Tips for Creating a Zero-Waste Bathroom Routine

Imagine stepping into your bathroom – a haven of serenity and sustainability, where every product and practice contributes to a healthier planet. Achieving a zero-waste lifestyle might seem like a lofty goal, but starting small, especially in the bathroom, can make a world of difference. Let’s embark on this journey together, exploring practical tips and swaps that will transform your bathroom routine into an eco-conscious one.

Why a Zero-Waste Bathroom Matters

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand the why. The average bathroom is overflowing with single-use plastics, from shampoo bottles to disposable razors. All these items end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. And let’s not forget the environmental impact of producing and transporting these items in the first place. By adopting a zero-waste approach, you’re not just reducing waste, you’re conserving resources, minimizing pollution, and taking a stand for a healthier planet.

Simple Swaps for a Big Impact

The journey to a zero-waste bathroom begins with simple swaps:

1. Ditch the Plastic, Embrace the Bar

  • Soap Up Sustainably: Swap liquid hand soap in plastic dispensers for bar soap. Look for brands packaged in recycled paper or cardboard.
  • Shampoo and Conditioner Bars: Ditch the bottles and embrace the bar! Shampoo and conditioner bars are now widely available and come in a variety of formulations to suit different hair types.
  • Say Goodbye to Plastic Shaving Razors: Invest in a safety razor for a close, sustainable shave. They might seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.

2. Rethink Your Toiletries

  • Toothpaste Tablets: These little wonders pack a powerful cleaning punch without the plastic tube. Plus, they’re perfect for travel!
  • Bamboo Toothbrushes: Ditch the plastic and opt for biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes.
  • DIY Your Way to Sustainability: Explore the world of DIY beauty recipes. From face masks to hair treatments, you’ll be surprised by what you can create with simple, natural ingredients.

3. Reduce, Reuse, Refill

  • Reusable Makeup Remover Pads: Say goodbye to disposable cotton rounds and switch to reusable cloth pads.
  • Menstrual Cups or Reusable Pads: Explore sustainable menstrual products like menstrual cups or reusable cloth pads. They’re better for the environment and your wallet in the long run.
  • Refill, Don’t Trash: Seek out brands that offer refill options for your favorite products.

Zero Waste Bathroom EssentialsZero Waste Bathroom Essentials

Beyond the Basics: Level Up Your Zero-Waste Game

Ready to take your zero-waste bathroom routine to the next level? Here are some additional tips:

  • Composting: Did you know you can compost certain bathroom items like toilet paper rolls, hair (human hair only!), and cotton swabs with paper sticks? Check with your local composting guidelines to see what’s acceptable in your area.
  • Water Conservation: Be mindful of your water usage. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and consider shorter showers.
  • Choose Eco-Friendly Brands: Support companies committed to sustainability. Look for certifications like Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free) and B Corp (social and environmental performance).
  • Repair, Don’t Replace: Before tossing out a broken bathroom item, see if you can repair it.

The Journey to a Zero-Waste Bathroom is Ongoing

Remember, the journey to a zero-waste bathroom is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about making conscious choices, one step at a time. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t implement all these changes overnight. Every small swap makes a difference. As a nutritionist, I always emphasize the importance of small, sustainable changes, and the same principle applies to our environmental footprint.

Let’s Create a Ripple Effect

By embracing a zero-waste bathroom routine, you’re not just reducing your environmental impact, you’re inspiring others to do the same. Share your journey, your favorite swaps, and your DIY discoveries with friends, family, and on social media. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change.

What are your favorite zero-waste bathroom swaps? Share your tips and join the conversation in the comments below!

Bestseller No. 1
Urbanstrive Natural Wooden Soap Dish Soap Saver Holder Soap Tray for Bathroom, Biodegradable, Zero Waste, Plastic Free, Charcoal Color
  • Grab a wooden soap dish to help prolong 3x the life of your soap
  • The 100% natural wooden soap dish is handmade from natural wood, perfect for keeping your soap bars dry
SaleBestseller No. 2
ECOLULU Eco Friendly Toilet Brush, 2 Pack Wood Toilet Brush Made of Beechwood, Strong Hemp Bristles with 360° Cleaning Power, Biodegradable Zero Waste Eco Friendly Products
  • ⁦♻️⁩ECO FRIENDLY PRODUCTS, ZERO WASTE: Our wooden toilet brush is 100% natural, chemical free and biodegradable. Can be tossed into compost after they wear out. Packed in a recyclable box.

