The bathroom is one of the easiest places to start your zero-waste journey, and making a few simple swaps can have a big impact on reducing plastic waste.
By choosing eco-friendly alternatives for everyday products, you can create a bathroom routine that’s not only better for the environment but also healthier for you. Investing in reusable products can also save you money in the long run, as they last much longer than their disposable counterparts.
In this post, we’ll cover practical zero-waste bathroom swaps that are simple to implement, cost-effective, and sustainable. Each change is a step toward a more eco-conscious lifestyle, with lasting benefits for both you and the planet.
Let’s dive in and explore how you can transform your bathroom into a plastic-free zone!
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Here are some essential zero waste bathroom products that are easy swaps for anyone looking to reduce their plastic waste and save some money too!
1. Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
When it comes to ditching shampoo in plastic bottles, one of the best zero-waste alternatives is bar shampoo and conditioner. What’s even better is that shampoo bars are among the easiest swaps you can make for a more sustainable bathroom routine.
A great place to buy zero waste shampoo and conditioner is at Unwrapped Life where they have natural soaps that ship in compostable and recyclable packaging.
Unwrapped Life’s soaps are vegan, made using ingredients like coconut oil and cocoa butter, and aren’t tested on animals. They have different shampoo options for all sorts of hair types.
Here’s a list of things to know when switching to bar shampoo and conditioner.
EcoRoots Morrocan Oil Shampoo Bar
HiBAR shampoo
2. Plastic-Free Shampoo Bottles
If you want to stick to liquid shampoo but want to be more zero-waste, opt for shampoo that doesn’t come in plastic bottles.
Plaine Products sells non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free personal care products and one of those is shampoo bottles that come in aluminum bottles.
You’ll get a pump on your first purchase that you switch out to your refill bottle when your bottle is done. They even provide the shipping labels so you can send back your empty bottles for free.
Plaine Products shampoo is also available at EarthHero but you save 10% when you subscribe via Plaine Products directly. Don’t forget to check out their conditioner and other zero-waste bathroom products as well!
3. Zero-Waste Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a great bathroom product to have on hand to fix greasy hair without taking a shower but they typically come in a spray can with plastic parts, making it difficult to recycle.
Instead, you can get zero-waste dry shampoo that comes in cardboard packaging!
4. Body Wash Bars
Another easy transition to make on your zero waste journey is switching to a bar of soap for body wash instead of a plastic bottle.
Bar soap is another easy way to reduce plastic packaging. Just rub the bar soap on your loofah, cloth or pouf and lather your body away.
TIP: Check out your local farmers’ market for some local handmade soap!
5. Zero-Waste Soap Dish
When switching to soap bars in the bathroom, a handy accessory to have is a soap dish. Bar soap dishes can be used for any type of soap bar, including shampoo and conditioner.
A soap dish helps keep the soap dry, which helps keep the bar intact and also makes the bar last longer.
6. Natural Soap Saver Bag
A good zero-waste accessory for a soap bar is a soap saver bag. This bag will help the bar of soap last longer, allow for easy storage and also help exfoliate the skin.
Use a soap saver bag with your body wash bar and/or your shaving bar. Alternatively, you can simply use the soap saver bag to add your small pieces of soap to it when the bar starts to crumble.
7. Natural Loofahs
Another way to lower your environmental impact in the bathroom is to skip the plastic loofah/pouf since they aren’t recyclable and therefore bound for the landfill.
Instead, switch to a natural loofah which is 100% compostable since it’s a dried plant. For even more exfoliation, check out this sisal body brush.
8. Reusable Cloths and Poufs
If a natural loofah isn’t your thing, simply swapping out a plastic loofah for a reusable washcloth or a reusable pouf is a great option, and honestly, an even better option considering they’re reusable.
Check out Etsy for some handmade reusable shower poufs that will provide the same sudsy lather as a plastic loofah or learn how to crochet your own shower pouf! For extra sustainability, choose organic cotton when buying or DIYing.
9. Zero-Waste Safety Razor
Disposable razors aren’t recyclable due to there being both metal and plastic in the razor. The best way to stop using disposable razors when switching to a zero-waste lifestyle is to swap to a safety razor.
With a safety razor made from metals like stainless steel, all you need to do in the future is recycle the razor blades and replace them with new ones.
Razor blades last a long time with proper care (rinsing the razor blade between uses and keeping the razor in a dry location when not in use).
10. Shaving Bar
As an alternative to shaving cream that typically comes in an aluminum bottle, switch to a zero-waste shaving bar.
Like the other zero-waste bars mentioned, this is another super simple swap that will leave you with nothing to throw away once it’s finished.
11. Eco Antiperspirant/Deodorant
Switching to a zero-waste deodorant or antiperspirant is a simple yet impactful way to reduce plastic waste in your bathroom.
Traditional deodorants often come in plastic containers that can’t be recycled, but there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives available.
Deodorant bars, refillable containers, and products in cardboard packaging or metal tins all offer effective odor protection without the waste.
These options are typically made with natural ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils, which are gentler on your skin and free of harsh chemicals.
While they might cost a bit more upfront, they last longer than conventional deodorants, saving you money over time while helping to keep your bathroom more sustainable.
Alpine Provisions Charcoal Deodorant
Fat and the Moon Deodorant Cream
Secret Refillable Antiperspirant
12. Reusable Cotton Rounds
One of the easiest sustainable products to transition to is reusable cotton rounds. They replace the need to buy disposable cotton rounds and cotton balls which people often use as makeup wipes or to apply facial serums, lotions, etc.
When you remove makeup on a daily basis, the waste can really add up. Opt for reusable facial rounds that can simply be washed and reused.
