While reusable water-bottles and straws have taken the world by storm, many people are curious how they can become more eco-friendly in their daily lives without changing their routine. From toothbrushes to deodorant, we are slowly killing our planet for the sake of convenience. Luckily, companies are coming out with new products everyday that are easy to use, good for you, and great for the environment! There are loads of zero-waste, non-toxic options now that make it easy to assimilate into everyday life.
Here are ten easy items you can swap out of your bathroom for a healthier you and healthier planet:
1. Soap
Okay, so I started out with the easiest bathroom change. Soap! If you already are using soap bars, kudos to you. If not, go out and buy yourself some soap bars! Just make sure they are made with real ingredients and non-toxic so they’re good for both you and the environment. I will say, I did have reservations about my soap bar. But now, I’m in love with soap bars when I use a soap bag. It makes it easier to grip and suds up easier. I just throw the soap bag in the wash when I’m ready for a new bar so it’s fresh for a new scent! You can buy all-natural soap bars practically everywhere, from Farmer’s markets to your local natural foods store.
2. Toilet Paper
Hopefully by now you are aware that deforestation is a real concern for our planet. And since toilet paper is made from trees, every time we’re going to the bathroom, we’re sadly perpetuating that problem. Plus, most toilet paper comes in tons of plastic packaging.
While bidets are becoming more common, especially since you can buy them inexpensively on Amazon and install them yourself, they aren’t for everyone. There are, however, different toilet paper options nowadays! From recycled paper to bamboo, companies are rethinking toilet paper to be so much more sustainable. I use Who Gives A Crap and absolutely love them! Each roll has a cuter recyclable cover, and they donate 50% of profits to help build toilets for those who don’t have access to them. So you can feel all-around good while you’re doing your business!
3. Shaving Cream
This one is quite a simple switch! There are plenty of shaving bars out there that are good for your skin and for the planet. But I invite you to think outside the box! DIYing your own shaving cream can be fun and you probably have most of the ingredients in your home already.
I personally have shaved with fractionated coconut oil for the past 5 years. It makes my skin silky smooth and I can buy it locally from a zero-waste store near me. But don’t fret—if you don’t have a store near you selling coconut oil in refillable containers just grab a shaving bar, and lather up!
4.Plastic Razors
Almost 2 billion plastic razors are thrown out a year. That’s an extreme amount of waste we’re creating to make ourselves look good. However, there is a really efficient and easy zero waste alternative to using a plastic razor. A safety razor!
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “I cannot use a Safety Razor. Those things are scary!” I used to think the same thing. Until I started using one and realized regular, old plastic razors are horrible! Safety Razors provide the closest shave I’ve ever had. It takes about a month to get used to using it. You don’t press down, but rather angle and guide the blade. I use it to shave my armpits, legs, and bikini zone. The only time I’ve ever cut myself is when I’m lazy about changing a dull blade, which usually should be changed once a month just like a normal razor. And when you are changing the blade, it can be recycled as long as it’s disposed of safely in a carrier! I use a Safety Razor Bank from Rockwell Razors for convenient storage of my used razor blades until I recycle them.
I personally love my Bambaw Safety Razor and pair it with the Viking Blade Mild & Safe razor blades. Unless you’re a shaving expert, any safety razor will do. The main difference is how it looks aesthetically and the way in which it opens to insert a new blade.
But what about traveling? If you’re checking a bag, great! Throw that safety razor in the checked bag and you’re ready to go. Only bringing a carry on? Well you can’t bring the razor blade on the plane. But you can pick up a razor blade at a convenience store wherever you’re going! If I don’t have time to pick up a blade or I’m traveling abroad and worried I won’t find one, I have my backup recycled-plastic razor Preserve Shave 5 Five Blade Refillable Razor. However, most countries will sell safety razor blades.
5. Deodorant
This should definitely be one of your first swaps if not for the environment, then for your own health. The traditional deodorants we’ve become accustomed to have a host of toxic ingredients such as Aluminum, Parabens, Phthalates… are these words all scientific junk to you? Do a few google searches to scare your pants off. I’ll wait.
Okay, so what should you be using to keep you smelling fresh day-to-day? My personal favorite is the baking-soda free deodorant from Meow Meow Tweet. It’s non-toxic, comes in a biodegradable push-pops style container, and smells amazing!
