My #1 Must-Have Bathroom Accessory

I'm going to share a little TMI with you, but there is one household accessory I can't live without and it'll solve your toilet paper shortage issue, plus save the environment. We've all heard the warnings about shortages hitting us this holiday season as a result of supply chain issues, and in different countries there will be different shortages. In the U.S., according to BBC, we'll have a toys and toilet paper shortage. I've had two thoughts about this: 1) maybe we can show other ways to give and in turn produce less waste thanks to these shortages? and 2) get a bidet if you don't already have one. Today's discussion is all about #2...literally and figuratively.

Shortage or no shortage, let me tell you why you should get a bidet anyways, and I'll also give you my two recommendations for bidets.

Why you should be using a bidet.

​First, using a bidet makes bathroom business much cleaner. I was thinking about how we always wipe our babies with wet wipes, and it just makes sense. Clean and wash the yuck away! It's definitely much more hygienic than wiping with a flimsy piece of paper. Using a bidet also reduces your chances of rashes, UTI's, and hemorrhoids. As a woman, I cannot recommend more using a bidet, especially when we're on our period or to help during those first few weeks postpartum.

Second, it will save you A LOT of money on toilet paper, because you'll need far less or none at all. In fact, I've recently made the switch to cloth wipes myself. I realized I'm just wiping water, and I clean way nastier messes with cloth wipes when I'm changing my son's cloth diapers. So, why not? 

Third, less paper = less waste and less trees killed. Did you know that each year millions of trees are cut down to make traditional toilet paper, resulting in 15% of deforestation? On top of that, the remains of these trees are bleached with harmful chemicals that are related into the environment.

My Bidet Recommendations.

As for bidet recommendations, I have two simples ones. Of course, you can always get a fancy one that warms the seat, dries your butt, and has different pulsation options, but hear me out on these two.

My first recommendation is a simple stainless steel handheld bidet. At first I didn't realize these were bidets, because I bought this to use as a diaper sprayer. It was only when I looked on Amazon for a diaper sprayer, did I realize that it's actually called a handheld bidet. Based on the reviews of people using it as a bidet, I decided to try to save money by using it for both spraying poopy diapers and as a bidet for myself.

I was a little skeptical at first, because I'm used to my parents' nice Japanese ones; but I have to say I'm impressed. It's also great for rinsing the toilet bowl when necessary. And the great thing is that it's less than $30! So, if you're thinking bidets are a luxury item, think again! It's also super easy to install. The only minor hassle is that for this bidet, you have to turn the little valve on and off when using it and after using it. I've definitely forgotten to turn it off from time to time, and according to the manual you need to turn it off or it can damage the inside. 

My second recommendation is for TUSHY's Classic 3.0. TUSHY has just come out with an electric one that dries your butt, so that's another option, but you save a little extra energy without needing to be hooked up to an outlet. This is also good if you don't have an outlet near your toilet. Plus, you can still use your TUSHY if you're ever in a blackout situation.

This model bidet is pretty simple and straightforward. It's also easy to install, as long as you can remove your toilet seat! One reason I was attracted to this bidet is that it is self-cleaning...and some bidets can get nasty 😬 But the reason I've become such a huge fan of TUSHY is their commitment to the environment. Also, their founder is, Miki Agrawal, an inspiring, innovative, badass entrepreneur who is a French Canadian woman of Japanese and Indian descent.

At TUSHY, they're a "team of toilet crusaders, fighting for clean bums and reduced global wastefulness," and I can attest to their genuine commitment to this mission. I was personally impressed by their commitment after an unfortunate realization. I bought one of their Classic 3.0 bidets only to find that our landlord in our new home has made it so that the seat on our downstairs toilet will not come off. So sadly, I'm no longer in need of the bidet. When I contacted them to process the return, they offered to send me a TUSHY ottoman or another item, instead of creating more waste by having me send it back (I have a feeling with an item like this, once it's opened, even if unused, they may not be able to resell it--not sure). Then I could pass a long my TUSHY bidet to a friend or family member who could use it. When I told them I really didn't need either of the items they were offering, so would prefer the refund--as much as it kills me to add to my carbon footprint for returns such as these--they then told me that they would refund me, but they'd still prefer me to pass along the bidet instead of creating more waste to send it back. How cool is that?! I was very impressed and grateful for this commitment to the environment. So, that's why TUSHY gets my vote if you're looking for a bidet.

TUSHY also has other potty related items for sale. I'm waiting on the TUSHY toilet brushes which I'm really excited about--an eco-friendly way to clean the toilet bowl!

Even if you're not in need of a bidet, I highly recommend checking out their site. They know their sh*t! Literally. They have so much great and interesting information about all things tushy and poo. Plus, they've got the best poo puns. As a copywriter, I'm jealous.  I wish I was the one that came up with their copy! 

Do you bidet?