One of the easiest places to reduce plastic is often the last place we start. It’s a private place, our sanctuary, a place we don’t often talk about with our friends. BUT we should! We all know plastic is a huge problem for the environment and our health and our bathrooms are one of the biggest culprits of single-use plastic.
Thankfully, we have some small swaps that can make a big impact!
Switch to Toothpaste Instead of Tubes
Why make the switch?
Traditional toothpaste tubes are made from plastic and other materials making it difficult to recycle and will ultimately end up in landfills to last years. According to a Forbes article from 2021, 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes are discarded each year. It’s great people are brushing their teeth but manufacturers need to do better.
The sustainable swap:
Toothpaste tablets come in refillable or compostable packaging, eliminating plastic waste. They’re also travel-friendly and often made with cleaner ingredients. Or toothpaste in aluminum tubes where you can cut off both ends, scrape out all of the toothpaste and place the aluminum tubes in the recycle bin. We are partial to the refillable kind, personally.
Use Shampoo and Conditioner Bars Instead of Bottled
Why make the switch?
Most shampoo and conditioner bottles are made of plastic or glass that can be recycled once they are cleaned out. Note, that the pumps are not recyclable. While recycling is an ok option for items that don’t have a good replacement, not having single-use packaging is optimal. Also, who really wants to buy plastic bottles over and over again?
The sustainable swap:
Shampoo and conditioner bars eliminate the need to buy your trash over and over. Our Dip shampoo bars can last 3-5 months and the conditioner bars 6+ months (I’m on 18 months with my Dip conditioner bar with daily use). This saves money AND containers! I’d also like to note that not all hair care bars are created equal. If you’ve had a not so great experience with one, try the Dip brand. Seriously, your hair and your pocketbook will love them!
Choose a Bamboo Toothbrush Over Plastic
Why make the switch?
If we assume that all 335 million people in the United States brushes their teeth with a toothbrush and change them every 3-4 months as recommended by the ADA, that would mean 1.3 billion toothbrushes are used and tossed each year if they change them at 4 months. It’s probably safe to say most are not upcycled either because that might be gross and are not likely to be recycled curbside since they could jam the machines. There are some take back programs available but those are a little suspect whether or not they actually get recycled.
The sustainable swap:
Bamboo toothbrushes can compost down and if the bristles are also made of natural materials, the entire toothbrush can be composted. Swapping to a bamboo toothbrush drastically reduces the amount of plastic waste and microplastics in our daily routines.
Use Bamboo Floss Instead of Plastic Floss
Why make the switch?
Most traditional dental floss is made of nylon and some are coated with substances that make it easier to slide between teeth and are flavored with ingredients not disclosed. Currently, companies are not required by federal law to disclose the ingredients or materials in their floss. While we do need to floss for good oral health, we should know what we are using in our mouths and putting in the landfills. Don’t get me started on the small single-use plastic containers that are not curbside recyclable due to their tiny little selves.
The sustainable swap:
Bamboo floss is compostable, often coated with natural candelilla wax instead of synthetic coatings. Many brands offer refillable glass or metal containers, cutting down on single-use plastic. The floss we carry is made with bamboo charcoal, candelilla wax and peppermint oil. Ingredients are disclosed and are safe for us and the environment while still getting food and plaque from between our teeth.
Use a Reusable Razor Instead of Disposable Razors
Why make the switch?
It is estimated that over 2 billion plastic razors end up in landfills in the US each year. Because they’re made of mixed materials (plastic and metal), they’re nearly impossible to recycle. Let’s also chat about the ingredients on many of the brands’ lubricating strips found on the disposable razor head. These are meant to help provide a smooth shave and most of the ingredients are not good for us. Just think, you’re taking a warm shower, your pores are open and you’re shaving and letting in those ingredients. Single-use + toxic ingredients = a NO for most of us.
The sustainable swap:
A Leaf razor with a pivoting head is most like the current experience and has little learning needed, or a safety razor like our grandparents used but it has a little more of a learning curve. Either one, they are made of stainless steel with metal blades that are sent back to be recycled at the facility eliminating single-use or plastic completely. Unlike disposables, it’s built to last for years, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Small Swaps, Big Impact
Making these simple swaps in your bathroom can significantly reduce your plastic footprint. By choosing refillable, compostable, and reusable alternatives, you help cut down on plastic pollution and support a healthier planet.
Would you add any other plastic-free bathroom swaps to the list? Share your favorite eco-friendly products in the comments!
