You might not think of it when you see the bathroom as just a place for getting ready or taking a shower, but it can be one of the most significant sources of waste in your home. From single-use plastics to disposable cleaning products, if you’re not careful, those few minutes each day in the restroom can have an effect on our planet.
And while there aren't any magic solutions that will erase all your environmental sins right away, there are small ways we can do our part and reduce the amount of waste generated from everyday use - and make sure both you and Mother Earth are happy!
This blog post will cover 6 tips for making your bathroom zero waste!
How To Create an Eco-Friendly Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. Not only do you use it to take care of your personal hygiene, but it also serves as a place for relaxation and well-being.
But did you know that with some small changes, you can make the task of caring for yourself and your bathroom much more sustainable? By adopting some zero-waste habits, you can reduce your environmental impact while keeping things clean and hygienic.
Use an Eco-Friendly Toothbrush
Bamboo toothbrushes have become a popular eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic toothbrushes. Bamboo is a renewable and sustainable resource, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Bamboo is more sustainable than plastic and decomposes much faster, so you don't have to worry about your old toothbrush clogging up the landfill. Plus, several types of bamboo toothbrushes on the market fit everyone’s needs- from manual brushes with soft or medium bristles to electric brushes with bamboo replacement heads.
If you’re unsure which one is right for you, many online resources are available that provide reviews and helpful advice to make an informed decision.
Plus, by switching from a plastic toothbrush to a bamboo one, you can help reduce the amount of waste generated yearly - an estimated 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown in the trash yearly in North America alone.
Making this simple switch is one small step toward a greater goal of reducing global waste levels and striving for a healthier environment for future generations.
Try Zero Waste Toothpaste
When it comes to zero-waste toothpaste, there are a variety of options available. Toothpaste tablets are a great option since they don't require any packaging and can be easily thrown into a travel kit. Simply put one in your mouth, start chewing until it foams, and brush like you normally would.
Other packaging-free options include toothpaste bars, which look similar to soap bars; just wet your brush and rub the bar against it for easy application. Alternatively, some zero-waste brands offer glass jars of toothpaste that can be scooped out with your toothbrush. When you’ve emptied the jar, you can recycle it or reuse it for something else.
In addition to the various types of zero-waste toothpaste available, natural ingredients have been used for centuries as effective oral care products such as baking soda, sea salt, and other herbs like mint or sage. These natural ingredients tend to be much gentler on teeth than the chemicals found in conventional toothpaste and can help reduce enamel erosion over time.
Baking soda is an especially powerful cleaning agent due to its ability to scrub away plaque and bacteria while neutralizing acidity that can cause cavities. Sea salt is also beneficial because its coarse texture helps remove plaque buildup on teeth while also adding minerals back into the mouth to keep gums healthy.
Finally, herbs such as mint and sage are known for their antibacterial properties which help reduce inflammation in gums caused by bacteria overgrowth.
Make Your Own Shave Gel and Shower Gel
Aerosol shaving cream and gel cans have much more than health and environmental concerns associated with them. Not only can they be tricky to recycle, as not every recycling center will accept aerosol cans, but they also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can affect both our environment and our health.
Aerosols themselves are bad for the environment since they contain small particles of plastic known as microplastics. These tiny particles don't biodegrade and pollute our oceans, water systems, and landfills.
By making your own shaving gel or shower gel you can completely avoid any of these potentially harmful ingredients by choosing natural materials like aloe vera gel or coconut oil, plus essential oils for scent.
This will leave your skin feeling smoother and more moisturized than ever before. You’ll also save money by avoiding overpriced store-bought products, while being able to customize the consistency and scent of your homemade shave gel however you choose.
Plus, since all-natural ingredients are biodegradable, there’s no need to worry about contributing to plastic pollution or other environmental damage when disposing of used shave gels or bottles.
Swap Out Single-Use Products
Single-use products are not only an environmental hazard but can also be costly for consumers. Not only are these products wasteful, but they also contain materials that don't easily biodegrade such as plastic and aluminum.
As they break down, they leach toxins into the air and water, creating long-lasting pollutants that can affect both human health and the environment.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce one's dependence on single-use products in the bathroom. One of the most effective is to switch to reusable alternatives such as bamboo toothbrushes and washable cotton pads for removing makeup.
After use, these items can be washed with soap and hot water and last longer than their single-use counterparts. Additionally, many companies now offer refillable containers for common bathroom items like shampoo or body wash, which can drastically reduce one's monthly plastic consumption.
Not only will this save money in the lo
ng run, but it will also help keep harmful materials out of our waste stream while simultaneously protecting the environment from further damage.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Countless household cleaners are filled to the brim with harmful chemicals that may do the job, but aren't very kind to the environment. Opting for eco-friendly products is a great road to go down.
The Tru Earth Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner is a revolutionary product that offers a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution than standard chemical cleaners. It effectively cleans hard surfaces and kills 99% of bacteria, fungi, mold, and viruses without the need for wasteful single-use bottles.
To use it, simply dissolve one strip in a 250ml spray bottle of hot water and you’re all set to start cleaning. It’s an easy, affordable way to maintain a hygienic environment without compromising your environmental impact.
Select Packaging-Free Products
The plastic waste created by shampoo and other personal care product bottles is staggering. Not only is 552 million shampoo bottles ending up in landfills across North America every year, but the amount of plastic packaging used to contain those products is also increasing.
This excess packaging not only contributes to the world’s growing plastic problem, but it also causes pollution and takes up valuable resources that could be used for more important things. When purchasing these important products, be sure to check the containers to see if they are recyclable or biodegradable.
This simple change can greatly impact the environment and create a zero-waste bathroom.
Why Does Zero Waste Matter?
Zero waste is an important lifestyle choice that can significantly impact the environment. By reducing our demand for certain products and materials, we are taking steps to reduce pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce plastic in our oceans.
Additionally, we can contribute to a healthier environment by being mindful of what we bring into our homes and what we throw away. When practiced correctly and consistently, zero waste has numerous benefits such as reduced energy use, fewer toxic chemicals in landfills and water sources, resource conservation, and increased animal habitats.
Zero waste practices are more cost-effective than traditional methods since they often require fewer materials and labor over time. We can also help reduce global warming by utilizing zero-waste initiatives such as composting food scraps and reusing items like glass jars or metal tins instead of constantly buying new products.
Implementing changes such as recycling paper or donating gently used clothing to thrift stores can also go a long way towards helping us create a cleaner world with less waste being sent to landfill sites. With effort and dedication from individuals around the globe, zero waste living can become more commonplace in order to create a healthier planet for future generations.
For more information about eco-friendly living, join the Tru Earth movement to help reduce plastic waste worldwide and make strides to zero waste living.
