Zero Waste Month - The Bathroom - Its a wrap
- Terrever
- Mar 2, 2020
- 2 min read
So hopefully this past month of February, you were able to consider switching out a few plastics in your bathroom for more sustainable products.
What did you try?
Maybe, you decided to do more than one and now you have a lot of plastic and/or trash leftover from your switches.
What do you do with this stuff? Can it be recycled? Repurposed? Or just put into the bin for the dump?
Let's break it down -
1. Switch: Teeth/Mouth Cleaning Products-
Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Floss, Mouthwash - You tried making your own toothpaste and mouthwash in your glassware. You have old floss containers because you switched to refillable or recyclable packaged products. You have switched out your toothbrush to bamboo. Or maybe not.
For recycling - check out Terracycle (https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades) for programs for recycling all of your goods. This shouldn't be the go to for your sustainable lifestyle in the bathroom, but can be a supplement.
2. Switch: Bathroom Cleaners -
White Vinegar, Lemons, Water, Mason Jar - spray, clean everywhere. Try to find white vinegar in glass bottle for recycle and/or reuse.
Reusable cloths or compostable scrubbers for cleaning.
Bulk - bring your own containers to a bulk store, check concentrations.
Types - choose products with eco-friendly ingredients.
3. Switch: Facial/Skincare Products -
Can you switch to items that are in recyclable or reusable containers? Can you make your own? Does terracycle have a recycling program (https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades)? Check with your local Ulta or another skincare providers to see if they have recycling options for makeup. Many people have switched to no make up or make your own as well.
Bulk - is there a store that offers bulk skincare items? Bring your own clean containers, have them weighed or preweigh and fill with your goods. SPF, cream, cleansers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, leave in treatments, and many others are available.
Reusable facial cloth or rounds - instead of throw away plastic cloths, choose reusable cloths. Etsy has many providers or choose to make your own.
4. Switch: Bathroom Necessities -
Toilet Paper - can you choose recycled paper? are you open to transitioning to reusable cloths? This will entail laundry of the cloths on a regular basis.
Razors - can you switch to a reusable razor? Recycle the blades in a can in bulk. Check out terracycle for a razor and razor product recycling program (https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades).
Deodorant - are you open to making your own? Check brands that have recycling brands. Check brands that use more eco-friendly ingredients.
DIY Poopouri - Some water, lavender, blend together and boom.
More tips:
1. Be sure to use up all of the remaining product before recycling, donating or throwing away the item.
2. When looking at cleaning tools or bathroom tools, always look at location of manufacturing, research the lifecycle of the product and the ultimate end use or fate of the product. Reduce the impact on the product by choosing compostable or recyclable items.
3. Lifecycle - What is the Reduce, Refuse, Reuse, Recycle or Rot of the products?
Have specific inquiries or questions? Please contact us. The power lies with you.
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