The bathroom is where a lot of necessary action happens in our daily lives (and might I add, natural…I know, TMI 😬). Even though we may not buy a lot of furniture or decor for that room, we tend to store a lot of our necessities there. How do you compromise on your essentials? I mean toilet paper is toilet paper, right? But you do not have to completely abandon your bathroom fundamentals.
A lot of positive impact can be made just by being more selective with the process and materials used to make the products you choose, and evaluating your ability to reuse them and reduce waste.
Here are a few eco-friendly swaps I have been using as alternatives for some of my bathroom basics:
Toothpaste tablets
Over 1 billion toothpaste tubes end up in landfills every year! So, consider switching to toothpaste tablets. There are several different brands, fluoride and fluoride-free, that you can try to find your favorite. I currently use Bite and would recommend their brand. The tablets are effective and they have a subscription so you don’t have to remember to order your next package. But don’t be afraid to try different brands. There are also toothpaste tubes made out of recyclable materials, like Davids (which can be found at Target), which are also great eco friendly alternatives.
Bamboo toothbrush
Every plastic toothbrush you have ever thrown away still exists today! That’s good ‘ol plastic for ya smh😒. But bamboo toothbrushes were an easy, simple swap. They are 100% biodegradable and even the packaging is completely recyclable.
FYI the handles are smooth so you won’t get splinters…I definitely thought about that when I first ordered mine lol.
Linen handkerchiefs
I don’t think it matters what brand you buy, “kleenex” has become the universal nomenclature for facial tissues. But even Kleenex has a sustainable alternative. Linen handkerchiefs can be washed and reused, and they are made from organic materials like bamboo.
Bidet
Bidets have been around for decades and are more popular in different countries. In the U.S. most homes/apartments only come with a toilet installed, no bidet. However, not only will you get the ultimate clean after every toilet use, when you use a bidet you cut down on toilet paper consumption.
You do not have to renovate to fit a completely separate mechanism in your bathroom. Instead buy an attachment for your toilet bowl and install in 10 minutes (or at least that’s how long it took the maintenance man in my apartment building 😅).
Bamboo toilet paper
Even if you have a bidet, you may still want to have toilet paper in your house and that’s when you can opt for the more eco-friendly bamboo toilet paper. Bamboo grows extremely quickly, requires less water than hardwood trees, gives out more oxygen than trees, and does not have to be planted over and over again. In addition, bamboo toilet paper is 100% biodegradable.
Reusable makeup pads
I don’t wear much makeup (primarily lipstick and nail polish if you count that) but I do use the pads for applying face toner. Instead of single use cotton rounds, try reusable ones that can be washed and used again.
Bamboo Q-tips
Regular plastic cotton swabs end up in the ocean and are detrimental to marine life. Bamboo q-tips are 100% compostable, biodegradable, and very eco-friendly.
Bar soap
Who doesn’t like a nice smell-good body wash?! The only downside is that they come in plastic bottles. So to avoid this unnecessary waste bar soap is a great alternative. Just make sure the packaging is plastic-free and recyclable to keep your purchase eco-friendly.
Plastic-free deodorant
There are sooo many options and different brands for plastic-free deodorant. Some come in glass jars and an applicator is used to apply the paste to your skin while others come in paperboard which can be recycled. Through a little trial and error you’ll find your favorite.
Have you tried any of these eco friendly products? Do you think you can make the switch?
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