Podcast Summary
Exploring Business Insights and Unique Preferences: Squarespace provides valuable business data, Americans spend 6 billion dollars on toilet paper annually, Ferguson offers expert advice for home projects, and Stuff You Should Know is going on tour in 2017.
Squarespace offers valuable business insights for its users, enabling them to grow their businesses by analyzing site visits, sales, and effective channels. Meanwhile, toilet paper might seem like a simple necessity, but Americans have a unique attachment to it, spending around 6 billion dollars annually on it. This love for toilet paper is so strong that it's becoming a more expensive luxury item. At the same time, the hosts of Stuff You Should Know find the idea of using dry paper to wipe away waste counterintuitive and prefer involving water in the process. On a different note, Ferguson is dedicated to helping homeowners and professionals make their projects successful by providing expert advice and assistance with product selection, orders, and delivery coordination. Lastly, the Stuff You Should Know team is embarking on a tour in 2017, so fans can attend live events in various cities.
A look into the history of bathroom essentials: From natural options like leaves and moss to inventive solutions like bidets and toilet paper, humans have used various materials for wiping after using the bathroom throughout history. Ancient China invented paper, which was likely used for wiping, but its use disappeared until its widespread adoption in modern times.
Throughout history, humans have used various materials for wiping after using the bathroom, from natural options like leaves and moss to more inventive solutions like toilet paper and bidets. The speaker shared his experience with a bidet toilet seat and its benefits, but admitted that he currently doesn't have it set up. The discussion also touched on the history of toilet paper and the various alternatives used before its widespread adoption. The speaker mentioned ancient China as one of the first civilizations to invent paper, and it's likely that people eventually started using it for wiping. However, the use of paper for this purpose disappeared for a long time, and people reverted to using whatever was readily available, such as leaves, moss, and even coconut shells. The conversation also brought up some amusing anecdotes, like the comedian George Carlin's joke about someone who enjoys sitting on the toilet for extended periods. Overall, the discussion provided an interesting perspective on the evolution of bathroom practices and the various ways humans have addressed the need for personal hygiene.
The History of Personal Hygiene After Using the Restroom: From ancient civilizations to modern times, people have used diverse objects for personal hygiene after using the restroom. Historically, 'grooms of the stool' managed meal schedules and dietary habits, while toilet paper's invention faced cultural resistance, eventually becoming a common household item.
Throughout history, from ancient civilizations to the modern era, people have used various objects to address the universal need for personal hygiene after using the restroom. The term "groom of the stool" may bring to mind images of someone literally wiping another person's behind, but historically, these individuals were responsible for tracking meal schedules and dietary habits rather than performing the actual wiping. The invention of toilet paper, starting with Joseph Gayetty's medicated sheets in 1857, faced challenges due to cultural taboos and alternative methods like using catalogs or farm almanacs. The evolution of wiping tools and methods is a testament to the importance of addressing this basic human need.
From Taboo to Essential: The Evolution of Toilet Paper: The complex history of toilet paper in America includes early failures due to taboo, the impact of indoor plumbing and catalog paper, and the role of marketing and branding in making it a household essential.
The creation and popularization of toilet paper in America was a complex process marked by taboo, innovation, and marketing. Early attempts at selling medicated toilet paper failed due to the shame associated with the product. It wasn't until the late 1800s and early 1900s that significant changes such as the spread of indoor plumbing, the shift in Sears catalog paper, and the introduction of softer, feminine-branded toilet paper by companies like Hoburg, paved the way for toilet paper to become a household essential and cultural icon. The role of marketing, particularly the clever branding of Sharman toilet paper and the iconic Mr. Whipple character, cannot be overstated in making toilet paper a desirable and acceptable product for the masses.
Marketing's Impact on Consumer Perceptions and Behaviors: Effective marketing can create lasting impressions and shape consumer perceptions, leading to behaviors like panic-buying or embracing new technologies.
Effective marketing can leave a lasting impact on consumers, even if the product seems mundane at first. The example of Mr. Whipple and Charmin toilet paper demonstrates this well. Mr. Whipple, portrayed by Dick Wilson, became a household name through his persistent ads, making him the third most recognized person in America during the late 1970s, only behind Richard Nixon and Billy Graham. Charmin capitalized on this success by addressing consumers' concerns during the energy crisis, creating a perceived toilet paper shortage through Johnny Carson's Tonight Show joke. This led to a self-sustaining panic-buying trend, solidifying Charmin's position as a top toilet paper brand. Fast forward to the present day, and we have Zigazoo, a social network designed specifically for kids. With stringent data safety measures and moderated content, it provides a safe space for children to express their creativity and connect with peers. This innovative approach to social media addresses parents' concerns, allowing them to embrace the digital age while ensuring their children's online safety. In essence, both Mr. Whipple and Zigazoo showcase the power of marketing in shaping consumer perceptions and behaviors, whether it's through a memorable tagline or a kid-friendly social media platform.
Toilet Paper Consumption as an Economic Indicator: Developing nations' rising toilet paper sales indicate increased disposable income and sanitation progress, while developed countries like the US have plateaued in their consumption.
The amount of toilet paper a country consumes can serve as an indicator of its economic development. Developing nations that increase their toilet paper sales suggest they have extra disposable income and are becoming more sanitary. Meanwhile, developed countries like the US have plateaued in their toilet paper consumption, spending $6 billion annually. The production process of toilet paper involves turning trees into pulp through grinding and cooking, which is then bleached to remove color. The process is fascinating to watch, but requires precise machinery to prevent disruption.
