By now, I hope that most stores have restocked their toilet paper and you have been able to purchase a reasonable amount of TP. You’ve probably also seen a number of funny meme with TP alternatives like leaves or 3 sea shells (share your favorite TP memes in the comments below). Before you stockpile a years worth of the stuff, I want to share an alternative to TP, a bidet.
by SarahLoveland
by LurkinFlerken
Since our trip to Berlin last summer, when I got a chance to try a bidet at our friends apartment, I have been considering installing one in our bathroom. They had a totally separate bidet next to the toilet, which wouldn’t fit in either of our bathrooms. I was really excited to discover the aftermarket bidet conversion kits available for less than $100.
The coronavirus TP shortage, was the extra nudge I needed to make it happen beyond the health benefits. I purchased a Tushy Classic Bidet (referral link). The whole installation took me about 10 minutes and I have been very pleased. The Classic is the simplest bidet in that it just hooks up to the the cold water feeding into the toilet bowl. The kits includes everything you need to hook it up, except a wrench & screwdriver.
The Tushy Classic Bidet has adjustable pressure and angle, a self-cleaning nozzle and requires no electricity. You can also get the Spa model which adds a hot water line to your sink that can be mixed for a warm wash.
I have been very pleased with the Tushy Classic Bidet and now for number two, I only use 2 sheets to pat dry. Going for the reusable cloths for drying is a bit more than I’m ready for yet, even though we loved cloth diapers. I don’t know how much TP you use, but at 2 sheets a go, a roll will last almost forever.
My family is still coming around. After about a week, my kids asked for instructions on how to use it and seem intrigued.
If you want the luxurious bidet life, for about $1,000, Toto makes the S500e Washlet Bidet Toilet Seat with on demand hot water heater, a remote control and more bells and whistle than you need. With all the energy it uses,the Toto is not a green alternative to TP.
Speaking of green, you may be asking if using the extra water instead of toilet paper is greener. That is a good question and the answer depends on where you live. Where we live in New England, water is not a scarce resource. Every year more water overflows our reservoirs than is consumed by the system, so we are not at risk of running out. If you are in a drought stricken region or a place that even occasionally experiences drought, you should really consider if you need/want a bidet.
Maybe there is a bidet in your future to help you stay home and out of the stores while we are all hunkered down in our homes for the coronavirus pandemic.
Please continue to practice social distancing as much as possible because what we saw in the aisle of the stores with TP being gone is the same thing that will happen in our hospitals with ventilators and respirators if we don’t flatten the curve.
Happy Greening!
Jon
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Remember to share your favorite TP memes in the comments!
For example, instead of air drying or using a powered hand dryer, I am using 2 disposable paper towels to thoroughly dry off my hands every time in the bathroom. While this is consuming paper products and adding to the landfill, it is the most effective and sanitary way to dry my hands after the 20+ seconds of thoroughly washing with soap and water. I then use the paper towel to open the door to exit before tossing in the trash.
