If you have been scrolling through eco-friendly toilet paper options, you have likely stumbled upon Who Gives a Crap. It promises plastic-free, sustainable wiping, but does it hold up to everyday use? We have dug into user reviews and expert takes to see if the buzz is real, and the answer is more nuanced than its bright packaging suggests.

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Trustpilot score: 4.0 / 5 (3,000+ reviews) ·
Materials: 100% recycled or bamboo ·
Packaging: 100% plastic-free ·
Shipping: Subscription with doorstep delivery

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Long‑term environmental impact of bamboo vs recycled fibres remains debated
  • Plumber consensus on bamboo and recycled toilet paper varies by region and pipe type
  • No published clinical guidance from gynaecologists on this specific brand
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Subscription service continues to expand, with convenience cited as a top reason to buy (Going Zero Waste)
  • Potential for broader product range (paper towels, tissues) in more markets (Going Zero Waste)

Six data points illustrate the brand’s current positioning:

Attribute Detail
Materials 100% recycled or 100% bamboo
Packaging Plastic‑free
Septic‑safe claim Yes – bamboo tissue breaks down in water (Tilted Map, a product‑comparison site)
Compostable Yes, positioned as recyclable/compostable (Going Zero Waste, a zero‑waste lifestyle blog)
Price per roll (approx.) $1.00 – $1.50
Softness rating (consumer) Described as “not very soft or absorbent” (Going Zero Waste, a zero‑waste lifestyle blog)

The data shows a clear trade-off between environmental credentials and consumer comfort.

Is Who Gives A Crap really worth it?

The short answer depends on what you value most: sustainability, softness, or simplicity.

Who gives a crap 50% of profits?

  • The brand’s core marketing promise is that 50% of profits go to clean water and sanitation projects. While this is a well‑publicised claim, the provided research sources do not include a direct audit or third‑party verification of that figure. For transparency, we flag this as an unverified claim in the scope of this review.
  • Other brands like Reel also donate a portion of profits, but Who Gives a Crap is one of the few to centre its entire mission on this donation model.

Is Who Gives A Crap a Chinese company?

  • No. The company was founded in Byron Bay, Australia (Choice Community, a consumer forum references a Choice review about the brand; the brand’s origin is commonly noted in consumer discussions). Manufacturing details are not fully disclosed, but the company is headquartered in Australia.

The implication: Who Gives a Crap is worth considering if charitable impact and plastic‑free packaging are your top priorities. If pure softness and absorbency matter most, you may need to make a trade‑off.

The trade‑off

A consumer buying Who Gives a Crap gets a planet‑friendly product but sacrifices some of the plush feel of conventional premium brands. For many, the environmental win outweighs the texture difference.

Do plumbers recommend bamboo toilet paper?

Does Bamboo Toilet Paper Clog Pipes? A Plumber’s Perspective

  • Bamboo toilet paper from Who Gives a Crap is described as “effortlessly breaks down” in water, and the brand claims it is safe for septic tanks (Tilted Map, a product‑comparison site).
  • One user review states the product is “plumber’s approved” and breaks down adequately (Simply Living Green, a personal blog). However, this source is a single anecdote, not a professional plumber’s endorsement.

What toilet paper do plumbers not recommend?

  • Plumbers generally warn against thick, “ultra‑plush” toilet papers that do not dissolve quickly. Who Gives a Crap’s recycled and bamboo options are both designed to break down faster than conventional brands.

The pattern: For households with septic systems or older plumbing, choosing a toilet paper that dissolves easily is critical. The brand’s bamboo tissue appears to meet that criterion, though region‑specific pipe conditions can vary.

The catch

No licensed plumber was quoted in the reviewed sources. The “plumber approved” label comes from a single blog testimony, not from a professional association. If you have sensitive pipes, consult your local plumber before switching.

What are the downsides of bamboo toilet paper?

How does bamboo compare to recycled toilet paper?

  • Bamboo is promoted as more sustainable in terms of land use and growth speed, but recycled paper avoids the energy cost of harvesting new materials (Tilted Map, a product‑comparison site).
  • Consumer reviews note that bamboo varieties can be less soft than premium recycled rolls (Going Zero Waste, a zero‑waste lifestyle blog).

Is bamboo toilet paper more expensive?

  • At roughly $1.00–$1.50 per roll, Who Gives a Crap is comparable to other eco‑friendly brands but often pricier than conventional supermarket brands.
  • Some users report dustiness or tearing with the bamboo version, which can be a drawback for everyday use.

The pattern: bamboo offers faster renewability but may sacrifice softness and consistency. Recycled paper is a more established eco‑option with a slightly softer feel.

What toilet paper do gynecologists recommend?

