Looking for a feel-good weekend project this winter? How about converting your bathroom to one that is more zero-waste? You will likely end up with a bonus of reduced clutter and healthier products for you and your loved ones.
Here are some tips:
1. Start with assessing where your household can trim down on packaging. Buying bulk hand soap, shampoo and conditioners is a great first step, and local farmers’ markets abound with handmade, package-free soap, low-waste toothpaste and more.
2. Replace plastic items with more natural alternatives when they reach the end of their lives. Bamboo toothbrushes, hemp shower curtains, ceramic soap dishes, wooden toilet brushes and decorative beach shells are available locally and do not produce off-gas like their plastic counterparts.
3. Those who are more ambitious can make soaps, perfumes, deodorants or toothpastes. Find great recipes online.
4. Consider feminine hygiene products that are not single use. Some new products available include absorbing and washable underwear and reusable silicone cups.
5. Many single-use bathroom items have reusable counterparts. Swap handkerchiefs for tissues, a washcloth for a makeup removal pad or a good scrub in the shower for a cotton swab.
6. Indulge in plastic and chemical-free makeup and beauty products when possible. Naturally pigmented and reduced-packaging products are increasingly available in today’s eco-friendly market.
7. Toss chemical-laden bathroom cleaners and replace them with homemade versions made from vinegar, water, lemon juice and essential oils.
8. Encourage your household to only toss towels in the laundry bin when needed. Colour coding towels for each member can be a great trick to avoid unneeded laundering.
Beneficial changes for the planet can feel better on a personal level as well. The bathroom is a great place to start going zero-waste and will include the added bonus of reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, all while having a lighter impact on the planet.
Let’s Talk Trash is Powell River Regional District’s waste-management education program.
