100% recycled toilet paper. It’s not as luxurious, but the 100% recycled material is better for the environment.

Research estimates that the average American flushes more than 57 pounds of toilet paper each year (much of which is made from virgin cellulose from Canada).

In addition, toilet paper is one of the largest sources of PFAs in waterways. If these toxic “forever chemicals” aren’t enough of a concern, many brands use bleaches and cleaners to achieve that signature cloudy look. It’s not exactly what I want to rub on my nether regions.

So when Who Gives A Crap suggested offering a selection of eco-friendly paper products (think: soft bamboo toilet paper and absorbent paper towels), I decided it was time to delve deeper into the debate.

Can eco-friendly toilet paper provide the same comfort as regular toilet paper? Or, in the name of sustainability, my ass is doomed to a lifetime spent in thin, rough sheets.

I first encountered Who Cares several years ago at a friend’s house. As a sustainability advocate with a degree in environmental science, she is a fan of the brand’s efforts to reduce toilet paper waste by choosing recycled or renewable sources.

I remember taking a close look at the colorful packaging, which was eye-catching even at the time, and noticing that the sheets seemed pretty durable for recycled toilet paper. But what really struck me was the brand’s mission.

Who Gives A Crap was founded in 2012 when the co-founders learned that nearly 40% of the world’s population does not have a toilet. The three decided to start their own toilet paper company to produce a more environmentally friendly product and donate 50% of the profits to build toilets and improve sanitation in developing countries.

While I’d like to pretend I signed up at the time, my roommate was in charge of the toilet paper at the time.

So when the brand showed up in my inbox recently and offered to offer a small batch, I jumped at the chance.

My toilet paper needs have changed a lot over the years. When I was a kid, I loved the soft pillow-like toilet paper that could make your pipe a living hell. When I moved to New York City, I had my first experience with an old sewer system and realized that I either needed to give up my luxury TP or get a plumber on speed dial.

This changed my mind about toilet paper: I needed something soft but absorbent so I wouldn’t have to waste a quarter roll on wiping.

When I started using eco-friendly products in my home, I also started turning to recycled toilet paper.

My last request is that I never want to waste my money (literally) buying the most luxurious options, I prefer a mid-range price – not too cheap, but not too expensive.

As you can see, I have high expectations for my toilet paper, but I can confidently say that Who Cares met my needs (and then some).

My order included premium 100% bamboo toilet paper (48 pieces) and eco-friendly paper towels (6 pieces). Both orders came in a box; on top was my selection of beautifully packaged toilet paper, and in a small part of the box were the paper towels I ordered.

I was pleasantly surprised by the packaging, which does not contain plastic. The box is very easy to damage and I don’t have to look for any special recycling method.

As strange as it may sound, my first impression of premium toilet paper was that it was…attractive? All rolls are individually wrapped in fun patterned paper (all black and white). I don’t want to shove these buns under the sink, which is good because I don’t have much space there anyway.

If you think the attention to detail ends here, you’re wrong. There’s even a golden scroll included, which serves as a friendly reminder to fill out your restocking order.

Let me start by saying that I used to have a prejudice against eco-friendly toilet paper – is it soft enough? ! — but Who Cares changed its mind.

Premium bamboo rollers are just as soft as their expensive competitors, and I think they actually remove dirt more effectively. This is because the cushioning feel comes from the bamboo material rather than a chunky layer (or sheets) of paper.

Therefore, they are not too thick to reach every crevice. There is also very little paper fiber shedding as I have seen with some brands.

Like toilet paper, these wipes are made from bamboo and bagasse, a byproduct of sugar cane that is considered waste. Instead of burning or burying the pulp, the brand gives it a second life in these fabrics.

The size of these fabrics confuses me a little. They are shorter than regular paper towels, making them more efficient to deliver.

Despite the reduced display size, I find these wipes meet all my needs. They cleaned up spills, removed streaks from mirrors, and left my countertops sparkling. Even though they are double lengths, I find they go just as fast as regular paper towel rolls – perhaps due to the smaller size.

Not only are you getting eco-friendly material that’s nice on your butt, but the brand’s global efforts to actively give back to the community make this a certified B Corp company I want to support. I even plan on signing up for my own subscription when my supply runs out.

If you’re asking in terms of cost, you might be surprised to learn that my answer is actually the same.

While $68 for a pack of 48 may seem like a huge investment, these rolls last longer than supermarket rolls because they are double length. This means that the cost per sheet is sometimes even lower than other well-known brands.

While I don’t personally handle my septic systems, I think it’s worth noting that the brand tests all of its products for break down and flushability (which can save you more money in the long run).

If sustainability is high on your TP wish list, you might want to opt for the brand’s 100% recycled toilet paper. It’s not as luxurious, but the 100% recycled material is better for the environment.

Those who prefer to wipe their butt with a soft cloth should opt for the Bamboo option. Of course, it is not a recycled material, but growing and harvesting bamboo has a much lower environmental impact. It is also biodegradable and generally safe for most septic systems.

An estimated 9.8 million trees are cut down each year to make toilet paper. It’s a wasteful habit that I don’t want to continue. Instead, I signed up for a Who Gives A Crap subscription service that regularly delivers plush sheets to my door. It’s a greener option that doesn’t make me depressed.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.