Absolute 24 Plastic-Free Bathroom Swaps

Going totally plastic-free may seem daunting at first, but by applying gradual changes, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you find yourself living an almost zero-plastic life!

There are many benefits to cutting out plastic from your life. Some of these include decreasing the number of microplastics that are polluting our oceans and incidentally our bodies, too. Going plastic-free also offers you a chance to become more creative and discover other beneficial and natural products.

Let’s start with a plastic-free bathroom. Try out some of these easy plastic-free bathroom swaps, that are not just better for the environment, but can positively affect your own health, too!

So, how to go plastic-free in the bathroom?

There are a couple of ways to go plastic-free in the bathroom. This can be done step-by-step, or all at once! I did both, but because it is such a small area of our lives I didn’t think too much about it until many months later.

First, you’ll need two tools: your eyes and your brain. I know it’s a bit scary, but you can do this!

The first thing to do is take a long look at everything in your bathroom. Do you have any plastic? You might be surprised how much you find!

I’ll list the things I found and how I got rid of them. I started with a few products and I eliminated one at a time, checking each off my list.

The things you need to look out for: toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, face wash/soap/cleanser, shaving cream, floss & toothpicks (you can get bamboo ones,) cotton balls and cotton rounds, body lotion, and lip balm.

In this list, I’ve put together 24 most common products that you can replace with eco-friendly alternatives to go plastic-free in the bathroom.

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#1 Shower curtain

hemp shower curtain

There have been studies done showing that your plastic shower curtain is actually pretty toxic. Since the material itself is made from some pretty harmful materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which carries harmful organic compounds (VOCs), that can negatively impact your health. Not to mention the adverse impact it has on the environment itself.

Luckily, there are some plastic-free and natural alternatives available, such as the burlap or hemp shower curtain. They are pretty strong, water-resistant, and have various color options available. They also add a nice, rustic touch to the bathroom decor – which is always a plus.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#2 Shampoo and Conditioner

Regarding hair care, you’ll be glad to know that there are a ton of affordable, natural, and plastic-free products out there that can replace your favorite, commercial shampoo.

Shampoo bars for one. They make these from natural ingredients that nourish your hair without all those nasty parabens and chemicals that are in most big brand shampoo bottles. For example, the All-Natural Shampoo Bar, Virgin Coconut, and Argan Oil contain ingredients you can understand and will leave your hair feeling luscious and shiny. You can also pair that with Conditioner with Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, and Vitamin E, which will ensure your hair gets all the nutrients it needs – without the unnecessary additives.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#3 Makeup-remover/cotton rounds

Think about how many cotton balls and buds we waste each year just to remove makeup. You can easily replace these with washable cotton rounds and a non-comedogenic oil that won’t break the bank, or pollute the environment, either.

If you want to go all-natural; a reusable cotton round paired with coconut, sunflower, jojoba, argan, or even soy oil is an effective way to remove makeup, and will leave your skin feeling clean and moisturized, too, without clogging the pores.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#4 Soap

eco bar soap

Your everyday shower gels can easily be replaced with eco bar soaps, which are made of vegan ingredients and packaged in recycled paper. Not only are these soap bars better for the environment, but they’re also nourishing for your skin, too. Their ingredients are entirely natural and have hydrating properties, plus they smell amazing!

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#5 Loofah 

Ditch your plastic sponge and opt for a bamboo body brush, which is far better for you in the long-run. These bushes can reduce toxins and help you to achieve smoother skin, without having to shell out for commercial body scrubs. 

If you prefer something a little more gentle, check out this Loofah, for a different exfoliating option, that is all-natural and built to last. The loofah can also be used as a kitchen sponge too, so you can buy them in bulk, or check out these fully biodegradable, vegetable sponges.

How to dispose of loofahs?

Loofahs are a natural product and so do not need to be recycled. In fact, they make great additions to compost piles — the prickly surface helps to aerate the compost while the fibers help to break down organic matter. Plus, they’re biodegradable so they won’t harm the environment.

