7 alternatives for a natural bathroom

A new beginning in the year is the perfect time to assess the situation and initiate change. Where are you in your bathroom transition? Could your daily routine become more eco-friendly by gradually switching from disposable to reusable items, and from plastic to more sustainable materials?

The typical bathroom is cluttered with disposable items that pose a threat to our environment. Among the most polluting items we use every day, bathroom products like cotton swabs, plastic toothbrushes, makeup remover pads, and disposable razors account for a significant portion. Ready for a change? Discover 7 ways to make your bathroom more sustainable:

Toothbrush

Toothbrushes are often made of several types of plastic and cannot be recycled. They break down into microplastics and most often end up in our environment. Instead of a plastic toothbrush, opt for a biodegradable wooden or bamboo toothbrush, or one with a replaceable head. In both cases, there will still be a small amount of plastic in the bristles, but in a much smaller quantity. This is probably one of the simplest and most effective solutions you can adopt!

Tip: If you live with others, you can easily personalize the wooden handles by drawing or writing on them. That way, everyone will know their own toothbrush!

Washable makeup remover pads

On average, a woman uses 6 makeup remover pads per day (source: Consoglobe ). A quick calculation shows that this represents no less than 2,160 cotton pads per year! Switching to reusable pads is actually one of the easiest changes: they look and feel the same, except you wash them instead of throwing them away.

Tip: rinse your cotton pads quickly with soapy water after use and/or throw them in a mesh bag for washing with your white laundry at 30 or 40°.

Soaps, shampoos and conditioners

Soap, shampoo, and conditioner sold in plastic bottles are primarily composed of water. Their solid versions are more attractive, lighter to carry, and very often cleaner in terms of composition.

Look for soap bars without a box or in recyclable packaging. There are many options; you're sure to find one that suits you.

Regarding the shampoo, some people mention having to go through a detox phase that lasted from a few days to two or three weeks. So if you're not completely satisfied with the initial results, don't give up immediately and give it some time! Your hair may have needed to produce more sebum in the past to combat the chemicals in your conventional shampoo. It now needs to regulate itself. Don't worry, it will adapt quickly.

Cold-process shampoos generally have the best ingredients because they don't require chemical agents like SCI. However, they usually need to be used in conjunction with a solid conditioner to prevent hair from becoming difficult to detangle.

Tip: Keep your soaps dry between uses. This will help them last longer.

Safety Razor

On average, a person who shaves uses one disposable razor or one blade cartridge per week. That's the equivalent of 52 razors per year! BIC still sells 11 million razors per day (source: Planetoscope ). It's time to switch to a safety razor, don't you think? Safety razors are durable razors where you only change a single blade made of stainless steel.

Cotton swabs

Cotton buds are among the top 10 most common types of beach litter, second only to plastic bottles and cigarette butts. It's a real shame considering they're only used for a few seconds. A sustainable alternative is to use reusable cotton buds made of metal, wood, or silicone. These are washable and reusable. Or, if you want a simpler option with an absorbent material, choose 100% biodegradable cotton buds made of wood and cotton.

Skin care and cosmetics

To take another step towards a natural, zero-waste bathroom, try to find alternatives that come in recycled or more sustainable containers like cardboard, glass, metal, or wood, and try to avoid plastic. Deodorant, toothpaste, sunscreen, etc.: there are now plenty of options available. Some brands also offer refillable options, which are also more economical.

Consider checking if you have a bulk food store near you that offers solid cosmetics.

Tip: Don't try to change everything at once. Instead, look for a sustainable alternative each time you reach the end of a product's lifespan.

Getting started with DIY

There's nothing more satisfying than making things with your own hands. There are many personal care products you can make yourself, such as toothpaste, deodorant, makeup remover, bath bombs, and more.

They also make great, lasting gifts for birthdays, holidays, etc!

Change your daily routine gradually and choose the sustainable option that suits you best. Don't be afraid to try different brands and solutions. Everyone is different, with different needs and priorities. Be patient and listen to your body.

Photo credit: Diana Akhmetianova