Back in 2018 when I started on my zero waste journey, I did what I recommend to anyone transitioning to a sustainable lifestyle: a trash audit. A trash audit is basically where you keep note of all the things you throw away to see which areas or rooms you are most wasteful in. For me, my bathroom was one of the most wasteful rooms in my house. So naturally, that’s where I made some of the biggest swaps.
When you think about it, we’re constantly throwing things away in our bathrooms. From shampoo bottles to q-tips to disposable razors. There are so many plastic and single-use items that we purchase and repurchase for our bathrooms.
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Sustainable Bathroom Favourites:
Hair care:
- Unwrapped life Shampoo and conditioner bars – Shampoo and conditioner bars were one of my first zero-waste swaps and I have never looked back. I’ve tried a couple and I’ve liked a couple but so far the standout and ones I keep coming back to are from unwrapped life.
- Scalp and Root Cleansing Oat Mask – I don’t normally use hair masks but I decided to try this one out and my hair has never felt softer and my scalp has never felt cleaner!
- Kooshoo hair ties – These are my favorite hair ties! They’re soft, cute, and biodegradable!
- Wooden hairbrush – This is a really great, plastic-free alternative when your current hairbrush is no longer usable. It’s really solid and sturdy.
Oral care:
- Bamboo toothbrush – Bamboo toothbrushes are a really natural switch and they’re biodegradable! I’ve tried a few brands and I don’t necessarily think one is better than the other, but I do love The Humble Co brushes and what they stand for.
- Toothpaste tabs – I have however really disliked some toothpaste tabs. And if you start with one whose texture is off a little too gritty, your experience with tabs can be ruined forever. It was for me for a while but I decided to try some more out and I’m glad I did. These are also from The Humble Co. They’ve got a much smoother texture and great flavor. They come in a biodegradable tube as well!
- David’s toothpaste – David’s is a really great option for a “normal” toothpaste just in case you’re not a fan of tooth tabs. It’s really smooth, tastes great, and comes in a recyclable metal tube!
- Refillable floss – To me, floss is floss. Really anything can get the job done. But this one contains no nasty chemicals and is refillable. Just purchase the container the first time around and get the refills after that so no waste is made!
Skincare and Makeup:
- Wyld konjac facial sponge – This little exfoliating sponge is all-natural and so it will biodegrade at the end of its lifetime. It’s really gentle on my skin but works really well to buff away dead skin cells.
- Derma E firming moisturizer – I have such dry skin that I need a THICK cream to help keep me moisturized and this one from Derma E has worked so well at keeping my skin hydrated and supple.
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic acid – I won’t pretend to be a skincare expert but I had heard that Hyaluronic acid and retinol (listed next) are good for your skin. I don’t know how they work but they have definitely made my skin softer and clearer!
- The Ordinary Retinol – As I mentioned above! I don’t know how but it works!
- Elate Cosmetics universal creme – I love Elate Cosmetics because they’re a clean brand that offers refillable makeup! The universal creme is basically a blush and it is so creamy, goes on smooth and the pigment is buildable.
- Elate natural brow balm – Another refillable product that I love. I already have quite thick brows and this balm works really well to fill in some sparse areas. The pigment is also buildable depending on the look you’re going for.
- Pure Anada sheer pressed mineral foundation – I really like sheer foundation looks. This foundation is buildable so I can easily get whatever amount of coverage I want. It’s clean and it’s refillable! Plus Pure Anada is local to my province which I love!
- Zero Waste mascara – This is the first cake mascara I tried and I really like it! It’s smooth and doesn’t weigh my lashes down.
- Reusable cotton rounds – Reusable cotton rounds are a staple for removing makeup and applying skin care. These ones from Marley’s monsters are so soft and clean really well!
Body care:
- Kate Mcloed Body Stone – THis solid lotion stone is so hydrating and is not only small batch made but woman-owned!
- Safety razor – Safety razors are amazing! They last so long and contain zero plastic making them the perfect zero waste swap!
- Bar soap – It’s funny that bar soap isn’t necessarily a thing we’re all away of as being “zero waste” but it’s one less bottle in your shower and I am a fan of that!
- Meow Meow Tweer Plastic-free Deodorant – I always say that if I was a brand it would be Meow Meow Tweet! I love this plastic-free deodorant, it was the first plastic-free deo I tried and I love it!
- Ear cleaner -I’ve tried reusable cotton swabs and I tick they’re a really great swap, I just like this wooden ear cleaner a bit more for myself personally!
- BKIND nail polish – I love painting my nails and BKIND’s nail polish is 10 free (non-toxic) and comes in so many gorgeous shades!
- Pure Anada nail polish remover – Speaking of doing my nails, I also love this natural, acetone-free remover!
Other:
- Cloud cotton robe from Parachute – The softer robe ever. It makes me feel like I’m at the spa and doesn’t hurt that it’s made from 100% cotton!
- Ettitude Waffle towels – Another big, soft hit! These towels are the definition of luxury!
- Tushy Bidet – A clean bum and saving toilet paper? Need I say more?!
Related reading:
How to make your home more sustainable
Thank you for checking out my sustainable bathroom favorites! I will say that the most sustainable bathroom is the one where you use up all your products before getting anything new. When you do need a sustainable swap, I hope this list can help!
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