We all love the idea of a greener lifestyle, from a seasonal wardrobe to eating more healthy. But with so many single-use items and plastic products still occupying the shelves on our high streets, the eco warrior within can seem a little out of reach. Perhaps we simply don’t know where to start. Or perhaps we feel as though our contribution alone won’t make enough of a difference.
The truth is, with a bit of extra time, effort and planning, anyone can make their daily routine more eco-friendly. And the bathroom is a great place to start. Whether we’re brushing our teeth, caring for our skin or freshening up in the shower, there are always small steps we can take. So if you’re looking for a bit of green-spiration, look no further! Here are 10 simple and affordable ways you can create a more sustainable bathroom regime:
1. Ditch the plastic toothbrush
Roughly 3.5 billion toothbrushes are sold worldwide each year. And if that figure isn’t already shocking enough, 99% of those toothbrushes are made from plastic. When you toss away a plastic toothbrush, it’s easy to forget that this tiny act has environmental implications. But each plastic toothbrush that is thrown away takes hundreds of years to decompose. Making the switch to a bamboo toothbrush is one of the simplest things you can do to create a more sustainable bathroom regime. Bamboo is a great alternative to plastic as it’s fully biodegradable which means – you guessed it – less waste! And as more and more retailers are starting to wake up to the dangers of plastic pollution, you can now find many brands on the high-street offering affordable bamboo alternatives. Who said brushing your teeth needs to cost the earth?
2. Opt for eco-friendly period products
When it comes to period care, it’s easy to forget that anything exists beyond the conventional tampon or sanitary towel. But how often do we stop to think about how these products are affecting the environment? The average woman uses over 11,000 tampons in her lifetime, and just one tampon takes longer to degrade than the average woman’s lifespan. And let’s not forget the plastic applicators. Luckily, retailers are starting to make a stand against the environmental implications of modern day period care and are now offering greener alternatives. From menstrual cups and period underwear to organic tampons and reusable pads, there’s a plethora of options to suit all types of period.
If you’re on the hunt for organic, biodegradable period products, whether that be tampons, pads, or menstrual cups, check out the amazing TOTM.
3. Make your own salt scrubs
Making your own skincare products isn’t just a great way to adopt a more sustainable bathroom routine. It’s also the perfect excuse to get creative! Salt scrubs are super easy to make and can be whipped up using just a few natural ingredients from your cupboard. You can even store your scrubs in reusable jars and gift them to your friends and family! Who knew going green could be quite so fun?
4. Find an alternative to your everyday face wipes
For many of us, make-up wipes have become a staple toiletry item. They’re quick, affordable and super convenient. But, like many single-use products, these seemingly innocent wipes are having a detrimental effect on the planet. Thankfully, there are now alternatives that are not only better for the environment, but also kinder to our skin. Many well known beauty brands are now offering biodegradable make-up wipes crafted from renewable plant fibres. Or if you’re trying to make a stand against single-use products, you can invest in a make-up remover cloth which can be thrown in the wash with the rest of your clothes.
5. Be water conscious
We make the conscious effort to turn the tap off when brushing our teeth. But what about the water we use when washing ourselves? We’re all guilty of getting a little too carried away in the shower from time to time, but there are many things we can do to reduce our water usage. Why not consider buying a shower timer or investing in a water-saving shower head? Another simple trick for a more sustainable bathroom regime is to turn the shower off when shampooing or shaving. And don’t forget to save baths for those special occasions!
6. Go make-up free
Cosmetics have become an everyday essential for the vast majority of women. And for many of us, the idea of going just a few days without make-up can be a little bit daunting. But perhaps it’s time we put down the mascara wand and address the environmental implications of our modern day make-up habits. From plastic sponges to lipstick tubes, billions of cosmetic items and their packaging are tossed away each year. And where do these products end up? That’s right – in landfill or in our oceans. One way to use fewer cosmetic products is to go make-up free for a week each month. Not only will you be doing your bit for the environment, but your skin will thank you for it!
7. Reconsider your toilet roll habits
You might opt for digital receipts rather than paper ones. You might refrain from printing emails at work. But when it comes to reducing your paper usage, have you ever thought about your toilet roll habits? As a nation, we flush 27,000 trees down the toilet each day. But don’t despair! There are tiny steps we can take that will reduce this number in the long-run. Wherever possible, try to be sparing with your toilet roll, and only use as much as is necessary. Or, if you have a bit of extra cash in your pocket, you might even consider buying eco-friendly toilet paper made from 100% recycled materials.
8. Make the switch to solid shampoo bars
In response to the global plastic waste crisis, more and more retailers are starting to introduce solid shampoo and conditioner bars to their shelves. Among the countless benefits these handy little bars have, their green ethos is top of the list. They are the same as your average bottle shampoo, only there’s no plastic packaging! And not only are they better for the environment, they also tend to last longer than most conventional shampoos and conditioners. Not to mention, they’re travel friendly. Do you need any more convincing?
9. Try a natural deodorant
It’s no secret that conventional deodorants contain ingredients that are damaging to the environment. But when someone mentions natural deodorant, it’s only normal to be a little bit sceptical. Will it really do the job? No two bodies are the same, so it may take a little bit of searching before you find the perfect natural deodorant for you. But when you do, you won’t regret it. Natural deodorants are also cruelty-free and will reduce the likelihood of skin issues.
10. Buy eco-friendly bathroom accessories
If you want to go all the way to create a more sustainable bathroom regime, it might be time to reconsider your accessories. Instead of opting for regular cotton towels, make the switch to organic cotton. Current cotton production methods are especially problematic due to the vast amount of water that is used. Not to mention the use of pesticides, which threaten the surrounding environment. If you prefer to avoid cotton completely, opt for towels made from bamboo or hemp. And don’t forget to ditch that PVC shower curtain!
Written by Hannah Hussein
Illustrated by Francesca Mariana
