Building a Zero-Waste Bathroom: Simple Swaps for an Eco-Friendly Routine

 

Imagine a bathroom where every product you use leaves the planet just as happy as before it was created. A zero-waste bathroom can be a reality, offering a sustainable and healthy approach to your daily hygiene routine. And, until the last 200 years, in fact, this was the reality.

We want sustainable habits that are sustainable, products you want to use and also don’t want to be wasteful with products we already own. There is not much point in making a batch of your own deodorant, for example, while throwing out an unfinished one. So, as you switch over, don’t be afraid to use up what you have first.

And, of course, when making a switch over to zero-waste products and habits, slow and steady is the golden rule. Pick just a couple of things to change that will bring you the most happiness and dive in!

Making the Switch: Sustainable Swaps for Everyday Essentials

Menstrual and Incontinence Products:

Of course, we looooove sustainable pads! Amie pads are a simple swap for conventional disposables to deal with periods or bladder leaks. You can switch to full-time use, part-time use or even just at home use to start with.

 

Besides reusable pads, other zero-waste options include:

• period underwear: these are great as a stand-alone solution or in combination with a reusable pad for extra protection. Bonus - these work for bladder incontinence, too!
• menstrual cups: for those who want internally worn period protection, a menstrual cup may be the answer for you, as they are a terrific, zero-waste alternative to tampons. They are super-easy to clean, can be worn swimming and, unlike tampons, can be safely worn for sleeping
• menstrual discs: a little newer on the scene than cups, menstrual discs are hugely popular for good reason. With all the advantages of cups, menstrual discs also stay in place without suction (a must for those with a prolapse), can be worn during sex and have a slightly higher capacity than cups

 

Shower & Bath Products:

Body wash: Swap out your body wash in a plastic bottle for bar soap. Bar soap is not only waste-free, but if you’re a DIYer, you can even learn to make it yourself reasonably easily. And, handmade soap makes a fantastic gift!

Shampoo and Conditioner: Did you know you can get both shampoo and conditioner as bars, too? You can!

Refill: If you seriously love the liquid versions of hair care or body wash, consider finding a refillery that can reuse your containers to eliminate waste.

Hair Care:

Brush with Bamboo: the next time you need a new brush or comb, look for one made from bamboo. These provide exceptional function and can be composted after use.

 

Facial Care:

Makeup Remover Wipes: having a stash of soft, bamboo or cotton washcloths means you can ditch disposable wipes. Besides being zero-waste, this is also a zero-compromise solution because instead of a chemically-laden cold paper product, you’ll get to wipe off your makeup with a nice, warm, soft washcloth using just water. I (Christine, owner of Amie) like to use lotion to soften my mascara and then wipe off my makeup with warm water only

Makeup Application: use reusable rounds to apply makeup products. Toss these in a small mesh bag before washing unless you want to pick them off your sweaters and socks one by one!!

 

Other Bathroom Essentials:

Clean with Conscience: A few simple ingredients that you probably already have (white vinegar, baking soda, dish soap to name some) can take care of about 95% of your cleaning needs. Clean Mama has ideas for making waste-free, planet-friendly and effective products simply at home. (See the bonus section below for a link to her site!)

Toilet Paper: Toilet paper was invented in 1857 and, even then, it was well into the 1930’s before people started using this commonly. Less than 100 years ago! We’re not suggesting you revert back to ripped up newspaper or leaves, but reusable toilet paper provides a comfortable, simple swap to conventional, bleached paper. You can use it full-time or for number-one only!

 

Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Transition

Create a wash routine: consider ahead how/when you will wash any reusable products. For example, teensy, reusable makeup rounds can be placed in a small, zippered mesh laundry bag to make retrieval simple. Wondering about washing reusable pads? Check out our blog post here.

Plan for Storage: if you’re switching to bars in your shower or by your sink, be sure to have soap dishes ready that will allow for good drainage so you don’t lose a lot of your bar as it becomes mush. Where will you store your homemade cleaning supplies? Do you need to invest in some good spray bottles for your concoctions?

Traveling: it is okay not to do every sustainable habit or swap perfectly. If you want to take a break while traveling, please do so with our blessing! However, many of your new sustainable swaps and habits can travel along with you with some simple forward planning. (For tips on using reusables on the go, see our blog here.)

Bonus Resource Section
Interested in some great resources for zero-waste living and zero-waste products?

Zero-Waste Products:

Amie Pads: yes, we love our own product! Come on over to the home page for some terrific reusable pads for periods and bladder leaks!

Period Underwear by Bluebird: a fellow, Canadian company who make terrific period underwear

Diva Menstrual Cups and Discs: an amazing woman-owned Canadian company who have been around for 20 years

Reusable Toilet Paper by Cheeks Ahoy: the recipients of raving reviews, Cheeks Ahoy make Tush Towels for those wanting to swap out toilet paper for something super-comfy and waste-free. (And, Cheeks Ahoy also makes washable facial rounds and cloths.)

Zero-Waste Living:

Clean Mama’s DIY Natural Cleaning Product Recipes: bookmark this one because you’ll want to visit it again and again. She has simple recipes for every cleaning product you’ll need!

Going Zero Waste: Lots of great information on this website and blog. And Kathryn’s instagram is terrific, too!

 

A zero-waste bathroom means big benefits for the planet, but also for your body. Many planet-friendly swaps mean you not only move away from plastic, but also toward products made with healthier ingredients. We encourage you to have fun with this journey to zero-waste. Again, begin with one or two ideas that sound like the most fun.