low-waste guide: bathroom | simple + sustainable swaps
written by Jasmine Irven
We’re all about living sustainably, but sometimes it can be intimidating to begin this lifestyle when there are so many places to start. Rather than getting overwhelmed (and bursting into tears because there’s too much to do – trust me been there, done that), we like to encourage small, simple steps which offer the opportunity for sustainable (pun definitely intended) change.
Sustainable living is a lifestyle shift. It means looking at your daily actions, and the impact you’re making (positive or negative), and using that as a starting point for finding simple shifts you can make to reduce your environmental footprint and create a better future.
So, take it one step at a time, one room at a time, one item at a time. We’re here to help you on that journey with these themed blog posts on reducing waste one area at a time—starting with the bathroom!
simple swaps
soap
I feel like soap is one of the simplest swaps to make because there are so many incredible options out there. One of the first excuses I hear for low-waste living is accessibility – which I totally get! But changing our your hand, body, and facial soap containers for package-free bars of soap is a simple + economical way to begin reducing your waste in multiple areas in your bathroom (and kitchen!).
Almost every local shop, low-waste company, spa, and even most grocery stores now, offer options for bars of soap, in a variety of scents and functions. For example, I love a citrus scented bar for the kitchen, a charcoal soap for my face (because I’m prone to acne), and an exfoliating and nourishing bar for my skin.
Alternatively, more places nowadays (especially bulk shops) are offering refillable liquid soap options. I had the Argan & Mint hand wash for our kitchen from Maison Apothecare, which is an all-natural formula, from a Canadian company. It comes in a glass container which you can use to re-fill at a bulk store when you run out, or they offer eco-friendly refill pouches online.
Regardless of the route you decide to go, look for options which are package free, are vegan, and have minimal ingredients.
floss
An important part of any oral care routine, flossing is unfortunately incredibly wasteful! Regular floss is generally made from plastic, and is often coated in toxic chemicals (which can enter your bloodstream if you frequently bleed while flossing!). Consider swapping to a product like this refillable dental floss for a vegan, sustainable, and refillable option. From their site:
“Dental Lace is a refillable dental floss and 99% zero waste product. A glass container with a stainless-steel cap holds floss that is 100% silk. The refill bags are certified compostable and the boxes are 100% post-consumer paperboard. The container can be re-used, the bags composted, the boxes recycled and the floss biodegrades. The only waste is the waterproof label on the container, which stays on the reusable container.”
toothbrush
Another simple swap for your oral hygiene: the toothbrush. We go through so many toothbrushes in our lifetime, most of which are made from plastic and end up in our landfills and along the coastline (because, unfortunately, the recycling system is broken).
Swapping to a bamboo toothbrush allows you to stop contributing to the problem by using a brush that is more sustainably produced, and can be composted. Also, of course, opt for an option that comes in compostable packaging. 🌿
Please double check when purchasing if the bristles of your toothbrush are compostable. Although more companies are coming out with toothbrushes with bamboo handles, the bristles still often contain plastic and therefore need to be removed and thrown out before you place the handle in the compost!
toothpaste
There are more and more sustainable toothpaste options coming out on the market which is incredible! Toothpaste is another great simple swap because on average consumers go through about a toothpaste tube a month!
I personally opt for toothpaste that comes in a glass jar because it’s so similar to “normal” toothpaste I don’t notice a difference. My go-to for this has been this jar from Nelson Naturals. However, I’ve also tried their toothpaste tablets and was pleasantly surprised with them! They are little candy-looking tablets that you crush in your mouth and brush with (they are perfect for travel or brushing on the go!).
Bonus tip: when you go to the dentist say no (politely of course) when they offer you the mini toothpaste, floss, and toothbrush kit!
deodorant
Maybe a more challenging swap, but I’m a believer there’s a more sustainable deodorant option for everyone – it may just require some trial and error. For me, the majority of the time, a DIY option with coconut oil works perfectly!
There’s a few recipe varieties but the general formula is a few tablespoons of coconut oil, with a little less than equal parts baking soda and arrowroot or organic cornstarch (try 6-4-4 to start – you can always modify to make it the consistency you want). Then add a few drops of essential oils! I like peppermint, lavender, and/or lemon. To make, mix the arrowroot and baking soda, then slowly add the coconut oil. Once mixed, add the desired essential oils. I store mine in a small mason jar!
If DIY really doesn’t work for you, consider the Native brand plastic free deodorant or this option from Meow Meow Tweet!
cotton rounds
Reusable cotton rounds like these are the perfect simple swap for regular cotton rounds! These can be used to remove makeup or apply toner. ✨ The top of the rounds are made from a soft cotton knit, the backing is cotton french terry, and they are machine washable and dryable! And, at $1.50 each there’s literally no excuse for making this economical and sustainable swap.
If you can’t find these in your area, I know Etsy has a lot of shops selling them, or consider making them yourself! This guide is helpful for learning how to take old towels, washcloths, and fabric, and turn them into cotton rounds.
cotton swabs
This is something I’ve decided I don’t really need in my life, but I wanted to include it because I know a lot of people commonly use cotton swabs. When switching to a more sustainable lifestyle I think a really simple way to begin is by looking at the products you use daily, that are single-use, and looking at ways to replace those! Rather than throwing out a cotton swab every day, consider swapping your supply for one or two reusable ones!
I love the looks of the reusable swab by Last Object, because I love their overall mission to stop the use of single-use items by offering sustainable alternatives you only need to buy once! They have an option for cleaning and one for make-up, and they come in the cutest selection of colours along with a carrying case!
use the code sustainablebliss for 10% off your purchase!
divacup
I wrote a whole Instagram post about the DivaCup back when I first made the switch, but the bullet point version is that the DivaCup is a menstrual cup solution which will likely benefits you and your period in a number of ways including reducing waste, costs, worry (the DivaCup can stay in longer than periods and tampons), and toxicity (it’s so important to be aware and conscious of what’s going in your body!).
