GreenBirdi

There are some things we all have in common and using toilet paper is one of them. Most toilet paper is made from wood pulp, though some brands include cotton or recycled paper. The cardboard roll is usually recyclable, but the paper itself comes with a much bigger environmental footprint than most of us realize.

As this blog will explore, traditional toilet paper isn’t particularly eco-friendly. We’ll also introduce a more sustainable alternative that many people don’t yet know about bamboo toilet paper. Read on to discover why conventional toilet paper is more expensive than it seems and why bamboo might just be the best choice for you and your family.

The Hidden Costs of Traditional Toilet Paper

There are three major costs of traditional toilet paper, ones most people don't think about.

1. Deforestation. Because toilet paper is made from virgin wood pulp, acres of trees must be cut down to fuel large-scale production. Hardwood trees take even longer to replace than softwood, resulting in a net loss of trees. This also causes damage to ecosystems and threatens endangered species.

2. Carbon footprint. Processing tree pulp uses a lot of energy and water, resulting in a high carbon footprint and overall environmental damage.

3. Chemicals and additives. Toilet paper is typically bleached with chlorine-based bleaches, a threat to the environment. Recycled paper often uses sodium hydroxide or peroxide, which isn't as bad but still isn't great. Some toilet paper has dyes, and some has added fragrances. Toilet paper can also contain toxic residues, including ubiquitous microplastics.

The average Canadian uses 630 kilometres of toilet paper in their life!

Health Risks of Not Using Bamboo Toilet Paper

Traditional toilet paper is not just bad for the environment. It's also bad for you for several reasons:

Chemical Exposure

Traditional toilet paper can contain three types of dangerous chemicals.

• Chlorine bleach. Chlorine can leave trace amounts of dioxins, which are known carcinogens. Exposure can mount up over your lifetime.

• Fragrances and dyes. These can cause skin irritation in some people and carry a risk of allergic reactions and hormonal disruption. If you must use traditional toilet paper, choose unfragranced brands.

• Formaldehyde and BPA. Some brands of toilet paper also use formaldehyde and BPA, which can be absorbed through your skin and cause problems. Formaldehyde can also cause skin irritation and is potentially associated with cancer, while BPA is an endocrine disruptor associated with reproductive problems in the male offspring of exposed mice.

Skin Sensitivity and Allergic Reactions

Some people can react badly to the chemicals in toilet paper, developing skin sensitivity or allergic reactions. Children and elderly people are at higher risk, as are those with eczema or dermatitis.

You might change brands several times and still not find relief, because the problem is the bleach or chemicals left over from manufacturing.

Long-Term Exposure Concerns

All these exposures are low, but we use toilet paper several times a day, every day of our lives, with women generally using more. This daily contact adds up, especially if you have chronic inflammation or a weakened immune system. Even minor health impacts are worth making a simple switch.

Bamboo as a Safer Alternative

In contrast, bamboo toilet paper is a safer alternative. It contains no BPA or harsh chemicals. Bamboo is typically not dyed, which can take some getting used to, and has no fragrance.

On top of that, bamboo has natural antibacterial characteristics. These characteristics protect the bamboo plant from disease while it is alive, and processing reduces bacterial-promoting compounds more than antimicrobial ones. People also tend to be less likely to have an allergic reaction to bamboo.

What Makes Bamboo a Better Choice?

Bamboo may be better for your health, but is it better in general? There are four reasons why you might want to make the switch:

1. Fast growth and renewability. Anyone who has managed to get bamboo in their yard knows it grows fast. Under ideal conditions bamboo can grow almost a meter in a day! It's the fastest-growing plant on the planet. Furthermore, it's a species of grass and can be cut down to its roots and will regrow. Bamboo groves, called culms, can be harvested every three to five years.

2. Less resource intensive. Harvesting bamboo takes a lot less effort than cutting down mature trees, and bamboo material takes less energy to turn into toilet paper (or a variety of other products, bamboo is used to make textiles, musical instruments, coffee filters, disposable cups, even copy paper).

3. Less chemical processing. Bamboo also requires less chemical processing. It's a lot easier to find unbleached bamboo paper, which is chemical-free. Look for the creamy colour. This is good for the environment and for you and is great for people who react badly to chlorine bleach.

4. Naturally antibacterial properties. Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial, reducing contamination, including potentially lowering the risk of UTIs.

Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Comfortable?

Some of you might be mentally looking at bamboo and wondering if toilet paper made from it can possibly be comfortable. In fact, bamboo toilet paper is both soft and strong, meaning it's comfortable and you use less of it. Bamboo toilet paper is typically three-ply, and many people find it is both more absorbent and more comfortable because of softer fibres.

It works well for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Most people who make the switch never look back.

Cost & Accessibility

Is bamboo toilet paper more expensive and difficult to find? Bamboo toilet paper is a bit more expensive than regular toilet paper, but because of its durability you often need to use less of it.

However, it is sometimes hard to buy in the store that is why GreenBirdi is coming out with our very own bamboo toilet paper that can be shipped right to your door! 

Other Bamboo Bathroom Alternatives

Bamboo isn't just great for toilet paper. You can also get bamboo paper towels for cleaning, bamboo tissues, and bamboo wipes. Bamboo paper towels are more durable and can even be reusable. And you can get bamboo bath towels too! Bamboo textiles are much more sustainable than cotton as bamboo grows faster and uses less water.

Every Roll Counts

Sometimes small changes make a huge difference. Just switching to bamboo toilet paper can have a great impact. It's a win for the environment and for your personal health and that of your family.

Traditional toilet paper is bad for the environment and potentially your health. We use kilometres of it every year and it all contains chlorine bleach and virgin wood pulp. On the other hand, bamboo toilet paper is often unbleached, softer on sensitive skin, free of chemicals, and comes from the fastest growing plant on the planet - making it amazingly sustainable!

Think about the sheer amount of toilet paper you use and make the switch to bamboo today. Your body and our planet will thank you!

GreenBirdi Bamboo Toilet Paper Coming Soon 

If you are interested in trying GreenBirdi’s bamboo toilet paper sign-up to be notified when it is available and receive an early bird discount.  

The holiday season is here, and with it, your opportunity to not only choose gifts for many of the people you love most, but also a chance to make a big difference. Small gifts can have a greater impact than you think, especially when you choose eco-friendly gifts for your friends and loved ones.

Eco-friendly gifts are not only environmentally sustainable, but they may also focus on social sustainability. You can shop in a way that reflects your values, choosing gifts that will not only warm hearts but also have a positive impact. At GreenBirdi, our mission is to support women, Indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities, and we've curated a list of stocking stuffers that will delight your recipients while meeting those goals, from skincare products, candles, and yummy treats to eco-friendly cleaning supplies.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Stocking Stuffers?

Traditional holiday giving often has an immense environmental impact. Across Canada, households generate an estimated 25% more waste during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Much of that waste ends up in landfills. By choosing sustainable, ethical, and Canadian-made products, you can reap several benefits.

• Decrease your overall environmental impact.

• Feel good about your gifts.

• Support small businesses and marginalized creators.

Not only that, choosing your gifts with care, including asking recipients what they want or choosing items that you know reflect their values and needs, can help ensure that the gifts themselves aren't being wasted. Almost half of Canadians report pretending to be overjoyed with an unwanted gift, which can significantly increase overall waste. Thoughtful small gifts can create meaningful change this holiday season, not just in the gifts you're giving, but also in the new traditions you create with your friends and loved ones that reflect your values. 

Earth-Friendly Stocking Stuffers for Self-Care Lovers

Self-care is an important part of many people's holiday traditions, and at GreenBirdi, we offer a variety of earth-friendly options perfect for stuffing stockings or creating gift baskets for friends and family. 

• Eco-conscious skincare minis: From the Moringa + Seaweed hydrating facial mask, which uses plant-based ingredients to nourish dry or dull skin, to the Day Serum from Nuez Acres, with its pecan oil and vitamin E composition, there are plenty of great skincare minis ideal for every stocking.

• Sustainable bath bombs, soaps, and more: Relaxing in the bath at the end of the day is a time-honoured self-care tradition. Check out the Fern Woman Bath Bomb, which focuses on plant-based ingredients, or Body Wash and Bubbles from Anointment Natural Skin Care, a vegan-friendly bath and body product for babies on up.

• Aromatherapy rollers or essential oils: Explore magnesium rollers for calm and clarity, or explore our collection of aromatic bath and body products, all sourced responsibly. 

