Ideas for a Zero Waste Bathroom

The bathroom. Usually the smallest room in the house but it’s responsible for producing a lot of waste!

Our shampoo bottles and toilet rolls are often overlooked when it comes to  recycling too with only 50% ending up in landfill.

Ensuring you recycle in the bathroom can make a big difference,” says Recycle Now.

“It would save £135,000 in landfill costs if every UK household threw their next empty shampoo bottles into the recycling bin.”

As a family we definitely want to get better at recycling properly, especially since moving to a different country.

BUT, we also want to STOP using items that end up in the recycling bin too.

Take a look at these ideas that we’re trying for a zero waste bathroom:

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Zero Waste Toiletries:

1. Ditch the disposable razors and try a reusable.

Disposable razors can’t be recycled…so it all ends up in landfill.

I bought my husband a reusable razor as a gift a few years back. They work amazingly (I use it too!) and are such good value. The blades are replaceable and can be recycled.

2. Replace plastic with bamboo toothbrushes

3.5 billion toothbrushes are sold worldwide each year! Unfortunately, most are destined for landfill or the ocean. 😥

These bamboo ones are totally biodegradable! The bristles are really nice and soft too which, according to my dentist is a good thing.

Fun fact…bamboo can grow a meter in a day!

Another option is to use an electric toothbrush as you only need to replace the head.

This one by Source has a handle made from 50% recycled plastic combined with 50% recycled natural fibers.

3. Use re-useable facewipes

I started using these as my sensitive skin really didn’t like the ingredients added to the single use type.

The great thing about re-usables is that you can choose a makeup remover that works for you.

Just wash by hand or with your laundry after use.

4. Enjoy zero waste periods

OK, enjoy might be the wrong word but mine are definitely better!

With the average woman using over 11,000 tampons over her lifetime that’s a lot of waste.

However, waste isn’t the only issue!

The largest impact on global warming was caused by the processing of LDPE (low-density polyethylene, a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene) used in tampon applicators as well as in the plastic back-strip of a sanitary napkin requiring high amounts of fossil fuel generated energy.

A year’s worth of a typical feminine hygiene product leaves a carbon footprint of 5.3 kg CO² equivalent.

www.rctom.hbs.org

Reusable sanitary products are so easy to use and so much less gross that you’re imaging right now! I promise!

They’re not expensive and if you like it then you’ve saved yourself a small fortune and the earth a lot of waste!

These leak proof pants and pads are brilliant too.

5. Try a shampoo bar

Liquid shampoo is another regular household purchase that most of us make without even considering alternatives.

Swapping to a solid shampoo bar saves so much packaging being thrown away.

You can buy one like the one above or even try making your own!

6. DIY Natural Dry Shampoo

I try not to wash my hair too often as the ends can become quite dry (and I have two toddlers!) However, if I don’t wash it every other day it can look greasy on top.

I tried a dry shampoo but it made my face incredibly itchy. Not surprising as the ingredients list includes chemicals like butane and propane…lovely!

Then I disvovered cornstarch! You can use arrowroot too!

You literally mix a few tablespoons of tge powder in a tub with a few drops of an essential oil like lavender.

Grab a make-up brush and apply to the greasy sections. If you have darker hair then add half cocoa powder to half cornstarch or arrowroot.

7. Swap your Hair Conditioner for an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse

Mix 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 cup of water. Experiment with the amount of ACV (up to 4 tbsp) The dryer your hair the less you should need

Wash hair as usual. Tip ACV rinse (avoid your eye!) Rinse.

Not only will your hair look awesome and be less tangly but you’ll also save on plastic packaging and unnecessary chemicals.

8. Handmade cream

I have very dry skin and have been prescribed cream for eczema by my doctor since childhood.

I tend to get through a lot (a big bottle each week), especially during wintertime. I absolutely hated the waste it produced…until I started making my own.

9. Soap bar

For some reason a few years ago we switched to buying liquid hand wash. I have no idea why as not only does it produce more waste, it’s also more expensive, the kid’s use too much and my skin detests it!

We’re switching back to good old-fashioned soap. If you ever get the time then you can try making it!

10. Deodorant

Did you know that deodorant cones in a bar too!? These are brilliant for backpacks and sports bags too!

11. Eco flush

Unless you have an eco flush your toilet could be wasting a lot of water.

Check out this site to see whether you could use less water and save money.

12. Eco shower head

I’m not advising you to save the world by going out to buy a load of new products! However, if your shower is due an update then these special shower heads are worth considering.

It has an aerating restrictor’  which mixes air and water. This means that you get the same pressure but with a lower water content.

13. Eco Plug Unblocker

Next time your drains are blocked try this homemade drain unblocker.

It beats pouring nasty chemicals down your sink.

14. Bathroom Cleaner

Try making some of your own cleaning products.

15. Replace your lightbulbs with LEDs.

16. Stop buying plastic cotton buds.

Sadly the remnants of these are often found laying on the beach.

If you really can’t do without then you can buy the ones below which are 100% biodegradable.

17. Buy Bulk

It’s difficult to find toilet roll that’s not wrapped in plastic so do the next best and buy the biggest pack that you can.

Or you can support a company like Who Gives A Crap who produce toilet roll from 100% recycled products and uses no plastic packaging.

18. Use the shower.

Having a bath can use up to double the amount of water that a shower uses.

So have a quick wash and remember to turn the shower off while you wash your hair and shave. Turning the shower off for 2 minutes while you rub shampoo onto your hair can save 5 gallons of water!

19. Turn off the tap!

You’ll save a gallon per minute if you turn the tap off while you brush your teeth!

20. Don’t floss with plastic 

If you floss then why not switch to a biodegradable silk floss like this one…

21. Try Oil Pulling Instead of Mouth Wash

Ok, this one I’ve never tried. I have terribly weak teeth and admit that I’m  too afraid to stop using my usual toothpaste.

I am however going to attempt oil pulling instead of mouthwash so I’ll let you know how it goes!

Please share any other ideas with us!

We’d love to hear from you. Especially if you have more zero waste bathroom ideas!