Americans Are Wasting Toilet Paper In Public Restrooms

More than one third of Americans are literally flushing profits down the toilet for businesses. According to a new survey commissioned by Sofidel, 35 percent of Americans say they typically use more toilet paper than needed when using a public restroom.

The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll from Feb. 1-5, 2019 among 2,049 U.S. adults ages 18 and older and also revealed Americans’ preferences toward business’ sustainability efforts in public restrooms.

“When restroom guests use too much toilet paper, it’s not only wasteful and costly to reorder product more frequently, but can lead to expensive and unpleasant toilet clogs,” says Giorgia Giove, marketing manager – away from home, Sofidel America. “It’s important for businesses to invest in toilet paper that actively works to limit the risk of clogs, as well as dispensers that discourage excessive paper consumption. Doing so will not only have a positive impact on the bottom line, but also the environment.”

The survey found that nearly half (45 percent) of Millennial women (age 18-34) admit to typically using more toilet paper than needed when using a public restroom.

The survey also revealed that a strong majority of Americans (87 percent) feel it is important that businesses use sustainable products in their public restrooms. Nearly half (45 percent) say it is very important for businesses to provide green restroom products. These products may include water-saving faucets and toilets, dispensers that reduce paper consumption, toilet paper that sanitizes pipes and cleaning solutions made with fewer chemicals.