If you don’t have a garden or compost pile, you can always just toss them in the trash (just make sure they’re dry first).

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#6 Bath Salts

While we don’t promote taking too many baths, since they use a significant amount of water, an occasional soak promotes a myriad of benefits and is valuable for your overall well being. With that being said, some commercial bath bombs and salts are filled with nasty chemicals that end up doing more harm than good in the long run. Not to mention they’re usually packaged in plastic.

Check out these bath bombs, which are made from natural ingredients and come in gorgeous colors – that would make an amazing gift for someone.

You can also create your own bath salt mix using Himalayan salt and a few drops of your favorite essential oil, for a relaxing and fragrant soak.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#7 Period Underwear

During that time of the month, a person will use a staggering 200 tampons or pads in a year, and depending on the heaviness of the flow, it can be even more than that. That’s a lot of waste to consider. Thankfully, nowadays there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives that are far more efficient, and work out being cheaper over time.

For example, ModiBodi period underwear is made from natural materials, like bamboo, and can hold up to 20ml or 4 tampons worth, which is a lot. Many women have raved about how comfortable and convenient period underwear can be, and there are also many different styles to choose from, too.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#8 Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups might not be for everyone, but there’s no denying that they are a wonderful alternative to tampons and pads. They also take little space and are a great money saver, plus they are made of 100% medical grade silicone with no chemicals, plastic, or dyes.
You can get a specific menstrual cup depending on your flow, and one of these bad boys can last up to 10 years!

DivaCup provides up to three different sized cups and goes well with the DivaCup DivaWash menstrual cup cleaner. 

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#9 Toothbrush

Bamboo toothbrush

The majority of households today go through at least 3-6 toothbrushes annually, and in the U.S. alone 850 million toothbrushes are discarded every year!

A great alternative is Bamboo toothbrushes. They are totally plastic-free and are made from biodegradable, eco-friendly natural bamboo, which is not only better for the environment, but looks pretty cool, too.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#10 Toothpaste

What better way to complement your new bamboo toothbrush than with Davids Natural Toothpaste. This natural toothpaste is free of any harmful chemicals and doesn’t come in a plastic tube that fills up our oceans and landfills.

If you want to go all out, you can also try making your own toothpaste, by using (3 Tbsp) certified organic coconut oil, (3 Tbsp) baking soda, 5 drops of essential oil (optional), and 2.5 ml (½ tsp) xylitol, stevia or bentonite clay (optional). You can already find most of this stuff like coconut oil and baking soda, at home.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#11 Tooth Powder

For those of you who prefer tooth powder instead, check out this All Natural Tooth Powder which comes in a cute, vintage-looking jar. It has an intense mint flavor for extra fresh breath and is made from natural ingredients that promote healthy teeth and gums. For extra spice, you can also choose from other flavors like sweet spice and Cinna mint, yum!

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#12 Mouthwash 

Studies have shown that most commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol and other harsh ingredients can actually irritate the soft tissue in your mouth. Therefore, try opting for a gentle herbal, and holistic mouth rinse such as the No products found..

It’s gluten-free, free of artificial colors and harsh chemicals, and is bottled in an eco-friendly glass container, which is better for the environment.

#13 Dental Floss

Biodegradable Silk Floss

Because single-use dental floss is made from hard plastic, it’s virtually impossible to recycle. This means it often ends up in our waterways, strangling marine life and littering our landfills for thousands of years to come. Plus, they can cause gum irritation as well, as it’s made from harsh materials.

Alternatives such as Biodegradable Silk Floss, are much gentle on our teeth and gums, and they even come in an attractive glass jar, eliminating any plastic. Another superb, plastic-free option is Tree Bird, they are refillable and come in a chic looking steel dispenser.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#14 Tongue scraper

To finish our dental care section, take a look at these stainless steel tongue scrapers. They will last you ages, and they’re a better substitute for the plastic tongue scrapers, which collect a lot of bacteria.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#15 Shaver

Plastic razors are the new plastic straws. Disposable shavers are super wasteful, and very difficult to dispose of, since they’re near impossible to properly recycle.

