The Ultimate List of Zero Waste Bathroom Swaps
The bathroom is chock-full of zero waste swaps and in this post, we’re going to dive into each one (that I could think of). We will discuss their pros, cons, and what wasteful things they’re preventing. If you have any questions or more recommendations, leave them below!
Toilet Paper
Let’s first talk toilet paper, the first thing I’m sure we all think of when we think about the bathroom. There are many different options that can reduce waste. Wait? Why is toilet paper wasteful? Traditionally it’s made of tree-based paper. It’s not wasteful, per se, but it could be less wasteful. Trees take a lot of time to grow and resources to turn into toilet paper, so let’s reduce that! Learn more in full about why these options are better for the environment in this post.
Bamboo
Bamboo is such a popular eco option for TP and for good reason. Bamboo is a grass so when it’s cut, it grows back. It also takes days or weeks to grow versus years compared to a tree. Many companies are choosing to use this material so your choices are endless from Who Gives a Crap to Reel and more. For me, there aren’t any large pros or cons, I find it works quite similar to tree-based paper and I have no qualms with it!
Recycled
This is my personal favorite option. I think it’s a step above bamboo because it doesn’t require new resources, cutting its total resource footprint. Instead of having to grow something, cut it down, process it into paper, you now just need to reuse paper that’s already been created. Plus, buying recycled will lead to more items being recycled later on! Other than that, it works quite similarly to tree-based and bamboo-based TP. So far, my favorite brand is Who Gives a Crap.
Reusable
This swap is not for everyone, I know that, but for some people, this is a great swap! It works best for bidet users so that it’s more like a drying-off towel and is less dirty and stinky. But, many options come with wet bags that make storage and sanitation easy. When I tried this (we quit using it in the RV) I liked Boaty the best. This option is soft and durable and lasts a long time. I think it might be too thick for some folks but I’m sure there are lots of options out there.
Bidet
Speaking of bidets, these are amazing for preventing waste and also for health reasons! Bidets spray you off and prevent the need for a lot of TP. Instead of wiping multiple times, you really just have to dry off.
Attachment
The most popular option for bidets are bidet attachments for your toilet seat. They connect to your water pump and that’s it! There are options with heated water, but I found this unnecessary. It takes water so long to heat up that it doesn’t always come out hot anyway and the water is never COLD. I think a plain attachment works fine. Tushy is a great option but I personally like Whisper bidets better.
Hand-held
Bidet attachments can get pricey, though. And if you don’t like it, it can be a waste of money. So, if you’re wary or on a budget, I recommend a hand-held “bidet.” You fill it with water and squeeze it onto your butt. It’s easy, but it can be a little “messy” with the water spraying.
These are nice cause they’re cheap, good for traveling or camping, and they are dishwasher-safe for sanitization. I think they’re a great baby step, a good budget option, and they work well! Before we got a new toilet in the RV, this was our only bidet option for over 6 months and it gets the job done. I like this one from Tushy.
Toothpaste
A very important swap people should not take lightly! Oral hygiene is of utmost importance and I won’t shut up about since I got 10 cavities filled in a single month. Yeah, learn from my mistakes. So, let’s talk toothpaste!
Tubes
Maybe you’re like me and you prefer toothpaste in the traditional way. There are options for you! First, normal toothpaste tubes are not recyclable. They are a combination of metal and plastic and mixed materials can’t be recycled. So, find a tube that IS recyclable. Either a fully metal or fully plastic tube will do…as long as you open it and clean it.
