adopt the zero-waste mentality
“Refuse what you do not need; reduce what you do need; reuse what you consume; recycle what you cannot refuse, reduce, or reuse; and rot (compost) the rest.“
The bathroom is one of the most waste-heavy areas in our homes. From disposable razors to plastic-wrapped toiletries, we generate a lot of trash that often ends up in landfills. Transitioning to a zero-waste, eco-friendly bathroom might seem daunting, but with a few thoughtful changes, you can significantly reduce your waste while adopting a more sustainable lifestyle.
“Refuse what you do not need; reduce what you do need; reuse what you consume; recycle what you cannot refuse, reduce, or reuse; and rot (compost) the rest.“
A zero-waste bathroom is one where products are reused, repurposed, or made from sustainable materials to minimize waste. The goal is to avoid sending anything to a landfill, encouraging a more circular life cycle for products and materials.
While the kitchen often gets the spotlight in zero-waste discussions, the bathroom is just as important. It’s where we use a lot of single-use products that are often overlooked. By focusing on this small space, you can cut down your overall household waste significantly.
At its core, zero-waste living follows five essential principles: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. Refuse what you don’t need, reduce your consumption, reuse items when possible, recycle responsibly, and compost (rot) organic waste. Applying these to your bathroom will set the foundation for a low-impact, eco-friendly routine.
Before diving into zero-waste swaps, take inventory of your current habits. What disposable products do you rely on? How much plastic is present? Are you using items that come in excessive packaging? Understanding where most of your waste comes from will guide your efforts in making sustainable changes.
Plastic razors are a major contributor to bathroom waste. Switch to a stainless-steel safety razor, which only requires replacing the metal blades, cutting down on plastic.
I cannot tell you how many paper towels we go through in a week but I know I buy the costco size 1x a month. Rather than using paper towels, opt for reusable cloth towels. They’re perfect for drying hands, cleaning up spills, and even removing makeup. I like these and I’ve been using them for everything. For cleaning, I like these.
Disposable cotton pads are wasteful, but there are excellent reusable alternatives like organic cotton rounds or washable face cloths that can be used over and over.
Instead of buying new plastic bottles for your toiletries, consider purchasing products in glass containers or switching to brands that offer refill stations for things like shampoo, soap, and lotion.
Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down, and a lot of it never really goes away. By using plastic-free alternatives, especially in a space like the bathroom where so much plastic is consumed, you’re reducing your long-term environmental footprint.
Many eco-conscious brands now offer plastic-free packaging. Shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, and deodorants in cardboard tubes are excellent options to explore.
Feeling crafty? You can make your own zero-waste products like toothpaste using baking soda and coconut oil or create deodorant from arrowroot powder, shea butter, and essential oils.
Swap your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one. Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that’s biodegradable, unlike plastic.
Plastic combs and brushes can be easily replaced with ones made from wood or metal, which last longer and are often made from more sustainable materials.
Towels, bath mats, and washcloths made from organic cotton or hemp are not only more eco-friendly but also gentler on your skin.
Ditch plastic bottles by opting for solid shampoo and conditioner bars. These often come in paper or cardboard packaging, cutting down on unnecessary plastic.
For obvious reasons, toothpaste tubes are notoriously hard to recycle. While toothpaste tablets or powder, which come in recyclable or compostable containers, are a great alternative and a lot less messy!
Many natural deodorants now come in plastic-free packaging or can be homemade, ensuring you’re not using harmful chemicals while also avoiding single-use plastic.
For a zero-waste period, consider reusable options like menstrual cups, cloth pads, or period panties. They reduce waste and save money in the long run.
Water is a precious resource. Installing a low-flow showerhead can significantly reduce water consumption without compromising water pressure.
Yay, a reason to get a fancier toilet! Older toilets can use an excessive amount of water per flush. Upgrading to a water-efficient toilet can save gallons of water each day.
Cutting your shower time by even a few minutes can make a huge difference in water conservation. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving to save even more.
Switch out chemical-laden cleaning products for natural alternatives. Baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils work just as well without the harmful side effects.