With so many options, you're sure to find a self-care product that will delight your loved ones. 

Zero-Waste Essentials That Make Everyday Life Greener

Many single-use products significantly increase overall waste year-round. Increasingly, however, there are zero-waste options that make it easy to avoid that waste and, in many cases, they're more convenient than their single-use counterparts. Consider some of these options as you stuff stockings for your loved ones.

• Beeswax wraps or eco-friendly food wraps.

• Stainless steel or bamboo straws

• Refillable lip balms or solid lotions (or lip balms in biodegradable packages like this one from CoCaBee)

• Compact reusable shopping bags

Identify where your loved ones create waste and choose gifts tailored to those needs. 

Wellness-Inspired Gifts to Brighten the Season

This year, with stress levels high and many people unsure how they'll manage everything, consider giving the gift of wellness! Try out options like:

• Herbal teas from women-led or Indigenous brands like JusTea, which supports a Women's Herbal Tea Co-Op in Kenya

• Natural sleep aids or calming sprays

• Sustainable candles or incense, including options like RavenSong, which uses sustainable coconut wax and sustainable ingredients

• Journals made from recycled materials

Focus on nurturing mental health during the holidays and choose gifts for your loved ones that will keep on giving throughout the year.

Beauty + Skincare Gifts That Are Good for the Planet

Beauty and skincare gifts don't have to be harmful, either to the planet or to the overall health and wellness of the person using them. In fact, there are a variety of beauty products chosen with sustainability in mind. 

• Clean beauty kits, including options like our Radiance and Renewal Holiday Bundle

• Organic facial masks or exfoliators like the Oat + Niacinamide Restorative Facial Mask Powder from The Eco Alchemist

• Eco-friendly hair ties or scrunchies

• Plant-based nail polishes

Look for cruelty-free formulas and ethical sourcing when choosing your products. At GreenBirdi, we do the research and vet products for you, so you know you're getting ones that align with your values. 

For Teens, Men, and the Hard-to-Shop-For

Everyone has someone on their list who's hard to shop for. Fortunately, this list includes options for even the toughest recipients. Try:

• Minimalist wallets made from recycled materials

• Organic snacks or chocolate (Check out our Sip, Snack, and Savor Holiday Bundle or look at options like Roxy's Chocolate)

• Sustainable tech accessories, including solar-powered chargers, biodegradable phone cases, and more

• Multi-use tools or compact eco-gadgets that users can carry everywhere. 

Eco-gifting is a universal principle for every holiday gift, and you might be surprised by how many of your friends and family appreciate these efforts.

Build Your Own Eco-Friendly Stocking Stuffer Bundle

As you're stuffing stockings this year, we have holiday bundles in a variety of themes that will help you fill stockings or give spectacular gifts to everyone on your list. However, if those don't fit your needs, you can build your own! Try some of these great options. 

Self-Care and Spa Night

Give the gift of relaxation with items like:

• Shower steamers

• Bubble bath

• Dead Sea Mud Mask

• Facial mask brush

• Earth and Sea Bath Gift Box

Eco-Kitchen Starter Pack

For friends and loved ones who are just getting started in their own kitchens or are interested in more eco-friendly options, try some of these fantastic stocking stuffers. 

• Eco-friendly Dish Brush

• Tea Towels

• Solid Dish Soap

• Hand-Carved Salad Serving Spoons

• Tea Infuser

Mindfulness + Wellness Set

Improve overall wellness and mindfulness with items designed to encourage self-care and reflection. 

• Made with Local Granola Bars

• Crown Relief Aromatic Magnesium Roller

• Body Oil

• Soap Buttons

• Shower Steamers

Give Gifts That Matter

This holiday season, give gifts that matter, not just randomly chosen gifts, but gifts that fit your values and those of your recipients. At GreenBirdi, we focus on empowering sustainability through products carefully curated to reflect those values. Browse our eco-friendly stocking stuffers and gift collections to find gifts that fit everyone on your list. To receive free shipping on your first order and other perks, join our flock.

It's the most festive time of the year, and you're ready to celebrate! Unfortunately, many traditional holiday practices are filled with potential waste: excess packaging, single-use decorations, and even food waste. If you're on a sustainability journey whether you've been at it for a while or getting started, you may need some ways to reduce that waste and ensure that the holidays don't mean piles of waste all without sacrificing the magic of the season. Check out these practical tips that you can use to increase sustainability this year.

