| Tissues and the environment |
| By Green Living Tips |
Published
11/23/2006
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health , family
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Tissues and our forests
Yep, even the humble tissue can be very harmful to the environment. I had a huge shock the other day to discover that the manufacturer of the tissues we usually purchase gains the pulp from old growth forests.
Imagine that; the destruction of virgin forests, just so that we can blow our noses. It's pretty disgusting. Aside from the source of the material used for making tissues, some manufacturers also use dangerous and highly toxic bleaching processes.
The problem is, you can't always trust what's written on the box. In the instance I mentioned above, the manufacturer stated that they source materials from renewable plantings and "sustainably managed forests" - it seems that they were using the term rather loosely.
The best advice I could offer here is to look for solid statements such as "no bleaching", "unbleached" and "100% recycled paper" and similar. If you're still not certain, most large companies offer consumer hotlines and you can gain clarification. If they can't answer your questions or seem cagey about doing so, then that company is probably contributing to the destruction of old growth forests.
Do you have tips on sourcing earth friendly tissues or what to watch out for? Please share them below :)
Michael Bloch
Green Living Tips.com
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Comments
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Comment #1
(Posted by )
Use toilet paper to blown your nose, that way you don't have to pay $2 - $3 for 100 sheets of tissue paper.
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Comment #2
(Posted by Michael Bloch (Green Living Tips))
.. and I thought I was the only one who did that ;) - using toilet paper made from recycled paper of course!
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Comment #3
(Posted by Kayla)
My dad used a handkerchief. Image that: wrapping your snot up and carrying it around with you all day! Well, he was a very environmentally friendly person. I feel pretty spoiled and self-centered for not considering the impact I make by not wanting to schlepp my snot around and reuse a handkerchief.
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Comment #4
(Posted by Michael (Green Living Tips))
Hi Kayla, thanks for your comment. Handkerchiefs were still big when I was growing up, but I can't say I am or was a fan of the idea. I personally feel they are a little unhygeinic; but I applaud your Dad's environmental commitment :). One of my relatives had a way of dealing with the issue of a clogged nose, but it's a little gross so I won't mention it here :). I think I'll stick with my recycled toilet paper as a tissue alternative :).
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Comment #5
(Posted by Jennifer Moran)
We find the trick is to have a lot of handkerchiefs! Carry two with you in your bag or pocket. When you've used a handkerchief as much as you're comfortable with, fold it over and use the other if you need it. They are easily washed. Handkerchiefs don't leave lint in your bag the way tissues do and they're less abrasive on noses with colds! We have to admit our bias - we put our money where our beliefs are and started a hanky company - www.hankyschmanky.com.au
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Comment #6
(Posted by Michael (Green Living Tips))
Thanks for the handkerchief enlightenment Jennifer! :)
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Comment #7
(Posted by Tom)
This post is a little old but I find it crazy that lovers of the environment wouldn't use cloth. Even recycled tissue you can not "recycle" again so it is not a sustainable method of blowing your nose. Remember Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are in order of priority. So in other words don't use something that is disposable when an alternative that can be reused is available.
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