I know, fluoride gets a bad rep in the eco-space and I’m not really sure why. And maybe it’s anecdotal, maybe it’s not, but I stopped using fluoride and ended up with 10 cavities. It’s safe to say I went back to fluoride. But, whatever you choose to do, talk to your dentist, do your research, but here are some options either way.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9Zmw6GHDQug
Fluoride-free:
Fluoride:
Jars
You can get toothpaste in jars, too! Yes, it’s actual paste just in a jar. It can feel a little gross or weird to dip your toothbrush into your jar, but it’s really easy. It’s also much easier to clean and recycle or even reuse! I like this option when I can find some with fluoride in it. Here are some options:
Fluoride-free:
Fluoride:
Powder
That’s right. Toothpaste powder! It’s the same concept as shampoo bars. They remove (or just never add) the water and you add the water at home. Sprinkle a little on your toothbrush, add a bit of water, and you’re good to go. I wasn’t a huge fan cause it doesn’t foam. Foam isn’t necessary, but I like the feel of it? When it doesn’t foam it just feels so goopy to me and I don’t like that. It’s personal for sure. Here are some options:
Fluoride-free:
Fluoride:
Tabs
The most popular eco toothpaste option but probably also the most hated. I sure hate it. They’re crunchy, it leaves bits of the tabs in my mouth, and it just makes me grossed out. I’m highly texture sensitive though! Many people love this swap. I love that it’s travel-friendly, water-free, easy to store, and easy to use. There are SO many brands out there and they’re all so different so you may have to shop around to find your favorite. Here are some options if you want to try them:
Fluoride-free:
Fluoride:
Mouthwash
Don’t forget mouthwash, too! While not necessary, it is a good hygiene boost. These options are tabs and a concentrate. Both options you add water to at home and once dissolved, you swish around. I like that you can use your own container to mix it in and the packaging is very minimal.
Toothbrushes
Of course, you’re going to need something to brush with now that you have your toothpaste picked out! There are a few options out there. First, of course, use what you have. If you’re like me and have a stockpile of toothbrushes at home made of plastic, use them! If you don’t want to and they’re still unopened, donate them or give them away.
Electric with replaceable heads
Yes, an electric toothbrush can be eco! Eco-ish. For those who prefer electric toothbrushes, opt for one with replaceable heads and buy a good brand that will last you. I’m sure most brands do replaceable heads these days, but prioritize that. There are also some brands made from recycled materials or bioplastic! Here are some options: Quip (use code LPFNHXFM for $10 off) and Suri.
Or you can just get the replaceable heads from The Humble Co. It’s compatible with most major brands of electric brushes!
Bamboo
The most common eco option has to be wooden or bamboo toothbrushes. I’m hooked! They’re weird to use at first and take some getting used to but they’re amazing. Perhaps I’m just lucky, though. I know many people have had their brush mold but I have never struggled with that. These are totally compostable when you remove the heads (which are usually made of plastic). Here are some bamboo toothbrush options from Earth Hero.
Floss
PLEASE FLOSS! As a cavity girlie, please floss. That was likely the culprit of many of my cavities. And with this list you won’t have to worry about the waste that flossing creates.
Water pick
I just saw a water pick on TikTok that someone has had for YEARS. And, they only use water! No physical waste. They rarely need charged and if you can find a sanitized and refurbished one, that’s a super eco swap. If you do have to buy one new, just make it last as long as possible and take care of it. Waterpik seems to be the best brand.
Quip
I love Quip (use code LPFNHXFM for $10 off)!!! I was a huge fan of disposable floss picks up until just over a year ago. Yes, I still used them as an environmentalist. But, I later discovered Quip which is a reusable floss pick. You can even refill it with your own floss and choose compostable floss. My teeth are too tight for compostable floss, but even using plastic floss in the Quip is far less waste than disposable flossers. It’s not perfect, but better! And it’s great for folks like me who prefer this method of flossing.
Compostable floss
I hinted at this above, but compostable floss is a great option for flossing. It’s usually made of bioplastic or silk (not vegan) and you use it just as normal. Again, my teeth are too tight it just shreds this more delicate floss so keep that in mind. Here are some brands: Eco Roots, Public Goods (NEED AFFILIATE), Bite, and Zero Waste Store.
