14 Easy, Eco-Friendly Swaps to Make in Your Bathroom
Transform your bathroom for the better with our favorite sustainable toiletries.
Your bathroom might be squeaky clean, but that doesn't mean it's green. Plastic shampoo bottles, cotton swabs and even dental floss are just some of the many personal hygiene products that wind up in landfills. The good news, though? It's easier and cheaper than ever to make eco-friendly changes to your bathroom. See some of our favorite sustainable swaps below and start the new year with a space you can feel really good about.
It's no secret that single-use makeup wipes aren't great for the environment. Luckily, there's an easy solution: a pack of these reusable facial rounds. They're made from bamboo and organic cotton and are machine washable — just toss them in a delicates bag to keep them contained.
Loofahs can harbor bacteria and need to be replaced often, which means more plastic in landfills. Skip the plastic loofahs and use natural exfoliating loofahs, which are made from fibrous material found in gourd-like tropical fruits and are biodegradable, instead. The spongy texture is perfect for exfoliating skin, and the loofahs can even be used for cleaning pans, dishes and more, too. For easy carry and storage, the loofahs come flattened. Before using it, soak in warm water for a few minutes, and it will return to a large round loofah sponge. With frequent use, it's best to sanitize the loofah once a week by microwaving it for 30 seconds or boiling it in hot water for several minutes. It's also best to replace it about every 1-2 months. Rinse your loofah after each use, making sure all the soap is gone before drying the loofah completely between uses. Drying it out will extend the lifespan of the loofah.
Unfortunately, cotton swabs often get flushed down toilets and wind up in our oceans. So it's important to choose bamboo over plastic whenever possible. (And to dispose of your swabs correctly, of course.) We suggest starting out with this economical set of five boxes with 200 swabs in each box.
Want to go green with your everyday makeup routine? Snag a set of these vegan-friendly brushes. This cruelty-free brush set includes an angled foundation brush, concealer brush, eyeshadow brush, angled liner brush & blush brush to complete your makeup bag, plus a makeup brush holder for vanity and brush shampoo for easy cleaning.
Washing your face won't feel like such a chore when you have this adorable spa headband to look forward to. The eco-friendly accessory is crafted from cotton and bamboo, arrives in recyclable packaging and helps provide aid to Australian koalas, which are, incidentally, the only thing cuter than the headband itself.
You'll get twice as much satisfaction out of scrubbing the shower or tub with this biodegradable cellulose sponge. Unlike regular sponges, which contain polyester filling, cellulose sponges feature a blend of wood pulp, cotton and hemp. In turn, this baby removes grime like a dream come true and easily breaks down in landfills.
Say goodbye to those bulky plastic bottles and say hello to these eco-friendly haircare bars. The Brite Organix shampoo and conditioner bars both use a zero-waste, clean and vegan-friendly formula and even come in compostable packaging.
It's hard to argue with bamboo bath mats; they're stylish, durable, naturally resistant to mold and mildew, and sustainable. We especially love how the lattice design on this mat allows for drainage and airflow, which means it will dry faster than your current synthetic situation.
The beauty of glass is that it can be recycled over and over again, which helps reduce consumption and cut down on emissions. So, if you're in the market for new bathroom accessories, we say skip the melamine and go straight for this recycled glass set. Each piece has a slight blue-green tint that will look beautiful on your counter.
You'll actually look forward to flossing when you have this rechargeable Waterpik. The ergonomic tool uses a combination of water pressure and pulsation to remove bacteria and enhance your gums without the need for waxed nylon strings.
Here's an easy way to elevate your bathroom storage and make your space a little more sustainable: Skip the plastic bins and keep toilet paper and towels in these handwoven seagrass baskets. You can choose from eight different sizes and shapes, and even opt for a lid in some cases.