Making less trash is a large part of our life. We aren't perfect at it, but with our current infrastructure, no one really can. So let's throw 'perfect' out the window and chat about what we consider 'essentials'.
When I first started diving into the world of Zero Waste, it felt over whelming from where I was standing. Little by little though, we've made swaps for more eco-friendly alternatives. A tip I found helpful was not to feel the need to go out and buy everything right away. The best way to go about transitioning your products is as they run out (or break). Here are a few things zero waste essentials I use!
S H O W E R + H A I R C A R E
S H A M P O O
For a while I was trying to use shampoo bars but my hair wasn't into it for the most part. I was so thrilled to find Plaine Products! They're basically the next best thing because you still get to use liquid shampoo, but the packaging is completely recyclable. Also, Plaine Products has a take back program where you can send your empty bottles and get refills!
S O A P B A R S
For body and face I use bar soap now (or Plaine Products for body wash). I know what you're thinking..."But isn't it drying?" There are so many wonderful companies now that make soap bars that don't strip your skin! But if you're like me and you still like to be super precious with the skin on your face, you can opt for a separate bar specifically crafted for your face. I love this Turmeric Beauty Bar from Skin Owl. It helps my skin for daily maintenance but also really pulls through when I am breaking out! This comes in cardboard packing but our body/hand soap we pick up at Whole Foods is package free.
D R Y S H A M P O O
I'm going to level with you -- most days I don't feel like washing my hair. This reason, paired with my desire to prolong hair styles I've put effort into has made me a dry shampoo loving girl! I've been making my own for a while now and love it! I also love how much money I save by making it myself. I mix together organic corn starch and cacao powder until it looks like a slightly beige color and pour into this old spice jar. When I want to use it, I can just apply some directly to my scalp in the desired areas but usually I tap a bit into the lid and use an old (clean) make up brush to dab it into my hair. This also adds some nice volume!
S K I N C A R E
I still own quite a few products in my arsenal but I since I really do enjoy skin care, I don't beat myself up about it. I do however, try to make sure the products I buy are packaged in glass or metal for the most part or have a take back program. One thing I always have on hand is this Everything Spray from Primally Pure. Because you can literally use it for everything. Toner, bug bites, razor burn, rashes, eczema, under arm refresher -- you name it. Since it replaces a few products and it's packaged in glass, I consider it a zero waste essential.
Instead of disposable cotton rounds, I now use reusable ones! I love these ones form Marley's Monsters. You can get white like me or super fun colors and designs!
S A F E T Y R A Z O R
I was so excited to get this razor! First off, it looks pretty cool. Secondly, (and more importantly) it replaces disposable razors. This keeps less trash being produced but it also means I don't have to buy those expensive disposable ones over and over again. All you have to do is replace the single blade that's in it once and a while but replacements for those are significantly cheaper than their disposable razor head counterparts.
P E R S O N A L C A R E
T O I L E T P A P E R
Wipe your butt with sugar! I'm not talking about actual sugar -- I'm talking about sugar cane. Pure Planet's toilet paper is awesome because it's 3-PLY but it's made from sugar cane plants, which grow way faster than trees and is able to have a higher harvest turn around rate. A really awesome sustainable option, when you're not into bidets.
B A M B O O T O O T H B R U S H
It's a sad truth, but often times our discarded plastic tooth brushes end up in our oceans and water ways. Thankfully there are bamboo toothbrushes out there! There are several different brands but I love this one from Mable.
It's a sad truth, but often times our discarded plastic tooth brushes end up in our oceans and water ways. Thankfully there are bamboo toothbrushes out there! There are several different brands but I love this one from Mable.
Hope you enjoyed my Zero Waste Bathroom Essentials! Let us know if you'd like to see more blog posts like this!