What Should NOT Be Used as Toilet Paper?

The age-old question: can you really use your own poop as toilet paper? Absolutely not! It's not only unhygienic but completely counterintuitive. Reducing the risk of infection and maintaining personal hygiene are crucial. Stick to proper toilet paper or other sanitarily “approved” items only.

Learning from Experience

Back in my days as a camp counselor, I witnessed firsthand how poor hygiene practices can lead to chaos. Once, in a backpacking trip with 10 children, we faced harsh conditions with continuous rain. The poop question came up when the less experienced hiker couldn’t find toilet paper and considered using dangerous alternatives. Thankfully, that idea didn't go through.

Harmful Alternatives: Poison Ivy and Fiberglass Wool

Another no-no? Consider Poison Ivy. During a backpacking trip, one camper had to endure the uncomfortable and painful itches caused by poison ivy. Adding to their misery, the lack of proper toilet paper led to the exploration of alternative, less-than-ideal options. Such choices can exacerbate the problem, leading to more skin irritation and discomfort.

My Fiberglass Wool story from a previous job at an air conditioning contractor highlights another dangerous alternative. One of the workers described how he had to use a cut-off piece of fiberglass insulation as a makeshift toilet paper because the actual roll was unavailable. While the insulation was extracted with care, it left behind an itching sensation that is almost unbearable. This case emphasizes the importance of using proper hygiene products and avoiding harmful materials.

Conclusion

Hygiene and cleanliness are of utmost importance. Always ensure you have access to proper toilet paper or other sanitarily approved items. Venturing off the beaten path with poor preparations can lead to serious discomfort and health issues. Personal hygiene is not something to be taken lightly; it should always be a priority.