How to Make your Bathroom Low Waste
by Olivia Clark
Photo by Taylor Pfromer
So you’ve got your bamboo utensils in your purse and reusable bags ready to go, but what about all that plastic piling up in your bathroom? Going zero waste in the kitchen might seem more attainable, but cutting out plastic from your daily hygiene routine can make a huge difference on the size of your carbon footprint. Here’s a starter guide on how to transition to zero waste versions of all your essential bathroom necessities!
Let’s start with the basics: soap! I’m sure if you’re reading SUSTAIN then you know that you can buy bars of soap in bulk from basically any big chain grocery store or local health store. Bar soap is so versatile, from hand washing to body wash and even shampoo. In the past, I’ve used an all-in-one Castile soap for all of the above.
If you don’t think bar shampoo is for you, there are other zero waste options for keeping your hair clean and healthy. Aside from zero waste refill options through a variety of brands, a fringe but popular approach is the No Poo Method. This means you forgo shampoo and only wash/rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar and/or baking soda once a month. In the interim, No-Pooers treat their hair with oil cleanses. Whatever shampoo method you prefer, a great way to keep your hair looking fresh in between washes is with dry shampoo. My favorite zero waste method is the following homemade recipe: simply mix two parts cornstarch or arrowroot powder with one part cocoa powder, depending on how dark or light your hair is. I make a big batch and store it in a mason jar. Whenever I need some, I dust it on with an old makeup brush. Not only is this package free, it also smells great because of the cocoa powder!
Now that you’re all clean, let’s talk exfoliating. There are several types of loofahs made from konjac or other sponges that are a natural, plastic-free alternative. I also recommend bamboo scrub brushes. Sometimes I like to make a homemade scrub using leftover coffee grinds. You can do this by melting and mixing two parts jojoba or coconut oil with one part coconut or brown sugar. Then add in two parts coffee grinds. An optional step is to add in cinnamon or vanilla powder, which makes the scrub smell amazing!
Photo taken by Jalin Abston for SUSTAIN with Leaf Shave
Speaking of optional... it’s become more popular to forgo shaving in recent years, but if you like being as smooth as a baby’s bottom, here are some recommendations for you. Safety razors are the perfect way to go zero waste in your shaving routine. Essentially the old-fashioned/pre-plastic era method, safety razors give you a closer, more controlled shave through a completely metal makeup. You end up saving money as you won’t have to buy pricey plastic replacements all the time. Also, check out our article on Leaf Shave for a great option for zero waste razors! There are lots of low waste shaving creams on the market, but when I’m in the mood to shave, I make my own by combining coconut oil and shea butter for a slick shaving experience.
As someone who’s struggled with some form of acne for almost a decade now, I’ve tried countless skincare products. Over the last few years, I’ve really tried to take a holistic and minimalistic approach to my routine and I’ve seen a real benefit in my skin. After diving into Ayurveda, I started oil cleansing and will never go back to store-bought products now. I buy the following oils in glass bottles and refill them at a local zero waste shop. I mix five parts jojoba oil, three parts castor oil and two parts tamanu oil. This cleans my face and replenishes my natural oils. It’s like a cleanser and moisturizer in one, which reduces the waste in my bathroom. I tone my face with rose water, which you can make at home, and then finish up with more oils if my face needs the extra moisture. I encourage you to research the vast benefits of oils for your skin health. Depending on your needs, there are different kinds and blends to use. It’s so easy to customize your own skincare routine by making your own products at home!
The final topic I want to address is how to make your period routine zero waste. In the past decade, so many sustainable innovations arrived on the market, but my favorite is the menstrual cup. After years of trying organic pads and tampons, the cup is a game changer. Not only is it the most comfortable option I’ve tried, it’s also completely zero waste and extremely cost-effective. I also love period underwear! You can sleep in the cup, but the period-proof underwear is a great alternative.
One last thing before I go, I wanted to leave you with a bonus bathroom cleaner recipe! This is what I use to keep my bathroom fresh and zero waste. Using a glass spray bottle or an empty bottle, mix two parts water and one part white vinegar. If you want, sprinkle in some baking soda for extra cleaning power. I also like adding essential oils or citrus rinds to make it smell better.
Going zero waste in your bathroom is not an overnight change. It takes time to figure out what works for you. Don’t waste the products you already have! Use them up while you slowly transition to using package-free alternatives. You’ll soon find that it’s easier than you think to be zero waste in the bathroom!