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2 hours ago
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Ah, the bathroom. It's a place of relaxation and refuge, but it's also one of waste (no, not that kind ... but yes, also that kind). From the razors you toss after every use to the enormous bottles of shampoo and shower gel cluttering the corner of your shower, our bathrooms generate more than their fair share of trash. The good news? They don't have to. As with other wasteful household products, there are easy swaps for some of the biggest offenders, some of which will even save you some cash at the very same time that they soothe your conscience.
For instance, you could nix that huge bottle of shampoo in favor of a clever, travel-friendly shampoo bar that lasts a surprisingly long time. And no, you don't have to part with your favorite brand of toilet paper, but you could add an easy-to-install bidet attachment that will help you make each pricey roll go a heck of a lot further. You could even deep-six that giant pack of Q-Tips for silicone swabs that are easy to rinse and reuse. Keep scrolling for plenty of other convenient ways to go green and maybe save some too.
Plastic bottles of hand soap
If you're anything like me, you're buying plastic bottles of hand soap in bulk and tossing them in the recycling bin when you're done. But while a typical plastic bottle is recyclable, the pump might not be. Many are made up of different materials, including an array of plastics or even glass and steel, and that mixture earmarks them for a landfill instead, according to S.C. Johnson. Opting for a refillable container is an easy way to eliminate the problem entirely, or you can go back to the basics with some cute bar soap, no bottle required.
Disposable plastic razors
In 2018, Americans bought more than $1.2 billion in disposable razors, reports the Associated Press. After all, they're ultra-convenient — except when it comes to recycling. Banned from typical curbside programs because of the mix of materials and safety hazards, they usually end up in landfills, where they may not break down for hundreds of years. A better option? Razors that minimize (or eliminate!) plastic, such as safety razors or razors with biodegradable handles. Even better? You can save money in the long run — one analysis of safety razors vs. more traditional cartridge systems revealed savings of more than $330 over 10 years.
Score one for the traditionalists: It turns out that an old-school safety razor is among the least wasteful ways to shave. This pack of 10 double-edged stainless steel blades will last up to six months, depending on your routine, and how about that sleek metal handle?
Reviewers say there's a learning curve here, but it's worth it, especially because you'll probably save some cash. "At first ... I had to be SUPER careful and slow, but luckily didn't nick myself. And it felt way better than the plastic razors I get, which give me razor burn and ingrown hairs even with good shaving cream," said this convert. "And it really does help to cut down on how often you need to shave compared to regular razors. I usually, if I want smooth legs, have to shave every day, but shaving with [this razor] lasts so much longer."
Cotton swabs, cotton rounds and facial wipes
The beauty industry has a ways to go when it comes to sustainability: It produces some 120 billion pieces of packaging annually, 95% of which are thrown away, according to CleanHub. "You can't really go 'no waste' with beauty," says Yahoo Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini. "But you can minimize your footprint with a little thought and planning." One bright spot is the proliferation of eco-friendly beauty tools like reusable cotton rounds, biodegradable facial wipes and even silicone makeup swabs — all are relatively easy swaps for their disposable counterparts.
Plastic bottles of shampoo and body wash
Remember when all you needed was some Ivory soap and a bottle of Breck? Today, it's hard to take a single step in the shower without toppling massive containers of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and all the other gels and creams that seem to multiply overnight. Most bottles are easy to recycle via curbside programs, but there are also simple ways to ditch the plastic entirely. One is by lathering up the old-fashioned way, and that includes your hair. "I only use bar soap and shampoo now," Romolini says. "You can even find bar moisturizers. This one from Kate McLeod is my absolute fave. I give them as gifts every Christmas, and everyone loves them." Not sold on bars? You can also find liquid refills that let you use the same bottles instead of kicking them to the curb every month or two.
"When I was younger, my hair would tolerate even the cheapest motel shampoo, but now that I'm a 'mature' blonde, I've realized I have to be careful about what I use, or I risk damaging my strands," Romolini says. "Many shampoo bars I've tested feel like you're just rubbing soap on your scalp, but this one from Kitsch is actually super nourishing and leaves my hair smooth and soft." This little bar also lasts longer than you might think — two to three months, reviewers say — and it makes traveling easier since you don't have to take it out at airport security.
Traditional deodorant
A typical stick of deodorant is another product that falls into a recycling gray zone. Many of them are made from a mishmash of plastics that may contaminate your curbside recycling stream. (Speaking of contamination, those last powdery slivers can also cause issues, lowering the value of the material to be recycled.) Look for refillable deodorant sticks for a greener option, or consider alternatives like deodorant creams and stones that minimize plastic packaging.
Refillable, plastic-free deodorant? Wild, indeed. This sleek, durable aluminum tube is set to be reused again and again, and each 1.4-ounce refill lasts up to 6 weeks. The formula itself is aluminum-free, and this kit lets you try three scents: Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt, Cherry Blossom and Coconut & Vanilla.
