13 Zero Waste Bathroom Swaps

LifestyleEco Swaps
Written By Courtney Michael

If you’re looking to make your life a little more eco-friendly, here are 13 zero-waste bathroom swaps to consider. Remember that small steps make a difference! Throughout my sustainability journey, I consistently remind myself to just take it one step at a time. Start with one swap and then keep making changes step by step :)  

*For the stores with an asterick next to it, I have a discount code included at the bottom of the blog! Some of the discount codes below are affiliate codes. If you use it and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission (and you will get a lil discount yourself!)

1. Plastic Free Cotton Swabs

I love bamboo cotton swabs! Instead of getting cotton swabs from a store that come packaged in plastic, I ordered bamboo cotton swabs that come in plastic-free packaging. They are about ~$5 and work just the same as generic cotton swabs. I ordered mine from SeaBlue Collective* and they are also available at Bamboo Switch*!

2. Shampoo + Conditioner Bars

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me post about the Shampoo and Conditioner Bars from Green Room Body Co.* quite a few times. I absolutely love them! I use their Floral Bars for my thick hair and they work so well! I have converted my mom, sister, and boyfriend to use these bars and it works so well for all of us. They always leave our hair feeling (and looking!) amazing. Plus, I love their plastic-free packaging and clean ingredients. I made a full video review if you’re interested in learning more, the link is below!

YouTube Video: Shampoo + Conditioner Bars, Face + Body Soap, Face Lotion│Green Room Body Co. Review

3. Plastic Free Dry Shampoo

Obsessed is an understatement. The dark dry shampoo by Urban Oreganics is hands down my favorite dry shampoo I’ve ever tried. I love how it leaves my hair looking clean but doesn’t dry it out or give it a weird texture like I feel some other dry conditioners have done. It comes in a plastic-free jar and they have refills available that come in a compostable bag. I use an old makeup brush that I already had to apply it and it works great. They have a bamboo brush you can buy but always check to see if you already have something you can use!

YouTube Video:  BEST LOW WASTE DRY SHAMPOO│dry shampoo review and tutorial

4. Safety Razor

Honestly, I was a little scared to use a safety razor. There was just something about the blades that made me nervous but after using it for over a month now, I have to say it works SO well and I’m never going back to my old razor! I love how it’s all plastic free but i have to say, one of the best parts is how affordable the refills are. Ten blades only cost $2.50! And on top of they also have a blade return program where you can send your used blades back for a closed-loop system.

It’s available at several eco-conscious stores including: SeaBlue Collective*, The Waste Less Shop*, Plastic Free Pursuit

5. Soap Saver Bag

My eco-friendly shaving essentials: soap saver bag, bar soap, safety razor, and body oil!

Makes my bar soap last longer + gently exfoliates my skin? Yes, please! I love the soap saver bag from Bamboo Switch* that is made from the sisal plant in Mexico. It is completely natural and compostable and works so well!

6. Plant-Based Exfoliating Glove

I use a plant-based exfoliating glove from Bamboo Switch* that always leaves my skin feeling so good! If you use a body wash I recommend this glove but if you use a bar soap I’d recommend sticking with the soap saver bag. I use this glove with a body wash that I was gifted from Perfect Blue Alchemy*, and also have the soap saver bag for my bar soap. In my opinion, they do the same thing for your skin so it depends on your preference of body wash or bar soap! It’s also made from the sisal plant so it’s completely compostable and comes in plastic-free packaging!

7. Bar Soap: Hand + Body

Bar soap for your hands and body are great swaps! The Gratitude soap from The Waste Less Shop* smells amazing and is so beautiful too! I’ve also used some bar soaps from Trader Joe’s as well and want to try the bar soap from Bamboo Switch* next. I personally use a body bar soap and for my hands, I use the plastic-free liquid hand soap refill from Grove (available at Target!) which is also a great alternative!

8. Reusable Cotton Rounds

I made the swap to reusable cotton rounds to use with toner and to remove my nail polish. These pads from Bamboo Switch* are bigger than generic cotton rounds so I’m able to use them a few times before putting them in the laundry. When I used it to remove nail polish, it did stain the pad after I washed it so I just keep a couple of pads designated for nail polish removing!

9. Toilet Paper

I gave tree free toilet paper a try and surprisingly, it was softer than I expected! I ordered Plant Paper that is made with 100% organically grown bamboo, free from chlorine, dyes, bleach, BPA, and formaldehyde. It comes in completely recyclable packaging and you’re able to order a single roll to try it out. I ordered 2 rolls from The Waste Less Store* and will be coming back for a case! 

10. Reusable Makeup Rounds

I got Makeup Eraser reusable makeup removing pads as a gift and I absolutely love them! I feel the reusable cotton rounds would work if you have a makeup remover but with a Makeup Eraser, you only need water. Simply apply water to the round and it seriously removes all of your makeup. I also use these a couple of times before putting them in the laundry and absolutely love using them. 

11. Hair Brushes

If you need a new hairbrush consider a bamboo option! Bamboo Switch has a variety of hairbrushes and combs that are made from bamboo including natural bamboo bristles! If you already have a hairbrush that is working just fine, no need to get another one, but if you ever need a new brush or comb these bamboo ones are a great choice. 

Here are some of the brush styles available at Bamboo Switch*:

Comb, Wide Tooth Detangling Comb, Bamboo Hair Pick, Bamboo Hand Hair Brush, Paddle Hair Brush, Kids Paddle Hair Brush,  

12. Recyclable ToothPaste

Toothpaste tabs are a great plastic-free way to brush your teeth but I personally have had a really hard time with the texture of using tabs. Some people love them and if you’ve been curious to try them, definitely give them a shot! Someone actually just recommended a brand to me they love and isn’t chalky so I’ll be trying those out - stay tuned!

Another eco-conscious option is to use toothpaste that comes in a recyclable toothpaste tube. I use Tom’s toothpaste that I picked up at Trader Joe’s and Davids Natural Toothpaste is another fan favorite. Plastic Free Pursuit has the full and travel size of Davids which I love that you’re able to sample a smaller tube to see how you like it before committing to the full size!

13. Floss

I never realized that traditional floss is made from nylon which is plastic. *sigh* Luckily there are some eco-conscious options that work just as good and are better for the planet! Bamboo Switch* has organic bamboo floss that’s vegan, completely biodegradable, and comes in a glass jar. They also refills that come in paper boxes so you can keep refilling your glass container.

More of a floss pick kind of person? I hear you. There are floss picks that are made from corn starch and are completely biodegradable! I’ve used them and they work great. They are by Grin and Urban Oreganics carries them!

Discounts:

Which swap are you interested in trying first? Let me know in the comments below! And if you ever have any questions always feel free to send me an email or DM on Instagram! Always here to help however I can :)

Courtney Michael
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