Marley’s Monsters Facial Rounds
EcoRoots Cotton Rounds
13. Bamboo Toothbrush
Another easy and affordable zero waste option for the bathroom is a bamboo toothbrush. Plastic toothbrushes aren’t recyclable and end up in landfills.
With bamboo toothbrushes, you can remove the bristles with pliers, seal them in a plastic container for recycling and compost the bamboo handles.
14. Plastic-Free Toothpaste
Switching to a plastic-free toothpaste is a simple yet impactful change for a zero-waste bathroom.
Instead of traditional toothpaste tubes that often end up in landfills, consider toothpaste in biodegradable or recyclable packaging, like glass jars or compostable paper tubes.
You can also try toothpaste tablets or powders, which eliminate packaging altogether. Not only will this swap reduce plastic waste, but many of these eco-friendly alternatives also contain natural ingredients that are gentler on both your teeth and the environment.
Another great alternative is making your own DIY toothpaste using natural ingredients like baking soda and coconut oil. Check out this awesome homemade toothpaste recipe.
Davids Fluoride Free Toothpaste
Georganics Toothpaste
15. Zero Waste Mouthwash
Mouthwash is another zero waste swap you can buy or DIY.
Here’s a simple zero-waste mouthwash recipe:
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (neutralizes bad breath and balances pH)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (naturally antibacterial and soothing for gums)
Mix the ingredients in a reusable glass jar or bottle. Shake well before each use, swish a small amount in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. This easy recipe is natural, affordable, and avoids unnecessary waste.
16. Eco-Friendly Floss
Standard floss is usually made with nylon, which is a type of plastic and therefore can only go in the garbage.
Instead, you can opt for a biodegradable alternative such as silk dental floss which can come in cardboard or glass packaging.
17. Reusable Ear Swabs
Disposable cotton swabs are one of the worst single-use items, especially with the stick is made out of plastic. One zero-waste swap is reusable ear swabs, that you simply clean after each use and reuse.
18. Biodegradable Cotton Swabs
If you want to stick with disposable cotton swabs, opt for biodegradable cotton swabs that are made from bamboo instead of plastic.
It’s also worth noting that cotton swabs can be used other than for ears, such as applying and removing makeup or nail polish and even for craft projects.
19. Plastic-Free Toilet Paper
Although toilet paper isn’t made with plastic, most toilet paper companies package them in plastic.
Choose toilet paper brands with plastic-free packaging such as Who Gives a Crap where the toilet paper rolls are wrapped in paper. As a sustainable bonus, the toilet paper is made with bamboo and shipped with carbon-neutral shipping.
Who Gives a Crap also donates 50% of their profits to build toilets in developing countries, helping reduce the number of deaths due to diarrheal diseases caused by poor water and sanitation. So far, they’ve donated almost $8 million USD. How amazing is that?
The best part is Who Gives a Crap is cheaper than other luxury toilet paper brands, so you can help make a difference without overpaying.
Grab $10 off your first subscription with code TP4EVA!
20. Reusable Toilet Paper
Reusable toilet paper is not for everyone, but it can be an easy way to lower your use of toilet paper, especially when paired with a bidet.
A bidet rinses away everything with water so when you wipe, you’re wiping mostly water. Simply throw the reusable wipe in the hamper, wash it, and repeat.
Check out Marley’s Monsters for some reusable toilet unpaper and get a coupon for 10% off your order through this link.
21. Reusable Cloth Period Products
There are plenty of options for a more sustainable period instead of wearing disposable pads, such as reusable pads, liners and even period underwear.
They replace the need to wear disposable pads and are washable and reusable. Simply rinse and wash instead of throwing it away.
Check out Aisle for reusable pads, liners and underwear for periods. That link will also give you $10 off your first purchase!
22. Zero-Waste Menstrual Cup
Menstrual cups are another way to reduce waste on your period and can be a great alternative if you don’t like pads.
Many menstrual cups can stay in for 12 hours before needing to be emptied. Additionally, you can still use the bathroom while wearing one.
23. Sustainable Tampons
If reusable pads or menstrual cups aren’t for you and you want to stick with tampons, switch to a more zero-waste tampon.
Simply refraining from buying tampons that come in plastic applicators is a huge step in the right direction, but if you want to go a step further, you can opt for tampons made with organic cotton.
Most tampons are typically made with cotton and rayon but may contain chemicals and even plastic in the tampon itself so switching to an organic cotton tampon is safer for your body.
24. Eco Bath Bombs/Salts
Love bath bombs and bath salts but want a more sustainable option? Many bath bombs come wrapped in single-use plastic and may contain harmful chemicals, and bath salts usually come in plastic bottles.
Opt for bath bombs that come plastic-free and bath salts that come in glass containers.
Alternatively, making your own bath salts is easy and can be a lot cheaper than buying bath bombs and salts from stores. All you need is epsom salts and dried flowers for example.
25. Bamboo Hairbrush
Most hairbrushes come in plastic and the bristles inevitably break, leaving microplastics.
Instead, opt for a bamboo hairbrush, which doesn’t actually feel like you’re actually brushing your hair with wood. Better aesthetic and better for the planet.
Final Thoughts on These Zero-Waste Bathroom Swaps
Making the switch to zero-waste bathroom products may feel overwhelming at first, but with small, practical changes, you can quickly create a more sustainable space without compromising on quality or convenience.
From reusable items to eco-friendly swaps, every step you take not only reduces plastic waste but also helps you save money in the long run.
Remember that sustainability is a journey, and every little change you make adds up. Start with the swaps that feel most doable and work your way from there—your planet and your wallet will thank you!
Next up: the kitchen! Here are some of the best zero-waste food storage products to start eliminating plastic in the kitchen.
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