Consumer irrationality supposedly fueled a lot of the toilet paper shortage during 2020. Was it anticipatory anxiety? Herd mentality? Hoard mentality? Turns out the cause was more mundanely about supply and demand economics -- with more people at home instead of the office, then most of the paper was used there. Plenty available at the office. So now with shortages seemingly past us, a return to normal for grocery store availability is a cause to celebrate. You can splurge several squares to make a fancy swirly flower on the roll. Live a little.

01.13.21