8 habits for a zero-waste bathroom with sustainable alternatives
1. Replace shower gels and shampoos with hard cosmetics
For face or body, for adults or children… how many plastic containers are piled up outside the bathtub? A solid soap can replace all!
Real Marseille soap is completely adapted to the process. However, it is not necessarily suitable for the whole family. While normal skin can be satisfied with it, dry or sensitive skin will prefer cold soaped soap. This saponification process preserves the moisturizing and nourishing properties of the oils.
Dry, oily, colored hair, sensitive scalp, prone to dandruff… To put an end to disposable bottles, shampoos and conditioners are also available in solid versions. And between two washes with water, dry shampoo can quickly degrease the roots.
2. Avoid roll-ons and deodorant sprays
Liquid or spray deodorants may contain endocrine disruptors. These substances, which are harmful to the body, are applied to a very thin and very permeable area of the skin. In addition to its composition, which is harmful to health, the packaging is also harmful to the environment: plastic roll-on, aluminum aerosol cans… There are various alternatives to replace them:
- Use an alum stone
- Prefer baking soda
- Switch to solid cosmetics with a deodorant stick
- Or try a cream deodorant to apply with your fingers
Note that natural deodorants are generally not antiperspirants. In fact, it is better to not prevent sweat to promote the elimination of toxins, but simply to resist the associated bad odors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEQ5IMHHVzE
3. Stop using plastic tubes and disposable toothbrushes for oral hygiene
A plastic toothbrush is often seen as an insignificant waste. However, at the rate of one per person every two to three months, billions of waste are thrown away every year, and much of it ends up in the oceans.
But brushing your teeth is out of the question! Zero-waste oral hygiene involves choosing a compostable toothbrush or replaceable head. Bamboo toothbrushes have a biodegradable handle. When it comes to toothbrushes with refillable heads, they can be made of bioplastic or wood.
As for the toothpaste, you can prefer the toothpaste with natural ingredients, stored in a glass container. Other toothpastes also come in the form of solid toothpastes to rub on the toothbrush or even chewable tablets.
4. Opt for reusable wipes to remove makeup
Disposable cotton discs or squares are also a major source of contamination. At the rate of 3 or 4 per day, they fill up the bathroom trash can very quickly, even if you choose to biodegrade. Cotton farming requires a lot of water and uses a lot of pesticides.
The solution to taking care of your skin and the environment at the same time is to switch to washable makeup remover wipes. Cotton, microfiber, eucalyptus, bamboo… a variety of textures to meet all needs, from simple refreshing with floral water to removing eye and face makeup. After use, they are simply machine washed at a cycle between 30 and 60°.
5. Prefer the auricle to clean the ears
As of January 1, 2020, the sale of plastic cotton swabs has been banned. Even with cotton buds that are biodegradable and reusable, it’s best to reserve them for makeup touch-ups. Indeed, ENT doctors agree that cotton swabs generally push deep into the ear instead of allowing it to drain naturally from the ear canal.
An auricle or ear cleaner with a small spoon-shaped tip allows you to remove unwanted discharge from the outside of the ear without pushing it inside.
6. Safety Razor: To try it is to accept it
Zero waste shaving is also possible. All you have to do is return to the traditional, sober, durable and durable accessory: the safety razor. With all-stainless steel and other models with wooden handles, there’s something for everyone.
Complete this range for men and women with a shaving brush made from natural bristles and a shaving stick to replace industrial shaving foams.
7. Switch to washable sanitary protection
During menstruation, women need comfort to be able to continue their daily activities. If disposable periodicals were a monopoly for a long time, this is no longer the case. Reusable alternatives are not only better for the environment but also have many health benefits by being free from any toxicity.
Then the menstrual cup replaces tampons, menstrual panties and washable sanitary pads.
8. Not forgetting bathroom maintenance with a zero-waste method
Zero waste in the bathroom also means learning how to be environmentally friendly so you don’t sabotage all your efforts. White vinegar, baking soda, and black soap do the trick with a washable sponge or washcloth to clean surfaces: tub, shower, sink, floor, etc.
