In 1880, Sears Roebuck catalogs and similar mail-order publications became commonly used as toilet paper in rural America, reflecting the resourcefulness of consumers. This practice highlighted the challenges of access to basic hygiene products in remote areas and the innovative ways people adapted to their circumstances. The use of catalogs for hygiene also underscores the intersection of commerce and daily life in the late 19th century.

The colonial American catalog pages for hygiene in 1880 symbolized the democratization of print culture, which was referenced in 20th-century American poetry. Poets like Allen Ginsberg explored themes of consumerism and societal norms, reflecting the changing landscape of American life.