By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know that there are alternatives to toilet paper?
During the outbreak of the Wuhan (Corona-19) Virus, for some strange reason, Americans, including Floridians began to hoard toilet paper. Despite the fact that this virus causes a frequency of diarrhea, many Americans have decided that toilet paper–and not food and water–is the most important item needed in their household.
What occurs when all the toilet paper is gone? Perhaps you are one of the millions of Americans who cannot find toilet paper anywhere–what will you do? Here are some toilet paper replacement ideas that you may want to consider:
1. A bidet. Some of you may never heard of a bidet, but many in Europe have been using a bidet for decades. Basically, it operates similarly to a water fountain for your backside. A stream of water washes you rather than using toilet paper. Before you knock it, try it.
2. If you are thinking of paper products other than toilet paper, DON’T USE NEWSPAPER! It will clog your pipes when you try to flush it down! Use a plastic bag to dispose if you use paper products.
3. A “bum gun.” Similar to how the bidet operates, the “bum gun” is a hose connected to the exterior water line to your toilet. You spray yourself to wash away your waste. But the surfaces that the “poop water” gets on (the seat and your body) has to be carefully cleaned.
4. Cotton balls. You may have a bag of cotton balls laying around someplace in your home. They too can be used for wiping.
5. Banana leaves. Any leaves will do but here in Florida, banana leaves are plentiful and big. You can cut them into strips for easier use. However, those will clog your toilet pipes!
Whatever you decide to use to wipe or clean yourself, always remember that it is important to clean yourself well and to wash your hands thoroughly when done! The Wuhan (Covid-19) Virus is carried through human waste, so to keep the virus from spreading, make sure you wash.