Shampoo/conditioner/body wash
When it comes to really any soap in your bathroom, you have two main options: bars and liquid soap. Liquid soap is generally seen as not-so-eco-friendly since it comes in plastic packaging, is heavy from the included water, and sometimes isn’t made from the best ingredients. Bars are usually preferred in the zero waste world, but it’s not always everyone’s favorite. I’ll show you some brands that are doing liquid in better ways.
Bars
Again, the perk of bars is that they can usually be package-free or packaged in paper which is a much better material for the planet than plastic. Another huge benefit is that it’s waterless. This is great for travel, it’s lightweight making shipping emissions less, and it’s smaller, also helping to reduce shipping. As an RVer, I also like the space-saving it provides. There are so many brands out there, but here are some of my favs:
Shampoo: The Coconut Crush, HiBar, and Ethique
Conditioner: Ethique, HiBar, and Eco Roots
Body Wash: The Earthling Co, Dr Bronner’s, and By Humankind
Liquid
This is great for folks who don’t like bars. Bars can be messy, slippery, and just texturally weird for some folks. I personally like the feel of liquid shampoo and conditioner better than bars and maybe you’re like me! One way that brands can make liquids less impactful is the packaging. Using recycled or refillable packaging is the best. Yes, regular shampoo bottles can be recycled, but recycling is not a solution. We should reduce first. Which is why I like these brands:
Shampoo: Plaine Products (learn more about their refill system here) and Babo Botanicals
Conditioner: Plaine Products (learn more about their refill system here) and Babo Botanicals
Body Wash: Plaine Products
Shaving
If you’re looking to eco-fy your shaving routine, might I suggest just not shaving? I know it’s not everyone’s jam, but it’s something to consider. Eliminating shaving from your routine reduces razors, blades, shaving cream, and time. Plus you can save money, too. But for those of us who still want to shave often or even just sometimes, here are some ways to make your shaving routine a little less impactful on the planet.
Shave soap bar
Yes, even shaving cream/soap can come in bars! You place it in a small bowl, wet it slightly, and mix it around with a shave soap brush. It foams just like the stuff that comes in a can and you apply it with the brush. But aren’t shaving cream cans recyclable? Why should i eliminate them? Most recycling centers actually won’t take aerosol cans due to the possibility that they may explode. So, if your area doesn’t accept them, you’ve been wishcycling this whole time and should stop using them.
Shave soap bars come in paper packaging which is commonly recycled and composted. It’s also water-free and very compact reducing shipping emissions. With how easy this swap is to use, I think everyone should try it out to reduce waste and save money. We like this one from Badger.
Safety razor
The lowest waste way to shave is with a safety razor. Why? Instead of throwing out an entire razor or an entire head, the only thing you have to replace on one of these are the blades itself. These were THE way to shave several decades ago and they’re coming back in style to save money and waste. You can find them just about anywhere, but the biggest name in the game is Leaf Shave. I like Leaf cause it closely mimics a modern razor with multiple blades and a moving head. Traditional safety razors can be a little tricky to learn, but once you do, you’ll never go back.
Electric Razor
Similar to an electric toothbrush, electric razors can be quite eco! You buy one product, charge it over and over, and there is never anything to throw away. Bonus points if you can find one refurbished since tech is harmful to create. I also like electric razors for safety reasons and for beginner shavers.
Dermaplaner
For those really close face shaves, you may use a dermaplaner. They are also great at getting dead skin off. Usually they are sold to be single-use or used for just a few uses and then thrown away. That’s a lot of waste, plastic waste, too! Instead, try this one from Leaf. I LOVE it. You replace the blade when it gets dull and occasionally replace the guard. It’s easy to use and prevents SO much waste. Note: it is VERY sharp the first few uses so be extra careful!
A note on blade recycling
Leaf Shave sells recycling tins which I love. You CANNOT recycle blades curbside due to safety. This tin is compact, easy to use, and Leaf accepts their blades back for recycling…but they don’t cover shipping costs. It’s annoying you have to pay for the tin and the effort to recycle their product. It’s better than nothing, but it’s not accessible. You may be able to find a metal scraper who will take your blades but it’s pretty rare.
