Who Gives A Crap vs. Reel Paper: Top Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper Brands for USA Families?

Introduction

In an era where environmental consciousness is increasingly influencing household purchasing decisions, selecting sustainable products has become a priority for many American families. Among the most frequently used household items, toilet paper stands out as an area where eco-friendly alternatives can make a significant impact. Two prominent brands have emerged as leaders in this space: Who Gives A Crap and Reel Paper. Both offer compelling visions for a greener bathroom experience, but they approach sustainability with distinct philosophies and product offerings. This detailed analysis aims to dissect their features, benefits, and drawbacks, providing USA families with the insights needed to make an informed decision for their homes and the planet.

Comparison Table

Who Gives A Crap Overview

Founded with a mission to improve global sanitation, Who Gives A Crap (WGAC) has carved a niche as a fun, quirky, and socially conscious brand. Originating from Australia, WGAC has expanded its reach significantly, becoming a household name for eco-friendly products in the USA. Their core commitment revolves around diverting 50% of their profits to fund sanitation projects and build toilets in developing countries. WGAC offers two primary toilet paper lines: one made from 100% recycled paper (post-consumer waste) and another from 100% sustainable bamboo. Both options are 3-ply, free from inks, dyes, and scents, and come individually wrapped in colorful, recyclable paper, entirely eschewing plastic in their packaging. Their recycled option appeals to those looking to reduce waste by repurposing existing materials, while their bamboo line targets consumers seeking a tree-free alternative with a softer texture.

Reel Paper Overview

Reel Paper positions itself as a premium, no-compromise solution for sustainable toilet paper. Their approach is streamlined, focusing exclusively on 100% virgin bamboo as their material of choice. Reel emphasizes a commitment to a clean product, ensuring their toilet paper is free from chlorine bleach, BPA, dyes, inks, and fragrances. Their 3-ply rolls are designed for superior strength and softness, aiming to match the luxurious feel of conventional premium toilet paper while maintaining impeccable eco-credentials. Reel also utilizes plastic-free packaging, with each roll wrapped in minimalist paper and shipped in recyclable cardboard boxes. While their social impact model is less overtly focused on profit donation than WGAC’s, Reel actively partners with organizations like SOIL to support sanitation initiatives in Haiti, aligning with a broader environmental and humanitarian ethos. Related: Best Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper Subscriptions for Sustainable Homes in USA (2026)

Feature Comparison

Material and Sustainability

Who Gives A Crap offers versatility with both recycled paper and bamboo options. Their recycled paper is a strong choice for those prioritizing waste reduction and closed-loop systems, minimizing the need for new resources. The bamboo option, while still tree-free, requires new growth, but bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource. Reel Paper, on the other hand, exclusively uses 100% virgin bamboo. This ensures a consistent, high-quality product that is naturally soft and strong. Both brands source their bamboo sustainably, typically FSC-certified, ensuring responsible forest management. Reel’s Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) bleaching process is often considered the gold standard for minimal environmental impact compared to WGAC’s Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) or hydrogen peroxide methods. Related: Tru Earth Laundry Strips Review: Do These Eco-Friendly Pod Alternatives Really Work?

Softness and Durability

This is a subjective but critical factor for many families. WGAC’s recycled paper option is generally praised for its strength and absorbency, though some users find it slightly less soft than conventional toilet paper. Their bamboo line significantly improves on softness, offering a plush feel comparable to many premium brands. Reel Paper, focusing solely on bamboo, is widely acclaimed for its exceptional softness and durability, often described as having a luxurious, almost cashmere-like texture. If a truly premium feel is paramount, Reel tends to have a slight edge in this department. Related: Best Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps for Plastic-Free Kitchens in USA (2026)

Price and Value

Both brands operate on a direct-to-consumer subscription model, which typically offers the best value. WGAC’s recycled paper is generally the more budget-friendly eco-option, making it accessible to a wider range of families. Their bamboo option is priced competitively within the premium eco-segment. Reel Paper, with its singular focus on premium bamboo, often comes in at a slightly higher price point. However, for those who value the superior softness and pristine material, the value proposition can be compelling. Cost-effectiveness ultimately depends on individual priorities for material and feel. Related: Best Organic Reusable Cotton Rounds for Skincare in USA (2026)

