Toilet paper manufacturers claim there’s no problem with their supply chain — people have just been hoarding, stocking up just in case . . . and now the supply is wiped out on supermarket shelves. So what’s going on? Why is everybody so worried that the supply of TP is in jeopardy? Is the corncob about to make a return appearance?
How about you? Are you well stocked with TP or running low?
Here’s your chance to tell the world! Remember, it can take a few moments for the poll to load, so stand by!
Oh, by the way, did you know that the use of paper for hygiene was recorded in China in the 6th century AD, with specifically manufactured toilet paper being mass-produced in the 14th century. Modern commercial toilet paper originated in the 19th century, with a patent for roll-based dispensers filed in 1883.
So now you know. Go ahead tell your friends. They’ll be impressed.
We had a leak in our washer/dryer unit. The good news is our toilet paper soaked up a lot of the water. The bad news is we lost most of the rolls! So far haven’t made it to a store that had any for sale. We just seem to be going at the wrong time. We did find paper towels, though, which we don’t need right now!
Nice to have a poll about TP. After all the discussion, ads, comments and the like, I don’t see any actual poll.
Sorry you can’t see the poll, Rick. We’ve had almost 400 responses to the poll this morning, so it’s apparently working for most people. Maybe you have popups blocked on your computer? And sometimes one browser will work when another one doesn’t. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful, but I hope you can figure out how to open the poll. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
I read a recent article in The Economist saying that the shortage is not caused by hoarders. Turns out that the TP-making industry is actually two separate industries. One makes and distributes TP for home use. The other makes and distributes TP for commercial use – offices, gas stations, restaurants, etc. The two kinds of TP are very different (paper quality, roll size, packaging, and distribution), and have separate factories and supply chains. The shortage is caused by the fact that people are spending much more time at home, using the home product, and much less time outside the home, using the commercial product. Apparently it is very difficult to convert paper-making machines from commercial grade to home grade product, and just as difficult to convert the distribution chain from commercial (many huge trucks going to a few central warehouses) to home (smaller trucks going to thousands of grocery stores). While the conversion could certainly be done, it would apparently take longer than the shortage problem is expected to last – and then they have to convert back. This actually sounds like a plausible explanation.
OTHER, like leaves?
😆 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Even though we have a stick and mortar home, we are usually on the road for between five to six months of the year. As a result of that, in the past we have purchased toilet paper, paper towels and other paper products when ever they have been on sale. As a result, we take from that large supply we have at our home and put enough in our Motor Home before leaving on any trips.
I hate shopping. So, when I do go, I tend to stock up on stuff, so I don’t have go as often. Also, if there is a good sale. So, we have a couple of months. Had bought a 12 “Mega” pack before we left for our trip in January. When we returned mid March I was very thankful when I opened the closet and saw it. Who ever knew a package of toilet paper could make me so happy…lol. Also, our MH is stored on our property, so we would an raid that. Hopeful with todays news won’t be necessary.
The hoarders are wiping up!!! Guess I wasn’t panicked enough to buy a months worth
We have bidet seats on every toilet we own including the coach and haven’t needed TP for over 6 years. We also have enough food to last us several years. As long as we have electricity to keep our bidet seats and 7 freezers going we’re good to go for some time.
Bought a 24-roll pack in late January as i usually do when the supply is getting down to the last four rolls. Now that I’m a widower I’m set for the next five to six months,
We have a Bidet so TP usage is minimal. Wife is the biggest user and she said no problems for her. We still have a few rolls in the Motor Home in the barn and the other two Bidet less bathrooms have a few rolls under the sinks.
Hooray! I “scored” 2 pkgs of TP this past Monday (4 single-ply) . Had to ask for it because it is now kept behind the counter at the dollar store near us…kinda like Sudafed…but at least I didn’t have to sign my name to get some! I believe we now have enough to last us but was getting desperate as I’d been to at least 6 stores trying to find it. We’re full-time RV’ers. 😂
“The toilet paper supply is in danger of being wiped out.” -Very funny. Also the last option in the poll is great.