It appears as though Duke University is ready to flush away the problems of the past.
The university announced last month it will switch from one-ply to two-ply toilet paper during its spring vacation from March 9-17, Alan Scott, Duke’s director of grounds, housekeeping, sanitation and recycling services, told the Duke Chronicle.
Scott told the newspaper the decision was made after many students complained about the current toilet paper quality.
He noted that washroom-goers’ experiences at Duke won’t be so soft immediately, as the university plans to use up its remaining stock of one-ply toilet paper before the two-ply variety is fully implemented.
“Really, with the one-ply tissue, most people would have to double that up in order to use it,” Scott told the Duke Chronicle. “I just know, where I came from, we would never consider one-ply tissue. In terms of texture and in terms of feel and in terms of usability, very few people use one-ply tissue.”
Scott added that in addition to cost, Duke’s top priorities in supplying toilet paper to its students are texture quality, softness, and environmental friendliness.
After hearing the announcement, Duke alumnus Tyler Thoreson wrote on Twitter it was “A proud day at the ol’ alma mater.”
Thoreson admitted he didn’t actually give too much thought to the issue when he was a student at Duke.
“Next time someone asks me why my GPA wasn’t higher, I’ve now got another excuse to add to the list,” Thoreson said via email.
“I’ll be giving the matter some serious thought over the coming weeks,” he added. “If this moment helps Americans take a hard look at their own toilet paper habits and prejudices, lasting good will have been done.”
One-ply toilet paper continues to be provided around Carleton University’s campus, according to students.
Carleton spends approximately $115,000 a year on toilet paper, according to Andy Mutch from facilities management. That works out to about $4.30 per student.
For second-year student Daniel Baptiste, who currently lives in residence, this isn’t a problem.
“There’s nothing wrong with it,” Baptiste said. “Obviously two-ply toilet paper might feel better, but in reality, toilet paper is toilet paper. You spend 10 seconds of every day thinking about it.”
Baptiste’s commitment to one-ply is based on factors like the environment and cost.
“Two-ply uses double the amount of wood, so it’s double the amount of environmental damage,” he said. “[One-ply] kills half the trees that regular toilet paper kills.”
But second-year student Ellen Cottee disagreed, saying one can still be mindful of the environment while using a higher-quality brand.
“As an off-campus student who spends long days at Carleton, I do use the toilet paper in the bathrooms, and I really dislike having to do so,” Cottee said. “Honestly, it’s one step above sandpaper.”
Cottee said she uses two-ply at home, or even three-ply when she is “feeling fancy,” because of its durability and softness.
“The body parts people use toilet paper on are sensitive, and deserve to be treated as such,” she said. “There’s a reason we use toilet paper and not our hands to wipe. [You] might as well use toilet paper that won’t tear while you’re using it.”