For an all-purpose cleaner, mix vinegar and water with a few drops of tea tree oil. Baking soda makes a great scrubbing agent for sinks and tubs.
Look for eco-friendly soaps and scrubs that come in minimal packaging and use natural, biodegradable ingredients.
Items like hair, nail clippings, and used cotton rounds can often be composted. Even things like biodegradable cotton buds are compostable.
If you have a compost bin at home, consider adding these items to your compost pile. They break down naturally, reducing landfill waste.
So all those Jam Jars I threw out all those year could have been used more efficiently…
When organizing your bathroom, choose storage solutions made from sustainable materials like glass and wood. Glass jars can be used to store cotton rounds, soap, or even toothpaste tablets.
Repurpose old containers to store bath salts, scrubs, or reusable cotton rounds. This reduces the need to buy new storage items and keeps things organized.
Take a minimalist approach to your bathroom by reducing the number of products you keep. Only keep what you truly use and love.
When you need to buy something new, be intentional. Choose products that are durable, reusable, or sustainably packaged.
Don’t throw away old towels. Cut them up to make cleaning rags, which are perfect for wiping down surfaces or scrubbing the shower.
DIY bath products can be fun and sustainable. Use ingredients like Epsom salts, essential oils, and coconut oil to make your own bath salts or scrubs.
One of the best ways to spread awareness is to share your zero-waste journey with friends, family, and online communities. Show others that it’s possible to live more sustainably, even in small spaces like the bathroom.
When you buy from eco-conscious brands and encourage others to do the same, you create a ripple effect that supports sustainable practices.
The unique and patent-protected Leaf Razor is the first safety razor designed to address the needs of body shavers and head shavers.
There are other metal razors, but there are no other Leaf Razors. We welcome you to try us as the best way to experience the difference.
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Make it easy for everyone to make sustainable choices
| Company | Key Products | Sustainability Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blueland | Toilet cleaner, hand soap, body wash | Refillable containers, plastic-free packaging, biodegradable formulas | $$ |
| Who Gives A Crap | Toilet paper, tissues | 100% recycled or bamboo, plastic-free packaging, donates 50% of profits | $$ |
| Bite | Toothpaste bits, floss, mouthwash | Zero-waste packaging, plastic-free products, vegan and cruelty-free | $$ |
| Ethique | Shampoo bars, conditioner bars, body wash bars | Plastic-free, zero-waste packaging, vegan and palm oil-free | $$ |
| LastObject | Reusable cotton swabs, tissues, and cotton rounds | Durable, washable alternatives to single-use items | $$$ |
| Leaf Shave | Safety razors | Plastic-free, long-lasting metal razors with recyclable blades | $$$$ (initial cost) $ (long-term) |
Public Goods | Various bathroom essentials | Minimalist packaging, refillable options, sustainable materials | $$ |
| By Humankind | Deodorant, mouthwash tablets, shampoo bars | Refillable containers, plastic-neutral shipping, natural ingredients | $$$ |
Look, I know transitioning to a zero-waste bathroom is not always the most economical solution but it is the most rewarding way to reduce your environmental footprint. By making mindful swaps, choosing reusable options, and adopting sustainable habits, you can create a space that is both functional and eco-friendly.
Not necessarily! Many zero-waste products are reusable and end up saving you money in the long run.
Start small by swapping out single-use items for reusable ones, and look for DIY options.
Almost! While some items might be harder to replace, many everyday products have zero-waste alternatives.
Yes, you can make items like toothpaste, deodorant, and even face scrubs with simple, natural ingredients.
Use up what you have first, then recycle or repurpose the containers when possible. Transitioning to zero-waste is a gradual process.
LastObject was born to disrupt the single-use industry with reusable products that work better for you and do better for the planet. We want to save our PLANET and oceans from single-use items and be part of the solution to the climate crisis. We create PRODUCTS that you love to use and reuse so that sustainability becomes an easier choice. On our journey, we want to give PEOPLE great work opportunities across the planet and create a fantastic work environment.
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