Bathroom | Zero Waste Swaps
March 06, 2019
I feel as though turning our bathrooms into zero waste (or, at least, zero plastic) rooms always seems like a daunting task. Everything seems to be against us, from our plastic toothbrushes, hairbrushes, shampoo bottles, body wash, dental floss, toothpaste, cotton buds, you name it and it probably comes in some form of plastic to plague our lives. Truth is, it's not as hard as it sounds, and once you get started, it all kinda seems to fall into place.
Conditioner
I started with conditioner, and I must admit, I first did it because no conditioner was taking proper care of my hair. I decided to give apple cider vinegar a good old try, especially after learning that's what my mum, her mum and her grandma used to use on their hairs, back when everyone had strong and glossy hair. I wrote a whole blog post on this (An ACV Rinse to Rule them All), and I've stuck by it ever since. I now make my own apple cider vinegar (which you can learn how to make right here), and I infuse it with different things, my personal favourite is adding a cinnamon stick, which is what I found gets rid of the ACV smell the best (and makes me smell like apple crisp, yum). I usually keep it in an old tomato sauce bottle, and I use wine bottle corks to keep it closed, instead of the metal lids they usually come with, which can get rusty with time. The great thing about this is that you're reducing waste to a minimum, you don't have to recycle the plastic bottle where the conditioners usually come because you're no longer buying them, and if you're making your own ACV, there are no plastic vinegar bottles to recycle either, you don't throw away the corks or the glass jars, everything is used up, even down to the apple scraps used to make the vinegar. Another thing to notice is that you're also aware of what you're using, you know every ingredient that goes into it, and you know it won't have any negative effect on the environment once it goes down the drain.
If vinegar isn't the thing for you, maybe you could give solid hair conditioners a try. I can't personally vouch for these because I've never used one, but there are plenty of reviews out there to help you make up your mind. If all you can get your hands on is Lush, they have plenty of options for you, but I'd personally go with a smaller brand, who focuses more on their products and their impact. Just make a quick google search and you'll find plenty of amazing brands you can buy from. And don't forget to go to Plastic Freedom, where you can buy pretty much anything your heart desires.
Shampoo
Making the change from regular shampoo to a shampoo bar can seem daunting and strange, and I'm sure the first few times you use it you'll want to go back to your trusty old shampoo bottle, but as long as you stick with it, I'm sure you'll find it to be better for you. I'm currently working on finishing up my shampoo bottles so I can go buy a shampoo bar from a local store where I live, I did quite a lot of research and found a few amazing brands that sell the product, but ultimately I rather support a local store than buying something online. If you go on over to my Instagram and click on my "brands to follow" highlight you'll find two stories containing all the brands and stores where you can buy shampoo bars from, including Pegada Verde. If these aren't for you, good old Lush and, again, Plastic Freedom will do the trick. The great thing about shampoo bars is that usually they come in either paper wrapping or no wrapping at all, which is also great for the environment.
If you go on over to my List of DIY Sustainable Products post you can learn all about this subject, I mention a few recipes to make your own dry shampoo and shampoo bars if you rather make them yourself. And, if you find your hair seems dry or dull afterward that's because soap is alkaline and you need to counter that with something acidic. Restore your hair's PH with the ACV hair rinse mentioned at the start of the post after shampooing and you'll be set.
Hand & Body Wash
I think this is a pretty basic one, which was one of the first things I changed, and I never really felt like I had to adjust to it: soap bars. The great thing about soap bars is that you can find them in any supermarket or beauty store around you. Luckily, I have plenty of choices in this department. If you're worried about the soap bar falling apart in the shower you can either knit your own twine scrubby pouch, which won't only hold it together but it'll also be a great exfoliating scrub, or you can buy a soap bag, I particularly love this one by Made By Tyng*.
If you're still unsure, you can turn your favourite soap bar into liquid body wash really easily. All you need to do is grate 240 grams of your favourite soap bar and add it to a large pot filled with 3.5 liters of water (at this point you can also add 2 tablespoons of glycerine for moisturizing purposes, but this is optional). Heat the mixture in a medium heat until the soap is completely dissolved and then let it rest for up to 24 hours, but at least 12. Once cold, beat with a hand mixer to add some air into it. If you find the mix is too thick add some water until it reaches a consistency you're happy with. At this point, you can also add some drops of essential oil if you wish. Pour into several containers and use as normal. With this recipe, you won't only be saving on plastic and waste (as those little bits of broken soap that usually find their way down the drain will be all contained in one place), but you will also be saving money, as soap bars are considerably cheaper than body wash.
