Zero Waste Bathroom: Products & Swaps

Having a minimal, waste-free, and clean bathroom is a dream for every household. That’s why, at Escape Waste, we prepared this guide to set up your no-waste bathroom!

The first thing we recommend you do is to organize, declutter, and then proceed to swap toiletries for no-waste bathroom. With all the items that you have left, see what you can replace with the following items on this list that are zero waste:

Bamboo Toothbrush vs Plastic Toothbrush

It lasts much longer and cleans your teeth much better! 

At the end of its life, you can just put it in the compost bin. However, look into the kind of bristles your toothbrush has because

• some are made with nylon bristles,
• some with boar bristles (fully biodegradable),
• some are infused with charcoal.

Do additional research to see what fits you the best!

* Peculiar fact: It takes 400 years for a plastic toothbrush to decompose, while it takes a maximum of 3 years for a bamboo toothbrush to decompose.

DIY Toothpaste vs Off-the-shelf Toothpaste

Here you have several options to choose from, but keep in mind that some of these have fluoride and some don’t, and most are made with essential oils. 

• Toothpaste is packaged in aluminum (which you can later recycle). 
• Make your own toothpaste by mixing coconut oil, baking soda, and a few drops of mint essential oil (and simply store it in a jar). 
• Toothpaste tablets are great for traveling, but you can use them every day as well. There are many brands to choose from, and if you haven’t used them before, it’s a bit strange feeling to use them for the first time! 
• Lastly, our personal advice for you is to speak with your dentist and also do additional research to find the best toothpaste for you.

Zero Waste Mouthwash

Mouthwash in Tablet Form 

Just drop a tablet in some water, and it’s ready to use! 

DIY Mouthwash Mix

However, if you rather make your own, that is a solid option as well. Just mix some mint essential oil, baking some and distilled water. 

That’s it! 

Off-the-shelf & Eco-friendly Mouthwash

If you don’t feel comfortable using either of these options, find a mouthwash that has clean ingredients — meaning: no artificial sweeteners, fructose, or sucrose.

Instead, find one that is sweetened with natural Xylitol, as it’s not damaging to your teeth. 

Also, see if you can find one packaged in 1-type plastic (this way it has a much higher chance of being recycled).

Tongue Scraper

This tool is so helpful if you suffer from bad breath, and it helps fight bad bacteria. Usually made out of stainless steel and very easy to clean.

Dental Floss

Specifically made with silk, coated with wax, and essential oils. After use, simply compost the pieces you’ve used. 

Also, you can subscribe for monthly refills, which don’t come in another glass container but in a small paper box.

Soap Bars 

It also doubles as shaving cream!

Instead of buying liquid body wash (which is always packaged in plastic), opt for a bar of soap — which (as we noted) can double as shaving cream. This way, you also avoid buying cans of shaving cream that are very hard to recycle. 

Also, there are so many options out there of bar soap with all kinds of scents, and there are scent-free options. We usually opt for a Castille soap bar, as it’s the most delicate for sensitive skin.

Shampoo & Conditioners

Whatever kind of hair type you have, you’ll definitely find a shampoo and conditioner that works for you. There are so many kinds out there to choose from.

Fun fact: by using one shampoo bar and conditioner bar, you save 2.7 liters of water and 3 plastic bottles.

Natural Loofah, Sponge, or Dry Brush

These aren’t necessary, but they are helpful if you have them for scrubbing off dead skin. 

• Choose either a loofah or sponge for a softer scrub. 
• Use a small cotton towel for a more intense scrub. 
• Get a dry brush, which is to be used before you shower and it helps with blood circulation in your body. 

But beware, if you have any kind of skin condition it might irritate it. So pick whatever fits your needs best!

Hairbrush or Comb

Depending on your hair type, opt for a bamboo hairbrush or comb. They are much healthier for your hair, need little maintenance, and will last you a lifetime.

Deodorant

Here you have multiple options to choose from.

• Decide whether you want a deodorant with or without aluminum. 
• Pick the type of packaging you’d like to consume it in: glass, paper, 1-type plastic, or no packaging (a.k.a. a bar). 
• Opt to make your own: simply mix baking soda, arrowroot powder (or cornstarch), add your favorite essential oil, and store it in a jar. 

That’s it! Very simple.

PS: it can be hard to find the best deodorant to fit your needs, so give it some time, don’t get discouraged.

Safety Razors

This razor will last you a lifetime and give you the best and closest shave.

Aside from the razor itself, you simply purchase razor blades (which are very cheap — usually a box of 100 razors is about $10), once you’re done with each one you can store it in a glass jar. Once it’s full, drop it off for safe recycling.

PS: there is a new modern model of this razor that has a bendable neck, so it’s even easier to use, and you’re less likely to get cut with it.

Make-up Cotton Rounds/Pads

You can wash these in your washing machine and will last you a lifetime. You can also use it to apply any skincare products in liquid form.

* PS: If you want to get a full face cotton towel, there are many options available, and do a great job at removing make-up all at once.

Bamboo Ear Swabs

You can compost after use, but if you want to save more money, you can purchase a reusable cotton swab. We know it might sound a big gross or weird, but it simply needs to be washed after every use with water (it’s made of plastic).

Period/Menstrual Products

For all the ladies out there, there are plenty of reusable and zero waste options to choose from. 

• Period underwear has thick padding so there is no leakage (they simply need to be washed underwater to strain the blood and then pop them into the washing machine). 
• Period pads (very similar to period underwear). 
• Menstrual cups — which are made of silicone and come in various colors and sizes (to find the best fit for you simply do a bit of research online).

Remember to only purchase these items once you need them. Also, we recommend you to do additional research to find products that fit your needs, and learn how and why they are made. 

It’s crucial as consumers to understand this, as it helps us to support companies that are making important and positive changes in the world. 

Even though consumers make much less waste than companies, we should still do our part in making the least waste possible and owning essential items in our household, whilst keeping it clean and organized along the way.