We started Nothing Butt with the simple idea: what if one of the most ordinary items in our homes (our toilet paper) could become a meaningful, easy, sustainable choice?
We believed that choosing bamboo toilet paper was a smart move. And we still believe that…but along the way we discovered a lot more. We found out that not all bamboo is created equal, that the reassuring “tree-free” label has layers, and that the impact of our everyday swaps adds up more than we first realised.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you might want to know about bamboo toilet paper: why it matters, how it works, what to watch for, and how making the swap with Nothing Butt can be one small change that feels effortless and worthwhile.
What is “bamboo toilet paper”?
At its simplest: toilet paper made from the pulp of bamboo instead of wood pulp (trees).
Bamboo is not a tree. It’s a fast-growing grass. That means the raw material grows back quickly, with less input, and fewer environmental hits.
When you choose bamboo rolls, you’re choosing a product that aims to:
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reduce reliance on trees and forest ecosystems
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use raw materials that regrow faster
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often come in plastic-free or low-waste packaging (depending on brand).
Why is bamboo a better choice?
Rapid growth, fewer resources:
Bamboo grows far faster than trees, some species can grow more than 20 times faster.
It needs less water and fewer or no pesticides/chemical fertilisers to thrive.
Because the raw material is “grass”, the environmental burden of sourcing is lower in many cases than harvesting virgin forest-wood.
Carbon & ecological benefits:
Studies suggest that bamboo-based tissue can generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions than virgin wood-based tissue. Plus, bamboo’s rapid biomass growth means it can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen more efficiently than slower-growing trees in some contexts.
Biodegradability & waste-impact:
Bamboo toilet paper tends to break down more rapidly and naturally than many conventional tree-based papers. That means less stress on wastewater systems, fewer lingering fibres in landfills, and a more “circular” feel to the product’s life.
Comfort, performance & home-factor:
When we first considered switching, one question kept coming up: “Will it feel as good?” The answer: yes, it does. Bamboo fibres are naturally soft and strong, meaning you don’t need to compromise on comfort to go green.
At Nothing Butt we source bamboo toilet paper that meets our comfort standards, and that means you feel good using it, not just “we’re doing good”.
What we discovered along the way (and what to watch for)
Because we believe transparency matters, here’s what surprised us, and what you’ll want to check before buying “bamboo” toilet paper.
The “bamboo” label can vary: We were shocked to find that some brands marketed as “100% bamboo” actually contained either other wood-fibres or very low percentages of bamboo. For example: in testing of UK brands, three out of five “top” bamboo toilet roll brands were found to contain mostly wood pulp rather than bamboo.This doesn’t mean bamboo is a bad idea. It means being an informed consumer matters.
Certification, sourcing & supply chain matter: Sustainable sourcing is not automatic. For bamboo to be truly beneficial, it should come from responsibly managed plantations or regenerated forests, not from natural forest woodlands that have been cleared to grow bamboo. At Nothing Butt our sourcing criteria means we look for FSC (or equivalent) certified supply chains, transparent processing and packaging that honours our sustainable brand promise.
Why switching your toilet paper is one of the easiest swaps you’ll make
We love this part of our journey, because it shows how something that seems small can feel effortless and meaningful.
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Why it’s easy: You’re already buying toilet paper every month. Switching brands doesn’t require a drastic habit change.
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Why you can feel good: Because the product delivers comfort and performance, you don’t feel you’re “settling”.
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Why it adds up: The toilet paper industry has a bigger footprint than many realise. By choosing bamboo, you’re contributing to forest health, reduced water/pesticide use, lower carbon emissions and less waste.
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Why it fits everyday life: At Nothing Butt we’ve designed bundles (e.g., mixed boxes: 6 individually wrapped rolls + bigger bulk) to make the swap seamless and aligned with how you live.
Frequently Asked Questions (and our answers)
Is bamboo toilet paper safe for septic tanks and drains?
Yes! Because bamboo is a grass, it dissolves and breaks down naturally. As with any product, always check the manufacturer’s packaging or certifications to confirm “septic safe” for your local system.
What about recycled vs bamboo toilet paper…which is better?
Both are significantly better than conventional tree-based virgin wood tissue. However, bamboo offers extra comfort and is still far superior to virgin tree products when sourced responsibly. We choose bamboo because we believe the experience and performance matter for adoption, and one swap that feels good is more likely to stick.
How do I know if a brand is really bamboo and responsibly sourced?
Look for genuine certifications (FSC, PEFC, or equivalent) and supply chain transparency.
Check packaging claims, “100% bamboo” should be accurate and verified.
Beware of greenwashing: as testing of UK brands shows, some “bamboo” brands contained mostly wood pulp.
Packaging matters: plastic-free packaging, minimal waste wrapping, etc., all add to the overall sustainability story.
Isn’t bamboo more expensive?
Perhaps initially. But remember: if the rolls last longer (thanks to strength), and you subscribe (or buy in bulk), the cost differential narrows. Plus, the value is in both the experience and the impact.
At Nothing Butt we believe affordable luxury can and must be sustainable. We price accordingly. It will cost you less than 2p per trip to the loo!
How Nothing Butt does it differently
Here at Nothing Butt we’re committed to more than “tree-free toilet paper”. Our ethos is: affordable luxury + sustainability + purpose. That means:
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We select bamboo toilet paper that meets our comfort standards: soft, strong, septic safe.
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We ensure the packaging aligns with low-waste values: mixed boxes, no plastic, smarter logistics.
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Our product bundles (12-pack, 24-pack, 48-pack with mixed individually wrapped rolls) make the swap flexible and practical.
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We believe in transparency: we don’t assume our audience knows everything. That’s why this guide exists.
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We’re less about telling you “you’ve been doing it wrong” and more about saying “we’re learning too” and “let’s make better choices together”.
What you can do today
Pick one thing this month. It doesn’t need to involve a huge lifestyle change. Here’s a simple call to action:
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Replace your next subscription or purchase of conventional toilet roll with a bamboo alternative…like ours 😉
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Keep the roll that you currently use (if you’re comfortable) and compare how the bamboo version feels, performs, lasts. Let yourself notice the difference.
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Share your experience. Tag us, tell us what you noticed. Did you feel softer? Did you use fewer sheets? Did you feel good about the swap?
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Then consider the ripple effect: one small change in your home signifies a bigger commitment to planet-health and wellbeing.
We didn’t set out thinking we would overhaul how people view toilet paper. We simply asked: “Can this everyday product reflect our values?”
What we discovered is far better: switching to bamboo toilet paper is one of the easiest, most effective swaps you’ll make for the planet, and for your home. At Nothing Butt, we’re proud to walk this path with you. Because every little swap adds up.
Here’s to more knowledge, more comfort, more planet-friendly living. Let’s make the simple choice the smart one.
Statistics in this article are drawn from reports and research by Home Planet by Grove, EcoWatch, NRDC, FSC, SGG, TreeHugger and Bower Collective
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