Going Green in the Bathroom: Eco-Friendly Swaps for a Sustainable Routine

Last week we covered ditching plastic bottles in favor of shampoo bars. Now, that you've had a little taste for going green, let's extend it further to the rest of the bathroom! I'm here to help you, my eco-conscious friends, make some swaps that will help the planet without sacrificing your personal hygiene routine.

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Going Green with your TP

Let's start with bamboo toilet paper. Yes, you read that right - bamboo. Not only can it be just as soft and stronger than regular toilet paper (because who doesn't want to go gentle on their tush), but it's also more sustainable. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that requires less water and no pesticides, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional TP. Plus, think of all the fun you could have telling your friends that you wipe your butt with a panda's favorite snack. We made the switch to Save Trees* two years ago and have never looked back!

*Formerly known as Cloud Paper

Are you handy around the house or know someone who is? Let's talk about bidets. While bidets may not be as common in some countries as they are in others, they are gaining popularity as a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper. Not only do they use significantly less water than producing and flushing toilet paper, but they also provide a more thorough and hygienic clean. If you're worried about the cost, fear not - there are affordable bidet attachments that can be easily installed on your existing toilet. Plus, think of all the money you'll save on toilet paper in the long run.

Flossing with a Conscience

Next up, we have another place where bamboo can enter your bathroom routine. If you're still using plastic floss, it's time to give woven bamboo floss a chance to shine. Not only does bamboo floss clean your teeth just as well (if not better) than its plastic counterpart, but it's also biodegradable. That means no more guilt about tossing used floss in the trash and killing sea turtles.

You have a few options when it comes to choosing a brand of bamboo floss, but I recommend finding one that offers a starter set with a plastic-free dispenser and bamboo floss refills. Surprisingly, the cost is comparable to that of plastic floss, so no need to worry about spending more green to go green. Initially, I was hesitant about using woven floss due to my tight teeth, having been used to the smoother texture of plastic ribbon floss like Glide. However, I have found that our bamboo floss rarely breaks and actually does a better job of clearing away plaque than the plastic ones.

Ditch the Plastic Loofah

Moving onto the shower, we've already covered haircare, but what about the rest of your sudsy needs? Instead of using plastic bottles of body wash, consider switching to tried and true bar soap. Not only do bars last longer, but there are countless options out there to fit your discerning preferences for a good soap. One of our favorites is the variety pack of Dr. Bronner's pure castile soap. Made with all-natural, organic and Fair-Trade vegan ingredients, this soap is both gentle and effective. Plus, its mild formula makes it a great choice for all skin types.

If you're looking to make the most out of your bar soap, consider pairing it with a biodegradable washcloth. Using a cloth or loofah to quickly get a nice, soft lather requires less soap then rubbing it directly onto your hands or body. But let's be real, loofahs aren't the most hygienic option. With all those crevices that never fully dry out, they're a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. And if you're constantly replacing them, the plastic ones are only adding to the landfill problem.

Thankfully, I discovered a couple great alternatives: agave washcloths and this sustainable organic cotton stretch washcloth. Agave cloths are made from the fibers of a sustainable plant that requires minimal water and no pesticides, so they are an eco-friendly choice. They're also gentle enough to use on your skin, providing just the right amount of exfoliation without being too rough.

If you need something bigger than a typical face towel to get those hard to reach spots on your back, you'll love this stretch cloth. It's like the long Japanese washcloths, except made from organic cotton and recycled materials so you don't have to stress about what happens to it when it's time to be replaced.

No-Sweat Sustainability

Finally, you're squeaky clean, let's stay fresh with plastic-free deodorant. There are plenty of plastic-free deodorant options out there that work just as well (if not better) than traditional deodorants. These powerful little sticks are aluminum free, all natural, and cleverly packaged in cardboard sleeves like a push pop. It might take a little getting used to, holding the stick in place while applying, but isn't the little bit of extra effort worth it? Not only will you smell great, but you'll also feel good knowing that you're doing your part to tackle the plastic waste crisis with each swipe of antiperspirant.

These easy eco-friendly swaps for your bathroom routine will help you feel like a planet-saving superhero without breaking your budget or compromising your clean. And who knows, maybe someday future generations will look back in disbelief at the thought of cutting down trees to wipe their bums.