5 Simple Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste in Your Bathroom

In recent years, reducing plastic waste has become a priority for many households. In this post, I will give you all reusable, natural alternatives to regular bathroom products to reduce plastic waste in your bathroom.

Unfortunately, the bathroom is one of the areas where plastic waste accumulates most quickly. You can find plastic everywhere in the bathroom, from plastic bottles, toothbrushes, and toothpaste tubes, to shampoo packaging and personal care products. But don’t worry! With a few simple changes, you can make a significant impact on reducing plastic waste coming from the bathroom.

These natural, easy, budget-friendly, alternative products are sustainable bathroom products that will help the environment, improve your health, and save you money in the long term.

Reduce Plastic Waste in Your Bathroom: Quick Solutions at a Glance

We will discuss each item in detail but let me give you a summary of the key products which can reduce plastic waste in your bathroom to a great extent.

• Switch to Bar Soap and Shampoo: Replace plastic bottles with bar soap and shampoo alternatives.
• Choose Reusable Toiletries: Switch to usual plastic toothbrushes with bamboo toothbrushes, tissues with reusable washcloths, and disposable razors with washable razors.
• Opt for Plastic-Free or Recyclable Packaging: Pay attention while buying products and choose products with minimal packaging or packaging with recyclable materials.
• DIY Cleaning Products: Cleaning products are another major source of plastic waste. These can be easily replaced with homemade cleaning products using natural ingredients to avoid plastic packaging.
• Invest in Sustainable Bathroom Accessories: Replace disposable items like toilet brushes, sponges, and towels with sustainable, long-lasting alternatives.

Reduce Plastic Waste in Your Bathroom: Switch to Bar Soap and Shampoo

Almost all bathroom products starting from soap to moisturizer come packed in disposable plastic bottles. It’s quite easy to replace these bottles with sustainable eco-friendly products.

Why it Matters:

Plastic bottles for liquid soap, shampoo, and conditioner are the major sources of plastic waste. According to several studies, millions of plastic shampoo bottles end up in landfills every year, taking thousands of years to decompose. By switching to bar soap and shampoo bars, I have significantly reduced my plastic waste while still maintaining my hygiene.

How to Replace:

Here are the simple doable options to replace plastic with eco-friendly products.

• Shampoo Bars: Look for shampoo bars made with natural ingredients. They’re usually wrapped in paper or cardboard, reducing plastic waste. There are various eco-friendly options available both online and off the shelf. My and my family have been using KIRK’S Soap bar for the past several years and we are very happy with the result. Do give it a try.
• Soap Bars: Most of us use liquid soap to clean our skin but this can be easily replaced by organic or vegan soap bars to avoid harsh chemicals. If you still like liquid soap, you can make your own. Also, be cautious while buying and remember to choose brands that use minimal or recyclable packaging. My favorite brand is LUSH, they have several shops across the USA. I have been using LUSH Angel Soap Bar for the past few years and have never felt the need to move to shampoo. My hair is in better condition now.
• Storage: Consider using a stainless-steel soap dish with drainage to extend the life of your bar products and avoid waste.

You can refer to my other posts to know more in detail.

Reduce Plastic Waste in Your Bathroom: Choose Reusable Toiletries

There are several products we need daily to maintain good hygiene and most of us have been using plastic products from the time we are born. But now that we are aware of the impact of plastic on the environment, I made a conscious effort to replace almost all my toiletries with eco-friendly ones.

Why it Matters:

Many bathroom essentials, like toothbrushes, razors, toilet tissues, and cotton pads, are single-use items that keep generating plastic waste. By switching to reusable and/or eco-friendly alternatives, I have cut down on the amount of plastic waste I was generating to a great extent.

How to Replace:

• Bamboo Toothbrushes: These are very easily available on Amazon. Most of the brand nowadays also comes with compostable packaging reducing packaging-related waste. I buy in bulk with 5 different color bristles to ensure that the entire family can use the bamboo toothbrushes without getting confused.
• Reusable Cotton Pads: Once I started my journey of sustainable living, I never bought those disposable cotton pads. I bought some reusable washcloths and have been using them for almost all my needs.
• Reusable Razors: Stainless steel razors can be reused for years, reducing the need for disposable plastic razors. If I remember correctly, my father, uncles, and grandfather had never used a disposable razor in their life and they still managed to get a clean shave every single time.

You can refer to my other posts to know more details.

