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It’s entirely possible that you’ve taken a moment to gaze upward while in a shower and realized how much waste is created by everyday products.
There are bottles, a razor that is disposable, and all sorts of ordeals that we do each and every day that are dangerous to the environment.
But, believe it or not. Switching to a zero-waste shower routine is such an easy task. What’s more, it feels good for us and the environment!
A zero-waste shower routine means using less plastic, harmful stuff, and junk while using eco-friendly, sustainable products. Sounds good, right?
Not only does it help cut down on trash, but these cool products are often better for your skin & hair. So, you’re helping the planet & yourself!
I’ve been on this zero-waste journey for a few years now. I swapped out my old products for more eco-friendly ones.
There are some fantastic alternatives out there that not only help cut down on plastic waste but also make my showers so much nicer.
Let’s jump in and explore how you can make your shower time cleaner and greener!
Eco-Friendly Shampoo & Conditioner Options
The first thing I did was just to remove my hair shampoo bottles and switch to solid bars. Shampoo bars are a total win, they last longer, have no plastic waste, and are usually packed in simple or eco-friendly packaging
Try brands like Ethique or HiBAR. These companies offer great hair care products that work for all hair types! I’ve been using HiBAR for over a year now, and seriously, my hair feels amazing!
You can even try DIY options like baking soda & apple cider vinegar. They can clean your hair just fine without all those chemicals!
Plastic-Free Body Wash and Soap Alternatives
Say goodbye to plastic body wash bottles & go for bar soap instead! Bar soap has less packaging, lasts longer, and comes in lots of natural formulas that’s good for your skin.
If chemicals worry you, look for organic brands that don’t have palm oil or are not tested on animals.
I personally love Dr. Bronner’s Castile Bar Soap—No sneaking after applying the product, gentle in nature.
Ensure to select paraben and microbead-free soaps and bodywashes instead. Those things are bad for you and for Mother Earth.
Are you feeling a little overachieving? You could try making your own soap at home! It’s super fun to pick the scents and ingredients!
Water-Saving Tips for an Eco-Friendly Shower
Using less water is just as important as saying no to plastic! Did you know the average American uses 17.2 gallons of water per shower? Crazy, right?
Just cutting down your shower time or getting a water-saving showerhead can really help.
Here are some tips:
- – Keep your showers under 5 minutes.
- – Get a ‘low-flow showerhead’—you’ll save about 40% more water!
- – Try cold showers sometimes—they save energy & are awesome for your skin & hair!
Honestly, switching to shorter and cooler showers really refreshed me during those hot New Jersey summers.
Eco-Friendly Scrubbing Tools and Accessories
Those traditional plastic loofahs might feel nice but they add to microplastic pollution.
In a zero-waste shower routine, go for natural scrubbing tools like sisal washcloths or sea sponges—they break down easily and do the job well.
I got rid of my old loofah and grabbed a sisal washcloth—it’s comfy on my skin and compostable when it’s done.
You could also use bamboo or wooden brushes for scrubbing your body & switch to biodegradable razors like Leaf Shave for shaving with no plastic waste.
I changed to this razor not long ago—it really helps cut down on trash & gives an awesome shave!
Zero Waste Post-Shower Care
After you shower, ditch those plastic lotion bottles too! So many sustainable options do just as good—or even better! Lotion bars are fantastic—they’re solid, come with no waste packing, & use natural ingredients.
Check out Burt’s Bees Lotion Bars or whip up some DIY ones with coconut oil and beeswax.
I’ve also switched to using organic cotton towels—they’re softer & kinder to the earth than regular towels. Plus, it helps keep up with my zero waste routine after my shower.
Storing Your Zero Waste Shower Essentials
When you’ve got zero-waste goodies, they need smart storage! Use ceramic or bamboo soap dishes to keep bar soap dry & in good shape.
For shampoo bars, I keep mine in metal tins—great for travel and keep everything neat in my shower.
Get some reusable containers for homemade stuff too! Glass jars or metal containers make my bathroom look stylish while being good friends with nature.
Gradually changing from regular products to zero-waste ones makes it a lot easier! Whether you’re swapping plastic bottles for bars or saving water, each little change brings you closer to living sustainably.
Making these swaps has truly helped me cut waste not just in my shower but everywhere else too.
If you’re curious about more ideas on this journey check out my post on the 30-Day Zero Waste Challenge—it’s packed with tips!