Social and Environmental Impact

WGAC stands out with its explicit commitment to donating 50% of its profits to improve sanitation, a powerful motivator for socially conscious consumers. This direct financial contribution makes their impact highly tangible. Reel Paper’s impact is primarily environmental, through its sustainable bamboo sourcing, plastic-free approach, and TCF bleaching process. Their partnership with SOIL for sanitation projects in Haiti also demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, though it’s structured differently than WGAC’s profit-sharing model. Related: LastSwab Reusable Cotton Swab Review: My Honest Take on This Zero-Waste Swap

Packaging and Delivery

Both brands excel in plastic-free packaging, utilizing individual paper wraps for each roll and shipping in cardboard boxes. This commitment to zero-plastic waste is a major selling point for environmentally focused consumers. Delivery for both is typically via subscription, direct to your doorstep, minimizing trips to the store and ensuring a consistent supply.

Pros and Cons for Both

Who Gives A Crap

Pros:

• Strong, tangible social mission (50% profits to sanitation).
• Offers both recycled paper and bamboo options, catering to different preferences and budgets.
• Completely plastic-free packaging.
• Recycled option reduces landfill waste and demand for virgin resources.
• B Corp certified, demonstrating commitment to social and environmental performance.
• Engaging brand personality and marketing.

Cons:

• Recycled paper option may feel slightly less soft to some users compared to conventional or bamboo.
• Bamboo option can be pricier.
• Direct-to-consumer model might not suit everyone who prefers in-store purchases.

Reel Paper

Pros:

• Exceptional softness and premium feel from 100% bamboo.
• Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) bleaching process for a cleaner product.
• Completely plastic-free packaging.
• Focus on a simple, high-quality, and clean product.
• Sustainable bamboo sourcing (FSC certified).
• Partners with sanitation initiatives.

Cons:

• Higher price point, potentially making it less accessible for some families.
• Only offers one material (bamboo), limiting options for those preferring recycled paper.
• Less overt social mission compared to WGAC’s explicit profit donation.
• Direct-to-consumer model only.

Which One is Better For Whom

• Choose Who Gives A Crap if:
  • You prioritize a strong, measurable social impact and want your purchases to directly fund global sanitation projects.
  • You value having material options, perhaps preferring the environmental benefit of recycled paper, or appreciate the choice of bamboo.
  • You are looking for a more budget-friendly eco-option (their recycled line).
  • You enjoy a brand with a playful, engaging personality.
• Choose Reel Paper if:
  • You seek the ultimate in softness and a truly premium feel from your eco-friendly toilet paper, comparable to conventional high-end brands.
  • You are committed to bamboo as your preferred sustainable material for its rapid renewability and pristine quality.
  • You prioritize a “clean” product with a Totally Chlorine Free bleaching process and minimal additives.
  • Price is less of a concern than achieving a luxurious, sustainable bathroom experience.

Final Verdict

Both Who Gives A Crap and Reel Paper represent excellent choices for USA families seeking to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on hygiene. They both deliver on plastic-free packaging and a commitment to tree-free materials. The “better” brand ultimately hinges on individual priorities and values.

If a powerful social mission that directly impacts global health, combined with material versatility and a competitive price point, resonates most with your family, Who Gives A Crap is likely your ideal choice. Their recycled line offers an accessible entry into sustainable living, while their bamboo option provides a significant step up in feel.

However, if your primary criteria are unparalleled softness, a truly premium feel from bamboo, and the assurance of a Totally Chlorine Free bleaching process, then Reel Paper stands out. It caters to those who desire a luxurious experience with an uncompromising commitment to pristine, sustainable materials.

In essence, you cannot go wrong with either brand. Each offers a compelling package for a more sustainable future. We recommend considering what factors are most critical for your household – be it social impact, material preference, or the specific level of softness – to guide your decision toward the eco-friendly toilet paper that best fits your family’s needs.