Wednesday 5 February 2020

Not Just Any Old Toilet Rolls

I don't know what the delivery guy thought when he brought me this box


This is what was inside



It's a sample pack from a company called Who gives a crap. Toilet paper, kitchen paper and tissues. All made from recycled paper or bamboo, with 50% of profits going to build toilets in parts of the world where the 'luxury' of a loo is rare.
I'd been looking at their website occasionally  because I knew they did these free trial packs (£3 delivery charge) now and again.When you have a septic tank there is always a worry about blocking up the drains which is why I didn't want to order a bulk purchase straight off.

Many years ago we always used 100% recycled paper, we would go up to Norwich to a wholefood warehouse and collect loo rolls 8 dozen at a time at a time, flour by the sack, muesli and dried fruit in big 10kg bags.It saved us a lot of money back then When the children moved out we didn't need so much of anything and the warehouse stopped people going in to collect their own stuff and that was the end.
Being on my own I don't use a huge amount of loo paper so can afford to do another little bit to help a good charity - I've been a Wateraid supporter for a while so this is another way to help improve sanitation and water supplies so that more children don't have to miss school or spend hours carrying water.

I was a bit concerned as this TP is 3 ply but it seems to be OK, I've tested it for breakdownability!
The bamboo paper didn't break down so easily so I won't be using that, I've given that away.

The catch to having this cheap free sample is that you have to sign up for a regular delivery. I shall get the first one in a few weeks time but will then need to cancel as I won't need more for about a year!

This is my first post under the label "Small steps to a Smaller Footprint". I'll do more posts about things I already do and future changes.


Back Tomorrow
Sue


29 comments:

  1. I've used that paper. As you say, it's worth sapending a bit more for an envioronmental plus.
    LOVE the box!
    xx

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    1. It's so sad that clean water and sanitation is still not available for everyone in the 21st century

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  2. We are now on a mains drainage but had a septic tank at our last house. We were always careful about what we put down the loo, no wipes, no bleach etc. I had not thought loo paper itself was a problem though. Does it contain plastics?

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    1. No, but the quilted stuff is so thick and slow to break down it can block the pipes on the way to the tank

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  3. My husband "converted" us last year and then bought a box of the Christmas rolls to give to family and friends to help spread the word. Saved on wrapping paper as well so win win as they say!

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    1. I didn't know they did Christmas TP - I'll try that for presents next year - should be a talking point!!

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  4. I use Cheeky Panda brand. Find it cheaper than even the supermarket own brands because it is such good quality you use less making it more economical in the long run, and the inner tubes are very sturdy for recycled projects.

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    1. I've not heard of Cheeky Panda - will do research

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  5. I've also tried the crap loo paper, sadly, I found it aptly named because it shreds so badly and leaves bits everywhere and where there shouldn't be any! However, I can see your point about the breakdownability. I've now changed over to Cheeky Panda as I don't have to think about sceptic tanks. Might not break down as easily but at least it's plastic free. I also use wet wipes, I know controversial, but I don't have a sink in the loo and ready access to water. Found some proper 'safe to flush' wipes, plastic free and made from 100% paper, so feel a lot better about using them.

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    1. It certainly shreds - haven't found it in personal places yet!!

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    2. The 'safe to flush' wipes are not recommended by the maintenance guy where I live most of the year. He says they block the pipes just as badly as the non-flushable ones … and I'm loathe to get on the wrong side of a man with drainage rods ;-)

      A lined bin in the bathroom is the answer for disposing of them, not flushing.

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    3. We also found this paper shredded badly leaving bobbles of paper 'everywhere'.
      Also the large box we ordered seemed to be made up with paper from different batches - some was acceptable, but other rolls contained a lot of large black 'bits'. I've since heard that this paper is made in China from collected 'office waste' paper and that quality control of the whole manufacturing process (environmental & product) is monitored by the producer but not by the organisation that sells it in the UK as they have been denied access to the whole process. On that basis we did not order anymore.

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  6. Like you I’ve just come across WGAC and ordered a box - it was quite a struggle to find places for 48 loo rolls! I’ve never heard of Cheeky Panda but I will give them a look - although I guess I won’t be needing to stock up for a long, long time!

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    1. I sorted out my airing cupboard so will store them there. I think 48 will last several months!!

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  7. What a lovely idea! I must admit that I stick to the same kind of toilet paper. I don't know whether it was a coincidence, but the one time I changed brands our pipes got all blocked up (and backed up) and we had to call someone to come and unblock everything. I haven't changed again since as it was very expensive to fix.

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  8. I've been using these for a few years now both the recycled and the bamboo and they both breakdown fine in my septic tank. I get a delivery twice a year and this means I never have to remember toilet rolls or tissues a great failing of mine in the past.

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  9. Our local Wildlife Trust charity uses these in their staff loos. I volunteer for them in the shop and had to laugh when I first saw the boxes.

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  10. I tried WGAC, thought it a great idea but afraid I didn't get on with it. As another person commented it did shred badly and leave 'bits behind' if you'll pardon the pun. I also am using Mutts Butts for compostable dog poo bags but I think they only break down into smaller bits of plastic. I've heard there are corn starch dog bags so will try those when I've used up current supply. I'm also interested in the other brand of loo paper mentioned in the replies here.

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  11. I enjoy packing the recycling to send off to Terracycle in my empty WGAC box! Arilx

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  12. You'd have thought it would be in plain packaging. Whatever will they emblazon next for the postman and all the neighbours to see.

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  13. We order this in Australia,just when we need it. Have found the recycle one soft and have no problems with it. It is also very reasonably priced(and the packing does make us laugh!)

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  14. Well...I’m lost for words....amused but totally lost! x

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  15. We buy this, too, in Australia and have had no problems with it. Luckily, I can order it as I need but the storage is an issue. You'll find stashed loo rolls in the unlikeliest of places at my home! A friend got us onto this when she distributed rolls as presents.

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  16. Love the box - I might look into odering some myself - we have a septic tank in Scotland.

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  17. I would buy it just for the box! Thanks for the smile this evening.

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  18. I've used this TP for quite a while now and find it to be great. I was able to buy it as part of a group order for bit better price but that's no longer been possible so bit more expensive now but I think worth it. Meg:)

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  19. I got a 48 roll delivery of these toilet rolls this week, to take to the Van with me. The Who Gives a Crap box logos made the delivery guy smile for sure. I was naively surprised at how bloody heavy the box was, and it will definitely fill the front passenger seat of my little Fiat 500 when I'm Van bound in a couple of weeks!!

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