For most of us, toilet paper is something we take for granted. It’s right there on the holder, ready whenever we need it. But what if we told you that this humble bathroom staple might be on its way out? Shocking as it sounds, a growing number of people believe we could soon be waving goodbye to traditional toilet paper, and welcoming a more sustainable alternative.

How Did We Get Here? A Brief History of Toilet Paper

To understand why toilet paper might be disappearing from our shelves, we need to take a quick look at its past. Toilet paper, as we know it today, was introduced in the mid-19th century by an American inventor named Joseph Gayetty. Before his innovation, people used whatever was available—corn husks, newspaper, even leaves. Gayetty’s product, sold as “medicated paper,” was a game-changer.

Over the next century, toilet paper became a household necessity, and by the 20th century, it was hard to imagine life without it. Americans, in particular, became some of the biggest consumers of toilet paper in the world.

But times are changing.

The Environmental Impact We Can No Longer Ignore

The biggest reason toilet paper is being reconsidered has to do with its environmental footprint. Producing toilet paper is a resource-heavy process. Each year, millions of trees are cut down to make the soft rolls we use once and throw away. According to environmental experts, it takes about 37 gallons of water to produce a single roll of toilet paper. And that doesn’t even factor in the energy and chemicals used during production.

When we zoom out and look at the bigger picture, it becomes clear that toilet paper isn’t as harmless as we once thought. Deforestation, water consumption, and pollution are all major issues tied to our daily bathroom habits. As people become more eco-conscious, the idea of continuing to rely on toilet paper is starting to feel outdated.

Health Concerns Add Another Layer to the Conversation

Aside from environmental worries, some health concerns have also come to light. Many popular toilet paper brands use bleaching processes that involve chlorine, which can leave behind traces of harmful chemicals. Some studies suggest these chemicals could lead to skin irritation and even disrupt the body’s natural microbiome.

For those with sensitive skin or allergies, switching to a more natural solution seems like a no-brainer.

Enter the Bidet: A Modern, Hygienic Alternative

Bidets aren’t new. In fact, they’ve been common in Europe and Asia for decades. But in the United States, they’ve always seemed like an exotic luxury—until recently. Thanks to a combination of environmental awareness and pandemic-induced toilet paper shortages, bidet sales skyrocketed in recent years.

Modern bidet attachments are affordable, easy to install, and fit right onto your existing toilet. They use a stream of water to clean you off, reducing (or even eliminating) the need for toilet paper. Some models even offer features like heated seats, adjustable water pressure, and built-in dryers.

Not only are bidets more environmentally friendly, but they also offer better hygiene. Water cleans more thoroughly than paper ever could, and many people who make the switch say they feel fresher and cleaner.

What Does the Future Hold?

As more Americans adopt bidets and other sustainable bathroom habits, we might be seeing the beginning of the end for toilet paper. It won’t disappear overnight—old habits die hard—but the trend is clear. More consumers are asking for eco-friendly options and rethinking products that were once considered essential.

Big brands are taking notice, too. Some toilet paper companies are exploring bamboo-based products or rolls made from recycled materials. Others are investing in water-based cleaning technologies.

One thing’s for sure: change is coming to our bathrooms. Whether you’re ready for it or not, the future looks a lot less… paper-heavy.