Plastic razors are usually made from cheap materials and they don’t even work that well, either.

This makes stainless steel razors a good, long-term investment. These double edge safety razors are built to last, come with an attractive bamboo handle, and help you achieve a much better shave with fewer ingrown hairs and nicks.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#16 Shaving Gel

Most shaving gels come in a can or are packaged in another type of plastic. Luckily, we found Aloe Vera & Calendula Soap which is a much better, plastic-free alternative that’s packed with 25% recycled material.

This soap bar is not only effective for shaving, but it’s much better for your skin too! It’s jam-packed with various holistic ingredients such as shea butter, sunflower oil, and various essential oils.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#17 Cotton Tips

One step to a plastic-free bathroom would be to replace your regular cotton tips with these Bamboo cotton buds. They are much more sustainable, as they’re made from biodegradable bamboo.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#18 Hairbrush

Bamboo hair brush

Let’s not forget our hairbrushes either!

Bamboo hair brushes are a much sturdier and less wasteful substitute to your regular hairbrush, plus, they claim to have scalp massaging properties, too!

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#19 Wax strips

You can replace your regular store-bought plastic wax strips with this Sugar Wax Hair Removal Kit from Smooth Lab. These woven strips are made from all-natural ingredients and come in an attractive glass jar. 

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#20 Moisturiser

Coconut oil is your skin’s best friend! It comes with a ton of hydrating properties, is 100% natural and chemical-free, and will last you for ages! It can also be used as a hair mask, makeup remover, and even for dental care.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#21 Lip balm/butter

Our lips need a little love too, and the best way to show that is by applying some moisturizing lip balm such as Farmstead Apothecary 100% Natural Lip Balm with Organic Beeswax. These are made from organic coconut oil, natural beeswax and fragrant, fruit flavors that will both nourish your lips, and leave them smelling divine!

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#22 Cloth Tissues 

Paper tissues are one of the worst pollutants in our landfills and waterways. Avoid this waste by taking a leaf from your grandparent’s or great-grandparent’s book, and opt for a set of No products found.

#23 Deodorant

Stick Up Natural Vegan Deodorant

Most store brand deodorants contain aluminum salts and other substances to stop you from sweating, which to be honest, isn’t very natural. Moreover, they’re usually packaged in a plastic material that ends up in the landfill anyway. Try out this Stick Up Natural Vegan Deodorant, which comes in a cardboard tube, and is much better for you.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

#24 Toilet Paper

While some may not give toilet paper a second thought, there are more eco-friendly alternatives to our regular loo roll. Like this Organic Bamboo Toilet Paper, that’s planet-friendly and is made from 100% recycled paper.

Additionally, a Stainless Steel Handheld Bidet is also an effective substitute for cutting down on toilet paper.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Plastic-Free Bathroom FAQs

Is it difficult to maintain a plastic-free bathroom?

It can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. There are a few key things to keep in mind.

First, avoid buying products that come in plastic packaging. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it can be tricky when so many products come in plastic containers. Try to find alternatives that come in recyclable paper or cardboard packaging instead.

Second, ditch the disposable items. Disposable razors, toothbrushes, and toiletry wipes all come wrapped in plastic packaging, and they’re not necessary. Invest in reusable versions of these items instead.

Finally, get creative with storage solutions. There are lots of ways to store toiletries without using plastic containers or bags.

Why plastic-free bathroom is a good start in zero-waste living?

There are a few reasons why having a plastic-free bathroom is a good start in zero-waste living. First, most people generate a lot of waste from their bathrooms. In the U.S., for example, the average person generates more than 26 pounds of waste from their bathroom each year.

Second, plastic is one of the biggest contributors to global pollution and climate change. It takes centuries for plastic to break down in nature, and it’s estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. This is equivalent to dumping one garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute.

Finally, there are many simple ways to have a plastic-free bathroom without making any major changes. It’s an easy way to start living a more sustainable and plastic-free lifestyle.


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