I USE ZERO SQUARES TO PEE.....OK, Just being funny <since I'm a guy> but, YES, I should be more mindful during & after #2. :-)

Yes, I try to do this too but I'm another guy.  I've noticed in my life that women are horrible at this.  They pull out an arms length and roll it into a pillow, pat pat and away it goes.  I've spoken to my wife about this when I see her do it but it's a subject I better not bring up.  Some fairly sensitive nerve thing going on there.  I'm glad to hear that at least some women are trying.  It just bugs me, all that paper waste.

I have never even considered this!! What a great idea.

We started using a Biffy which is a bide that you can attatch to your toilet. ( google it i u ru interested) Its really cut down on our toilet paper use soooo much. We really like having it to help with cleaning up our children after they use the bathroom. Anyway, that is my tip. 

I wonder how this stacks up against other things you can do for your environment?

- Lowering thermostat in Winter, raising thermostat in Summer?

- Promoting and using more energy efficient cars and living spaces?

- Eating a whole plant based diet, avoiding processed/packaged foods?

- Buying less packaged goods and junk from China and recycling more?

- Bicycling commute to work and avoiding unnecessary air travel?

Taking fewer squares of toilet paper may be a good metaphore, but there's a lot more that's required if we need to help our ecological footprint small. I would first and foremost promote a whole plant based diet, which unfortunately may result in more toilet paper squares being used.

I try to be very mindful of how much TP we use in the house and have even talked to the kids about being conservative, but since switching to environmentally friend TP, it's so thin that I need to use more.  I'm currently using Seventh Generation.  Does anyone have another brand they like more.  My husband hates it so much he almost went and bought Charmin the other day. 

About a year ago, I statred using 3 squares for #1 and 4 squares for #2. Works out great for me.

I try...I really do but I just cannot stand to use so little. I might be a bit OCD about it actually but I'm not getting up from there until I feel as clean (and dry) as possible. I know this means that I use more than I should but I just can't do it any other way. Thanks for the tip about the Biffy @Mimi Pay! That might be just the thing I need to look into, I guess.

There were a lot of girls in my family growing up, but I have thought about this many times.  I use as little as possible and 1 of the gals in my family uses pads she made out of old sheets to do the job then wash.  This is probably one of those areas that could be argued and argued.  I saw Dan's response above and I agree to an extent.  There will always be "bigger" and "smaller" areas, but I believe they all count and in learning one, it opens to the door to other areas yet unvisited.

Thanks for bringing up this topic, Alicia!

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to discuss this topic with a roommate's girlfriend? 

She goes to school an hour away from where we live, so she stays with us every weekend.  I notice a significant change in the TP roll every time I go during this time.  When I've talked to Brandon, my roommate, he says she "makes a mitt" because she doesn't want to get her waste on her hands.  Understandable, but that's why we wash our hands after!

It really bugs me that she's so wasteful.  I'd appreciate any feedback on how to handle this situation.  Thanks!

How about the flushable wipes?  The feel cleaner, so maybe 1 of those could be used instead of a fistful of TP?

Since I was little I've had a problem with using too much TP. A few years ago, thanks to Allnaturalme.com, I was intruduced to reusable toilet whipes. It's just a little pee, why not? I was them with my hankies (don't like using disposables, if you can't tell) and the worst of my cleaning rags & cloth napkins. I make my own laundry soap, but add in an eco friendly version of oxyclean & some white vinegar & let them soak in the mix for a while usually... I bring this up because a lot of people get a bit grossed out by it. But really, since I'm washing hankies it's not so different... Also, it's easier on your wallet and nicer on sensitive skin :)

By being aware of the little actions we make every day, I think they can add up to big changes that can have a major effect -- especially if everyone is willing.  I try to be mindful about using a reasonable amount of tp in the bathroom & recently started using handkerchiefs, because I felt wasteful issuing tissue/tp to blow my nose.  I admire Kris (DuVall) above for using reusable tp, though I would have a hard time doing this myself.  TP really is the ultimate waste thought: it cannot be reused, & even if you buy recycled tp in paper packaging (not plastic) like we do, every new roll still requires water & electricity to produce.

http://colourmehappy.typepad.com/colour-me-happy/reducing-waste/

This is a very good idea, there is a problem in my house where to much is being use. I have not thought of a method to stop wasting TP. And this is a great method. Thank you.

you know what is even better than toilet paper? water! yes guys, water is MUCH BETTER than toilet paper, it is more eco-friendly, gentle on your behind and is much more hygenic! If you got poop on your hand would you wash it off with water or try to rub it off with paper?! I swapped about 2 years ago to using water after a trip to Malaysia and trust me it is so much better! I can't even imagine using paper now! :p