It goes without saying that this year will be remembered for decades, especially when we see a roll of toilet paper. The stunning suddenness of the lack of TP on the shelves has had many people in Albuquerque and around the nation looking for alternatives. One of the options that stands out is a device that's actually very popular around the world. The bidet.

As such, it's time to ask: Should America switch to using bidets?

What is a bidet?

Most of us who have lived in the US and never traveled around the world have probably never seen a bidet, let alone used one. But they are quite common in Asia and Europe. Simply defined, a bidet is a fixture that shoots a stream of water to take care of post-toilet personal hygiene.

How much do they cost?

As you might have guessed, the cost of a bidet varies quite a bit. You can get a basic standalone model for around $200. You can pay up to $1000 if you want to go all out, with features such as an automatic lid that opens and closes with the touch of a button, an LED nightlight, stainless steel nozzles that look prettier than plastic ones, and a heated seat.

There are other options to installing a standalone bidet that are more affordable. You can add a bidet attachment to your existing toilet, which is also faster to install. It's basically a little hose inside the toilet that shoots water where you need it. And you can install it yourself, saving even more money.

You can also go with an integrated toilet option, such as Toto's compact Washlet G500, which comes with a built-in deodorizer, sensor-activated lid opener, and hands-free automatic flusher. Or you can buy a bidet seat, which will convert your current toilet. With electronic models, the touch of a button extends a small nozzle beneath you that sprays a comfortable stream of warm, aerated water. When you’re done, the nozzle automatically cleans itself before retracting back into its sleeve.

Why are they so popular around the world?

There's some very good reasons why bidets are so popular around the world.

  • You save money

    We use a staggering 36 billion rolls of toilet paper per year in America. That adds up to a lot of money being litterally flushed down the toilet. The average US houseld spends hundreds of dollars each year. That's enough to buy a fairly decent bidet. You will still need to use some TP with a bidet, but it's just to pat yourself dry. So you're still saving a great deal of paper.

  • Environmentally friendly

    Using less toilet paper can only be a good thing for the environement. 36.8 billion rolls of toilet paper is roughly 15 million trees. Can you imagine the impact if just 50% of the population in this country switched to using bidets?  

  • It’s more hygienic

    We usually don't think about the fact that TP is bleached, which means you're rubbing chlorine and chemicals on yourself. Water is understandably cleaner and does a better job of cleaning.

  • It’s better for your plumbing and septic system

    No clogging up your system.

  • It can reduce health problems

    Toilet paper can aggravate constipation or hemorrhoids. And people with limited mobility may struggle on the toilet. A bidet with a built-in blow dryer may seem like a luxury, but may actually be a necessity for some.

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