Period care
There are SO many options for eco-period care these days. I will talk about them all briefly, but be sure to check out my full Zero Waste Period playlist on YouTube for full details on any of these products.
Cup
This is a menstrual cup. It is an internal device and it stays in place due to suction. This can make it a little tricky for folks with IUDs, just be very careful to break the seal. I have found that these also aren’t the best for people with low cervixes as they can be quite long, even the smaller ones.
The perks are that it lasts up to 12 hours and does not lead to toxic shock, unlike tampons. You remove it, dump it, clean it, and reuse for your whole cycle. You only need one making it quite affordable and it will save you a lot of money over the years.
My favorite is from Saalt.
Disc
This is quite similar to a cup in that it is worn internally, made from silicone, and used the same: remove it, dump it, clean it, and reuse for your whole cycle. You only need one making it quite affordable and it will save you a lot of money over the years.
The difference is that this doesn’t use any suction, making it safer for IUD wearers. Instead, it tucks up under your pubic bone. I have found this works better for all body types, opposed to cups.
Again, my favorite is from Saalt.
Undies
Period underwear, period panties, whatever you want to call them, I love them! These are the best because they require no learning. You wear them just like normal underwear. The difference is the several layers of absorbent materials that catch the blood and prevent leaks. Then, you remove them, wash them, dry them, and reuse them. It’s best to have two pairs to get you through a cycle but I personally like to have more than that.
This one can get very expensive though. Even just two pairs will run you about $40-60 and it can be tricky to manage with just two pairs if you have a heavy flow or want to feel the most clean. It can be hard to buy 10 pair to feel the most comfortable when they cost $10-40 a piece.
I have so many reviews on YouTube but here are some of my fav brands:
TomboyX - durable, high quality, gender-inclusive
Modibodi - comfy, made with sustainable materials, size-inclusive
Lilova - comfy, sporty
Period Company - very cheap cost but also cheaply made, I had one get a hole in it within a few months. BUT, they are also extremely comfortable
Applicator-free tampons
Tampons are not perfect, but if this is what works for you and your period and you don’t want to switch, you can still use tampons in a more eco way. You can do that with applicator-free tampons. It is SO much less waste this way. You only have the small tampon and its small plastic wrapping for sanitation. No applicator, less packaging since it’s smaller, it’s great! Bonus points if you get organic as well. I personally like Dame’s and Natracare’s tampons.
Dame also has a reusable applicator if you need to use one but don’t like the waste of disposables. You load in your tampons, wash, and reuse! It works great!
Reusable pads
This one is at the bottom because I personally like it the least. They’re great, but they also aren’t. I like that they are the cheapest option and most practical, but they slide around so easily without the adhesive that disposables have. This makes it a great swap for sitting down but not a great swap for sports or even walking.
Here are some brands you can check out: Last Object, Period Company, and Zero Waste Store but there are more out there so shop around!
Deodorant
Don’t be stinky for the environment’s sake! Unless you want to…anyway, let’s talk deodorant. Normally it comes packaged in plastic that is generally not accepted for recycling. Call your local recycler for recycling rules. Keep in mind that many eco deodorants are anti-perspirant. So, you will still sweat, you just won’t stink.
Cardboard
Cardboard is the most common option for eco-deodorant. It’s lightweight, it’s not pollutive to create or dispose of, and it can be recycled or composted. I’ve found many brands in cardboard that work really well! But, a lot of them are so expensive so keep that in mind. Here are some brands you can check out: Native and MeowMeowTweet.
Refills
These are SO cool! I’ve really only seen this done by Wild (use code WILDSIMPLE for a discount). The refills come in cardboard and you refill your deodorant cartridge at home. I like that this most closely resembles traditional deodorant. It’s easy to use, works, great, and is very eco! It’s my personal favorite option.
