5.03.2013

Earthwise in the Bathroom

When I decided to start reducing and cleaning out rooms in the house, I realized that a lot of household waste came from the bathroom. I got rid of all the unnecessary stuff and started looking for other options. Here are some alternatives I've found to reduce waste and eliminate disposables:

Toilet Paper - Try to buy rolls individually wrapped in paper, or larger packages with recyclable plastic wrappers. I've found Walgreen's Ology brand toilet paper to be great! It's made from sugar cane husks and bamboo, TREE FREE! WOO!

Body Wash - Make your own and put it in a reused spray bottle. See my recipe here. Or just use straight castile soap.

Shampoo & Conditioner - Try the "no-poo" method: wash your scalp with baking soda, then rinse with vinegar for conditioner and shine. With my long hair, I didn't have the patience to get through the transition period where your hair is more oily for a while. I've read lots of testimonials and some people love it, and I believe it's easier with short hair. I want to try it again, but for now I buy shampoo & conditioner in bulk, in reused containers.

Shaving Cream- Most of the time, I'm lazy and just use the body wash. I've made some shaving cream, and I liked it, because sometimes I just crave a good lather. I'll share the recipe soon.

Razors- Switch to a reusable old fashioned safety razor. I got mine in perfect condition on Ebay, and it's from 1963! That says a lot for it's durability and quality. If you take out the razor blade and dry it between each use, it should last about 2 months. Which means a pack of 10 blades could last you 5 years!

Deodorant-  I've been making my own with a combination of baking soda, coconut oil, and arrowroot powder in a reused glass container. I haven't gotten the consistency perfect yet, so I'm waiting to share.

Toothpaste- Try your making your own. Here's mine. Or if you don't like dipping into the jar, you can make a powder to sprinkle onto your toothbrush with baking soda and stevia.

Toothbrush- I haven't found any amazing alternatives yet, but I have high hopes for the Bogobrush and The Environmental Toothbrush.

Floss- Try a reusable gum stimulator or biodegradable silk floss.

Hairspray- I very rarely use it, but when I do I'm going to try strained lemon water with a splash of vodka, in a spray bottle of course. ;)

Cotton Swabs- Avoid using them altogether, but if you can't, try to find some that have paper tubes/sticks and a cardboard container (no plastic.) I found some at Family Dollar in a cute decorative box.

Feminine Products- Switch to a menstrual cup and/or reusable(washable) pads. The Diva Cup is the most popular, but there are many other brands out there. Don't freak out yet, I won't go into any more detail right now, but I plan to do a separate post about it. I swear you won't go back if you try it.

Make-Up-  Reduce what you use. I only use mascara, brow liner, and Burt's Bees Lip Balm. I want to try making my own version of all of these. This would be awesome to try; maybe I can do a product review.

Face Wash- Rinse your face, rub gently with honey (avoiding eyes and hair), let sit for 30 seconds if you wish, then rinse. That's it. Honey is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, moisturizing.

Plastic Band-Aids- Instead, use gauze and paper surgical tape. You can cut the gauze to the size you need.

Antibiotic- Avoid drugstore antibiotic ointments. They usually contain Triclosan, which can cause bad bacteria to become stronger. Try using honey, 100% tea tree oil, or thieves oil.

Bathroom Cleaning:
  • Baking soda for scrubbing
  • Vinegar for disinfecting
  • A mixture of both baking soda and vinegar for cleaning the toilet and drains
  • Microfiber cloths for mirrors.
  • 2 or 3 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil in the toilet to keep it fresh

Water Conservation:
  • Put a brick in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used to fill it up
  • Collect water in a bucket while your shower heats up, then use the water for plants
  • Install a shower head that puts out less water
  • Install a shower head with a shut off valve for the in-between times when you step out of the water such as lathering hair, shaving legs, etc.
  • Don't run the water while you are brushing your teeth
  • I'll say it again, "If it's yellow, let it mellow."


I hope you have found these tips helpful. Please share any changes you have made!!


love & light,
Claire

6 comments:

  1. My husband bought a pack of the environmental toothbrush, we used it for a while, but we gave up quite quickly I'm afraid. It was too thick and too stiff. It was difficult to reach the inner teeth because it was a bit big and thick..

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    1. thanks for the heads up! I hope that you have better luck finding one that will work for you!

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  2. Ohhhhh, I love this post. I have to jump in here:

    I really like the Preserve Toothbrush subscription http://www.preserveproducts.com/products/personalcare.html

    For body wash I use soap that comes "naked" (without packaging). I also love shampoo bars also without packaging. I like as few bottles in my shower as possible. I store sugar scrub that I make in a pretty vintage le parfait jar. I love those things and pick them up at thrift stores whenever I find them.

    Thrilled to know about the Wal-Green's toilet paper! Also glad for the razor suggestion. I browsed quickly on Etsy but didn't see a great one. Will look again.

    Still haven't found a great deodorant, toothpaste or facial moisturizer recipe that I love. Hmph.

    I wash my face with coconut oil and let it steam for a bit every night. Works great! I love it! I use coconut oil for EVERYTHING.

    If it's yellow, let it mellow. I always forget this! Will try and do better.

    Now... the big topic. I have a Keeper Cup and try to use it each month but... it just freaks me out! I have problem with the, uh, application of it. Will definitely look forward to your post on that. I WANT to use it and love it like so many I know do but... I'm just not there yet. Help! :)

    Thanks for a great post! Sharing on Facebook!!!

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  3. Apologies for the epic comment... Also, one more thing... I LOVE LOVE LOVE these:
    https://www.etsy.com/listing/103578925/ecofriendly-alternative-to-disposable?ref=shop_home_active

    :)

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    1. You don't have to apologize! I am so excited that you shared! :) Thank you for your suggestions! I also looove le parfait jars.

      Try looking for a safety razor on Ebay. There are lots, I went with a vintage lady gillette, just because I liked the way it looked.

      Have you tried the toothpaste recipe on my site? ..wink, wink

      I also use coconut oil for everything, my boyfriend still thinks I am crazy, I haven't convinced him of coconut oil yet. hehe

      About the menstrual cups; I did a lot of online research to make sure I was comfortable with how it all worked. It only took me a few tries after I read how others do it and how to make sure the "seal is made". Folding it in half (into a U shape) works best for me, then just insert it up and slightly back. Practicing when it is not "lady time" is much easier as well. I hope this helps. I will be doing the post about them soon, and I will make sure to list the most helpful websites. :)

      I have been looking into reusable face wipes as well...those look reeeeal nice!

      Thanks so much again for the feedback!! :)

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  4. Great tips! I'll have to keep an eye our of alternative cotton swabs in Aus! I love thr rule "its its yellow let it mellow...." its a fav in my house! xx

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