Kimberly Clark announced this week they will “roll” out their experimental toilet paper roll without the cardboard center.  The move is falling under the “green” wave that is sweeping the nation.  Along with saving money on the carboard up front, they are looking to save money on the recycling of the unused portion of the cardboard. 

What does this mean for us plumbers? Well for starters, many a plumber have credited their successful careers to this little cylinder.  How you ask?  Because many people, believe it or not, will actually flush it instead of throwing it away.   If you have ever done this, you should make that practice a thing of the past. 

What does this mean for the rest of us?  It won’t mean much, unless you have school age children.  What are the kids going to do when they need a 6 inch cylinder for their school projects?  What are they going to use to color on and make a “thingamajiggy” out of when they are bored out of their minds in the middle of February.  Being halloween, I cannot help but think of the problems this is gonna play on the aerodynamics of flying toilet paper rolls over trees by the mischievous youths. 

Does this also mean the demise of the paper towel holder and wrapping paper holder are not far behind.  Somebody must put a stop to this.  I for one, will never tire of playing taps through a wrapping paper holder.