Loofah
There are quite a few options when it comes to alternatives to plastic shower sponges. My favourite, and the one I personally use, is called a luffa and it's a natural sponge, it comes from the cucumber family, which you can see that clearly just by looking at it. The fruit itself can be eaten when fresh, and once matured and dried it can be used in the shower or to clean your house. I bought mine at a local store, so I'm guessing you can find it easily too, but if you can't Maria Granel sells them.
Another option would be something similar to the shower puffs we're used to, Mind The Trash sells a linen shower puff which is great because as it'll feel just like what you're used to while being made out of a sustainable fiber. Not only is it plastic free, but it's also vegan and 100% biodegradable.
Hair Brush
You probably have a plastic hair brush or comb, most of us do, but why not switch to a wooden version? A wooden brush or comb is claimed to help pull oil from root to tip, giving you fresher hair for longer, it also keeps the static away so no more crazy hair!!! Again, these are easy to find in most places, Mind The Trash has this gorgeous one, Amazon also sells loads of different ones, such as this one, and Etsy* has the most beautiful options for both combs and hairbrushes, all you need to do is a little research. If you'd like to know more about the benefits, how to keep it and how to choose the appropriate one for you, here's a little post I found quite helpful. I’d just like to add, it isn’t actually better for the environment to throw out your plastic hairbrush (or anything in this post) just so you can use a wooden one for aesthetics, just keep it and use it until it wears out and then replace it.
Razor
This is something I won't have to work on as I don't actually use a razor, I'm more of an epilator girl, but I have been guilty of using disposable razors in the past. If waxing or using an epilator isn't for you, the safety razor is the way to go. These are built to last a lifetime, as long as you take good care of them, and only the actual blades will need to be recycled, something you shouldn't do in a regular recycling bin, as they're dangerous and could lead to serious injure in case someone happens to touch it while sorting through the bin. This is the reason why blade banks were created, meant to be a safe and convenient way to dispose of your razor blades. Simply fill the blade bank with your used razor blades and recycle the whole thing.
If you'd like to learn a little bit more about this subject, give this "Guide to Eco-Friendly Shaving" a read.
Cotton Buds
Yet another product that seems to find its way more into our oceans than it does to recycling centers. Plastic cotton buds, as much of an enemy as plastic toothbrushes, can't be recycled after they're used, so they either end up in the regular trash or go down the toilet, eventually ending up in our oceans. More and more supermarkets are gaining conscious of what they sell and are coming up with plastic free options, a Portuguese supermarket chain has recently began selling paper cotton buds with organic cotton, they still come in a plastic container, but it is a start. Johnson & Johnson also sell their paper cotton buds, which is a great start, but apparently they only sell them in certain parts of the world, but don't despair. The Bam & Boo have their own bamboo cotton buds, 100% biodegradable, zero waste and vegan. But, if you want to go a step further, maybe try a stainless steel ear cleaner, you can get these at most pharmacies, Amazon and a few other zero waste stores, like Mind The Trash, just make sure you're careful.
Toilet Paper
Toilet paper may not be the first thing you think of when trying to get rid of plastic. Truth is, even if the only plastic you'll find in toilet paper is the one wrapping it, it's still unnecessary plastic we need to avoid. Luckily, there are now quite a few brands offering paper wrapped options, all you need to do is look for them, but here are a few of them: Pure Planet, Seventh Generation, Renova and Who Gives a Crap.
Toothbrush
If there's something we use evey single day and that pollutes our world the most, that's our toothbrushes. Plastic toothbrushes are one of the biggest problems we're currently dealing with when it comes to pollution as only one small part of them actually gets recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills and our oceans. A way friendlier option is to use bamboo toothbrushes, you can find them from plenty of brands, but the one I use is from the wonderful, The Bam & Boo. What this Portuguese brand does is offer the chance to have a new toothbrush delivered right to your door every 1/2/3 or 4 months, without all the hassle of having to remember to buy a new one and with much less plastic. Each toothbrush costs just under €5 and shipping is free, worldwide. Additionally, they all come in recycled and recyclable paper packaging and a biodegradable PLA protection bag. The actual toothbrush is made out of bamboo (for the handle) and nylon 6 bpa free bristles. How amazing is that? If you'd like to know more about this amazing brand, just follow this link. Another amazing brand is Babu, which sells both bamboo toothbrushes and bamboo cases for you to take your toothbrush on the go.
