Bathroom | Low Impact Swaps

These are some of the alternatives that I use in the bathroom to be low waste and plastic-free so I can reduce my impact on the planet. They also use more natural materials and ingredients and have been made ethically or cruelty-free. Some of them can be really easy to implement in your daily life and have a significant impact on your health and the planets.

Shampoo Bars

Check out my post all about the ins and outs of converting to shampoo bars.

Deodorant 

Alternatives to the traditional roll-on deodorants generally have a lot fewer chemicals in, won't stain your clothes and can be just as effective once you have got through the adjustment period. I have been using a bar from Lush for a couple of years now. It lasts ages, and when I worked out the weight cost in comparison to roll-ons, it was the same price, if not cheaper. I am planning to try out a crystal as my deodorant. It is a natural mineral salt called potassium alum and has been used as a natural deodorant for centuries. My mum has recently started using one and commented that there wasn't even a smelly adjustment period. Other alternatives for deodorant include using a powder or paste which usually come in glass jars so have some packaging, unlike the first options. These can also be quite expensive, but it all depends on how often it needs reapplying.

Toothpaste Alternatives 

I have tried using a powder toothpaste which is fluoride-free from Lush and tablet toothpaste with fluoride in bulk from my local zero waste shop, and I know there is also the option of toothpaste in a jar. I have been to the dentist a couple of times since converting to these types of toothpaste and found no difference in the assessment of my teeth. There is a big debate about whether you should use a fluoride-based toothpaste or not and what effects it may have so I won't delve into that, but I have found that my teeth feel and are clean when using both types. Toothpaste alternatives are useful because they are made using natural ingredients, and all come plastic free or in bulk to reduce waste.

An especially simple swap is to swap out your plastic disposable toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush which you can compost. This doesn't change your routine at all and may simply need a tiny amount of getting used to with the new wooden texture.

Shaving

For my last birthday, I was bought a safety razor for shaving to replace disposable razors made of plastic. I have found it to be just as effective if not more effective at leaving me feeling smooth. However, because the blade is shown on both sides, I have to be more careful about not cutting myself. It is better to go slower with a safety razor and remember to shave with the direction of the hair and not against it. If you also want to stop using traditional shaving foam, then I would suggest a regular bar of soap, preferably one which can produce a thick lather to cover your skin with.

Soap & Hand Wash

Instead of using body wash, bubble bath or hand wash in the bathroom, they can all be swapped with bars of soap. There are so many lovely smelling, naturally made and vegan bars of soap out there from lots of independent soap makers. This means you can help support local and independent makers while staying low waste. I never stick with the same brand of soap and am always trying out new smells and ingredients as I really enjoy finding new businesses to support and new soaps to try out.

Menstruation 

If you want to be low waste on your period, there are literally so many options out there to choose from. I personally have a menstrual cup but don't actually get much use out of it. However, you can also choose from reusable cloth pads, period underwear, reusable tampons, natural + sustainable tampons... It is all about going through what you usually use and trying out a similar sustainable option and seeing how you get on with it. There isn't a right way to have your period, so everyone will be different in the method they prefer to use, it's all about trial and error. All of these options are much better for the planet by reducing waste, but also much better for you because the chemicals in disposable pads and tampons can leak into you causing problems so these choices can be much better for your health.

Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash