Simple swaps to a Zero Waste bathroom

Photo credit: Wild Minimalist

The bathroom can be an absolute nightmare of single use waste! Many people frequently buy products that they stop using after one or two go’s, or a range of products for every single different thing. One toothpaste for the adults, one for the kids… shampoo for the wife, a “man’s” shampoo for the husband. So much product always equals one thing… so. much. waste.

When your bathroom products start to run out, it’ll be time to look at what you truly use and switch over to sustainable options where you can. We always say to use up what you already have, and then use those containers to get your new products. You have a ready used container, designed for the product you will refill it with, and you give it a brand new lease of life. What could be better?

Shampoo and Conditioner

Shampoo from most supermarkets come in plastic bottles. Although you can recycle these, this is still partaking in the circle of waste. By re-using these, it will work towards the aim of slowing production of new plastic goods.

No matter your specific hair type, there is bound to be an eco-friendly, plastic free option that works for you. Our store will stock environmentally friendly bars for oily, normal and dry hair types that are designed to give a soft sud to make you feel like you are really cleaning your hair.

It’s always worth noting that washing your hair daily is not necessarily the best thing for your hair. Even if you feel your hair gets greasy quickly, its likely more to do with your hair overcompensating for being over stripped of oils, or being frequently touched. Adjusting routines to try reduce the amount of washing will improve your hair quality and your product usage, and eco-friendly options often don’t strip your hair of all oils thus reducing your scalps need to over compensate.

Liquid Soap

Liquid hand soaps have become common in past years, in every smell imaginable. These are often containers specifically designed for their purpose, meaning they have to be refilled with soap, or thrown away.

Luckily, we will be stocking refills for your liquid hand soap. But that’s not all! We will also be stocking amazing local and vegan soaps in bar form so you can take your pick! Be sure to let the bar dry out between uses with a draining soap dish. You make also want to purchase a lovely “soap saver” bag to ensure it lasts as long as possible, in a water free environment.

Toilet Paper

Most people think, how is toilet paper not plastic free? Well, we often forget the packaging it comes in! Many have areas or units in which they store their toilet paper, so once home, it’s straight out the plastic wrapping and stored away. Such a waste!

But it’s not just plastics. Paper is obviously made from trees, and they are rapidly declining in our beautiful world. For a product that is literally used once and flushed down the loo, it has a huge footprint.

We will be stocking toilet paper in store, made from 100% recycled paper, and wrapped in paper too. AND the brand we will be stocking donate 50% of their profits to help build toilets for those in need.

What’s more wonderful is we will be selling them individually to allow you to buy how many you NEED, not how many the supermarket decides you need.

Plastic Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes are often overlooked. Until you start thinking Zero Waste, you’ll probably never really think about the impact your toothbrush is having. Often toothbrushes, and their packaging aren’t even recyclable. And if you are getting a new one every few months, that equals a whole lotta trash.

It’s time you got thinking bamboo. We stock some beautiful bamboo toothbrushes, that have natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of bamboo meaning it is hygienic too. Bamboo is resistant to natural pests, which means it is farmed organically. And what’s better is that these are completely biodegradable too.

Toothpaste

Classic toothpaste tubes are not accepted for recycling in many areas, making this an item that is more than likely to end up in the rubbish when you’re done with it.

So let’s start thinking outside the box! There are many toothpaste variations out there now, that don’t come in classic tubes, but do the job just as well. You can get pastes which comes in a glass jar with a fabulous bamboo spatula for easy application. Or alternatively, there are toothpowders, where you simply wet your toothbrush and dip in. There is a range of different types, some with activated charcoal, and even types just for children.

And we won’t be stopping there. We’ll also have eco-friendly floss which comes in a glass jar with a metal cutter lid (and it’s refillable!), and mouthwash tablets that simply drop into a small amount of water, to ensure you have a squeaky clean mouth, without the environmental impact.

Plastic Razors

I mean, it’s often in the name right? ‘Disposable razor’. Couldn’t be much further from our motto, ‘reduce, reuse, recycle.’ It’s literally a product that’s bought to throw away. And why?! The only thing that needs to be updated is the razor. Everything else is convenience, in nasty single use plastic.

That’s where Safety Razors come back. They used to be the norm before plastic came in such force, but it’s time to bring it back! Purchase the metal razor, and then insert your blades. Ongoing, all you need to purchase is the blades. It’s such an easy swap, you’ll feel SUPER FANCY using a nice solid metal razor..

We’ll have them in store, they come with information on how to use, and we’ll even do a nice blog post in the next few weeks for you to show you how to use them safely! Watch this space!

Deodorant

There is SO MUCH discussion about deodorant. Everything from the aluminium in them, to the packaging they come in. Everyone has an opinion on the deodorant they like, and more often, what they don’t like. But the reality is, provided it stops you being staaanky it’s done it's job right?

Our deodorants will be plastic free and environmentally friendly. No nasty ingredients soaking into your body, and tonnes of research to ensure it does its job effectively! Our founder has used roll on, aluminium chlorohydrate free deodorant for many, many, years, so you can be assured that this is an area she’s definitely a pro on!

Makeup Wipes, Cotton Balls/Rounds

Something that really shocked us was the amount of plastic in baby wipes. Having used them for years to take off make up, it upset us to think we’d used them so wastefully for so long.

There are so many great wipes out there now that are completely biodegradable and don’t contribute to the micro-plastic pollution epidemic. They work just as well, still friendly for baby bums, no nasty fragrances and no real difference in the price!

We also stock reusable cotton rounds, so if that’s your preferred method, it’s time say goodbye to the waste of single-use disposables and unnatural bleaches found in some cotton wool pads and go reusable. Save yourself money at the same time as saving the planet, simply use and wash weekly with your usual washing.

Menstrual Products

It’s something not many want to discuss… but let’s chat periods.

One week of menstruation can equal a lot of waste. Mooncups went viral a long time ago, and it divided the masses! It’s not for everyone, but it’s a great way to reduce your impact.

We stock items such as re-usable sanitary towels, and menstrual cups for you to try. Made with the best quality fabrics, it’s worth considering if you feel you go through so much unnecessary sanitary items and looking for a way to reduce this. Read our full blog post on reusables here