Why Are Shoppers in Finland Stockpiling Toilet Paper?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the recent stockpiling of toilet paper by shoppers in Finland due to a lockout affecting paper mills. Participants explore the implications of this situation, share personal anecdotes about past shortages, and engage in humorous exchanges about alternative materials for toilet paper.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that shoppers in Finland are stockpiling toilet paper due to fears of shortages caused by a lockout of paper mill workers.
  • Others share experiences of past toilet paper shortages, including a mention of a truck driver strike in the 1970s that led to panic buying.
  • A participant humorously suggests using leaves and sticks as eco-friendly alternatives to toilet paper, prompting further jokes about the practicality of such options.
  • Some express skepticism about the necessity of stockpiling, comparing it to other instances of panic buying, such as during snow predictions or Y2K.
  • There are playful exchanges about the quality of various materials, including glossy pages versus newspaper, and the potential for discomfort with alternative options.
  • A participant mentions the possibility of importing toilet paper from Sweden, reflecting on the local supply situation.
  • Humor is prevalent, with jokes about the absurdity of stockpiling and creative marketing ideas related to toilet paper substitutes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity or rationality of stockpiling toilet paper, with multiple competing views expressed regarding the behavior of consumers and the implications of the lockout.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reference the cultural context of Finland and past events that led to similar shortages, but these are anecdotal and do not resolve the current situation's uncertainties.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in consumer behavior during crises, cultural responses to shortages, or humorous takes on everyday challenges may find this discussion engaging.

  • #31
Danger said:
:smile: :smile: :smile: That's ingenious.
Agreed! :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile:

I can't think of many parts that would need to be repaired. A good hosing-down once in a while should do it.
Speaking of which, a good hosing down once in a while would solve the lack of paper problem as well. :biggrin:
 
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  • #32
Moonbear said:
Agreed! :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile:


Speaking of which, a good hosing down once in a while would solve the lack of paper problem as well. :biggrin:
In some countries they have a hose attachment from the plumbing for this purpose (better than a bidet). But cold water is unpleasant, so I thought what if the water could be heated through electrical coils. But then your butt might be boiled instead of shredded. Anyway, if anyone here in PF decides to design the product, I hope they will keep me in mind for the marketing. :biggrin:

http://www.advancedtoilets.com/index.html
 
  • #33
SOS2008 said:
But cold water is unpleasant, so I thought what if the water could be heated through electrical coils. But then your butt might be boiled instead of shredded.
Not to mention electrocuted.
 
  • #34
Gokul43201 said:
Sounds possible; after all ...

There lived, by a river with a dam
A Finnish paper-mill guy named Idestam
Now he's got so much money
He thought it would be funny
To make a telephone with a webcam.

I dedicate this limerick to all ye Finns out there.

Wipe away :biggrin:

Thank you for successfully condensing the last century of Finnish history. Ok, I'll print this for concrete use if the worst happens :biggrin: ... the other options appear slightly appalling, although ingenious.
 
  • #35
PerennialII said:
Thank you for successfully condensing the last century of Finnish history.
Didn't expect most folks would get it...ecxept for the Scandinavians, of course.