Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
CCnfession time: my bathroom used to be a plastic wasteland.
Bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash… you name it, it was probably there, made of plastic, and destined for the landfill.
It was a bit embarrassing, honestly. I knew I wanted to do better, I *needed* to do better, for the planet and for my own peace of mind.
So, I started on a journey to figure out how to reduce plastic in the bathroom.
And let me tell you, it’s been a process, but it’s totally achievable!
I’m not perfect, but I’ve made significant strides, and I’m excited to share my tips and tricks with you.
Okay, I get it.
It’s easy to think, “What difference does *my* bathroom make?” But think about it this way: multiply your bathroom’s plastic consumption by every household in your town, then your state, then the entire country… Suddenly, it’s a mountain of plastic waste!
Plastic pollution is a huge problem, impacting our oceans, wildlife, and even our own health through microplastics.
Plus, a lot of that single-use plastic just sits in landfills forever. It’s a grim picture, right?
For me, the tipping point was seeing a documentary about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
It was heartbreaking, and I knew I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. Starting with my bathroom felt like a manageable, impactful step.
The good news is that there are so many awesome alternatives, and making the switch doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult.
It’s often a matter of finding what works best for *you*.
This was probably the first big change I made, and honestly, I was skeptical.
I’d always used liquid shampoo and conditioner – would these bars *really* work? Turns out, they’re fantastic!
I use shampoo and conditioner bars from Ethique (but there are tons of great brands out there!).
They lather up beautifully, leave my hair feeling clean and soft, and last for ages. Plus, no plastic bottles! It’s a win-win.
It’s been one of the best solutions for how to reduce plastic in the bathroom for me.
Another super easy swap. Ditch the plastic bottle of body wash and go back to basics with a good old-fashioned soap bar.
There are so many amazing artisanal soaps available, with natural ingredients and delicious scents. I even make my own sometimes!
You can find them package-free at some farmers’markets or opt for paper-wrapped options. I find they often moisturize better too.
Remember to use a wooden soap dish to help keep them dry. I’ve noticed a real difference in my skin since making the switch.
Plastic toothbrushes are another major source of waste. They’re used and tossed every few months, adding up to a lot of plastic in landfills.
Switching to a bamboo toothbrush is a simple and effective way to reduce your plastic consumption.
Bamboo is a fast-growing, sustainable resource, and the bristles on most bamboo toothbrushes are now biodegradable (check the specific brand).
I keep mine in a little ceramic toothbrush holder.
More and more stores are offering refillable options for things like hand soap, lotion, and even some shampoos and conditioners.
Look for refill stations in your area, or buy in bulk from online retailers and refill your own bottles.
I have a set of pretty glass bottles that I use for my hand soap and lotion, and it looks much nicer than a bunch of mismatched plastic containers.
This is a great way to control what ingredients I put on my skin, too!
Those little plastic cotton swabs? They’re everywhere. Opt for bamboo or paper-stemmed swabs instead.
They work just as well and are much more eco-friendly. Plus, you can often find them in compostable packaging.
It’s such a small change, but it adds up!
This is a bigger change, but it’s a game-changer for reducing waste.
Traditional pads and tampons are often made with plastic and contribute significantly to landfill waste.
Switching to a menstrual cup or period underwear can drastically reduce your plastic consumption. I personally use a menstrual cup, and I love it.
It’s comfortable, convenient, and much more sustainable than disposable products. Plus, it’s saved me a ton of money!
Many commercial cleaning products come in plastic bottles and contain harsh chemicals.
Making your own cleaning products is surprisingly easy, and you can use simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
I make my own all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and even shower cleaner.
Not only does this eliminate plastic waste, but it also saves money and reduces my exposure to harmful chemicals. Plus, it smells amazing!
A great side effect of learning how to reduce plastic in the bathroom!
Plastic disposable razors are incredibly wasteful.
Consider switching to a safety razor with replaceable blades (the blades can often be recycled!) or a subscription service that sends you metal razors and refills.
It takes a little getting used to with the safety razor, but the shave is incredible and the long-term environmental impact is much smaller.
I opted for a rose gold safety razor – a bit of self-care with sustainability in mind!
The most important thing to remember is that reducing plastic consumption is a journey, not a race.
Don’t feel like you have to make all of these changes overnight.
Start with one or two swaps that feel manageable for you, and gradually work your way up. Every little bit helps!
Even small changes can have a big impact over time. And don’t beat yourself up if you slip up and buy something in plastic.
Just learn from it and keep moving forward.
I’m still working on finding ways to minimize my plastic consumption, and I’m always learning new things.
I find inspiration from other eco-conscious bloggers and online communities.
I hope my experience inspires you to take steps towards a more sustainable bathroom routine.
Implementing these methods for how to reduce plastic in the bathroom is a simple change that makes a world of difference.
What are your favorite ways to reduce plastic in the bathroom? Share your tips in the comments below!
