this time ~ this space

In these when global warming looms large, our tree canopies are precious. Yet, in the so-called “developed” countries we are slaying trees to wipe our bottoms at a horrific rate. And, if you think “plain Jane” or “recycled” cellulose is what the masses use when it comes to wiping asses — you’re wrong.

Take note of these quilted, embossed, patterned and perfumed luxury wipes that have been developed for niche markets. Musical note toilet paper, Sudoko puzzle toilet paper, personalized initialized toilet paper and wait for it … commemorative wedding toilet paper are being produced and sold to those who take their ass wiping very seriously — too seriously.

An Overview
North Americans are only 7% of the global population yet we use, nearly half of the world’s tissue paper products! While rock star Sheryl Crow recently suggested that people might limit their toilet paper use to address climate change, the reality behind the tissue’s consumption is no joke, according to figures in the July/August issue of World Watch. Per capita annual consumption of toilet tissue in North America is roughly 23 kilograms (50 pounds), versus 1.8 kilograms (4 pounds) in Asia and 0.4 kilograms (less than 1 pound) in Africa.

The truth is that worldwide, more than one billion people lack access to an improved water source, such as a rainwater collection or dug well, and two billion still need access to basic sanitation facilities, such as a latrine.

According to Worldwatch’s State of the World 2007 report, roughly half of residents in African and Asian cities lack healthy and convenient water and sanitation. Hundreds of millions of people must defecate in the open or into waste bags or other materials they throw away on rooftops or into streets—so-called “flying toilets.” A million or more infants and children die each year from diseases related to inadequate water and sanitation.

A Close-Up
Kimberley-Clark is the largest tissue paper manufacturer in the world, with annual revenues in excess of 16 billion, manufacturing operations in 37 countries and products sold in 150 countries. In North America, less than 19% of the fiber used by Kimberley-Clark to make its tissue products comes from recycled sources — while many of their products sold for use at home, including Kleenex, Scott, Viva and Cottonelle brands, contain no recycled materials at all.

Greenpeace activists have launched an extensive campaign against Kimberly-Clark. They have enlisted the support of nearly hundreds of businesses (most quite small), picketed hotels that buy K-C tissues and toilet paper and filed a complaint with the SEC. Kimberly-Clark’s credibility has taken a hit, and that’s a problem for the $16 billion a year forest products firm whose brands include Kleenex, Huggies, Scott, Pull-Ups, Cottonelle, Viva, Kotex and Depend.