You know our motto for a zero waste life: "Stop doing nothing because you can’t do everything". Every little step really does help, and the bathroom is a great place to start, because there are so many easy swaps for a zero waste bathroom.
Just a few simple switches can drastically reduce bathroom waste, and before you know it, you’ve already halved your household waste. Not to mention the fact that you’ll save so much money (always worth mentioning!).
Let’s have a look at where you can start. Swap your…
#1… plastic shampoo bottles for shampoo bars.
Producing a pile of plastic bottles every month just to keep your gorgeous hair swish-perfect starts to feel a bit uncomfortable, doesn’t it? Don’t worry, you don’t need to stop washing your hair, just make the zero waste switch to solid shampoo! The transition can require patience, but the pay-off is worth it, for your hair and the planet!
Above: If you have hard water, opt for a pH-balanced shampoo bar like this one by Kind2
#2… wet wipes for reusable face cloths or cotton rounds.
Wet wipes are one of those products that make us feel a bit queasy, to be honest, especially when we see those images of fatbergs in the sewage pipes. Why use plastic-ridden wet wipes when you can swap them for zero waste bathroom products: reusable cotton face rounds for cleanser and toner, organic cotton or muslin face clothes, or even old towels for cleaning!
Above: Switch to reusable makeup remover pads like these ones from Wild & Stone
#3… disposable menstrual products for reusable ones.
One of the biggest but for some most challenging steps on the path to a zero waste bathroom is period products. With such an incredible range of plastic-free period products, from menstrual cups to reusable cloth pads, there have never been more reasons to make this switch.
ABOVE: MENSTRUAL UNDERWEAR IS A GAME-CHANGER - NO MORE AWKWARD SHIFTING PADS!
#4… make-up remover for coconut oil.
Coconut oil is another hero product, both in the kitchen and in the bathroom. One of our favourite ways to use it is as make-up remover. If coconut oil clogs your pores, this also works with olive or almond oil. Massage it in gently, rinse with warm water and a (reusable!) cloth. Great for your skin, your bank balance and the planet.
Above: Switch expensive make-up remover lotions for coconut oil or other natural alternatives
#5… plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one.
We all want good dental hygiene, which is why we listen when dentists tell us to replace our toothbrushes every 3 months. But replacing plastic toothbrushes every three months leads to a lot of brightly-coloured plastic waste in landfills. The solution? A compostable bamboo toothbrush. Easy.
Above: Switch to a compostable bamboo toothbrush like this one from Wild & Stone
#6… plastic-packed deodorant for a natural one.
Packaging for most deodorants is among the worst among bathroom waste – two types of plastic making them difficult to recycle. Not to mention the fact that they’re jam-packed with chemicals. Plastic-free natural deodorant is a game-changer.
Above: Plastic-free deodorant that really works
#7… tube of mascara for vintage-style cake mascara.
This is a pleasingly retro bathroom switch to make for those of us who like to be glam without drowning in make-up tubes. With a lifespan of 2 years, cake mascara is easy-to-use, creates varied looks and can have quite an impact.
Above: Piece of cake. Add a couple of drops of water to mascara cake and apply as normal
#8… disposable razor for a safety razor.
Guys and gals alike can make this easy swap to remove hair in a zero waste bathroom environment. It might be a bit daunting initially, but once you get the hang of using a safety razor you’ll relish the smoother shave and the money you save.
Above: Up your bathroom game with a Safety Razor like this one from Wild & Stone
Have you made these zero waste bathroom swaps? Do you know of any others? Share in the comments below!