How to turn your whole bathroom into zero waste

by Bel Dibbens
They say you never know what you’ve got until it's gone… take your toilet paper for example, one second it’s there and then whoosh, it’s gone!
 
cute leather bag with big little brush poking out the top

 

 

Okay, let’s get straight to the point. With everything (climate change etc.) happening right now, we all want to give our future selves the best chance of enjoying the small things for ever (like the opposite of climate change etc.). So, next time you’re staring back at that beautiful reflection in the mirror, ask yourself… “what small changes can I make in this bathroom to help enjoy the future?”

Modern bathrooms, by design, generate a lot of waste. With most products being single-use and made of non-biodegradable materials - think plastic cottonbuds, plastic toothbrushes, plastic bottles, plastic razors, plastic floss - you get it. It’s almost enough to be overwhelming, and it may seem challenging, but the truth is... you don’t need to change everything all at once.


Actually, we recommend that you don’t do that ‘cos: easier.

Like our the amazing Aussie minstrel, Paul Kelly taught us: “from little things, big things grow” and that definitely applies to your zero waste dreams too. Actually, it applies to most things really. He’s very wise.

Repurposing what you already own and gradually transitioning to new habits is always a  more sustainable approach both for the planet and the harmony of your household. 

We’ve put together seven, easy recommendations that you could try:

  1. If you currently have a plastic toothbrush rather than it going straight to landfill, use it for your furry friends hygiene or for cleaning those nitty gritty spaces in your home

  2. Switch to zero waste (recycled toilet paper). Who gives a crap? We do!

  3. Substitute your plastic deodorant for an organic and zero waste option like this one from Native

  4. Purchase a zero waste razor from our mates at Flora and Fauna

  5. Have two bins in your bathroom, one for compostable stuff and another for landfill

  6. If you’re a person who has a period, consider switching to organic tampons and pads like these beauties from Tsuno, or even checking out a more non-disposable option like a moon cup like this one from Tom Organic.

  7. Refill your soap bottles. If you have zero idea where to start, Zero Co are definitely our Co-toos (they’re so clever, we reckon they’ll really clean up!)

 

 

Speaking of doing what we can for the environment, how good is science? Science says that new habits take around a month to become part of your lifestyle, so don’t go too hard, too soon. That just reminds me of my long lost fitness regime - I’m all in for like three days, I take one day off and then I haven’t exercised in the last 12 years.

 

So, like we said before, why not try one thing at a time. Your zero waste bathroom can begin with just your toothbrush for a while, then maybe you get some toilet paper delivered and then before you know it, you'll basically be showering in a forest, like the righteous eco legend you are.