15 Zero-Waste Bathroom Swaps To make Today
As you’re making your way through a more minimalist, zero-waste lifestyle, one of the essential steps, is to make a few changes (at a time) and switch the plastic/disposable items you use with more sustainable alternatives. One of the first I did, was my bathroom. I analyzed what I had there and since the place was overcrowded an my boyfriend was moving in, I had to make room: I took a box, and took all the things I hadn’t used for over 6 months and… there was a lot!
For the Hair:
Shampoo and Conditioner. Instead of buying your shampoo in plastic bottles, make it yourself! There are great recipes online, the easier would be to mix baking soda in water. Read about it here – and apple cider vinegar or witch hazel make great conditioners. If you’re not ready to make things, there are great stores such as Sew Seasons that have basic hair care product in bulk. Simply go with your jar, and you’re good to go!
After-wash moisturizing spray. That’s my little thing to have my hair as smooth as when I was using chemically charged conditioners. I’ll dedicate a post to it soon because it’s worth the share. These are the top 3 essentials I have for hair care. I’m not a huge mask person, so if I really need one, I make it one avocado, egg or banana based (posts on the subject coming soon).
Hair brush: Switch to a sustainable brush like the one wooden ones. They actually spread the natural oils better than the plastic ones and are more gentle on the scalp. Everyone wins!
For the Face:
Moisturizing (anti-aging) cream. Here’s a cool anti-aging face cream recipe I made and love. Honestly, stop overspending on face creams that are often not really effective. And make it or go to your bulk store and get the one in bulk. Like for the shampoo, it’s often in the body care section. You bring your container, fill it. Done.
Toothpaste and mouth-wash. These were one of the first things I changed. Both are very easy to make and don’t take anything away from the one you’d buy in store… expect the plastic disposable container and the unhealthy products in them. Make your own toothpaste today using this recipe.
Cue-tips. There are great sustainable brands out there and reusable stainless steel sol
Sustainable toothbrush. An essential swap to make going Zero-waste, read my blog post on the subject here.
Deodorant. Another one that I really enjoy making and prefer to my old store deodorant. Use this recipe to make your own.
Face Cleaning Pads. Some may think that the cotton pads are sustainable in themselves and this should not be changed, it is for sure not the most sensitive thing to change. But there’s a lot of chemicals to make those pads as white as they are. I would therefore suggest switching to reusable ones like these ones or on Etsy there are great crafters there.
handkerchief. Time to bring the good ol’ handkerchief back in style! It’s way more sustainable than any other solutions. You can make them yourself or get some like these!
For The Body:
Soap: I found great, non-packaged bar soaps at my local coffee shop, (believe it or not!) make a someone from the neighborhood. Therefore, I have put making my own soap at the bottom of the list, but still plan on making some my own soon.
Body Scrub: Using sugar, coffee, or sand if you live close to the beach, it’s very easy and inexpensive to make a great scrub!
Body Butter: I recently make my first body butter (a little like the face cream here) and I was surprised to see that it is not that difficult! (easier than the face cream for sure). I’ll share it soon.
Women’s hygiene pads: There are so many great options available on the market now! We now can use cups, absorbing underwear, organic pads and tampons, reusable pads… Choice is ours! I personally like the cup and the menstrual underwear. I will mention though, I recently learned there was a study held in France that was warning ladies on the danger of the cup. It is not healthy to leave to cup for too long as it can create a hub for microbes. Empty it every 2 hours to avoid any issues.
Razor: When I got mine, I wondered why the plastic one took over at some point… It’s healthier, cleaner that the disposable ones and note for sensitive skins, it will work better that the 5 blades ones.
How much have you switch so far? Are you noticing something important that is not listed or au contraire, this article really helped you get closer to your zero-waste goals? Please shoot me a comment, I always appreciate feedbacks from the community!
