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Beginner’s Guide to a Zero-Waste Bathroom

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Murray State chapter.

How to Achieve a Zero-Waste Bathroom

Adapting to a more sustainable lifestyle is a great way to be more eco-friendly. 

  • Bamboo Toothbrush

Bamboo toothbrushes are better for the environment because they decompose, contrary to plastic toothbrushes. You can get the same clean teeth without sending plastic into our landfills. 

https://packagefreeshop.com/collections/package-free-products/products/bamboo-toothbrush-adult

  • Safety Razor

Similar to the bamboo toothbrush, a metal razor will last you way longer than a typical plastic razor. Safety razors used to be the average razor until the plastic versions were created. A safety razor will last you years upon years, reducing your plastic waste greatly. All you have to do is switch out the blade every so often. The blade is easier to get a cleaner shave with, in my opinion. Prices vary depending on the brand.

https://www.classicshaving.com/collections/safety-razors

  • Shampoo Bar

Shampoo bars are my favorite thing ever. What a cool invention! I’ve been using shampoo bars for over a year now and I love them. They last a long time, take up a lot less space and reduce plastic waste significantly. You can even find different types for different types of hair. My favorite kinds are from Lush because they are affordable and have no plastic packaging. 

https://www.lushusa.com/hair/shampoo-bars/

  • Toothpaste capsules

Toothpaste capsules are one zero-waste bathroom need that I have not gotten on board with yet. I’ve heard only good things from everyone I have talked to who has tried them, however. These capsules replace a tube of toothpaste with little capsules that you bite. They then turn foamy in your mouth so you can brush your teeth with them. 

https://bitetoothpastebits.com/

  • Soap Bar

This tool is the easiest and most accessible. You can find bar soap anywhere. I like to use soap made locally or from a small business. My favorite soap is from a place called Goat Milk Stuff, which is located in Indiana. The soap is made with goat’s milk which is great for your skin. It’s the only soap I can use without feeling sticky afterward.

https://goatmilkstuff.com/collections/goat-milk-soap

  • Menstrual Cup

A menstrual cup is another one of my favorites. Although I will say, if you are not a tampon user or don’t like blood then I don’t recommend this for you. Menstrual cups last for years and are free of the toxins and perfumes that typical tampons/pads have. All you have to do is boil them when your cycle is up and it will be clean for the next time. You can even find which brand will work best for you in an online quiz. 

https://putacupinit.com/quiz/

  • Soap Saver Bag

These are perfect for people who use washcloths or loofahs in the shower. These bags hold your soap and are made of a material that is similar to a loofah or cloth. It makes it easy to use your bar soaps all the way to the very last bit without losing it. These are also a great gift for a friend or family member looking to go more zero-waste. You can’t go wrong with one of these. 

https://zerowastestore.com/products/soap-saver-bag

  • Reusable Cotton Swabs

I have recently seen reusable cotton swabs (Q-tips) on several sustainability blogs, but I have yet to try them. It looks like a cool product though. 

https://packagefreeshop.com/collections/featured-products/products/reusable-beauty-swab

These are just a few of my favorite zero-waste bathroom products. I hope seeing how easy it is to use them will inspire you to incorporate more eco-friendly tools into your lives.

Hannah Kamman

Murray State '22

Hannah Kamman is an elementary education major at Murray State University. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, spending time outside and cuddling with her cat. She is a dance teacher and a tree hugger.