  • 🌴ECO FRIENDLY: Eco friendly toilet brush made of beechwood and plant based sisal bristles.
Bestseller No. 3
BLUELAND Toilet Bowl Cleaner Starter Set - Eco Friendly Products & Cleaning Supplies - No Harsh Chemicals, Plant-Based - Lemon Cedar - 14 tablets
  • PLASTIC-FREE, ECO-FRIENDLY TOILET CLEANER TABLETS. The first and only plastic-free Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablet that's tough on stains, but gentle on the planet. No more harsh chemicals, harmful ingredients, or plastic packaging - our tablets work hard with plant-based power to remove even the hardest toilet stains.
  • EFFECTIVE. Ultra concentrated tablet is proven to power away a range of toilet stains including rust, mineral deposits, limescale and hard water. Tested alongside leading competitors. Scientist developed with over 40 patents and patents pending.
SaleBestseller No. 4
TIPGO Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage with Removable Inner Bucket, Small Trash Bins for Bedroom, Office (Matte Black)
  • Perfect for Small Spaces: The TIPGO trash can is slim enough to place in any narrow space or corners. No longer have to worry about the narrow space in the room being wasted. Get it now to improve the space utilization!
  • Nice Soft Close & Stay-Open: The lid opens and closes smoothly and silently with no annoying noises, no longer have to worry about disturbing the rest of your family. Push the lid at 90° to stay open as long as you need
Bestseller No. 5
Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner Strips, Eco-friendly, Non-toxic, Septic Safe, Removes Odors & Stains, Plastic-free, Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner for Quick and Easy Cleaning, Toilet Fresheners (60 count)
  • 💧QUICK & EASY CLEANING: Our toilet cleaner strips are made using an all-natural, concentrated cleaning formula. Simply place a strip into your toilet bowl, wait 60 seconds for the strip to dissolve, scrub the toilet bowl thoroughly, and flush! NO splashing, NO squirting, NO mess! Eco Solve toilet cleaning strips will remove stains and deodorize your toilet bowl.
  • 🍃ECO-FRIENDLY: We take pride in our environmental stewardship by creating products that support a sustainable future. Our toilet cleaner strips are Biodegradable, Septic Safe, Plastic-Free, Non-Toxic, Cruelty-Free, and Vegan. No Chlorine, No Bleach. Our packaging is Plastic-Free and made of 100% recyclable material. It is 100% Zero Waste, Septic, and Gray Water Friendly.
Bestseller No. 6
Gaia Guy Coconut Wood Toilet Brush with Wood Stand (Coconut Oil Stained) | Eco-Friendly Plastic Free Toilet Brush with Wooden Toilet Brush Holder | Zero Waste Toilet Brush
  • ✨ 100% Plastic-Free: Embrace a world free from synthetic materials with our toilet brush set. Crafted with a coconut wood handle and coconut bristles, it proudly says "NO" to nylon or plastic, reducing microplastic pollution with every swipe.
  • 🌿 Renewable Resources: Journey to Bali, where artisans collaborate to create a sustainable masterpiece. The coconut wood handle, wooden stand, and coconut bristles are a testament to renewable and recyclable living, seamlessly weaving into your zero waste lifestyle.
SaleBestseller No. 7
SaleBestseller No. 8
Simple Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner Strips | Eco Friendly and Septic Safe | Removes Stains, Odors, and Grime | Non Toxic Foaming Toilet Cleaning Sheets | 36 Count
  • ✅【QUICK & EASY CLEANING】: Our toilet bowl cleaning strips are lightweight and pre-measured. It’s quick and easy to freshen your toilet without splashing, squirting, or messy cleanups. Ideal for daily use.
  • ✅【POWERFUL NATURAL TOILET BOWL CLEANER】: These toilet bowl cleaning sheets are naturally concentrated and fast-reacting. They dissolve in seconds and remove the buildup of bad odor, stains, limescale, and dirt. It's more convenient and performs better than alternative toilet tablets, tabs, powder, pods, gels, liquids, or drops.
Bestseller No. 9
Nature Clean Non-Toxic Toilet Bowl Cleaners Strips 36 Count, Plastic-Free Packaging, Natural Toilet Cleaner Septic Safe, Refresh Toilets & Bathroom. No Splash
  • Safe and Non-Toxic: Our eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner strips are free from harsh chemicals, phosphates, and chlorine. They are septic-safe and biodegradable, making them a responsible choice for your home and the planet.
  • Powerful Cleaning: Our Toilet Bowl Cleaner Strips are specially formulated to tackle tough stains, mineral deposits, and odors, leaving your toilet bowl spotless and smelling fresh
Bestseller No. 10
eplanita Replacement Brush Heads (Pack of 8) for Bamboo Dish Brush, Sisal Bristle Refills, Agave Cactus Fibres, Kitchen Eco Scrubber, Plastic Free Washing Up, Zero Waste Cleaning
  • 🌍 100% NATURAL BRUSH HEADS: eplanita's environmentally friendly replaceable dish brush heads are made of bamboo and agave cactus bristles. These natural materials make the brush heads a sustainable and waste-free solution for your cleaning needs.
  • 🌵 ECONOMICAL: No more throwing away a perfectly good cleaning brush just because the bristles are worn out. You will find replacement heads in the box and once you have used them, you can purchase additional ones. Extend the lifespan of your eplanita dish brush.
Jonathan Reynolds
About the author
Jonathan Reynolds
Jonathan Reynolds is a sustainability advocate and green living expert with a passion for reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. He has a degree in Environmental Studies and has spent years working with various NGOs to promote sustainable living. Jonathan's mission is to inspire others to make small changes that have a big impact on the planet.