There are other ways to make paper

        Certain products like toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels, etc. are essential in every home. But they all require the use of paper from trees, a dwindling natural resource that can take anywhere from 10 to 30 years or more to mature, depending on the type.
        Luckily, there are other ways to make paper and even plastic from fast-growing plants such as bamboo, cotton and corn. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant, and some varieties can be harvested in as little as five years and used to make paper products, flooring and furniture. Corn and cotton are seasonal crops that can become the basis for plastic and paper production.
        I’ve been testing different brands and paper sources for months and have identified the best wood-free toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues, napkins, and disposable straws. I looked at the cost, effectiveness and biodegradability of each product.
        While most products are limited in color or design choices, they all help reduce our dependence on trees. I might sacrifice the cute floral pattern on the paper towels to be more eco-friendly for the planet.
        While toilet paper is a necessity for those new to bidet living, it can quickly run out. Silk’n Soft Bamboo Toilet Paper helps reduce the amount of paper needed to make toilet paper – it’s strong, durable and keeps you feeling clean.
        Many bamboo toilet papers are brown in color, but this one is bleached white without the use of chlorine, so it looks more like traditional toilet paper. The wipes are three-ply, fragrance-free, biodegradable, RV and septic tank safe, and bisphenol A (BPA) free.
        My family and I tried it and found it to be a very good toilet paper. While it’s not as soft as I’d like, it’s still gentle on the skin, as durable as most brands of paper, and lint-free. These rolls are called “double rolls” and are promised to be equivalent to a 300 square meter double roll or a standard double roll in the Canadian market. While not as large as some double rolls in the US, it is still good value for money.
        When I first encountered bamboo towels, I was surprised at how thick they were. Made from bamboo fiber woven in viscose, these towels are so durable that they can be thrown into the top rack of the washing machine or dishwasher up to 100 times and then thrown away after each use. Unfortunately, because bamboo fiber is recycled into fiber, it is not compostable.
        They absorb moisture amazingly. To clean up spills that might require three or four regular paper towels, you only need one Bambooee. This towel can withstand commercial cleaners and remove stains like dried-out food from refrigerator shelves or fingerprints from stainless steel appliances.
        My first roll of Bambooee paper towels lasted me over three months, which justifies the higher price. Some towels last at least 30 washes before I throw them away, but the manufacturer claims they can last up to 100 washes.
       Cons: Can’t flush down the toilet, more expensive than wood pulp paper towels, packaging doesn’t fit in standard decorative paper towel dispensers.
        As the name suggests, Winner Cotton Facial Wipes are made from cotton fibers rather than wood pulp. Think about the softest cotton T-shirts in your drawer—they’re even softer.
        Winner paper towels are sold in soft plastic bags rather than cardboard boxes, so they won’t match your standard decorative paper towels—save them for the guest bathroom. They are made from non-woven organic cotton fibers that are chemical-free, durable and ultra-soft.
        The paper towel is thick and I can soak it without tearing or tearing. This makes it ideal for diaper wipes, facial cleansing wipes, or makeup remover wipes. No added chemicals or fragrances that may irritate the skin. Each sheet is approximately 8 inches square and comes in packs of 100 sheets.
        Because these paper towels are thick, they cannot be flushed down the toilet and are not suitable for use in septic tanks. However, because they are thick, they can be reused and washed up to three times. I keep a mesh laundry bag on hand that can hold a few sheets for makeup removal, and then throw it in the washing machine.
        If you’re trying to reduce your family’s reliance on wood pulp products or are planning a rustic event, Juvale bamboo napkins are the perfect choice. Their warm, unbleached brown color complements many tablescapes, and you’ll know you saved the wood.
        These wipes are double-layered for added durability and absorbency and fold to 7.8 x 4.4 inches. Made from bamboo pulp, these wipes are free of wood and chlorine, commonly used in bleaching. To make your party feel more cohesive, we also offer matching cocktail napkins with scalloped edges.
        I chose these napkins for a family gathering with pulled pork BBQ. The napkins held up well, even when my hands were covered in pork, corn on the cob, and homemade ice cream. We use far fewer wipes than before, using finer grades of wood pulp. While the look may not be suitable for every occasion, these Juvale placemats have become a must-have in my home due to their eco-friendliness and durability.
        After seeing marine life struggle with plastic straws polluting the food system, I vowed to never use plastic straws again. I don’t use them in restaurants anymore, but I find that I really need them for drinks, especially when I’m driving. So, I turned to paper straws. They always break or fall apart and I end up using a few to drink, which doesn’t seem very eco-friendly. It can be used on reusable metal, glass, and even bamboo straws, and they are always so big that it feels like I’m drinking from a straw. Then I discovered Smipam’s plant-based biodegradable flexible straws.
        Smipam straws, made from modified cornstarch, have the taste and durability of plastic, but are biodegradable. These almost 8-inch-long straws are flexible and flexible, unlike metal, glass, or even bamboo straws that are pre-bent and rigid. The cornstarch base is BPA free, compostable and biodegrades within 180 days. The straws are supplied individually wrapped in paper and can be recycled.
        I bought a box about six months ago and we still have more than half left. I don’t use them for everything, but I do enjoy using them when we need straws. They are durable enough to hold the thickest milkshakes and fit through the lid perfectly, helping my two year old grandson avoid spills.
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