Floss, Toothpaste & Mouthwash
While still on the matter of oral hygiene let's talk about Georganics, their goal is to create "a full natural oral care range which is 100% cruelty-free, plastic-free and environmentally sustainable", what more could you ask for? They sell everything from natural toothpastes, oil pulling mouthwash, whitening powders, eco toothbrushes, natural floss, and so much more. The Bam & Boo have also recently started making their own dental floss, made with bamboo charcoal fibre and candelilla wax, flavoured with peppermint oil. It's completely zero waste, plastic free and vegan. Another option, which is actually what my brother uses, is a water flosser, such as the Waterpik, which basically "removes plaque and debris deep between teeth and below the gumline where brushing and traditional flossing can't reach" through water jets. There are several other brands offering such a product, so do some research and find the one that best fits your needs.
Periods
Lastly, let's talk periods. There are plenty of new amazing options that are, in the long run, great on the wallet and on the environment. On average, just one woman will use around 12000 to 16000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime, which in turn can take up to 100 years to fully break down. Not only that but most of these products can be unhygienic and even cause health problems (read more about this here). Luckily, more and more viable options are starting to be created and most of them plastic free.
Reusable Pads
These reusable pads by GladRags are one of these options, available in different sizes (day, night/postpartum, and pantyliners), these are "a healthy alternative to disposable products we're used to, made of premium quality certified organic cotton flannel and terry cloth, they offer protection and comfort, lasting for over 5 years. This means that not only are they environmentally friendly, using minimal resources, but they're also easy on your wallet. Also, you can customise them to fit your needs, depending on how heavy or light your flow is. If you're in Portugal, Pegada Verde, Mind The Trash and Maria Granel also have these available, so go show them some much deserved support.
Period Panties
Along similar lines we have the already famous THINX* (by following this link you will get €9 off your order and I will get €9 too, what a treat), an amazing brand breaking all period taboos and making us feel sexy even when we're on our period. THINKX basically (very very basically, but here's more info on their amazing work) makes period panties, which means you can wear them all by themselves and be done with it or use them as back up, imagine you're wearing a cup, or a tampon but you have a super heavy flow, THINKX will be your lil helper and keep you nice and tidy. According to them their "period-proof undies can replace pads, liners, and tampons, or be worn with tampons and cups for extra protection. Like regular underwear, but so much better". You can build your own set of period undies and save a few bucks or you can buy them on their own, there are plenty of cuts to choose from, such as the hiphugger, their most famous cut, which holds around 2 tampons worth; sport, for medium days; cheeky, for light days; boyshort, for heavy days; hi-waist, a very sexy pair of panties for heavy days; thong, for the lightest days and many more. If you're curious to try them simply head on over to THINKX, place your order, try them on and decide for yourself if these are your cup of tea or not. With a 60 day money-back guarantee and free returns, there's no reason not to try something that may change your life, and our planet's too!
Menstrual Cup
You're probably already familiar with the menstrual cup, whether you're you've heard of Lunette, OrganiCup or Mooncup, they all do the same job. As Lunette explains the "menstrual cup is a bell-shaped cup that gives you a comfortable, safe, odorless and eco-friendly period for up to 12 hours a day. It’s also reusable and lasts several years meaning less time, money and stress!" All the brands previously mentioned have different sizes to choose from depending on your flow and whether you've been pregnant before or not. All the brands have a lot of helpful tips on how to use it, how to pick the right size, how to clean it, how to fold it and other general questions you may have. These cups are "made of soft medical grade silicone and are BPA free. This means no yeast, bacteria or odor" they are vegan and environmentally friendly and you can use them for up to 10 years. As with anything, there are people who love it and swear by it and other people who won't go near it, so it's up to you to pick whichever is your ideal product, no one else.
Reusable Tampon Applicator
If you're anything like me and you're still not ready to make the change to menstrual cups but also can't use a tampon without and applicator, there's a new product for you. We Are Dame, my lord and savior, is the answer to those of us who need an applicator to wear a tampon. D, their reusable tampon applicator, is "made from medical grade materials with Sanipolymers®, which self-sanitise to ensure your D is kept hygienic and keepable", it fits any brand or size of tampon and it saves up to 12000 of disposable applicators. Much like the menstrual cups, they're made to last years, and if it breaks or gets damaged in any way, Dame will replace it for you for free. Once you no longer need it, you can just send it back and they'll dispose of it properly.
And there we go, just a few of the things we can easily replace in our bathrooms to slowly, but surely, get rid of plastic. Truth is, reducing is the most important step and consuming sustainable products is still consuming. Don't simply throw away all your things and buy sustainable ones to replace them, you’ve still put your plastic into the environment and it hasn’t been used to it’s full potential, given that it’s already been produced, which means you're still polluting. Use them to their full potential, recycle them and then replace them with better options.
Disclosure: the links followed by an asterisk (*) are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Also, don't forget to use Ebates whilst shopping to save some money.
0 comments