In the world that has effectively embraced sustainability, there isn’t a better way to overturn an unstable carbon footprint than to switch your bathroom to a zero-waste alternative. The bathroom can often be one of the worst culprits in our homes, from single-use plastic products to unnecessary water usage. You can easily reduce waste and create an eco-friendly bathroom that works to help both you and the planet by making just a handful of simple swaps and embracing ways to be more sustainable.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps on how to set up a zero-waste bathroom, tips for being mindful about the products you choose, and how to make your daily routine as green as possible.
Why Create a Zero-Waste Bathroom?
In many homes, the bathroom is one of the biggest producers of plastic waste. Crystal Orjales is a self-proclaimed bathroom junkie, owning more than 545 bathroom products. From plastic toothbrushes to shampoo bottles, bathroom items contribute significantly to the landfills and pollution. Building a zero-waste bathroom is not only a strategy to minimize your waste, but it also lowers the environmental impact from making and/or traveling products.
Here’s how a zero-waste bathroom can help you:
- Take a people-focused, BTS-inspired approach to reducing plastic waste through sustainable, reusable, and recyclable solutions.
- Practice water moderation in usage.
- Use natural and low-impact products to reduce exposure to chemicals.
- Investing in reusable and durable items can save money in the long run.
How to Set Up a Zero-Waste Bathroom: Step-by-Step Process
You don’t have to feel overwhelmed making your bathroom zero-waste. Begin with a simple step and slowly move to more sustainable practices. A zero-waste bathroom: Here’s how to get there, step by step.
Use Reusable Options Instead
The simplest way to limit waste in the bathroom is by swapping out one-use products for washable ones. Here are a few ideas:
- Cloth towels — Rather than using paper towels to dry your hands or clean, invest in reusable cloth towels OR hand towels made from organic cotton or bamboo.
- This is another excellent option to make the switch from single-use cotton pads to washable, reusable ones for makeup removal or skincare routines.
- Menstrual Cups & Cloth Pads: Use disposable sanitary products? Switch to a menstrual cup or cloth pads to cut down on your waste every month.
Say Goodbye to Disposable Plastic Bottles
Plastic shampoo bottles, body wash, and toothpaste tubes are significant contributors to bathroom waste. Instead, make these substitutions:
- Bar Soap: Look for natural, biodegradable bar soap instead of liquid soap in plastic bottles. “Buy soap without packaging or from refill stations.”
- Refillable Bottles: For the shampoo or conditioner you use, choose a refillable glass or aluminum bottle. Many sustainable brands have shampoo and conditioner refills packaged in paper or cardboard rather than plastic containers.
- Toothpaste Tablets or Tooth Powder: Ditch the plastic toothpaste tubes and switch to toothpaste tablets, which require glass containers, or a natural toothpaste powder in a recyclable container.
Use Earth-Friendly Toiletries
There are so many effective, zero-waste toiletry products available now, eco-warrior… Here are some alternatives to traditional bathroom items:
- Bamboo Toothbrushes: Bamboo toothbrushes can be a natural alternative to plastic toothbrushes. They can even be found in compostable packaging from many brands, so they’re a great option for waste reduction.
- Deodorant Bars: A lot of deodorant brands now have plastic-free bars in compostable or recyclable packaging.
- Shaving Razors: Replace disposable razors with a safety razor that’s well-designed and built to last for years. You only need to replace the razor blade, which saves on waste.
Reduce Water Usage
Reducing your water usage is another key part of how to set up a zero-waste bathroom. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Use Water-Saving Devices: Substitute your showerheads, faucets, and toilets for devices that use less water while still providing pressure and function.
- Shorten the Showers: Try taking shorter showers — shorter showers can save you water and energy. You can also switch to a water-saving shower timer to help keep track.
- Repair Any Leaks: If you have any leaking fixtures in your bathroom, they need to be fixed as soon as possible since they can waste a lot of water over time.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Traditional cleaning products typically contain toxic chemicals and are packaged in single-use plastic bottles. Instead, opt for natural and eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for you and the environment. You can even create your own cleaning solutions using things like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
- Natural All-Purpose Cleaners: Select multi-use cleaning products created using natural components. These typically come in recyclable or refillable packaging.
- Reusable Cleaning Cloths: Instead of single-use disposable wipes, use microfiber cloths or washable cleaning rags.
Compost Bathroom Waste
Think about composting some items found in your bathroom, including used cotton swabs (preferably made of bamboo), hair, and paper products (tissues, for example). Check your local composting rules to determine how to properly dispose of these materials.
Best Zero-Waste Products for Bathroom
A few of the best options include:
- Ethique Shampoo Bars: Ethique is a sustainable brand with plastic-free packaging for their shampoo bars, which last longer than traditional liquid shampoo.
- The Humble Co. Bamboo Toothbrush: An angular ecologic toothbrush made of biodegradable bamboo, tailor-made to avoid an extra waste of plastic.
- Lush Deodorant Bars: Plastic-free deodorant bars made with natural ingredients, offering an eco-friendly option to standard deodorants.
- Marley’s Monsters Washable Cotton Rounds: Reusable cotton rounds made with organic cotton — these are great for removing makeup or as part of your skincare routine.
- Disposable Menstrual Cup: A simple, sustainable way to cut down on applicable waste during your monthly cycle.
FAQs for Creating a Zero-Waste Bathroom
Which products are the most important in a zero-waste bathroom?
The top zero-waste bathroom products are: bamboo toothbrushes, refillable shampoo and conditioner, a menstrual cup, bar soap, reusable cotton pads, etc.
Wait, I can’t have a fancy bathroom and be zero-waste?
Absolutely! But you can have a luxurious bathroom experience with sustainable, eco-friendly products. Concentrate on longer-lasting, quality items and zero-waste products can be just as pleasurable as their plastic counterparts.
Is a zero-waste bathroom expensive to set up?
While some eco-friendly products may appear more expensive initially, they are likely more durable and could save you money over time by minimizing the need for replacements. Many zero-waste products, for example, bar soap and reusable cotton pads, will also outlast those that can be thrown away.
Conclusion: Transitioning into a Zero-Waste Bathroom
How to set up a zero-waste bathroom may appear intimidating at first glance, but it’s a really empowering turn towards living a more sustainable lifestyle. Small tweaks, like switching out disposable items for reusable ones, natural toiletries, or cutting back on water use, will not only lower your environmental footprint but also create an intentional and eco-friendly space.
As you work towards your zero-waste journey, every small change counts. Replace a couple at a time, and eventually, you will have built a bathroom that reflects your sustainable living aspirations. Your own bathroom can be as chic and cozy while also being planet-friendly!
Call to Action: Want to create your zero-waste bathroom? Learn more about us and explore our selection of eco-friendly products today, and make a positive contribution to your home and the environment.