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This first of two posts investigates the history of paper facial tissue and
its environmental impact. The second post will examine green
alternatives.
Using a separate piece of cloth to wipe your nose may have originated
during the Roman Empire when people are said to have used linen
cloths to wipe their faces and noses. Fast forward to the 16th century
when Europeans repurposed the kerchief, a cloth used as a head
covering, as a cloth for wiping hands, faces, and noses. Thus the
handkerchief was born and is still in use today.
What Does World War I Have to Do with Facial Tissue
The next venture was a disposable facial tissue for women to wipe off
cold cream when they were removing their makeup. It was
trademarked Kleenex and launched in 1924.
Over the past seven decades, facial tissue manufacturers have tried a
number of product improvements to increase sales and market share
such as adding colors, patterns, scents, lotions, and even germ-
fighting agents. Other advancements include providing a variety of
package sizes, creating designer dispenser boxes, and introducing
tissues with recycled paper content.
Trees: regardless of whether the facial tissue you buy is made from
virgin or recycled paper pulp, it is still made from trees, a material that
takes years or decades to grow. Logging practices can degrade forests
thus contributing to global warming, causing loss of habitat for plants
and animals, and polluting waterways.
Manufacturing: paper plants are always located on a body of water.
They use copious amounts of water and electricity; emit pollution into
the air, and empty effluent into waterways. The environmental
footprint of facial tissue is increased when it is bleached white, has
something added like lotion, and is packaged in cardboard and plastic.
All this and for something you use for a few seconds and then throw
away.
Are facial tissues really necessary? In the next post, we will explore
that question and evaluate green alternatives to facial tissues made
with virgin wood pulp and bleached white with chlorine.
Reader Note: Angel Soft, Kleenex, Kotex, Puffs, and Scotties are
registered trademarks.
Resources: https://greengroundswell.com/paper-facial-
tissue-history-and-environmental-impact/2013/12/05/