1. Decorate Sustainably

There are plenty of incredible eco-friendly decorations available. Consider wooden, glass, or cloth ornaments, which are more likely to withstand the ravages of time and remain on your tree for years to come. Consider looking into DIY decorations: choose natural materials like pinecones, oranges, and cinnamon sticks to create beautiful (and great smelling!) holiday decor without breaking the bank. As you expand your holiday decorations, consider options you can store for next year. Avoid single-use plastics and other items you know won't make it back out of the attic next year (or, worse, end up in the trash at the end of the season). 

2. Plan a Zero Waste Feast

For many families, the holiday season is all about incredible food that you don't get to enjoy the rest of the year. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to decrease food waste, even when there's an overabundance on the table. 

Shop Smart

Eco-friendly holiday meals start with your shopping list. First, plan to shop local whenever you can, and use seasonal ingredients as the base for your holiday meals. Next, plan to buy only what you need. Avoid overstocking on items just because they're on sale, especially if you don't have a plan for using them later. This is also a great time to scrap that traditional dish that no one in the family eats. 

Reduce Food Waste

Planning can help you reduce food waste and make the most of your favourite holiday dishes. 

• Meal plan: Plan not only the holiday meal, but also what you'll do with the leftovers! Having a clear plan in place can make it easier to ensure that everything gets used. 

• Freeze the leftovers: If you know you won't be able to finish them before they go bad, freeze them! You can even freeze items as individual servings, making them easy to pop out of the freezer for simple meals in January and beyond. Holiday treats and baked goods can also be frozen for future use.

• Compost: For scraps and items that are no longer edible, try composting! The scraps can nourish your garden next year. 

These simple strategies can go a long way toward ensuring that you use all the holiday food you've prepared. 

Use Sustainable Tableware

One of the simplest swaps can make some of the most significant differences over the holiday season: using reusable plates, cutlery, and napkins instead of disposable products for your holiday meals. You can always do the dishes together after your meal!

3. Try Out Eco-Friendly Holiday Cards

Holiday cards can create a lot of paper waste. Digital cards, whether via apps or e-cards, can help save a significant amount of paper over the holiday season. You can also use recycled paper cards or cards made from plantable seed paper to stick with this popular tradition without creating a lot of paper waste. If you're avoiding the usual holiday cards and the excessive waste that will go along with them, consider short, handwritten notes to the people who mean the most to you this holiday season. 

4. Engage in Mindful Holiday Activities

Materialism often runs rampant over the holidays. Everyone has an extensive gift list, not to mention the need to pick up the latest goodies from every store running a sale or special. Try prioritizing experience over materialism. Try volunteering together as a family, going for nature outings, or enjoying family game nights.

Remember, it doesn't have to be all about excess, either. Look for options that provide meaningful rituals for you and your family, rather than excessive consumption. Going for a ride together to enjoy holiday lights can open opportunities for connection and communication, while volunteering together is a great way to give back to your local community and feel a more profound sense of connection. 

The Beauty of Community Sharing

As you increase your focus on mindfulness, look for ways to connect with members of the local community and share what you have with one another. Swapping gifts, clothing, and decorations with neighbours and friends can keep things fresh and new without increasing your costs, not to mention giving unwanted items new life.

5. Explore These Waste-Free Wrapping and Packaging Tips

Gift packaging can generate significant unnecessary waste. Fortunately, there are several ways you can try waste-free packaging. 

Gift Wrapping Alternatives

Instead of using wrapping paper, a one-time-use item that can lead to considerable waste in many households, try some of these alternatives. 

• Reusable fabric wraps (furoshiki)

• Fabric scarves or tea towels as wraps

• Recycled paper

• Baskets

These simple changes can make a big difference in the amount of waste your packaging generates. 

Natural Adornments

Instead of using expensive one-time-use bows, try using natural items! Twine, sprigs of evergreen, or dried fruit can all make great gift adornments, making your packages stand out without increasing waste.

6. Rethink Your Gift-Giving

The way you give gifts can have a substantial impact on holiday waste. Fortunately, there are several ways you can give gifts that will not increase waste or end up in a landfill before you know it. 

