Getting to a zero waste bathroom is one of the toughest challenges for a zero waster. Of all the rooms in the house, a lot of trash comes from the bathroom. Over the past few weeks, we’ve I’ve been exploring zero waste swaps in the bathroom. The average woman uses 12 products before leaving the house. That’s a lot of swaps or choices to reduce to make.
Zero Waste Essentials
The first step to a zero waste bathroom is to evaluation and see if you actually need everything you have stored in the bathroom. It’s easy to impulse shop, try new products and end up buying stuff you don’t need or use. It’s a good idea to go through what you have and either use or get rid of those products.
If impulse purchases are a constant struggle for you, I have implemented a new strategy that might work for you too. If I need for a certain type of product, I usually do research on the options before I buy. This is the main reason why I love online shopping, though it can be more wasteful in some ways, it helps to be able to read customer reviews and do proper research before a purchase. If it’s a product I find spontaneously, and I didn’t know I needed it, I’ll write down the name and wait 30 days or at least wait until the next shopping trip until I buy it. In most cases, I’ll forget all about it and never even miss it.
I’m still working on finding solutions for all zero waste bathroom essentials, but here is my tried and true list of what I have found so far.
Zero Waste Soap
Switching to zero waste soap is one of the easier swaps you can make. However, there are a few things to consider. Skin type, ingredient preference, and fragrances are just a few factors to keep in mind when selecting the perfect soap for you. If you’re seeking a natural option with a unique touch, you might want to explore options like shop premium pine tar soap, which offers both cleansing properties and a distinctive scent. This post will help narrow down the choices and help find the right soap for you, in addition to tips to help your soap bar last as long as possible.
Zero Waste Shampoo and Hair Care
Finding a new shampoo was probably one of my toughest zero waste challenges when it came to the bathroom. However, that helped me finding shampoo options available for a wide variety of hair types. Check out my favorite zero waste shampoo options and find an option to get started.
Depending on the shampoo bar, your hair type and water, you might need a conditioner.
Swap out traditional conditioner for Apple Cider Vinegar. There is a couple of ways to do it. One, you can mix one to two tablespoons in a large cup of water and just slowly pour it all over your hair. Or you can use a spray bottle to spritz in your hair. Let it soak in for a couple of minutes and then rinse.
Using ACV is great to balance your pH especially after using a soap bar.
Toilet Paper Alternatives
There are many toilet paper options out there, including family cloth (Not as gross as it sounds), bidet, and recycled toilet paper. Find the pros and cons for the toilet paper alternatives available and find the right option for you and your family.
Eco-Friendly Mouthcare
I’m obsessed with my bamboo toothbrushes. They come in cardboard packaging that’s biodegrades. Check out this post for my favorite eco-friendly toothbrush options.
For the past few years, I’ve been making my own toothpaste and it’s so great! Every once in a while, I have to switch temporarily to conventional toothpaste and my mouth just never feels as clean or fresh. If I can recommend one zero waste swap, hands down it would be to make your own toothpaste.
If mouthwash is an important part of your morning routine, this homemade, zero waste mouth wash is super soothing for gums and refreshing.
Reusable Razor Options
Reusable razors are essential to any zero waste bathroom, but it’s one of the last changes people make. Safety razors get a bad rap, but those who finally try the safety razor, usually love it and don’t have any problems adjusting. Check out these tips for the most effective use and maintenance of your razor!
Reusable Cotton Rounds/Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Although this is plastic-free product, but it’s still best to limit the single-use items we have in the house. Not only will reusable cotton rounds save what we throw away, it will save us money and energy used in production of these single-use items. That’s not to say all reusable cotton rounds are the same because cotton is actually one of the world’s “dirtiest” crop, because it requires such heavy doses of potent insecticides. That being said, here are some great reusable makeup remover pads options to complete your zero waste bathroom.
These Reusable Make up Remover Pads come with 16 piece set of Washable Bamboo Cotton Pad and a laundry bag for just $11.67. The company estimates they can be used up to 1000 times, and with the laundry bag, they’re easy to clean and reuse.
Etsy is another great place to find reusable cotton rounds. I found this lovely set of 14 bamboo makeup remover pads for just $25. They have raving reviews and are great for people with sensitive skin.
Luffas
Luffas are another one of my favorite zero waste bathroom swaps. My face and body feel amazing after every use. The best part is they can grow in your backyard!
In Conclusion
Getting to a zero waste bathroom is one of the toughest challenges for a zero waster. But these zero waste bathroom swaps will get you a few steps closer to your goal! Don’t forget to pin for later!