From colored to white toilet paper: A journey of health and cost: Toilet paper production involves mixing pulp, pressing it onto a screen, drying, rolling onto tubes, and cutting. White toilet paper is now standard due to health concerns and cost, but colored and recycled options exist.
Toilet paper production has evolved significantly over the years, from the colorful, coordinated designs popular in the 1970s to the white, soft, and quilted paper we use today. The switch from colored toilet paper to white was largely due to health concerns and cost, as ink dyes were found to cause cancer and were more expensive. Modern toilet paper production involves mixing pulp with water, pressing it onto a screen, and drying it out. The resulting product is then rolled onto cardboard tubes and cut into smaller sizes for individual sale. While white toilet paper is now the norm, there are still companies that produce colored toilet paper for those who want to add a touch of nostalgia to their bathrooms. Additionally, recycled toilet paper is an eco-friendly alternative, although it may be coarser and less popular in the US due to its longer fibers. Overall, the process of making toilet paper is fascinating and involves a combination of technology and traditional manufacturing methods.
Balancing softness and strength in toilet paper production: Toilet paper brands add layers for softness and strength, but recycled toilet paper may not be as soft due to longer fibers. The process of making recycled toilet paper includes mashing, foaming, and ink removal. Embossed designs differentiate brands, and only 30% of people use the underhang method for hanging toilet paper.
Toilet paper production involves finding a balance between softness and strength. This is achieved by adding more layers, with some brands offering up to six plies. However, recycled toilet paper may not be as soft due to the longer fibers used in its production. The process of making recycled toilet paper involves mashing together various papers, creating foam, and then removing the ink and impurities. Embossed designs on toilet paper serve as a brand differentiator. Regarding the hanging style, while some prefer an overhand method, only 30% of people use the underhang method. The infamous Simpsons episode where Homer's house is criticized for improper toilet paper hanging is a minority opinion.
Personal preference and practical considerations in toilet paper roll hanging: Toilet paper roll hanging preference depends on factors like ease of access for kids/pets and hidden end appearance, but it may also depend on the type of toilet paper holder used.
The debate over whether toilet paper should be hung over or under the roll is largely a matter of personal preference and practical considerations. While some argue that an overhang makes it easier for children or pets to access and potentially waste toilet paper, others claim that an underhang keeps the unsightly end of the roll hidden. However, this perspective may depend on the type of toilet paper holder used. For instance, if the holder is a freestanding one, the toilet paper can be easily unspooled from the back. Ultimately, the choice between an overhang and an underhang may come down to individual circumstances and preferences.
Bidets: Water or Toilet Paper?: Bidets offer water-based cleansing and water conservation, but they can be an additional expense and require a different usage method compared to traditional toilet paper.
While some people prefer traditional toilet paper, others swear by bidets for their cleanliness and water conservation benefits. During the discussion, it was mentioned that Americans have actually introduced bidets to Europe but they didn't catch on in the US. The bidet, which originated in France, involves using water instead of toilet paper to clean oneself after using the restroom. It's called a bidet because users are supposed to straddle it like a horse. Modern bidets can be an additional expense, but they use less water than toilet paper and last a long time. The conversation also touched upon the horror movie "The Invitation" and the importance of having an overhand toilet paper holder to avoid coming into contact with bathroom walls and potential germs when retrieving toilet paper.
Using a bidet saves water and reduces environmental impact: Using a bidet saves water compared to toilet paper and wipes, reduces environmental impact by conserving trees and water, and is a cost-effective option in the long run.
Using a bidet instead of toilet paper and wipes can significantly reduce water usage and environmental impact. An average bidet use takes about an eighth of a gallon of water, while producing a roll of toilet paper requires 37 gallons and the production of one roll of flushable wipes requires 15 million trees, 473 billion gallons of water, and 17.3 terawatts of electricity. Toilet wipes do not break down easily and can cause issues in sewer systems. A study by Consumer Reports showed that toilet paper breaks apart easily when flushed, but wipes do not. Instead, they grow in size and swell up. Water wipes, which contain only water, are a better alternative for those who need wipes for medical reasons. Another issue is that toilet paper is getting smaller while the price remains the same or even increases. Using a bidet is a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run.
Businesses reducing product quantity, proper pronoun usage, and kid-friendly social media platforms: Toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins have less paper but larger tubes, use accurate terms like 'cisgender' and 'agender', and Zigazoo is a safe social media platform for kids to express creativity
Toilet paper companies are reducing the amount of actual paper in rolls while increasing the size of the cardboard tubes, resulting in consumers getting less paper for the same or higher prices. This trend is also happening with paper towels and napkins. To add to this discussion, a listener named Chase shared some insights about proper pronoun usage, specifically regarding the terms "cisgender" and "agender." They explained that cisgender refers to someone who identifies with the gender they were assigned at birth, while agender is a neutral term. It's essential to use accurate terminology to ensure respect and inclusivity. Additionally, the hosts discussed a social media platform called Zigazoo, which is designed for kids to share videos and is moderated by actual people. It offers a safe space for children to express themselves creatively without the risk of social trolling. Lastly, Easter is approaching, and CVS is offering free in-store pickup for customers to make their Easter preparations more convenient. They have a variety of Easter-themed items, including toys, egg decorators, and pre-filled eggs with goodies. In conclusion, it's essential to be aware of businesses reducing the quantity of products while increasing their packaging sizes, the importance of using accurate terminology, and the availability of kid-friendly social media platforms. Don't forget to take advantage of special offers during holidays like Easter for a more enjoyable experience.
