The recent coronavirus-related toilet paper shortage has put the spotlight on the TP-less alternative that Americans have yet to truly embrace: the bidet.

It's not exactly a secret that toilet paper is wasteful—it's estimated to cost 437 billion gallons of water and 15 million trees to produce our yearly supply of the stuff. But while the numbers are plain to see, bidets still aren't common in the United States.

Well, if price was ever the biggest barrier standing in the way of swearing off toilet paper for good, there's now a cost-effective way to make the switch. Right now, you can get the space-saving Tushy bidet for less than $100. And you'll be able to install it yourself in just 10 minutes.

What is a Bidet?

Before we go any further, let’s just go ahead and get the awkward technical details out of the way. Instead of using toilet paper after going to the bathroom, bidets get you clean by using a stream of concentrated water that comes out of a faucet or nozzle. Traditional bidets look like weird toilets without tanks or lids, and while they’re pretty uncommon in the United States, you’ve definitely seen one if you’ve ever been to Europe or Asia.

That said, bidets aren’t just good for your butt. When you reduce toilet paper usage, you also reduce the amount of chemicals and emissions required to produce it, which is good for the environment. At the same time, you’re also saving money. So this is a huge win-win.

Unfortunately, traditional bidets are not an option for most Americans because they take up a lot of bathroom space and require extra plumbing. That’s where Tushy comes in.

The Tushy Classic Bidet Toilet Seat.

Unlike traditional bidets, the Tushy bidet doesn’t take up any extra space in your bathroom. It’s an attachment for your existing toilet that places an adjustable self-cleaning nozzle at the back of the bowl, just underneath the seat. But it doesn’t require any additional plumbing or electricity. All you have to do is remove the seat from your toilet, connect the Tushy to the clean water supply behind the toilet, and replace the seat on top of the Tushy attachment.

The Tushy has a control panel that lets you adjust the angle and pressure of the water stream for a perfect custom clean. The nozzle lowers when the Tushy is activated and retracts into its housing when not in use, keeping it clean and sanitary.

Like all bidets, the Tushy system takes a little getting used to. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want to use toilet paper again. In fact, Tushy is so sure you’ll love their product, they offer customers a 60-day risk-free guarantee. If you don’t love your Tushy, you can send it back for a full refund, minus shipping and handling.

Normally, the Tushy Classic retails for $109, but right now you can get the Tushy Classic for just $89. So if you’ve been thinking about going TP-free, now is definitely the time to do it.

At Mental Floss, we only write about the products we love and want to share with our readers, so all products are chosen independently by our editors. Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers and may receive a percentage of any sale made from the links on this page. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication.

If you’re new to home ownership, you may think that finding a house, getting approved for a mortgage, and closing were the hardest parts of laying down roots. And while buying a home is a big accomplishment, it’s just the beginning! To keep your dwelling in tip-top shape for years to come, you’ll need to outsmart its biggest threat: the weather. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to keep its structure safe and your utility costs low—and most of them don’t require contractor-level skills.

1. INSULATE, INSULATE, INSULATE.

Whether you live in a cold region of the country or a warm one (or both!), insulating your attic and basement is one of the best things you can do to keep heating and cooling costs down. Upkeep is minimal: Every spring and fall, do a spot check to make sure there aren’t cracks or gaps allowing outside air in (and inside air out).

2. GET TECHY.

Installing a programmable thermostat that automates indoor temperature is an easy way to save about $180 a year in heating and cooling costs. Decide if you want a unit with remote access, i.e., smart home technology, or without. If you’re replacing your old thermostat, it’s easy to do yourself; if you’re putting in an entirely new system, hire a pro.

3. PAINT YOUR HOME RIGHT.

Exterior paint is the first layer of defense against the elements. Harsh UV rays can cause paint to crack and peel, while extreme temperatures force the surface covering your home to expand and contract. In areas of the country where rain and humidity abound, moisture can seep into paint, causing mold, mildew, and algae to take root. Fortunately, the right paint, formulated for the conditions where you live, can make all the difference. Valspar® Reserve ® Extreme Weather Paint + Primer with SeasonFlex™ Technology forms a flexible bond with your home’s exterior throughout summer and winter; Valspar® Reserve ® Extreme Weather Paint + Primer with SunStopper™ Technology refracts light while neutralizing harmful UV rays; and Valspar® Reserve ® Extreme Weather Paint + Primer with RainRelief™ Technology forms a watertight bond with your home, while the included mildewcide fends off unwanted nasties.

4. GIVE YOURSELF A NEW OUTLET.

This is a tiny, easy thing to do, which makes it perfect whether you rent or own your place. Wave your hand in front of outlets to see if air is coming through. If yes, install a foam outlet gasket. They’re inexpensive and easily removable, so you can even take them with you if you move.

5. ALLOW YOURSELF TO VENT.

Yes, your home needs ventilation, especially around the dryer, over the stove and in the bathroom. But don’t allow air to escape. Look for a magnetic cover for your kitchen exhaust fan and an internal flapper for your bathroom fan to handle moisture. As for the dryer, be sure the external vent has a flap over it—and check it periodically to make sure it remains lint-free.

6. TREAT YOUR FLUE.

Yes, that real fireplace is quaint. When it’s not in use though, its chimney is also letting warm air out, as it’s designed to do. Always remember to close the flue when you don’t have a fire going. And if you’re just moving in, contact a professional to check the chimney’s physical state. They’ll examine it from roof to hearth, and may also install a balloon that inflates automatically underneath the flue to keep air from escaping. It will also deflate when there’s heat present, allowing the chimney to do its job.

7. STRATEGIZE YOUR REMODEL.

In some cases, weatherproofing your home requires more than keeping rain out and the right temperatures in. If you’re building or remodeling a home in a flood or tsunami zone near the ocean, consult an architect that specializes in extreme weatherproofing. Living areas can be raised, glass can be fortified and classic shingles can be replaced with composite tiles for ultimate gust and downpour protection.

Finally there’s a paint formulated to stand up to the extreme weather where you live. New Valspar® Reserve® Extreme Weather Paint and Primer in three regional, weather-specific formulas: SeasonFlex™, SunStopper™ and RainRelief™ . Find the one for you exclusively at Lowe’s or go to Valsparpaint.com/ExteriorPaint to learn more.