Marco Crisciotti Replacing toilet paper with vegetable leaves may seem like a bizarre idea, yet there are those who have done it: we tell you the story of Robin Greenfield.
Though very unconventional, with environmental activist Robin Greenfield, the cultivation of plants as a substitute for toilet paper gains momentum. The drive, therefore, endeavors not to depend on commercial toilet paper but focuses on the ecological footprint from disposable products. The manufacture of toilet paper requires huge amounts of water every year, resulting in an ecological footprint from the usage of huge resources and wastes produced in the process. Growing plants such as Brazilian boldo and mullein would be a low-impact, sustainable solution.
Using leaves as toilet paper: an ecological and historic practice
Employing leaves as a substitute for natural toilet paper is not really an innovation that is revolutionary but rather an act of returning to very traditional practices. In ancient cultures, leaves and other forms of natural materials were used with personal hygiene.
Robin Greenfield is an American environmentalist who regularly brings attention to ecological causes through wide-ranging and sometimes eccentric stunts. He recommends two plants for this self-sufficient approach: in warm climates, Brazilian boldo; in cooler climates, mullein. The leaves of both are big, robust, and soft-velvety in texture, which makes them fit for the purpose.
Brazilian boldo: a multifunctional plant for warm climates
Brazilian boldo (Plectranthus barbatus), is a tropical perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. The leaves are large, much like those of mint, but in quality of texture, soft yet firm. The firm and silky texture of the leaves provides a very pleasant experience for the mouth, similar yet compared to commercial products without the environmental cost the latter causes.
It requires Brazilian boldo cultivation to have full sunlight and soil that is adequately drained with nutrients in it for lush leaf development. Apart from the leaves used as a form of natural paper, it also provides its role in Brazilian folk medicine because the leaves are used in making teas to take away digestive issues.
Mullein: resilient and multi-purpose for cold weather
For the colder climates, though, another practical alternative would be Verbascum thapsus-or mullein (Verbascum thapsus). This is a hardy plant that requires less maintenance and can work on different types of ground. Because of this, it’s another one of those best go-to plants for a low-maintenance garden. The leaves are large and quite soft, tough enough that they can withstand multiple uses without tearing, so they will stand up well to multiple uses. Mullein can endure low temperatures with ease, which means people using it for natural “toilet paper” should have a continuous supply throughout the year.
Besides utility, mullein is aesthetically pleasing. Its bloom in summer is graced by tall, exquisite spikes of yellow flowers that fill up the garden and call a host of pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Mullein then becomes an ecological as well as an ornamental choice for anyone willing to reduce waste without compromising the aesthetic appeal of his garden.
To learn more, visit Robin Greenfield’s website. Below, you can find a video about his undertaking.
