TP FACTS

Everything You Never Knew About Toilet Paper.

Because if you're going to write a book called Don't Assume There's Toilet Paper, you should probably know a thing or two about toilet paper.

Before toilet paper existed, people used whatever was available, including leaves, moss, corn cobs, shells, wool, newspaper, and even smooth stones, depending on where they lived.
The earliest known use of paper for personal hygiene dates back to 6th century China.
By the 14th century, China was producing millions of sheets of toilet paper each year for the imperial court.
Commercially packaged toilet paper wasn’t introduced in the United States until 1857 by Joseph Gayetty, who sold “medicated paper” infused with aloe.
Toilet paper was originally sold as flat sheets, not rolls.
Rolled toilet paper didn’t become popular until the late 1800s.

The average person uses nearly 100 rolls of toilet paper each year.
Most people use between 8 and 9 sheets per trip.
Americans use more toilet paper per person than almost any other country.
Toilet paper was once advertised as “splinter free” because early paper products often contained tiny wood splinters.
More than 30,000 trees are used every day to produce toilet paper worldwide.
The average roll contains around 300 sheets.

One of the world’s oldest debates was actually settled in 1891.
The original patent for perforated toilet paper clearly illustrated the paper hanging over the roll.
Whether people choose to follow the patent is another story.

Toilet paper sales exploded around the world during the early days of COVID-19.
There was never a global shortage of toilet paper. Demand simply increased faster than manufacturers could replenish store shelves.
Toilet paper became one of the defining symbols of the pandemic.

Many countries rely more heavily on bidets than toilet paper.
Japan is known for some of the world’s most technologically advanced toilets.
Some European countries use less than half the toilet paper per person compared to the United States.

Colored toilet paper was popular in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
Black toilet paper actually exists and is considered a luxury novelty item.
Toilet paper has been used as wedding decorations, Halloween decorations, art projects, practical jokes, and even emergency bandages.
The Guinness World Record for the largest toilet paper pyramid required thousands of rolls.

Johnny Carson joked about an impending toilet paper shortage in 1973. Viewers took it seriously, and panic buying followed.
Toilet paper shortages have repeatedly become symbols of public anxiety during times of uncertainty

Toilet paper dissolves in water because it’s specifically engineered to break apart quickly.
Paper towels should never be flushed because they’re designed to stay intact when wet.
Toilet paper manufacturers test softness, strength, absorbency, and how quickly the paper breaks down.

The entire idea for Don’t Assume There’s Toilet Paper wasn’t inspired by the history of toilet paper.
It was inspired by one missing roll.
Funny how something so ordinary can make you ask a question you’ve never thought to ask before.

Fact is... toilet paper is pretty amazing.

Now go enjoy your next roll a little more.