The Real Environmental Footprint of Toilet Paper — and How a Bidet Changes It
By James Hargreaves · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read
- Producing a single roll of toilet paper from virgin pulp is estimated to use well over 100 litres of water
- A bidet wash uses around 0.5–1 litre — a fraction of the water embedded in the paper it replaces
- Switching can cut a household's toilet paper use by 70–90%
- A basic handheld sprayer costs £15–£50 and installs in about 15 minutes, no plumber needed
The Hidden Environmental Cost of Toilet Paper
Every roll of toilet paper you use has a surprisingly large environmental footprint. From cutting down trees to the water-intensive manufacturing process, UK households contribute to that footprint without necessarily realising it. Producing a single roll from virgin pulp is estimated to require well over 100 litres of water once the full production process is accounted for, and the UK gets through billions of rolls annually — much of it from forestry that isn't always managed sustainably.
Beyond the trees, consider the energy used in pulping, bleaching, and transporting those rolls to your local supermarket. Then there's the plastic wrapping and the waste that ends up in landfill. It's a fairly linear, resource-heavy cycle for something used for only a few seconds at a time. The toilet paper industry is a meaningful contributor to carbon emissions at an industrial scale — something often overlooked in everyday conversations about household sustainability.
If you're looking to reduce your household's environmental impact, swapping paper for water with a bidet is one of the more effective changes you can make — and it doesn't require a major renovation.
How Bidets Reduce Waste and Lower Your Footprint
A bidet cleans with a gentle stream of water instead of paper. That simple switch can eliminate thousands of sheets of toilet paper per person each year. Many bidet users find they cut toilet paper use by 70–90%. For a family of four, that could mean dozens of rolls saved every month — along with the trees, water, and energy that would have gone into making them.
But what about the water the bidet itself uses? A typical wash takes around 0.5–1 litre. Compare that to the well-over-100-litre water footprint embedded in a single roll of paper, and even frequent daily use adds up to far less water than producing a week's worth of toilet paper would require. Many modern bidets also use low-flow nozzle technology, reducing water use even further.
If reducing your footprint is the main goal, pair a bidet with a small stack of washable cloths for drying instead of paper — it's a simple way to push your paper savings even higher without any extra cost.
Practical Steps to Install a Bidet in Your UK Bathroom
You don't need a plumber or a big budget to get started. Here are the most common options for UK homes:
- Handheld bidet sprayer (shattaf): Attaches to your toilet's water supply. Costs £15–£50 and fits any standard toilet. DIY install in around 15 minutes.
- Bidet toilet seat: Replaces your existing seat. Non-electric models start from around £60; electric versions with warm water and a dryer cost more but need a nearby power outlet.
- Standalone bidet: A separate fixture beside the toilet. Requires more space and professional plumbing, so it's less common in UK homes.
For most households, a handheld sprayer or a basic bidet seat is the most practical choice. Make sure the product is WRAS-approved to comply with UK water fittings regulations. If you're renting, a sprayer is fully removable and leaves no permanent changes.
Comparing Bidets to Toilet Paper: Which Is Really Greener?
When you look at the full lifecycle, bidets come out ahead. Toilet paper production involves:
- Cutting down trees (sometimes from old-growth forests)
- High water and energy use in pulping and bleaching
- Plastic packaging and transport emissions
- Waste that doesn't easily biodegrade in landfill
Bidets, once installed, use only a small amount of water per wash. Even electric bidet seats consume very little electricity for heating. And they produce no ongoing paper waste at all. The only environmental cost is the manufacturing of the device itself, spread out over years of use.
Over a five-year period, a household switching to a bidet will save a substantial volume of water embedded in paper production and avoid a meaningful amount of paper waste. Washing with water is also generally gentler on the skin than dry wiping for many people, which can reduce reliance on additional products like medicated wipes — another small source of waste.
Addressing Common Concerns About Bidet Use
"Isn't it unhygienic to share a bidet?" Not generally. The spray nozzle doesn't touch your body, and many models have self-cleaning functions. For handheld sprayers, the nozzle is easily wiped clean and can be kept on a wall bracket away from the toilet bowl.
"Will it increase my water bill?" Only slightly, if at all. The extra water used is small — often less than one extra toilet flush per day — and the savings on toilet paper more than offset it for most households.
"Do I need an electrician?" Only for electric bidet seats. Non-electric sprayers and seats use cold water only and need no power, which also makes them the more eco-friendly choice.
"What about UK water regulations?" Look for WRAS approval or a built-in anti-siphon valve. This prevents any backflow from contaminating your household water supply. Reputable brands sold in the UK meet these standards as a matter of course.
Making the Switch: Your First Steps
Ready to reduce your environmental footprint? Here's a simple plan:
- Order a WRAS-approved handheld bidet sprayer (budget around £20–£50).
- Watch a short installation video — you'll only need an adjustable spanner.
- Install it in around 15 minutes — no plumber required.
- Try it for a week. Most people adapt quickly.
- Track your toilet paper use — many people see a substantial drop within the first month.
Small changes add up. By switching to a bidet, you're saving water at the production level, reducing pressure on forests, and cutting down on plastic packaging waste — all while enjoying a cleaner, more comfortable routine.