Hello there! Today we're talking about something we all do every day: using the bathroom. It may not be the most glamorous topic, but it's one that has a big impact on the environment. So, let's dive into 12 simple swaps you can make to create a more sustainable bathroom and a greener home.
Reduce water use: Take shorter showers or opt for a low-flow shower head to save water and money on your utility bill.
Have a more sustainable toilet routine: First, use eco-friendly toilet paper like bamboo, bleached and recycled toilet paper. It is important to consider the negative effects of unbleached toilet paper on women’s health because of chlorine. Second, use a bidet to clean your private parts instead of toilet paper, reducing your environmental impact and providing a more sanitary alternative. Third, switching to a low-flow toilet will cost you 1.28 gallons (4.9 liter) of water per flush while inefficient, older toilets can use up to 7 gallons.
Make your period more sustainable: Menstrual cups are completely hygienic and are a low-waste replacement for single-use pads and tampons (even organic tampons). Plus, pads are made from synthetic materials and harmful microplastics that are detrimental to marine life when they are broken down (and your skin for that matter.)
Choose sustainable cosmetics: Worry about the packaging and ingredients to avoid in skincare, both of which are bad for you and the planet. Instead, look for products that use natural skincare ingredients, and products. Learn more about how to Make Informed Choices For Your Skin.
Invest in bamboo and metal toothbrushes: According to WWF, plastic toothbrushes can take up to 500 years to decompose while a zero waste toothbrush made of bamboo is naturally compostable (though you may need to remove the bristles). Bamboo has several positive impacts on the environment, as we mentioned in Bamboo 101. Booheads has bamboo electric toothbrush heads which can be a good starting point. Plus, the metal set of Tooth Eco is designed to help you begin your eco-friendly routine with a tooth handle made from recycled aluminum and a plant-based tooth head with replaceable bristles, making it easy to reduce your plastic waste and contribute to a cleaner planet.
Use zero-waste toothpaste tablets: They can be easily bought in bulk and stored in plastic-free containers (and you won’t have to spend hours getting the last drop of toothpaste out of the tube).
Place a recycling bin in the bathroom: You are much more likely to recycle when the bin is easily accessible.
Choose bar shampoos and conditioners: Bar alternatives help reduce the 550 million empty shampoo bottles thrown away in the US every year. Opting for cleaner ingredients reduces the waterway pollution caused by synthetic soaps. If you are curious about the benefits of bar shampoos, check The Advantages Of Using Shampoo Bars.
Say no to palm oil: Palm oil is a major driver of deforestation and exploitation as well as air pollution, water pollution, and biodiversity loss—and it’s found in everything from toothpaste and shampoo to peanut butter.
Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products: Choose products with natural ingredients and sustainable packaging to reduce the environmental impact of cleaning your bathroom.
Use a compost bin: If you have plants, use a compost bin to dispose of biodegradable bathroom waste like hair and tissues.
Install energy-efficient lighting: LED lights use less energy and last longer than traditional light bulbs, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint. If you don’t know which bulb is the best one for you, check Lighting The Way To A Brighter Future.
By making these simple swaps, you can reduce waste and conserve resources while maintaining a clean and comfortable bathroom. Let's do our part to create a more sustainable world, one bathroom at a time!
