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, water is the cleansing agent of choice. Simple hand-held bidets, integrated toilet spray nozzles, or even a pitcher and basin serve as the standard. For many, the act of using water is not only considered cleaner – effectively washing away residue rather than simply smearing it – but also more respectful of personal hygiene. The logic is simple: we wouldn’t clean other parts of our body with dry paper; why treat the most sensitive area any differently?

The preference for water is often intertwined with religious and cultural traditions. In Islam, for instance, cleanliness is a pillar of faith, and water plays a crucial role in ritual purification. Similarly, many Asian cultures emphasize the importance of personal hygiene and view water as a superior cleansing agent.

While the water-based approach offers significant advantages, the Western reliance on toilet paper carries its own environmental baggage. The demand for softer, non-recycled toilet paper, particularly in wealthier consumer markets, contributes to deforestation. The irony lies in the fact that while billions prioritize water for cleanliness, a demand for disposable paper products in a smaller segment of the world is impacting the very resources necessary for a sustainable future.

Think about it: the process of manufacturing toilet paper requires vast quantities of water, energy, and wood pulp. The resulting paper is then used briefly and flushed away, contributing to wastewater treatment concerns and potential environmental pollution.

This isn’t to say that toilet paper is inherently bad. For individuals with mobility issues or in regions where access to clean water is limited, it provides a necessary and convenient solution. However, understanding the global context sheds light on the environmental impact of our consumption habits and highlights the viability of alternative, more sustainable practices.

Perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate our reliance on toilet paper. Exploring options like bidets, bidet attachments, or even simply adopting a more mindful approach to paper consumption could contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet for everyone, regardless of their preferred method of cleansing. The future of hygiene may just be wetter than we think.