One million trees worldwide are cut down each year to make toilet paper. Is it more sustainable to grow your own?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/41960022

Plectranthus barbatus grows to its full height in 1-2 months from a cutting and the cutting itself costs around 50 Kenyan shillings ($0.37).

“The leaves are similar in size to an industrial toilet paper square, making them suitable for use in modern flush toilets or for composting in latrines,” says Odhiambo.

They emit a minty, lemony fragrance. Covered in tiny hairs, the leaves have a soft texture.

  • Jim East@slrpnk.netOPEnglish
    3·
    12 days ago

    Have you ever been a-wanderin’
    out in the great outdoors
    when suddenly you feel a little
    movement in your drawers?
    And from your life’s experience,
    you know that that ain’t good.
    'cause all you see around you
    is just rocks and grass and wood?
    And in your mind you’re thinkin’
    toilet paper’d be the best,
    ‘cause the way this thing is feelin’,
    it could be a great big mess?
    And all that you can think is
    “What the hell am I gonna do?”
    But fortunately nature
    has a solution just for you!

    Oh, the Toilet Paper Plant
    is a magical thing!
    When you wipe your butt with it,
    it makes you wanna sing!
    Probably the softest leaves
    that you have ever seen!
    And when you’re done, your derriere
    is so damn super clean!

    Well I thank GOD, ALLAH,
    and BABY JESUS too
    for Toilet Paper Plants
    when we really gotta poo!
    'Cause when you’re in an emergency,
    and there’s no water to be found,
    you thank the lord up above
    for Toilet Paper Plants around!

    Oh, the Toilet Paper Plant
    is a magical thing!
    When you wipe your butt with it,
    it makes you wanna sing!
    Probably the softest leaves
    that you have ever seen!
    And when you’re done, your derriere
    is so damn super clean!

    And if you think savin’ your underwear
    is all that it can do,
    close your eyes and realise,
    I got better news for you!
    The Toilet Paper Plant
    makes a tasty little fruit,
    like tiny little blueberries
    that give you a little toot!
    And if you feel another one
    comin’ down the pipe,
    congratulations for discoverin’
    the greatest cycle of life!

    'Cause the Toilet Paper Plant
    is a magical thing!
    When you wipe your butt with it,
    it makes you wanna sing!
    Probably the softest leaves
    that you have ever seen!
    And when you’re done, your derriere
    is SO
    DAMN
    SUUUU
    PERRR
    CLEEEEEEAN!

    …That song is about Miconia crenata, but it’s relevant to the spirit of the article if not the letter.

    (FYI, planting Miconia crenata outside of its native range is generally considered a Really Bad Idea™. Find a native toilet paper plant for your area!)