Glass
That’s right, deodorant can come in glass jars! But, this means that you have to apply it with your hands. It can be a little weird at first to smear paste on your pits with your bare hands but you get used to it. I found it worked just fine it just took some getting used to. I tried one a few years back and it smelled so strongly of coconut I didn’t like that aspect of it, so here are some brands you can check out: Eco Roots, Sustain Yourself, and Fat and the Moon.
Makeup
Now, I’m not the biggest makeup girlie and I’m sure this topic could be its own post. For now, we will talk about a few brands I love and use every day I put on makeup (which isn’t often mind you). Also, just use what you have. I still have foundation in plastic, so I will be using that up entirely before searching for an eco option for example.
Axiology
This has to be my favorite makeup! It’s high-quality, looks lovely, and it totally zero waste. It’s packaging is so minimal and when they do use packaging, it’s entirely paper making it compostable or recyclable. I also love their model and that is they design their products to be multi-purpose. The same product can go on your lips, cheeks, and eyes instead of needing 3 separate products.
Zerra & Co
This is the best zero waste mascara I’ve found! I tried a few a couple of years ago and so many of them fell right off my eyes, dried out, or were too difficult to use. This one is so similar to traditional mascara but instead, it’s eco ingredients and packaged in glass. I think they even sell refills so you can use the same wand for years and years.
They also have makeup remover, toner, eye liner, eye shadow, and more!
Haircare
I’m not the most high-maintenance when it comes to hair (yes, I know my hair is currently blue/purple, but that’s the extent of what I do to my hair) so I don’t have a ton of swaps. Again, use what you have first. Use the last of your regular hair spray, gel, etc. and keep that old brush if it works. Only switch to these eco options when you run out or need a swap.
Wooden hairbrush
If you’re shopping for a hair brush, make it a wooden or bamboo one. That can it can return to the earth when it breaks (and the plastic bristles are removed). It works just the same as normal but with less of an impact. Here are some from Earth Hero.
Hair repair from Plaine Products
I love this product! Not going to lie, I thought it was a bit of a scam at first. But, on days when I wear my hair in a ponytail and the ends are damaged, I spray some of this on before bed and it actually does help my hair. I love that there is a product like this in sustainable packaging with sustainable ingredients.
Gel from Plaine Products
Plaine Products really does dominate eco hair care. Their gel is great for those who need it. When I was in the Air Force and needed to have neat, slick-backed hair, this was my eco go-to. I used regular gel when I first joined and my hair literally started to fall out. I don’t have that problem with this more natural gel and again, the packaging is superior. You can’t beat it!
Lotion
Take care of your skin!! It’s so important to hydrate your body via drinking water but also by moisturizing. Here are some ways to keep your skin healthy without sacrificing the health of the planet.
Liquid pre-made
The easiest option is to buy lotion similar to what you’re already used to. It’s pre-made, it’s a liquid, but it’s perhaps more eco-friendly than traditional brands. It is usually sold in metal and some brands will even take their bottles back to be refilled. This option is usually a bit on the expensive side, but with ingredients that are great for your body and better for the planet, it’s a win for me!
I’ve been loving Plaine Products as well as Uni. Both come in metal and the brands accept them back for refills and even pay the shipping label for you.
Liquid DIY
This option yields the same lotion you’re used to: liquid. But, it comes solid in minimal packaging and less cost. You add the hot water at home and stir until it looks like lotion. This is such a fun partial DIY from Ethique that cuts down on water weight for shipping and packaging. And it’s fun!
Lotion Bars
Probably the most eco-friendly lotion option is solid lotion. It comes in paper or reusable/recyclable tins and is very easy to apply. It might take a bit of getting used to since it’s a new concept, but it works wonderfully. Bars usually last the equivalent of 2-3 bottles, greatly reducing waste as well as shipping emissions. I love this one from Zerra & Co.
That’s all that I have for today, I know this list is far from complete so leave your favorite eco swaps below and I can make a follow-up post.
Thanks so much for reading along, I appreciate your time. As always, remember that your small actions make a big difference in the long run :)
Emma
