Our bathrooms are habitual places we go to wash and freshen up throughout the day. We usually have our bathroom shelves and cabinets packed with self-care and hygiene products but sometimes with little regard as to what those products are made from and how they impact the environment.
Have you ever wondered why we manage to recycle around 90% of kitchen plastic waste, less than 50% of bathroom plastics make it into the recycling bin? In this blog, we look further into this issue to explore plastic-free bathroom solutions that won't just clean up our personal spaces, but also the planet.
Did you know that each year, millions of tons of plastic waste find their way into our oceans, rivers, and landfills, wreaking havoc on ecosystems and wildlife? It's estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish – a sobering thought that should jolt us into action. However, don’t despair, simply swapping single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives can significantly reduce our environmental impact and safeguard our planet for future generations.
So, how can we make a difference in our own bathrooms? Let's take a look at some planet-friendly alternatives to common plastic bathroom products:
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Toothpaste: When it comes to bathroom essentials, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes are probably the first things that come to mind. Maintaining good dental hygiene is an important part of our daily routine and helps keep our teeth and gums healthy and free from decay. Unfortunately, the disposal of empty toothpaste tubes has become a major environmental issue, as they take around 500 years to decompose and our frequent disposal of them is causing pollution on a large scale.
If you're looking to make a more sustainable choice for your dental care, we would recommend trying out eco-friendly alternatives to traditional toothpaste. Zerolla offers a whole range of eco-friendly toothpaste, toothtabs, and toothpowder, all of which are packaged in glass, eliminating the need for plastic. Not only do they look sleek on your bathroom shelf, but they're also free from harmful additives such as SLS, preservatives, and colourants, making them a great choice for both your teeth and the planet.
- Dental Floss: Another great way to reduce the amount of plastic in your bathroom is by replacing your dental floss. Traditional dental floss is usually made from nylon and packaged in plastic, but you can opt for a more sustainable dental floss that uses plant-based and plastic-free materials. This type of dental floss is just as effective as traditional floss and is better for the environment.
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Shampoo & Conditioner: When it comes to hair care, traditional liquid shampoos and conditioners that come in plastic bottles are a major contributor to plastic waste. Our plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars are made from natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, and packaged in recycled (and recyclable) card. They're a perfect alternative to traditional liquid hair care products, and they last longer, so you won't need to replace them as often. Switching to our bars is a simple and effective way to reduce your plastic consumption and enjoy a more natural and sustainable hair care routine.
- Razors: Disposable razors contribute significantly to our bathroom waste problem. This is because they are made of single-use plastic and designed to be discarded. Due to this, we keep buying and disposing of plastic razors, which can take up to 1000 years to decompose, leading to serious environmental issues. One of the most effective ways to reduce bathroom waste is to shift to a plastic-free razor made and packed with eco-friendly materials.
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Shaving Cream: Speaking of shaving, using a natural shaving bar in recyclable or compostable packaging is a great way to make your bathroom more environmentally friendly. This will help reduce the use of aerosol shaving foams packaged in plastic, which can harm the environment. Our natural shaving bars are made from plant-based ingredients and are designed to provide a smooth and satisfying shave. They also last longer than traditional creams and foams, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice.
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Soap: We all use soap every day washing and cleansing our skin, especially in the bathroom. However, most households still use liquid soap that is typically stored in plastic bottles. Unfortunately, these bottles often end up in our waterways and landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. Switching to a natural soap bar eliminates the need for plastic and helps you live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
This is why all of our natural soap bars are made with plant-based ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals. They are designed to nourish and hydrate your skin, making them both gentle on your skin and beneficial for the environment.
- Bathroom accessories: Lastly, there are various small accessories in our bathrooms that are often made of plastic. These include soap dishes, sponges, toothbrush holders, loofahs, and other items. When it's time to replace them, we recommend choosing eco-friendly bathroom accessories made from natural materials like bamboo, wood, or natural fibres that are packed without plastic. Doing so will significantly reduce your environmental footprint and help protect the planet. So, make the switch to plastic-free bathroom accessories and enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle.
By making small changes in our daily routines and choosing more sustainable alternatives to common plastic bathroom products, we can make a significant positive impact on the environment. From toothpaste to soap, there are so many eco-friendly alternatives available that are better for us and the planet. Let's continue to explore and embrace sustainable alternatives for a cleaner, greener future!