We all know that plastic pollution is a massive problem for the environment and that we should take steps to reduce our waste. However, it can be overwhelming to know exactly where to begin.
One of the most effortless places to start is in the bathroom. With just a few easy product substitutions, you can significantly reduce your own plastic consumption and waste.
Here are 13 simple swaps we have made for a plastic-free bathroom that you could easily make too. We believe that our personal care choices do not have to cost the earth or the wildlife inhabiting it!
1. Clean Your Teeth with a Bamboo Toothbrush
Estimates indicate that 2 billion, yes, BILLION plastic toothbrushes end up in our oceans or landfill every year. That number is mind-boggling!
Most bamboo toothbrushes have non-biodegradable nylon bristles; however, once removed, you can compost the handle. There are also some plant-based bristles now on the market.
Given that dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three months, you can save a significant amount of plastic over your lifetime by making this change.
2. Buy Paper-Wrapped Toilet Paper for a Plastic-Free Bathroom
Choosing to buy paper-wrapped toilet paper rather than plastic-wrapped is another step towards creating a plastic-free bathroom.
It is also essential to ensure that your toilet paper and wrapping is either:
- Sourced from an FSC certified responsibly managed forest; or
- Produced from post-consumer recycled paper (the higher the percentage, the better); or
- Made of sustainable bamboo.
3. Switch to Shampoo Bars and Conditioners
Making the switch to a shampoo and conditioner bar is an easy way to reduce your plastic waste. Using a shampoo AND conditioner bar can prevent up to 8 plastic bottles from being made.
It may take a while to get used to these bars, but you will find a brand you like after some trial and error. In addition to reducing your plastic use, you will also help save water used in the manufacturing process.
Other alternatives to using solid shampoo and conditioner bars are:
- Refilling your existing bottles at a bulk store;
- Buying concentrates and mixing your own;
- Making your shampoo or conditioner from scratch.
4. Change your Roll-on Deodorant to a Solid Bar or Paste
Another simple swap for a plastic-free bathroom is to change your roll-on deodorant for a natural solid bar or paste.
Pick solid deodorant bars in biodegradable, compostable packaging or deodorant pastes in recyclable tins.
Also, natural deodorants don’t contain potentially harmful ingredients like aluminium, parabens, and phthalates. However, watch out for sodium bicarbonate, which can cause skin irritations in some people.
5. Ditch Your Bottled Shower Gel for a Bar of Soap
Why use shower gel or body wash in a plastic bottle when you can simply use a bar of soap? Not only is it better for the environment, but it is also cheaper.
However, it is crucial to choose products without palm oil or those that contain certified sustainable palm oil. Also, don’t forget to make sure the packaging is compostable.
There are “soap-free” body wash bars and creams available if you find soap too harsh for your skin. You can also refill your existing bottles, buy concentrates or make your own, as noted above.
6. Apply Natural Sunscreen from a Tin
Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals wash off our skin as we swim in the sea and other waterways. They are harmful to our coral reefs and sea life.
There are plenty of natural sunscreens on the market, but many of these are in plastic bottles. They may also not be certified to the highest standards.
Look for a reef-safe sunscreen in a recyclable aluminium tin, and make sure that it is broad-spectrum and has been certified as SPF50+.
7. Purchase Reusable Cloth Panty Liners or Sanitary Pads for your Plastic-Free Bathroom
Did you know that one conventional sanitary pad can take 500 years to break down? That is yet another mind-boggling number!
Unfortunately, most tampons (even the organic ones) have a plastic wrapper due to health regulations. However, you can reduce your plastic use by switching to reusable cloth panty liners or sanitary pads.
Other more environmentally friendly period options include menstrual cups and period underwear.
8. Use Solid Face Wash or Face Scrub Bars
Using a solid face wash or face scrub bar is another simple way to create a plastic-free bathroom.
These bars also come in biodegradable, home compostable packaging.
They are convenient for travelling as they are lightweight and take up very little space in your toiletries bag.
9. Moisturise with a Solid Zero-Waste Bar for a Plastic-Free Bathroom
Just like face wash or face scrub, you can buy moisturiser (and serum) in a solid bar with compostable packaging.
They can take a little bit of getting used to and may seem expensive, but they last for a long time.
An alternative would be to purchase a moisturiser in a glass jar with a recyclable aluminium lid that can be reused or recycled.
10. Rinse your Mouth with Mouthwash Tablets
Instead of buying mouthwash in a plastic bottle, try using mouthwash tablets instead. These tablets also come in a glass jar with an aluminium lid.
Again, the tablets may seem expensive; however, the brand we buy contains the equivalent of 180 measures of standard mouthwash. You just need to add water.
By making the switch to mouthwash tablets, you can prevent seven 500ml plastic bottles from being made. You will also significantly reduce your carbon footprint as they are far easier to transport.
11. Swap Single-Use Plastic Cotton Buds for Bamboo Ones
Estimates indicate that 1.5 billion single-use plastic cotton buds are produced EACH DAY. Many end up in our oceans and litter beaches worldwide.
Banned in the UK, single-use plastic cotton buds should be prohibited everywhere. Plastic cotton buds make it onto the WWF’s “10 worst single-use plastics list”.
Bamboo cotton buds are a sustainable alternative to plastic cotton buds as they are compostable and 100% biodegradable. Once you have used them, you can throw them straight into your compost bin.
12. Exchange your Plastic Shower Puff for a Konjac Sponge
Plastic shower puffs are great for lathering soap; however, they can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, plastic puffs must be replaced regularly, which is not so great for the environment.
Made from the fibrous root of the konjac plant, konjac sponges are 100% natural and are an excellent swap for plastic shower puffs. The konjac plant is a tuberous root vegetable grown in Asia. The sponge is hard when dry but softens when soaked in water.
Although konjac sponges can still harbour bacteria if not looked after properly, they are biodegradable. Once you have finished using it, you can compost the sponge along with your other food scraps.
13. Complete your Plastic-Free Bathroom with Cloth Wipes
Using wet wipes in the bathroom has become more popular. There are make-up removers, baby wipes and even ‘toilet’ wipes. Unfortunately, many of these wipes typically contain plastic and are not biodegradable.
Wet wipes flushed down the toilet do not break down by the time they reach our sewers. When the wet wipes make their way into the ocean, they get ingested by sea creatures, who eventually die. Even if you don’t flush your wet wipes, they will still end up in landfill.
You can purchase biodegradable, and preferably compostable, wipes. However, a far better option is to avoid using wet wipes in the first place. Washable face cloths and baby wipes are now readily available. Alternatively, you can make your own.
Which Simple Swaps Will you Make for a Plastic-Free Bathroom?
Most goods that we purchase will never be entirely “zero-waste”. However, we can send a strong message to manufacturers by choosing to buy plastic-free products.
By making these simple swaps, you will be well on your way to creating a plastic-free bathroom. Of course, you shouldn’t ditch all your current products and go out and buy everything new right now. However, as items run out, you can replace them with a more sustainable version.
There is always more that we can do, but the simpler we keep it, the more likely we are to make the switch for good. So which simple swap will you make next time your “usual” product runs out?