Sustainable Gifts

Focus on sustainability when you choose gifts for those closest to you! Try:

• Handmade gifts, especially if you have a hobby or craft that you're good at

• Experiences, from bigger gifts like theme park tickets to smaller gifts like a trip out for ice cream

• Digital gifts, including games, funds to popular gaming sites, or access to websites or programs the recipient uses regularly

These items often involve far less waste than store-bought gifts and often last far longer. 

Second Hand Gifts

In many cases, second hand gifts can be more valuable than new items. Upcycled presents and thrifted items can be surprisingly well-received, and many of those older items are in better shape than the items you can buy new. Vintage treasures can also often bring unexpected smiles. 

Shop GreenBirdi

If you're looking for sustainable, eco-friendly gift items, check out GreenBirdi. Our products have been GreenBirdi approved and are eco-friendly, so you can feel confident that you have chosen gifts that will wow your friends and family, and are better for the environment. Check out our holiday bundles to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, whether you're looking for delicious treats, bath and body items, or a little something for your furry friends, or shop by category to find items ranging from bath and body to stickers, blankets, and more. 

Reduce Your Waste This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, there are plenty of strategies you can use to reduce waste while keeping the magic alive. From choosing your gifts with care to packaging them with sustainable practices rather than disposable gift wrap, there are many little ways you can make a difference. If this is your first year planning an eco-friendly holiday, pick a couple of strategies from our list and expand them as the years go by. Some of them might even become your new favourite traditions!

If you’ve ever looked at one of our stickers and thought, “Wow… this is giving feminist-fairy-godmother energy,” you’re not wrong. That’s because they came from the brilliant mind of Victoria-based artist, graphic designer, illustrator, and all-around creative powerhouse Meaghan Lovis.

Meaghan graduated from Concordia University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction. Since then, she’s racked up awards for both printmaking and digital art, and has worked with artists and companies across Canada. But honestly, the reason we love her isn’t just because she’s wildly talented; it’s because of who she is.

Saying “No Thanks” to Hustle Culture

In the summer of 2023, Meaghan launched Phaest, a small but mighty brand built on personal agency, empowerment, and the joy of taking art off the page and into everyday life through apparel and accessories. Phaest is woman-powered, community-minded, and deliciously anti–grind culture. After too many experiences in creative environments that prized productivity over well-being, Meaghan decided she was done with it and set out on her own to create a business rooted in conscious spending, transparency, and genuinely ethical and& sustainable production (her totes are made by a company that runs on 90% solar energy!).

All of Meaghan’s apparel materials meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, meaning every component is tested – and free of – more than 1,000 harmful substances. Her garments are produced in WRAP-certified facilities that partner with the Fair Labor Association, ensuring ethical labour practices, safe working conditions, and a clean, responsible supply chain.

A Queer Woman Changing the Industry From the Inside

As a queer woman in a deeply male-dominated space, Meaghan brings a voice, vision, and lived experience that the design world needs a lot more of.

Her queer identity in business gives her the chance to be open, generous, and collaborative in a field that tends to encourage secrecy and gatekeeping around success. As a successful entrepreneur, Meaghan believes in sharing knowledge, supporting others, and breaking down barriers that discourage transparency and pressure people to keep their achievements behind closed doors.

The Art: Whimsical, Subversive & Perfectly Phaest

Meaghan’s style blends her traditional fine-arts background with digital design, creating pieces that feel like they’re floating between enchanting and provocative. Expect soft, endearing imagery on the surface with feminist bite just underneath.

This blend is exactly why her work translates so beautifully into our sticker collab. They’re sweet, empowering, a little cheeky, and very “stick this on your water bottle so everyone knows you support cool women doing cool things.”

Why We Chose Meaghan (And Why We’d Do It Again)

At GreenBirdi, we partner with businesses and makers who align with our values: community care, ethical production, cultural respect, and small-business magic. Meaghan does all of that and brings a refreshing honesty and tenderness to the way she builds her business.

Working with her has felt like collaborating with a friend… someone who cares just as deeply about the meaning behind the work as she does about the art itself.

Check Out the Sticker Collab

Our Phaest x GreenBirdi stickers are dreamy, bold, ethical, and ready to be lovingly slapped onto laptops, journals, water bottles & bumpers everywhere (they’re outdoor-proof!).

Shop your values and our sticker collection.

Author: Olivia Tognela