One of the number one things that you can do to become more environmentally friendly is to use less plastic. To use less plastic it comes down to being mindful. It means that you should be looking for products with less packaging and thus put less of a strain onto the environment.
So why exactly is plastic bad? Plastic unlike paper, wood, and other materials does not biodegrade. Meaning that that piece of plastic will stay around for hundreds or even thousands of years. Although plastic does have a place when used over and over, it has phased into being the main component for single use items. Meaning that there is more plastic than ever before. As consumers we need to work to break this cycle.
This post is going to take you through some plastic free alternatives to bathroom essentials. This by no means is saying to go and throw out all of your full products and replace them with these alternatives. That would be counterintuitive and create more waste. Instead work to slowly integrate these products into your bathroom essentials and who knows maybe you'll find out that you like these products better.
Toothbrush
Toothbrushes can create a lot of waste when we are throwing them away every three to four months. The disposable nature of toothbrushes has led to nearly 5 billion toothbrushes thrown out every year. The most eco friendly switch to make is switching to a bamboo toothbrush because of its biodegradable materials.
There are lots of different affordable options for bamboo toothbrushes that you can find Amazon such as this one here that's only $6.99 for 4. One of the higher rated bamboo brushes is the Mabel bamboo toothbrush because of its ability to stand up on its own. They even provide the option to join the "MABLE club" where you will be subscribed for replacement toothbrushes every three months. What's even better about this program is that you get a discount and will get the toothbrush for $7.50 instead of the original $9.
Toothpaste
Most toothpastes are in plastic tubes. In order to reduce your plastic waste you can first try to buy in bulk. This is a simple switch that will not only save you money but also reduce plastic.
If you would like to go zero waste there are actually some unique alternatives to traditional toothpaste. This is typically done in a powder or tabs. Lush actually has a line for your teeth that features these products. They offer a tooth powder, "toothy tabs," as well as mouthwash tabs. You can find these products here or at your local Lush.
There is also always the option of making your own. There are lots of different blogs that have recipes for how to make your own toothpaste that you can store in glass containers. Surprisingly most of these are made up of very cheap ingredients and you have the added benefit of being able to play around with what formula you like best.
Soap
The first step to using less plastic in your soap is to stop purchasing soaps with microbeads. These are used in soaps in order to give them exfoliating properties. The issue is these small little beads are made up of plastic. If you want to check if your soap contains plastic microbeads check this list here.
These small little beads are adding up and clogging water ways. These small microbeads have become so hazardous to the environment that Obama even made legislation banning the use of them in 2017. However, many brands still incorporate them into their products so the next time that you purchase soap be more conscious to look for a type that does not have them. There are many other brands that do not use microbeads such as these.
To get further away from plastic try to purchase bar soap. If you're on a budget this is typically a cheaper alternative. There are also lots of independent retailers such as on Etsy that create cute great smelling bars. Plus you'll be supporting local businesses which is another win!
Shampoo & Conditioner
If you have long hair it's really easy to go through bottles and bottles of shampoo and conditioner. We use up the product and the bottle goes into the trash. One simple switch to lessen plastic is to buy in bulk. You can ask your local salon for bulk items of more high end products. Otherwise there are typically larger sizes in stores as well as wholesale stores such as Costco.
If you would like to go zero waste try a shampoo or conditioner bar. Lush makes a whole line of great smelling ones (shampoo found here; conditioner found here). There are lots of other brands that have taken to making shampoo and conditioner bars. The bar formula is unique and not everyone ends up like it. If you end up not liking the bar formula and don't want to waste the remaining product, you can put the bar into a container and pour hot water over it to create a typical shampoo liquid.
Also if these formulas do not work for you you can make your own shampoo. Making your own shampoo allows you to have the freedom to customize your shampoo for exactly your needs. Have dry hair? Add in oil. Have oily hair? Add tea tree oil. Don't enjoy scents? Keep it natural. Love scents? Add in essential oils. The choices are all up to you.
Face Wash
I have not used traditional face wash in over six months and I have not gotten anything but an occasional pimple that I can treat with a spot treatment. How? I use Norwex body towel. This towel removes all of my makeup and leave my face completely oil free. I have been using it over six months now in the morning and night and do not plan on using traditional face wash again. I will say a full disclaimer that I do not have acne prone skin to begin with and this may not be for everyone so you need to find something that works for you.
Razor
Razors have switched from being a traditionally long-term product to a single use one. It has become cheaper to buy large packs of plastic razors than it has for ones with replaceable heads. This has led to a huge increase in plastic.
The first switch that you can make is to a razor with replaceable heads. By keeping the body of the razor and only replacing the head you are able to reduce some plastic out of your typical consumption. With programs now like Dollar Shave Club, having a replaceable razor has become not only affordable but super convenient.
The most eco friendly switch that you can make (other than not shaving at all haha) is to use a safety razor. This is made completely of metal and a single blade making it plastic free. Although this razor may seem intimidating at first there are lots of videos on Youtube that you can watch to see how to use it without hurting yourself. PLUS the one I linked is only $16.99 right now which is a steal considering how much you probably pay right now for disposable razors that you need to replace constantly.
Feminine Hygiene
Feminine hygiene products aren't something that we can necessarily avoid. Every month we are forced to buy products that contain dense packaging. Did you know that there was a time that women would simply use leftover cloth as pads? As time has gone on, period products have changed to more single use and become more reliant on plastic such as plastic tampon applicators. There are several different ways that you can decrease your plastic usage during your time of the month such as...
Tampons with cardboard applicators
Cotton tampons (Lola is a great brand that offers these in a subscription box)
Menstrual cups
Period underwear
Reusable cloth pads
There are probably several other options that I missed on this list because this is a market that has been rapidly expanding recently. Ultimately it is about finding a product that works for you and your needs.
In order to be a more eco friendly person it only takes one switch, one step towards helping our planet. Change will not happen overnight and it is unrealistic to expect that. Currently I am personally still in the process of switching over from plastic to more environmentally conscious products. It simply comes down to being mindful when you purchase your next product.
Please feel free to share your comments down below on how you have gone towards zero waste in the bathroom or are planning to be!
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