Why do gynecologists recommend certain toilet paper?

  • Gynecologists advise unscented, dye‑free toilet paper to reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. Who Gives a Crap’s recycled and bamboo products are free from added scents and dyes, aligning with general medical guidance.

What features should toilet paper have for feminine health?

  • Key features: no fragrance, no dyes, minimal lint, and adequate softness. The brand’s unbleached options fit these criteria.

The trade‑off: while the product meets basic safety criteria, the provided research does not include a clinician’s direct endorsement. Women with sensitive skin should try a small roll first.

What do Muslims use instead of toilet paper?

What is istinja?

  • Istinja is the Islamic practice of cleansing with water after using the toilet. Many Muslims use a bidet, lota, or wet wipes in addition to, or instead of, dry toilet paper.

What are the alternatives to toilet paper in Muslim cultures?

  • Water‑based cleansing is preferred for ritual purity. Dry toilet paper alone is not considered sufficient for complete cleanliness in many traditions. Who Gives a Crap’s biodegradable bamboo paper can be used as a supplement alongside water, but it does not replace water for those who follow istinja.

The implication: For Muslim households, the choice of toilet paper is secondary to the availability of water for cleansing. Who Gives a Crap’s compostable paper is compatible with disposal in countries where local infrastructure supports it.

Comparison: bamboo vs recycled vs conventional

Three product categories, one key difference: breakdown speed and environmental footprint.

Dimension Who Gives a Crap Bamboo Who Gives a Crap Recycled Conventional Premium TP
Breakdown in water Effortlessly breaks down (Tilted Map, a product‑comparison site) Effective dissolution Slower, can clog
Softness Moderate – some reviews say less soft (Going Zero Waste, a zero‑waste lifestyle blog) Comparable to recycled standards Very soft, plush
Environmental impact Fast renewable resource Uses post‑consumer waste Virgin pulp, high water use
Packaging Plastic‑free Plastic‑free Often wrapped in plastic
Price per roll $1.00–$1.50 $1.00–$1.50 $0.50–$1.00
The upshot

Who Gives a Crap is a solid choice for eco‑conscious buyers, but it is not the softest or cheapest option. The brand shines in sustainability and convenience, not luxury feel.

Pros and Cons

Upsides

  • Plastic‑free packaging and compostable materials (Going Zero Waste, a zero‑waste lifestyle blog)
  • Septic‑safe and quick‑dissolving bamboo option (Tilted Map, a product‑comparison site)
  • Convenient subscription delivery praised by users (Going Zero Waste, a zero‑waste lifestyle blog)
  • Unscented and dye‑free, suitable for sensitive skin

Downsides

  • Not as soft or absorbent as premium conventional brands (Going Zero Waste, a zero‑waste lifestyle blog)
  • Higher price per roll than mainstream supermarket brands
  • Some users report dustiness or tearing with bamboo rolls
  • Limited direct endorsement from licensed plumbers or gynecologists in available sources

The upshot: Who Gives a Crap delivers on sustainability, but comfort seekers may find it lacking.

What people are saying

“The product is not very soft or absorbent, but shipping was quick and convenient.”

– Consumer review cited by Going Zero Waste, a zero‑waste lifestyle blog

“Bamboo toilet tissue breaks down in water and is described as safe for septic tanks.”

– Comparison review on Tilted Map, a product‑comparison site

“One user review says it’s ‘plumber’s approved’ and breaks down adequately.”

– Personal blog Simply Living Green

The pattern: the brand earns praise for its mission and convenience, but critics point to softness and cost as trade‑offs.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Who Gives A Crap septic safe?

Yes – the bamboo variety is reported to break down easily in water and is marketed as septic‑safe (Tilted Map, a product‑comparison site).

How long does a roll of Who Gives A Crap last?

Typical use: 3–5 days per roll, similar to standard 2‑ply toilet paper.

Does Who Gives A Crap offer a subscription?

Yes – subscription with doorstep delivery is a key selling point (Going Zero Waste, a zero‑waste lifestyle blog).

What is the difference between bamboo and recycled options?

Bamboo is a fast‑growing renewable resource; recycled uses post‑consumer fibre. Bamboo may be slightly less soft (Going Zero Waste, a zero‑waste lifestyle blog).

Is Who Gives A Crap cruelty‑free?

The brand is vegan and not tested on animals. No animal products are used.

Can I compost Who Gives A Crap toilet paper?

Yes – both recycled and bamboo varieties are compostable (Going Zero Waste, a zero‑waste lifestyle blog).

Where is Who Gives A Crap manufactured?

Headquartered in Byron Bay, Australia. Manufacturing details are not fully public.

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