If you’ve been following along with our 6 more months to zero waste series, or if you have been on a zero waste journey of your own, by now you’ve made a lot of changes. Perhaps they were one huge step and you jumped right in, but if you are like me, you’re taking many small steps to get where you want to be.
By now, you may have made some zero waste swaps around the house but now it’s time to make a full room switch. I think the bathroom is the easiest place to do this bc, for most, this is a finite space. As with most zero waste switches, the first step here is to take a look at what you consume and see where you can make more sustainable swaps. Start by taking a look at every product and item you normally use in your bathroom.
Some people have only a few items in the bathroom, some have many many items. Let’s just take a look at a few things that anyone might have and the swaps I have tried for an example. We’ll assume you’ve already done away with liquid soap, paper towels and such. Here are some more intermediate swaps. These are only some of the potential swaps. If you have more ideas, please share them in the comments.
Safety razors are a great sustainable bathroom switch.
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
All three of these conventional items are packed in plastic which usually can’t be recycled. Many people replace a plastic tooth brush with a bamboo one, but I don’t like them. I prefer Preserve toothbrushes which can be recycled and are made from recycled yogurt cups. They can be sent in or dropped off at drop boxes in certain grocery shops.
One of the most popular toothpaste swaps are toothpaste tablets, which are a great alternative. Also, there are many homemade toothpaste recipes. If you make your own toothpaste, share the recipe here.
I’ve currently been using a cotton floss in a glass jar. I bought it when I visited The Good Fill in Nashville. This is one of many floss alternative.
Toilet Paper
There are several ways to swap out the waste made by toilet paper. This waste is not only what we flush down the loo, but also what is created in the creation of the paper, it’s packaging, etc… In this area, I have not been too experimental. I buy my TP in bulk, wrapped only in paper, in a cardboard box, it’s made from recycled paper. Similar here. Bidets are a common alternative and apparently easy to install and use. Family cloth might be the most sustainable, but also possibly the ickiest swap.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Shampoo bars are so great! Long lasting, supporting small business, natural, vegan, and more, these are my favorite alternative. They take a little getting used to. They are a little more work but once you get the hang of it, they are easy. You all know I love Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Co for shampoo. For conditioner, I do like a conditioner bar, but I find apple cider vinegar is best. If you just can’t quit liquid hair cleaners, there are many refill varieties if you have a store near you. (I just discovered one near me, Currant, in Red Bank, NJ). There also exist refill programs thru the mail.
Deodorant
The switch over to cream deodorant is pretty seamless. As with a shampoo bar, it takes a few applications, but you’ll get it. There are many cream deodorants that come in glass or reusable containers. This is also a good DIY project. I have tried a few, but Meow Meow Tweet is always good!
Hand Lotion
For this swap, I prefer a balm that comes in a metal tin or glass jar. Some use various oils, instead of creams. There are many ways to keep your hands moist and be plastic free!
A natural loofa is made from a gourd! Sustainable scrubbing!
Makeup might be the biggest switch over category in most people bathrooms, but I don’t wear it! I searched around and found quite a few good zero waste, vegan options, even some refillable. If makeup is a stable for you, there are options! There are also a lot of great DIY tutorials.
As you see what you regularly use and research what swaps you will make, remember not to throw away what you currently have!! It’s very important in the zero waste movement to use up what we already have as this is the most sustainable practice.
What are some other swaps you have made or can think of to make?
By the end of the month, try to have swapped out (or have a swap ready for) every item in your bathroom. Many small businesses that sell zero waste swaps need our support, so when we are ready we can make some of those purchases thru them.
Just bc we are going to be inside for the next few weeks, or months, doesn’t mean that we should just sit on our hands. This is a perfect time to do various audits around the house, so let’s start with the bathroom! Share your experiences to help others!
In 2019 we started a monthly journey towards a more zero waste lifestyle. Each month you can follow along. Here is what we have done so far:
January 2019 - Trash Audit
We separated and looked our trash to see what we are throwing away and what we can reduce.
February 2019- Declutter Everything
We went thru what we have to declutter and reduce.
March 2019- Switch to Paper
This month we moved to paper to get one step closer to reusables.
April 2019- Compost
Composting is an easy way to reduce food waste and prevent it from reaching the landfill.
May 2019- Meatless Monday
One of the best ways to improve the environment is to stop eating factory farmed meat and industrial fish. Small steps lead to big change so this month we gave up meat (or dairy or fish) for at least one day.
June 2019- No Bottled Water
We gave up bottled water as an avenue to give up more disposable plastic in Plastic Free July.
July 2019 - Plastic Free July!
Go plastic free this month!
In late 2019, we continued our journey to becoming more zero waste. The current list has changed a little since the beginning. See the list below to follow our progress:
November - Zero Waste Kit
We created a zero waste kit to help us be more zero waste in our day to day life.
December - No Gifts
We took Dec to give no gifts and get no gifts.
January - Clothing and Fast Fashion
This month we explored what fast fashion is, and how we can stop buying it forever.
February - Use Mass Transit
March- Bathroom Make-over
April - Grow Your Own Food