6. Toothbrush
Did you know that every toothbrush you have ever used since you were a child is most likely sitting in a landfill? The world uses 1 billion toothbrushes a year. That’s a whole lot of plastic being thrown away.
Fortunately, there are plenty of trendy bamboo toothbrushes that are eco-friendly and stylish. My favorite ones are sold at the Sonora Refillery. They come in fun colors and even have kids sizes.
7. Toothpaste
Alright friends, this change is easy, but take some adjusting to. At least it did for me. We’re trained as consumers to love that foaming, fresh feeling toothpaste gives us. Actually, the guy who got the world brushing our teeth daily made it foamy & fun so he could sell his product and get clients hooked!
The most common zero-waste alternative is tooth tabs or tooth powder. There are many different brands of both. I buy tooth tabs from the Sonora Refillery. I recommend rinsing your mouth with water first, chewing two tablets, wetting your toothbrush, then get brushing!
8. Floss
Do I really need to change my floss? Yes! Not only is floss made of plastic which is detrimental to the planet, but it’s coated with a toxic chemical that has immediate access to your bloodstream if you bleed. So you might want to rethink grabbing that free floss pack the next time you’re at the dentist. But don’t worry, Dental Lace offers a non-toxic, zero-waste, and vegan floss so you can maintain those healthy gums!
8. Dry Shampoo
Most dry shampoos have toxic ingredients or are in aerosol cans which are bad for the environment. Lucky for you, this is one of the easiest products to DIY yourself with 1-3 ingredients. By simply using arrowroot or cornstarch, maybe adding in a little cocoa powder if you have dark hair and some essential oils for a dreamy scent, you have an easy at home replacement for that toxic & wasteful dry shampoo you’ve been buying.
Not a fan of DIY? No problem! There are plenty of Dry Shampoos out there that are zero-waste & non-toxic such as this one from the Zero Waste Store.
9. Shampoo & Conditioner
With so many toxic ingredients, your shampoo & conditioner should really be something you’re changing to a non-toxic brand for your own heath. But why not also buy a waste-free type, as well! There are basically three options: bars, refills, or bottles you send back to the company for re-use. Obviously the bars & refills will be the most environmentally friendly option since it’s being shipped less and therefore has a lower carbon footprint. Meow Meow Tweet has a few options for shampoo & conditioner bars, but if bars aren’t your thing try researching a zero-waste store near you. They usually have shampoo & conditioner refill stations. My favorite is the Sonora Refillery as they customize your shampoo & conditioner refills with essential oils of your choice. Plaine Products offers non-toxic, zero-waste bottles. Just ship them back the used bottles with their pre-paid shipping label and they will re-use them!
10. Feminine Products
We can’t talk about bathroom zero-waste swaps without talking about menstrual products. And with the period cup being all the rage right now, I highly recommend trying one out! It’s easy to use and becomes second-nature after a few cycles. Best of all, you can clean it by boiling it in water, then re-use for several years!
My favorite brand is Lunette. Not only is it the safest in the world, it comes in fun colors! Simply choose which color & flow style you have, and you’re ready to start saving the planet one period at a time.
Another popular zero-waste menstrual item is period panties. For those low-flow days when you just want to feel comfortable and supported. One of the brands I hear the best reviews about is Thinx. With plenty of options in styles, like hiphuggers or thongs, you’re guaranteed to find one that fits you best. Plus, you’ll get to wear cute underwear while saving the planet. Is there anything better than that?
Zero-Waste Shops
There are plenty of shops popping up all over the world that offer plastic free, non-toxic, and zero-waste options! Make sure to search in your area for “Refill” or “Zero-waste” to see if any of these stores exist near you. Here are a few stores in Southern California as an example of what to look for near you. If you’re in SoCal, check out one of these stores near you and start your zero-waste journey!
- Sonora Refillery (Oceanside)
- The Nada Shop (Encinitas)
- The Refill Shoppe (Ventura)
- Eco Now (Costa Mesa)
- BYO Long Beach (Long Beach)
- Sustain LA (Los Angeles)
- Refillery (Los Angeles)
- No Tox Life (Los Angeles)
Good luck on your zero-waste journey, and remember: you aren’t going to become completely zero-waste overnight. But we can slowly make adjustments to our daily lives by bringing in a few items at a time that we’re comfortable with. Before you know it, you’ll be surprised just how easy being friendly to the Earth can be!
