As we look for ways to live a more sustainable earth-first lifestyle, we can look internally at the choices we make every single day. These choices have a huge impact on our wallets, our exposure to toxins, and our carbon footprint. If you are not sure where to start. Start with small changes, like in your bathroom. Here are some affordable eco-friendly bathroom products that’ll make an impact on the planet, but not your wallet.
But First
To preface, I am not telling you to head straight to your bathroom and start throwing away all of your products. Because the most eco-friendly thing you can do, is use up what you already have.
That being said, in the future, when you are ready for a new (insert item here), you can confidently purchase a more sustainable and eco-friendly version.
The Cost
I understand that quality products may cost more, but in reality, it’s only the initial upfront cost that is more. Quality products tend to last longer and over the lifespan, will save you SO much money.
Benefits of Buying Eco-Friendly Bathroom Products
This doesn’t just apply to bathroom products, instead, all of your household products.
Better for The Environment
To start, the environmental impact of choosing a durable product reduces the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere. These products are not disposable, they are reusable, and often made from recycled materials.
Companies that care to put out a quality product are typically also using some type of eco-friendly packaging. While this isn’t always the case, through my research seems to be a common theme. For example, less single-use plastics and more recyclable materials like glass, aluminum, or paper packaging.
We can’t forget to mention, they go the extra mile to maintain living wages, provide safe working conditions, reduce inequality, support local communities, educate, and invest in change.
When we choose to spend our hard-earned money to support these companies, we are directly supporting the good they are doing. You can be proud to know your choices are contributing to a promising future.
Better for Your Health
Putting better eco-friendly products in your home can guarantee a safer and greener living space. I personally try to avoid unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals at all costs. Especially products that come in contact with your skin, which is A LOT of them. Dish soap, shampoo, toothpaste, bedding, towels, facial cleansers, lotion, just to name a few.
Minimal, natural, and non-toxic ingredients are exactly what I look for before making a purchase.
Sustainable Bathroom Products
Safety Razors
When we think of razor, we think of those 6-packs of disposable razors that come in plastic packaging. You use each one a handful of times until it’s dull and into the landfill it goes. But that is not the future. Instead, vintage metal razors are making a comeback.
If you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle, invest in a quality safety razor, like one from Leaf Shave (read my full review here). By doing this you are choosing to be part of the solution and minimizing plastic waste. This single purchase will last you a lifetime.
Simply swap out the recyclable blazes when necessary. By making this purchase, you are making a commitment to care for a product that is going to treat you as good as you treat it.
Electric Toothbrush
Another great way to significantly reduce your waste in your daily routine is to swap out your disposable toothbrush. According to SURI “each year 4 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away; enough to circle the earth 12 times.” That fact alone should be enough to have you looking for an alternative.
Electric toothbrushes are not only reusable but last a long time while occasionally having to switch out the head. The most eco-friendly toothbrush brand out there today, SURI has taken it a step further. An electric toothbrush with recycled plant-based heads. Made with a sleek aluminum body, this toothbrush has some really outstanding features that stands up to the competition.
Another comparable priced toothbrush is by Georganics made of all recyclable components. With five brushing modes and three speeds, this toothbrush can stay charged for up to 5 weeks.
By the way, if you can’t afford an electric toothbrush, at the moment, a bamboo toothbrushes are a great inexpensive and eco-friendly alternative!
Toothpaste
A product that goes hand in hand with your toothbrush, is your toothpaste.
Conventional toothpaste is loaded with ingredients that they don’t necessarily need to be. According to Gold Coast Holistic dental care, ingredients that are added to improve the shelf life, texture, and appearance are the ingredients that lead to adverse health effects. Opt for minimal, pure ingredients.
Toothpaste is a product that we have found in a plastic tube forever, but that is slowly changing. Toothpaste can now be purchased in a metal tube or a tablet form – both plastic-free.
Read my most recent article on eco-friendly toothpaste. The brands I highlight use organic ingredients (like essential oils and no artificial flavors), are free from harmful chemicals, and use less water because they are concentrated forms like tablets or powders. Get those pearly whites clean without the side of toxins.
Mouthwash
While we’re on the topic, another common product with unnecessary dyes, bleaching agents, and additives, is mouthwash. If your mouthwash can be purchased in a huge bottle, at a discount store for a few bucks, it’s probably not what you want to be putting in your body.
A great eco-friendly alternative is from Georganics. They have wonderful mouthwash tablets that can be dissolved in water for a personal shot of mouthwash. Super convenient when traveling!
These mouthwashes are made with natural ingredients and packaged in recyclable and reusable aluminum bottles.
Toilet Paper
Did you know that there are harmful chemicals on the products we use on our most sensitive areas? Yep, I am talking about toilet paper.
According to Industrial Shredders, toilet paper is made from a combination of water, tree pulp, chemicals, and bleach. Alongside deforestation, these chemicals are also polluting our water and our air. If you want to check out the best non-toxic toilet paper brands, you can do that here.
Companies like Reel have created a product that reuses product that would otherwise end up in the landfill, totally tree-free too. Made from the pulp of bamboo, this TP is free from bleach and dyes, safe for you and for the environment.
Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
I am here to tell you to ditch your plastic shampoo bottles! If you aren’t familiar with solid hair care products, shampoo bars are exactly as they sound. A solid form of shampoo. Similar to body soap, but for your hair. Shampoo bars are typically concentrated giving you a good amount of lather with little effort. The same applies for conditioner bars.
- Solid Argan Shampoo
- Price: $13.99
Some of the best ways to minimize your bathroom waste is during shower time. Solid hair care bars (or body wash bars) are a must. I love that they are made with clean and natural ingredients, concentrated to last a long time, and often come without wasteful packaging.
If you want to learn more about bar shampoo (and a few of my favorites), check out this link!
Grab some other hair care products from the ZeroWasteStore.com
Natural Deodorant
Natural deodorant should be right alongside your other eco-friendly bathroom products. Not only are natural deodorants non-toxic, they are typically in a compostable paper tube, like these from Paper Cosmetics.
Paper Cosmetics only uses natural plant-based ingredients and never any aluminum, parabens, silicone or sulfates. They are super transparent about their ingredients and their paper tubes are easy on the environment. Win win.
Bath and Hand Towels
Some other eco-friendly bathroom accessories include organic cotton bath and hand towels. These organic cotton towels from Takasa are GOTS (global organic textile standard) certified and fair trade cotton.
I love this brand so much that I just did an entire article on their organic cotton bedding that is worth checking out!
Using sustainable products is a great way to start taking small steps toward sustainable living. These eco-friendly bathroom products can make a positive change not only in your life but for the environment. Since you already need these bathroom essentials, you might as well choose a quality eco-friendly version.
Other reusable alternatives include reusable menstrual underwear, menstrual cups, reusable cotton rounds, eco-friendly shower heads
I hope this article has helped you consider eco-friendly bathroom products better for you and the planet!
