This is the second in a series of occasional posts about
ways to reduce waste. Each post will focus on a different topic, such as packaging,
repairs and picnics.
Reducing your waste can be intimidating, but starting small can help you ease into a greener lifestyle. With that in mind, we’re here to help you think about sustainable swaps you can make in the bathroom. After all, it’s where most of us start and end each day, so what better place to begin going low waste at your own pace?
Protip: when you run out of an existing item is a good time to make the sustainable switch.
When stocking your bathroom, it’s important to think about the lifecycle of a product–and its packaging. Ask yourself, “Can this packaging be recycled?” Many bathroom items come in plastic packaging. However, the only plastic accepted in Lexington’s blue curbside recycling cart or mixed recycling dumpsters are screw top bottles and jugs. If you’re deciding between two products, choose the one in a bottle or jug shape.
It’s helpful to think of waste reduction as a continuum–not all or nothing. For example, let’s talk about soap. Say you use liquid hand soap. You can refill your smaller bathroom soap container from a larger bulk container of soap (typically 50 ounces or more) to cut down on packaging. Going a step further, you can find a store with a liquid soap refill station and refill an existing container. You can also use bar soap. Some bar soaps have little to no packaging. None of these are the “right” choice; it is about the best fit for you.
Let’s start with your smile! If you’re using a regular old toothbrush, you can switch to one made from post-consumer recycled plastic, a bamboo toothbrush, or one with a replaceable head.
Toothpaste tubes are not recyclable, but there are alternatives! Tooth tabs and tooth powder are often available in bottles or glass jars that may be reused or recycled.
Reusing dental floss is a no. But did you know about refillable floss containers? These eliminate packaging waste. Dental floss refills are sometimes called “dental lace”. Need a bit more reach for your floss? Swap out disposable flossers for a reusable flosser that can be restrung each use.
Makeup lovers often run into a couple problems: you use up your favorite eye shadow or blush and are left with colors you don’t love. The solution? Magnetic palettes! Many brands are upgrading to magnetic palettes that allow you to customize a palette with your favorite colors. When a color runs out, you simply replace it instead of buying a new palette. Next time you find yourself looking for a new makeup palette, consider purchasing a reusable magnetic palette.
What do cotton rounds, cotton swabs, and makeup wipes all have in common? We use them once, then throw them away AND they all have a reusable alternative.
Wash, rinse, and repeat.There are many ways to make your shampoo and conditioner more sustainable. You could switch from a tube to a screw top bottle, making it recyclable in Lexington. Or you could find a store that offers refillable shampoo, eliminating packaging. Finally, you could switch to a shampoo or conditioner bar - think of it like soap for your hair.
Do you have to swap everything at once? Absolutely not. But try giving one of these reusable options a try and see if you find something that works better for you, the environment, and saves money in the long run.
Eco-friendly bathroom swap summary:
- Toothpaste tabs or powder
- Refillable dental floss or reusable flossers
- Reusable magnetic makeup palettes
- Washable cotton rounds, cotton swabs and makeup wipes
- Toilet paper spray
- Refillable shampoo and conditioner
- Shampoo and conditioner bars
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