Bathrooms can be one of the most wasteful places in our homes, behind the kitchen. From toothpaste tubes to shampoo bottles, a lot of plastic waste is generated in our bathrooms. Our bathroom routines not only produce a lot of trash, they can also waste a lot of water. Luckily, there are a few easy swaps you can make to take your hygiene routine from wasteful to waste-free.
Upgrade your comb and toothbrush
If you’re in the market for a new comb or toothbrush, upgrade to one made from bamboo! Bamboo is a renewable resource that's naturally antimicrobial and can substitute petroleum-based plastics in many of our everyday items.
Choose products that come in reusable or recyclable packaging
Whether it’s makeup, haircare, or other cosmetics, choosing products that come in reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging can reduce waste.
Switch to silk floss
Swap out your traditional plastic floss for floss made from silk. Another easy way to get the plastic out of your bathroom.
Trade in your razor
Safety razors are becoming popular alternatives to disposable plastic razors. Safety razors are typically made from durable metal that lasts for years and are often cheaper in the long run.
Ditch disposable makeup wipes
Ditch the disposable makeup wipes for reusable cotton rounds! Some wipes are marketed as biodegradable or compostable, but these labels can be misleading. Single-use makeup wipes should always be disposed of in the trash. Switching to reusable cotton can help you reduce waste and save money!
Search for refill shops
As sustainability becomes more mainstream, more refill shops are popping up around the state. Check your area for stores offering bulk or refill options for shampoo, conditioners, soaps, and more.
Take showers
More than half of all indoor water use takes place in the bathroom. Baths can use roughly twice as much water as a 10-minute shower. Choosing a shower over a bath can save thousands of gallons of water every year! Read more about the bath versus shower debate in this blog.
Choose natural loofahs
Most loofahs you find in the stores are made from plastic, but did you know original loofahs actually come from plants? Natural loofahs are made from the luffa plant and make great eco-friendly exfoliators.
Replace your shower head
Replacing your shower head with a low-flow shower head can save the average family 2,700 gallons per year!
Use bar soap
Switching to bar soap is an easy way to cut the plastic in your bathroom. Most bar soaps come in paperboard packaging which can easily be recycled.
Save your warm-up water
Don’t let good water go to waste! Capture the water from your showerhead as you wait for the water to warm up. Use this water to flush your toilets, feed your plants, or water your lawn.
Add plants
Adding plants into your bathroom is a natural way to clean the air. Peace lilies, spider plants, pothos, and ZZ plants are great indoor plants because they love moisture, require little sunlight, and remove toxins from the air.
Replace your light bulbs
Swapping out your incandescent and CFL light bulbs with LED bulbs can save a significant amount of energy, up to 90%! So, while you’re at it, upgrade all the lights in your house and see the difference in your energy bill.
Put a water bottle in your toilet tank
A simple hack for both renters and homeowners, with no construction necessary. Simply fill a plastic water bottle with sand or pebbles and place it in your toilet’s water tank. The bottle displaces the water so you use less water with every flush.
Consider a bidet
Using a bidet might seem contradictory after we just talked about ways to save water in the bathroom, but bidets can actually use less water than producing toilet paper. According to Scientific American, one roll of toilet paper can require as much as 37 gallons of water to produce, while a standard bidet uses only one-eighth of a gallon per flush.
Look for leaks
Check for leaks! The most common types of leaks are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. Fixing household water leaks can save around 10% on water bills.
Use eco-friendly cleaners
Read this blog to find more recipes for nontoxic cleaners!
Save your laundry
An easy way to save water and energy is to wait until you have enough laundry to wash a full load and use cold water.
Make your own detergent
Similar to cleaning products, laundry detergent can be made with just a few ingredients.
Combine the castile soap, baking soda, washing soda, salt, and essential oil into a container. Add 8 cups of hot water and stir well until all ingredients are dissolved. Once combined, add 6 cups of cold water. For normal-sized loads, use ¼ cup of detergent per load.
Combine the castile soap, baking soda, washing soda, salt, and essential oil into a container. Add 8 cups of hot water and stir well until all ingredients are dissolved. Once combined, add 6 cups of cold water. For normal-sized loads, use ¼ cup of detergent per load.
Creating an eco-friendly bathroom doesn’t have to be difficult (or expensive)! A few simple changes can drastically reduce waste, conserve water, and save you money. Try some of these environmentally friendly alternatives and see just how easy it is to live more sustainably.