Single-use toilet brush systems
"Cleaning the bathroom is my favorite chore!" ... said no one ever. And that's why clever products like the Clorox ToiletWand or Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush kits are so appealing — you don't have to stare at your own filth for long, if at all. But the wands and holders are plastic, the cleaning brushes can clog your pipes if flushed (even those that are supposedly flushable, plumbers warn) and constantly buying refill brushes gets expensive. Go back to the basics with a reusable toilet brush — bonus points for one made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo — and consider pipe-friendly biodegradable cleaning tablets that can make scrubbing a breeze when the time comes.
With its bamboo and recycled handle, this eco-friendly toilet brush is built to last. It comes with a clever ceramic holder that features a disc made of diatomaceous earth designed to cut down on smells, absorb water and keep bristles clean. Even better, Full Circle is a certified B Corp that uses plastic-free packaging and carbon-neutral shipping.
Toilet paper and wet wipes
If the pandemic taught us anything, it's that bulk packs of Charmin are the base of any American survival kit. Most TP is made from forest fiber — that is, wood pulp — and yes, it biodegrades. But the less we use, the better, because it still requires a lot of resources to produce: up to 2 pounds of wood for a single roll, the Natural Resources Defense Council tells Outside. As for those supposedly flushable wipes that leave you feeling squeaky clean, researchers have found that they don't actually biodegrade. For that reason, they're also rough on your pipes and municipal sewer systems and can "lead to clogs, backups, blockages and flooding," not to mention the pricey bills that accompany those issues, Mr. Rooter warns.
It's time to take a cue from across the pond — a quick rinse is all you need to nix that not-so-fresh feeling and cut way down on toilet paper use. This easy-to-install bidet attachment has a dual-nozzle design (yep, it gets the front and the back) plus a comfort-control knob, and you can install it yourself.
"You're going to love it," wrote one clean-bummed buyer. "I know that talking about a bidet is not in the usual cocktail conversation, but for those who have never used one, it should be. I now see why so many homes in Europe have one. This unit is really simple to install and really easy to use. It leaves you feeling really clean and saves a lot of money on toilet paper."
Air fresheners
Even folks who normally eschew air fresheners in other rooms of the house typically have them squirreled away in the bathroom for obvious reasons. Aerosol cans are usually fine to recycle curbside — as long as they're empty! — but things get trickier when it comes to plug-ins and their pricey refills. Because they're made from mixed materials, they may require less-convenient specialty programs such as this partnership between Febreze and TerraCycle.
A glass bottle, bamboo reeds and your favorite essential oil add up to a sleeker, greener way to cut down on funky bathroom smells. Use just a couple of reeds for a lighter scent — the more you add, the more scent you'll release. Plus, it'll look way more elegant on a shelf or the back of your toilet than a big spray bottle of Lysol.
Toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss
Your tube of Crest or Colgate may say it's recyclable, but is it really? "The size and shape of toothpaste tubes, along with their similarity in appearance to other non-recyclable products, mean that the tubes aren’t generally getting recycled, but rather are being sent to landfills," notes Truth in Advertising. Standard plastic toothbrushes don't fare much better, as they're made of mixed materials that often require specialty programs. Finally, that traditional waxed floss your dentist harasses you to use? Not exactly biodegradable (and that goes double for plastic floss picks).
These toothpaste tablets are not only a boon for the environment — their aluminum tin is easily recycled — but they're made in the U.S. and practical for travel. All you do is chew up the tablet and use a wet brush to scrub those pearly whites like usual — these will foam up just like standard toothpaste. If peppermint isn't your thing, they're also available in cinnamon and watermelon.
Tampons, pads and panty liners
If you thought the toilet-paper talk was awkward, buckle up. Whether you need a little extra protection between bathroom trips or it's that time of the month, chances are you can take care of both issues in a way that makes Mother Nature happier. There are reusable alternatives to disposable incontinence products, including washable briefs that "look and feel just like normal underwear, except with a built-in absorbent gusset or pouch lining," says the National Association for Continence.
As for period products, well, they're largely made from plastic, and traditional pads can take half a millennium to break down, researchers have found. But you've got options — lots of 'em. Take a pair of reusable period underwear for a spin, or go one step further with a reusable menstrual cup. If that's a bridge too far, you can still cut down on plastic by opting for applicator-free tampons or plastic-free, organic cotton pads.
Trade in those crinkly, expensive disposable undies and plastic pads for these leak- and odor-resistant panties. They can be tossed in the washer and dryer and feel just like regular panties, buyers say.
"They allowed me to take a 3,200-mile trip without having any embarrassing accidents," said one buyer. "I experience urinary incontinence daily, and I was able to travel and take part in my granddaughter's wedding without accident. They are comfortable, fit well and prevented any leaks. I bought five pairs and I am now ordering 10 more."
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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