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My journey towards zero waste started with a zero-waste kitchen, and later gradually expanded to an eco-friendly bathroom.
This is through the application of eco-bathroom items, recycling them, and avoiding single-use items.
I have not only converted my own bathroom but also I have been able to convince my relatives and friends to try similar practices.
Today, I will explain how you can convert your bathroom into an entirely green and environmentally friendly habitat in order to reduce your carbon footprint.
Why You Need to Focus on a Zero-Waste Bathroom?
If you look at how much trash we create every day, a lot of it comes from disposable stuff we use in the bathroom.
Think plastic bottles, razors you toss after one use, & single-use wipes—they really add up! Starting with the bathroom is awesome because little changes can make a big difference. Ready? Let’s dive in!
1. Go for Plastic-Free Toiletries
Plastic packages are like the villains of the bathroom world! One of my first swaps was swapping liquid soap for good ol’ bar soap.
There are so many beautiful handmade bar soaps out there that don’t come in plastic! I found a local shop that sells them without packaging—plus, it helps small businesses!
I switched to shampoo & conditioner bars from brands like Ethique & HiBAR. They last way longer and do just as good a job as bottled ones—& no plastic waste!
Then there are toothpaste tablets. I tried Bite toothpaste tablets ’cause I was curious (and kinda doubtful), but now I’m obsessed! They come in glass jars or compostable packs—just chew and brush!
2. Use Refillable Products
Refillable bottles are total lifesavers! I got some fancy glass ones from Plaine Products that I can refill with bulk stuff. Super easy way to toss out less plastic!
DIY Cleaning: I’ve experimented with making my own cleaners with stuff like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils has been fun! They work well & keep nasty chemicals outta my bathroom.
Read more about How to make Natural Cleaning Solutions
3. Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes & Floss
Guess what? Over a billion plastic toothbrushes get tossed every year in the U.S.!
Swapping to bamboo brushes was a breeze for me. I use Brush with Bamboo—they’re biodegradable and come with eco-friendly packaging.
- Compostable Floss: For floss, I’ve got Dental Lace which has silk or corn-based options in glass containers. Gentle on my gums and the Earth too!
4. Reusable Alternatives
Making swaps for reusable stuff is one of my favorite parts of this journey! Instead of disposable razors, I bought a safety razor from Albatross—it just needs new blades! It saves money and cuts down waste nicely.
- Cloth Wipes: Makeup wipes? Nah! I use reusable cloth wipes from Marley’s Monsters instead—they’re super soft and easy to wash. I’ve even gifted these to friends, who love ‘em too!
5. Sustainable Toilet Paper
Toilet paper’s everywhere, but lots of brands hurt trees to make it. After checking out alternatives, I switched to Who Gives a Crap bamboo toilet paper—all while keeping things eco-friendly with no plastic wrap.
Bidet Attachments: Got myself a TUSHY bidet attachment and it’s cut back on toilet paper use big-time! Totally worth it both for my wallet and the planet!
6. Zero Waste Personal Care
I remember convincing my family to try reusable cotton rounds, and now, they wouldn’t go back! Small swaps like this really add up.
I’ve also shared the DivaCup and reusable cloth pads from GladRags with friends—they’re comfy & save money.
7. Green Cleaning Products
Going green for cleaning was high on my list too. Many store-bought cleaners are packed in plastic and filled with yucky chemicals.
So, I started mixing vinegar & baking soda at home—it works awesome without hurting nature!
- Reusable Cleaning Cloths: Paper towels? Nope! I keep old rags around along with some washable cloths for cleaning up messes too. Swedish dishcloths are neat because they’re reusable & compostable.
8. Reduce Water Usage
Water-saving steps matter if you want a zero-waste bathroom! Installed a low-flow showerhead from Nebia—it feels nice while saving water—and make sure to turn off the tap during teeth brushing time too!
Easy peasy ways to save gallons daily! Oh, and fixed that leaky faucet which helped save on my bill.
9. Sustainable Storage Solutions
I love using repurposing glass jars for storing bathroom goodies; cotton swabs and bath salts look nice in ’em too! I’ve even given old containers new life instead of tossing them away.
10. Repurpose & Reuse
Zero waste means reusing what you have! Donating items you don’t need or finding cool ways to use them again is where it’s at!
Like turning old towels into cleaning rags or using empty containers for new projects adds creativity into everyday life.
As I keep sharing my zero waste journey with everyone around me, I encourage you to do the same.
Yet, it is instructive to emphasize that the golden rule is to look for ways or products that are appropriate and suit your lifestyle.
Definitely, it will require trial and error but that’s very much the essence of the zero-waste concept. You can live a greener lifestyle by carefully considering your choices and making one or two associated changes.