Robin Greenfield uses leaves from the blue spur flower instead of toilet paper (Picture: Robin Greenfield/SWNS)
A man who swapped loo roll for a special type of plant leaf says its saved him a fortune, is kinder on the planet and – crucially – works brilliantly.
Robin Greenfield, 36, uses the leaf of a blue spur flower which he says is the perfect size and has the right texture to use instead of toilet paper.
He stopped using shop-bought wipes and loo roll in 2013, and initially replaced it with leftover napkins and tissues.
But five years ago he realised that the leaves of the flower were a much greener substitute. He made the switch and hasn’t looked back.
The environmentalist from Asheville, North Carolina, reckons he’s saved thousands of dollars.
And he’s now hoping others will take a leaf out of his book and try it themselves.
He said: ‘Consumption of toilet paper fuels deforestation and massive usage of fossil fuels in transportation.
Robin says the leaves make a perfect substitute and even have a minty scent (Picture: Robin Greenfield/SWNS)
‘So the message to grow our own at home and find alternatives to consumerism has never been more relevant.’
The leaves of the blue spur flower – a plant native to Africa and South Asia – are the size of a piece of toilet paper and their soft texture makes them a great alternative.
Robin said the flower can simply be planted at home in order to have a never ending supply of loo roll.
He added: ‘All in all the idea is pretty simple.
‘Currently, we’re totally dependent on corporations who are making millions by destroying the planet.
‘Fossil fuels and big factories are causing a lot of destruction, and growing your own own loo paper is fun and eco-friendly.
‘The average American spends $11,198 on toilet paper over the course of their life, so there is a huge financial benefit too.
Robin invited the public to take a plant home and sit on his display compost toilet, pictured (Picture: Robin Greenfield/SWNS)
‘The leaves are super soft, can withstand pressure and won’t break through – plus they have a natural, minty scent.
‘The plant is easy to grow, and fundamentally won’t do any damage to the environment!’
Robin’s non-profit campaign firm is providing cuttings of the plant for those who want to try it.
He has just concluded an 11-day tour of Florida where he visited different cities promoting his campaign.
Members of the public were invited to take a ‘toilet paper plant’ home with them to start growing their own.
They also had the opportunity to sit on Robin’s display compost toilet and take a photo, or record a video, sharing the #GrowYourOwnTP movement.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
He says leaves of the blue spur flower make the perfect substitute.