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Reminds me of an old youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRlBtabKRFM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRlBtabKRFM Anyway, the article made a point h

Reminds me of an old youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRlBtabKRFM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRlBtabKRFM Anyway, the article made a point how they're "combating deforestation," but is that really true? I always thought that clearing land for farming and cattle was the main cause of deforestation by far, followed by construction and furniture, and that the paper industry tended to plant tree farms since they don't really require old-growth hardwoods, which is why I always opposed recycling paper. Was I wrong in my belief? Additionally, it feels to me like this is more of a cynical attempt to capitalize on the eco-hippy market rather than any actual concern for the environment. All the people I've talked with who are concerned with environment and waste seem to be moving to bidets to minimize toilet paper use, and intuitively this makes sense to me, though I admit that I haven't done any research on the topic.

mc32 7y ago
At least in the US they grow fast growing trees that are only good for paper pulp[1] —they’re not good for furniture or construction frames (plywood is okay), for example, so “stopping deforestation” is a red herring. Also some of them are transporting the paper all across the ocean; it’s not a grievous negative, but it’s not a positive. [1]https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5788e6f23e00be7706ac5e4b/t/57993b589de4bb907f75227c/1469659992442/How+Are+Trees+Grown+for+Paper.pdf https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5788e6f23e00be7706ac5...
benj111 7y ago
"It feels to me like this is more of a cynical attempt to capitalize on the eco-hippy market rather than any actual concern for the environment" Is there a functional difference? The company will die or thrive based on the size of the 'eco-hippy' market (well lots of things, but lets keep it simple), motivation isn't really going to change that. I suppose yes from the customer perspective they are buying warm fuzzy save the polar bear feelings, but then the cynical company will tell them what they want to hear anyway. A bidet for me would involve replacing plaster and floorboards, the payback time would be massive.
- tdewitt 7y ago
  You don't have to replace the full toilet. There are plenty of options that fit on an existing toilet. You can get simple ones that are just spray all the way up to seat replacements with deodorizers and warm water (they require an outlet). It's easier than replacing your floor and not horribly expensive. Your butt and the environment will thank you.

mc32 7y ago

At least in the US they grow fast growing trees that are only good for paper pulp[1] —they’re not good for furniture or construction frames (plywood is okay), for example, so “stopping deforestation” is a red herring. Also some of them are transporting the paper all across the ocean; it’s not a grievous negative, but it’s not a positive. [1]https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5788e6f23e00be7706ac5e4b/t/57993b589de4bb907f75227c/1469659992442/How+Are+Trees+Grown+for+Paper.pdf https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5788e6f23e00be7706ac5...

benj111 7y ago

"It feels to me like this is more of a cynical attempt to capitalize on the eco-hippy market rather than any actual concern for the environment" Is there a functional difference? The company will die or thrive based on the size of the 'eco-hippy' market (well lots of things, but lets keep it simple), motivation isn't really going to change that. I suppose yes from the customer perspective they are buying warm fuzzy save the polar bear feelings, but then the cynical company will tell them what they want to hear anyway. A bidet for me would involve replacing plaster and floorboards, the payback time would be massive.

tdewitt 7y ago
You don't have to replace the full toilet. There are plenty of options that fit on an existing toilet. You can get simple ones that are just spray all the way up to seat replacements with deodorizers and warm water (they require an outlet). It's easier than replacing your floor and not horribly expensive. Your butt and the environment will thank you.