Expanding further on the waste aspect, it’s estimated the average user throws away 125+ kg of tampons, pads, and applicators in their lifetime. I don’t know about you but that stresses me out. That doesn’t even include the packaging! 😰 Instead the DivaCup is a solution that allows you to make the purchase once or twice and continue to re-use it throughout your menstruating years.
Now I do have to make a disclaimer that I no longer use the DivaCup, and that if you use an IUD I would not recommend using a DivaCup. While they say it shouldn’t cause issues after the first two weeks, my IUD fell out about 6 months after insertion and I am almost positive it was due to using a DivaCup. Instead I would recommend the reusable period pads (below)! Otherwise though I love this solution, and when I eventually get my IUD out I will definitely be going back to this product.
period pads
In addition to the DivaCup, I wanted to offer a reusable pad solution for periods. Whether you can’t use the DivaCup or just need extra coverage, reusable pads are a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. Without repeating stats from above, women go through an insane amount of menstrual products throughout their lifetime, and this option helps to divert this waste from landfills. With a little investment upfront you also save the hassle of having to continually repurchase pads every couple months.
I purchased my pads from Zero Waste Bulk, but if you’re looking for a more international online option, Lunapads seem to be a popular option. For reference, I use a regular sized pad throughout the day and then the larger ones overnight. I’d suggest starting out with 2-3 and seeing how that number works for you!
shampoo + conditioner
A great alternative to plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles is purchasing bars from companies like Lush or buying these products in bulk with your own glass containers! I was using lush bars for a while but recently decided to make the switch to bulk after discovering there was a refillable option in my area. I got the cedar scent which I have been loving!
essential oils
This is maybe a little more of an abstract swap, but in terms of both bathroom cleaning and odour control, I would really recommend switching to more natural products! Essential oils can be used in such versatile ways so they’re a really great way to do this.
For example, you can often DIY cleaning ingredients by using a simple solution of water, vinegar, and essential oils like lavender and lemon. And, instead of using chemical-ridden air fresheners you could make a solution with essential oils! Putting 1-2 cups of water in a spray bottle with 10 drops of your favourite essential oil will do the trick, or for a more potent spray, consider using some vodka with 20-30 drops of essential oil. I would recommend using mint, lemon, and/or eucalyptus essential oil for a clean and refreshing scent.
Alternatively, consider putting a diffuser in the bathroom with a couple essential oil options like mint, lemongrass, lavender, or citrus!
razor
Plastic razors are extremely wasteful so making the swap to a reusable razor is a great way to continue your plastic free journey! I have the Bareaya razor and have loved the process of swapping so far. The product is shipped completely plastic free, in recycled/ recyclable materials and I was equally impressed with how minimal (and beautiful!) everything was. The razor comes with 5 double edge blades, which are said to last at least 25-50 shaves in total. This not only will save the planet but your wallet. Again, this may be more of an initial investment but it definitely saves you money in the long run!
I’d also recommend pairing it with their plastic free shaving bar! I opted for the cedarwood & charcoal bar.
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general tips for shifting to a more sustainable lifestyle
Use up what you have first – unless the product is extremely harmful (for example a really harsh chemical cleaner), use up the products you have before going out and purchasing newer, “better” products. If you just go through your entire house and throw out everything to switch to more sustainable products, you’re creating a lot of unnecessary waste.
When you run out of a product, then search for a more sustainable option for repurchase. This is a great way to shift to a low-waste lifestyle more gradually!
Borrow, up-cycle, and repurpose when you can rather than purchasing.
Shift to digital products where you can (for example, a digital journal or calendar, e-books, etc.).
Always support local shops rather than large chains.
Opt for companies that embody values and practices you believe in.
Ask yourself if you really need the product. Embrace the minimalism mindset – even purchasing a sustainable product is more wasteful than not purchasing anything at all! Consider these prompts for helping to determine whether the product is something you truly want or need:
How often do you use the item?
If you were travelling/ downsizing/ moving would you bring it with you?
What energy will the item bring to your space? Does it bring you joy? (I know this is a little harder with products like toiletries, but even just considering the fact that bringing the item into your home will lead to more clutter, more to clean, etc., can help you determine what the energy & feeling behind the product is.)
Is this product something your future self would own?
What is the intention behind your purchase?
Will you still want the product in 1 week? 1 month? 1 year?
I hope these tips and swaps are suggestions you feel are tangible and achievable in your own life. Remember that everything you do, every change you make, every mindset you shift, truly makes a difference.
I often find that I get stuck in the mindset that there’s so much wrong in the world that our individual changes won’t make an impact, but then I need to remind myself that that’s simply not the case! As individuals we have so much to offer the world.
Our changes not only reflect in our own lives but extend into the community around you – friends and family might see what you’re doing and begin to ask more questions or make changes in their own lives, if enough people start shifting their lifestyle corporations will (and already are) be(ing) forced to change, and if enough corporations shift then entire systems will change.
If you’re looking for more on some of these limiting mindsets, be sure to check out this blog post on common areas of resistance you may face when moving toward a low waste lifestyle + tips for overcoming them.
What shift are you making today to live more sustainably? Share below to inspire and encourage others. 💛
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about the author
Hey there! I’m Jasmine, founder of the Sustainable Bliss Collective, a Certified Meditation Teacher, and lover of all things self-care, slow-living, and personal development.
I believe that ambition and self-care can coexist, and as such I hope to encourage and inspire you to take care of yourself, breathe deeply, connect with who you are, manifest your dreams, enjoy the blissful moments of each day, and make an impact in this beautiful world we call home.
Connect with me on Instagram here!
