Steps to Making Your Bathroom Routine Zero-Waste

Do you find yourself constantly taking out your bathroom trash? From sample containers to empty bottles, disposable cotton balls and every broken hair tie, old toothbrush and aerosol can in between, there are myriad items that might be contributing to that excess. The truth is, we don’t live in an entirely zero-waste economy. By our very nature, we are likely to create at least a minimal amount of trash. Yet, as eco-conscious consumers, it’s important that we take another look at what we’re using, how we’re using it and whether or not it can be swapped out for something a little more earth-friendly.  

To that end, let’s take a look at five simple steps you can start taking today to minimize the waste footprint in your bathroom!

1. Upgrade your razor.

If you’re always buying new disposable razors every few weeks, you’re likely feeling the brunt of that impact on both your body and your pocketbook. The good news is that this is one of the quickest and most cost-effective changes you can make. Instead of buying a plastic bag full of throwaway razors, why not invest in a metal one that will last you for years? Opt for a safety razor and you’ll only need to buy replacement blades when one runs out, rather than toss it and use an entirely new piece.

If you’ve been using the drugstore standards for all of your life, you might not know where to start. That is where this useful page can come in handy. Use it to determine which kind of long-term-use razor is right for you.

2. Invest in a bamboo toothbrush.

This is another simple and inexpensive way to make a major difference in your bathroom routine. Why? Most toothbrushes are made out of plastic, designed to be tossed and replaced every few months or after an illness. While the colorful hues might make them look pretty on our vanities, these tiny tools can cause some major damage to our environment. They are not only wasteful, but cannot be recycled as well.

Instead, invest in a bamboo toothbrush. The light wood tone is a perfect fit for the rustic farmhouse aesthetic that is all the rage. Then, if you need to sanitize it after an illness or just to keep it fresh, you can simply boil it in water for a few minutes to ward off any bacteria.

3. Find a workhorse soap.

You might think you need a different soap for your face, your hair and your body. This simply isn’t true. Instead, find a no-waste, simple soap that is good for both your skin and the environment. If possible, look for ones made without palm oil or animal derivatives, as it can be difficult to determine if these ingredients were ethically sourced. A basic olive oil soap is a great go-to and can leave you feeling fresh from head to toe. This way, you avoid having to keep up with a million containers that each serve a different purpose. Plus, you can travel with it more easily!

4. Discover the cleansing power of coconut oil.

Are you still using cotton balls or pads to remove your makeup and cleanse your skin of impurities using a chemical-infused cleanser? If so, you could be generating a ton of excess trash, and you likely aren’t doing your skin any favors, either considering that even standard cotton pads could have chemicals in them. As a cleaner alternative, consider using coconut oil to remove your makeup, moisturize your skin and tone your complexion.

As an alternative to wasteful cotton balls, swap your stash out for reusable cotton pads. You simply wash these in your laundry and can use them for much longer before replacing.

5. Move away from bleached toilet paper.

Chances are, you don’t think too much about the kind of toilet paper you use. Sure, you know what brand you always end up buying for your family, but do you know what’s in it or how it’s made. The reality is that the traditional white squares we’re used to seeing at our public and private restrooms is actually beached to look that stark. On top of that, the rolls are stacked and packaged in wasteful plastic packaging that gets tossed away immediately.

On top of harmful chemicals, this blanched paper is also non-recyclable. Similar to how a bamboo version can change your toothbrushing game, consider also moving away from the standard white paper and instead, buying organic bamboo toilet paper. It is unbleached and free of the dangerous chemicals present in the toilet paper you use on a daily basis.

Deciding to make the move toward a more conscious, reflective and waste-resistant lifestyle starts with baby steps. Your bathroom is one of the most basic and used areas in your home. If you can commit to making a change here, it will ripple down and affect the rest of your choices as well. So start today by assessing where you can cut back, make changes and swap an old routine out for a new. You might be surprised at how rewarding the transition is!