By Kerry Hale

10 Zero-Waste Bathroom Swaps

  • Monday 16 September 2024
  • 3 minute read

Want to build a more sustainable bathroom? 

There are plenty of ways to make eco-friendly choices for your home, from using renewable bathroom materials and packaging-free toiletries to installing the latest shower technology designed to help reduce your water use.

Discover our top 10 zero-waste bathroom swaps and take the first step in your sustainability journey.

1. Organic cotton bathroom towels

Organic cotton towels are better for the environment than regular cotton or synthetics. Organic textile-making produces fewer emissions, and the fibres are grown without chemicals, making them kinder to the skin. These towels are also soft and absorbent, so you can make this eco-swap without compromising your bathroom time.

2. Natural shower curtains

Shower curtains can be made from plastics, synthetics or environmentally friendly organic fabrics like cotton, linen or hemp. To avoid bringing plastic into your home, choose a waxed shower curtain or a curtain without a backing (only suitable for well-ventilated spaces, where the curtain can dry between showers).

Glass shower screens and enclosures are a great alternative to shower curtains that won’t need replacing.

3. Zero-waste cleaning products

Zero-waste cleaning products avoid single-use plastic packaging. When it comes to cleaning your bathroom, the best eco-friendly products are either homemade – with ingredients like lemon juice and baking soda – or refillable and free from plastic.

4. Natural cloths

Bamboo and natural materials make bathroom cloths eco-friendly. Swap your synthetic cleaning cloths for organic alternatives, or cut up old clothes or towels for cleaning to avoid them falling into landfill. This reduces the waste that comes from your home.

5. Recycled or bamboo toilet paper

Swap toilet paper in plastic packaging for a recycled or bamboo alternative to reduce your environmental impact. These eco-friendly toilet papers avoid unrecyclable plastic packaging, and the paper is made from recycled pulp or renewable bamboo without pesticides or fertilisers.

Plus, you can order eco-friendly toilet paper on a subscription, which can work out cheaper than conventional alternatives. Some companies even donate a portion of their profits to environmental charities!

6. Bar soap

Switch soap in plastic packaging for an eco-friendly bar in a cardboard box or without any packaging. Extra points if the box is recycled or compostable! Biodegradable soaps avoid chemicals and synthetic ingredients, breaking down naturally without polluting our waterways.

7. Natural loofahs and sponges

Swap your plastic loofah for an unbleached sea sponge for easy exfoliation. Compostable cloths and sponges are also ideal for zero-waste bathrooms. When they’re worn out, put them in the compost, where they can biodegrade.

8. Eco-friendly oral hygiene

Traditional toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss all contain plastics, but sustainable options can make your home more eco-friendly and reduce waste. Bamboo toothbrushes are an easy swap, with compostable handles that biodegrade withoutreleasing microplastics.

You can avoid plastic toothbrush tubes by choosing toothpaste tablets in recyclable packaging made from natural ingredients – chew a tablet into a paste and use it like regular toothpaste! Swap dental floss for a bamboo alternative for eco-friendly oral hygiene.

9. Reusable razors

Disposable and single-use razors are bad for the environment. Reduce your impact and keep waste to a minimum by investing in an electric razor. A multi-functional electric razor takes care of all your grooming tasks and won’t need replacing.

If you prefer manual razors, recycled or bamboo handles can make them more eco-friendly. Look for plastic-free razors in cardboard packaging.

10. Deodorant

Eco-friendly deodorant is another easy switch, with chemical-free, refillable and plastic-free options available. Deodorant balms come in recyclable tubes or refillable applicators, so there’s no single-use plastic coming from your bathroom. They’re also aluminium-free and just as effective as regular deodorants.

 

You can learn more about building an eco-friendly bathroom on our blog. Our Eco Shower Heads Buying Guide helps you choose the best product for you, including the Mira Sport Max 10.8 kW with Airboost™ technology, featuring a multi-mode shower head that helps reduce your carbon footprint. Or learn which natural skincare products might be damaging your plumbing and which are safe.

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