The Good Roll
Sustainable toilet roll from bamboo
The following SDG impact is applicable to The Gool Roll:
Nature calls and all answer. In a counterintuitive way, answering to these calls in most circumstances has an adverse effect on nature; deforestation. Almost two million trees are cut down daily to meet global toilet paper demand. Deforestation leaves an undesirable effect on the environment.
It causes climate change, desertification, soil erosion, flooding, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and a host of problems for indigenous people and by extension, the world as these effects are felt globally, with time.
The Good Roll, one roll at a time, is helping curb this menace by employing and integrating sustainable practices in their operations.
TGR uses bamboo as its primary raw material in the production of toilet papers. Bamboo, a grass, is more sustainable since it grows back in less than two years after harvesting, which is faster in comparison with trees which take decades to replenish. Bamboos are also effective carbon dioxide absorbers, absorbing more carbon dioxide than tress, both above ground and below ground carbons in their roots and rhizomes. This helps in the reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Towards enhancing the livelihoods of persons in developing areas, TGR commits 50% of its net profits to the building and provision of accessible, safe and clean toilets in various countries across Africa. Following a well-developed plan of engaging bamboo farmers (out growers) and together with relevant organizations, The Good Roll, being the first of its kind, is geared towards creating employment across various sectors of the Ghanaian economy and improving the standards of living of persons not just in Ghana but across Africa, while simultaneously contributing positively to the mitigation of the Climate Change Effect.
Wangara’s investment in TGR formed a foundation in the set up of the factory and also serves as working capital, to promote operational efficiency. Directly, it has led to the creation of about 50 jobs and over 200 indirect jobs for bamboo farmers and many more along the value chain.