Reduce Plastic Waste in Your Bathroom: Opt for Plastic-Free or Recyclable Packaging

Packaging is another big source of plastic waste coming from all products. I try my best to buy products without any plastic packaging or recyclable packaging.

Why it Matters:

Not just bathroom products, almost all products come in plastic containers or packaging that is not always recyclable and takes centuries to break down. By being mindful, I try to make more eco-friendly choices that have helped me to reduce plastic pollution.

How to Replace:

• Choose Brands with Minimal Packaging: Look for products that are packaged in paper, glass, or recyclable aluminum instead of plastic.
• Refill Stations: Some stores and companies offer refill stations where you can bring your empty containers and refill them, reducing plastic waste. Nowadays even almost all groceries are also available in these refill stations.
• Bulk Buying: Purchasing in bulk can help you reduce packaging waste, especially for items like shampoo, conditioner, or body wash if you decide not to make your own. Try buying the biggest bottles you can find.

Reduce Plastic Waste in Your Bathroom: DIY Cleaning Products

All cleaning products come packed in disposable bottles and just keep on adding to the existing pile of plastic waste. You will be surprised to know that mostly you need just 4-5 ingredients to make all-natural eco-friendly cleaning products at home. This change alone can reduce plastic waste in your bathroom to a great extent.

Why it Matters:

Most cleaning products in the bathroom come in plastic bottles and contain harmful chemicals. Making cleaning products at home is an easy eco-friendly process and it’s an excellent way to eliminate plastic waste while also reducing your exposure to toxins.

How to Replace:

• Natural Cleaners: Create all-purpose cleaners using ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils. You can check out 5 Incredible Benefits I Discovered Using Natural Cleaning Supplies for a Healthier Home and Environment to know the step-by-step process.

• Glass Containers: Store your homemade cleaners in reusable glass or metal spray bottles or you can reuse the existing plastic bottles which you have already bought.
• Eco-Friendly Toilet Cleaning: Make your own toilet cleaner with baking soda and vinegar to avoid plastic bottles and toxic chemicals.

Reduce Plastic Waste in Your Bathroom: Invest in Sustainable Bathroom Accessories

I used to buy plastic accessories for all my needs as they were good-looking, sturdy, and cheap. However, once I realized the impact of plastic on the environment on our health, I stopped looking at outer beauty and started looking at the material they were made of.

Why it Matters:

All bathroom accessories, such as toilet brushes, sponges, and towels, often contain plastic or are made with synthetic materials. Most of us buy them without realizing it. But from the time I started paying little attention before buying any product, my health has improved along with the reduction in plastic waste.

How to Replace:

• Biodegradable Toilet Brushes: Replace plastic toilet brushes with bamboo or coconut fiber options.
• Natural Sponges: Opt for sponges made from loofah or natural sea sponges instead of synthetic ones.
• Organic Towels or washcloths: Buy towels, and washcloths made from organic cotton or bamboo fibers for a softer, more sustainable option.

Benefits of Replacing Plastic Products with Eco-friendly Products:

There are several benefits but I have outlined some key benefits which I have personally felt.

• Eco-friendly products saved me from harmful chemicals found in store-bought products. It has greatly helped me in improving health and reducing plastic waste.
• If you are making products at home like me, you can customizable them based on your personal preferences and needs. Like I have dry skin, so I add more natural oil to my soap and it helps keep my skin moist. These will help you to reduce plastic waste in your bathroom.
• Using eco-friendly products also supports a circular economy as most of these products come directly from farmers. They greatly help to reduce plastic waste in your bathroom.
• If we calculate the dollar spent on eco-friendly products, it may sound a bit costly in the beginning but in the long term, it saves money. I have done the calculation over the past few years and can bet on it.
• Eco-friendly packaging products help to reduce the number of single-use plastic items in landfills.

Conclusion: Making Small Changes for Big Impact

Don’t make too many changes all of a sudden. Start small but just start. You can pick any one item and replace that with an eco-friendly alternate. It can be as small as a toothbrush and you will see the result in a few months.

By making eco-friendly choices, you’re not just helping the planet, you’re also contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone. Start with one change today and build from there. Together, we can make a difference in reducing plastic waste, one bathroom at a time.

Again, I am asking all my readers to be just consistent in their effort, don’t start with a bang and give up after a while. Start small and be consistent. That’s the only way to make this journey enjoyable for you and your family too.

If only 10% of the readers make a change in just one product, I will consider this blog a success. Please write your change in the comments section. It will not only inspire me but will also inspire others to move to an eco-friendly sustainable lifestyle.

You can check my other posts here.