Next-Level Plastic-Free Life Guide: Plastic-Free Bathroom Swaps (Part 1)

Next-Level Plastic-Free Life Guide: Plastic-Free Bathroom Swaps (Part 1) 

According to National Geographic, nearly 1,000,000 plastic bottles are sold every minute, and 100 trillion plastic bags are used each year. Shockingly, over 40% of plastic is used just once and then discarded, often ending up in landfills or polluting nature.

With these staggering statistics, leading a plastic-free life might seem impossible. But it’s not! While it’s not an overnight process, there are actionable steps to reduce and eventually eliminate plastic from your life.

This July, let's kickstart your plastic-free journey at home, starting in the bathroom. We'll share easy tips on making your own personal care products and switching to reusable items. From simple swaps to smart alternatives, we'll help you turn your bathroom into a green haven and create a more eco-friendly lifestyle at home! 

Why Go for a Plastic-Free Bathroom? 

We all know plastic is a big problem. Plastic contains harmful chemicals that can leach into your personal care products and impact both your well-being and the environment. The significant consequences of plastic usage range from disrupting hormones to polluting our oceans, where plastic waste poses a threat to marine life and contaminates waterways.

By making simple swaps for plastic-free alternatives in your bathroom, you're not only reducing waste but also prioritising your health and the health of our planet. So here are some easy swaps you can make for plastic-free bathroom alternatives:

1. DIY Plastic-Free Personal Care Products

Why settle for store-bought when you can create your own personal care products that are just as effective and free from plastic packaging? Not only do you get to control the ingredients, but you also get the satisfaction of making something with your own hands. Here are some fun and easy recipes to get you started:

DIY Toothpaste

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 10 drops of peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda and coconut oil in a bowl until well combined.
2. Add the peppermint essential oil and stir.
3. Store in a small glass jar. Use a small wooden spoon or your toothbrush to scoop out a small amount when brushing your teeth.

Benefits:

• Baking soda helps neutralise acids and remove stains.
• Coconut oil has antibacterial properties and can soothe gums.
• Peppermint oil provides a refreshing taste and freshens breath.

DIY Deodorant

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder
• 5 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 10 drops of tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the baking soda and arrowroot powder in a bowl.
2. Add the coconut oil and mix until you get a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Stir in the tea tree oil.
4. Store in a small glass jar and apply a small amount to your underarms.

Benefits:

• Arrowroot powder helps absorb moisture.
• Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties, helping to prevent odour.

DIY Shampoo 

Ingredients:

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk (13.5 oz.)
• 2 tbsp. raw honey
• 1 tsp. jojoba oil
• 1 tsp. castor oil
• 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. Essential oils of your choice (lavender, rosemary, etc.)
  

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients.
2. Whisk until smooth.
3. Shake well before each use.

Benefits:

• Coconut milk is rich in fats that help moisturise and condition the hair, preventing dryness and breakage. Contains vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6, which promote healthy hair growth and add shine.
• Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, keeping the hair hydrated. Helps keep the scalp clean and healthy, reducing the risk of dandruff and other scalp issues.
• Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural sebum produced by the scalp, helping to balance oil production.
• Castor oil is known for its ability to stimulate hair growth due to its high ricinoleic acid content.
• Apple Cider Vinegar helps to balance the scalp's pH level, reducing scalp issues like dandruff.

Buying ingredients in bulk or with minimal packaging ensures you stay true to your plastic-free life goals. Plus, these homemade products make great gifts for friends and family, spreading the eco-friendly lifestyle with love!

2. Innovative Plastic-Free Reusables

Say goodbye to single-use plastics and hello to innovative reusables that are durable, effective, and stylish!

• Silicone Cotton Swabs: Ditch the disposable cotton swabs that come in plastic packaging and opt for silicone ones. They’re easy to clean, reusable, and gentle on your skin. Plus, they come in cute cases perfect for travel.
• Stainless Steel Safety Razors: Tired of plastic razors filling up your trash can? Invest in a stainless steel safety razor. Not only do they provide a closer shave, but the blades are recyclable and the razor itself can last a lifetime.
• Bamboo Makeup Remover Pads: Instead of single-use cotton pads, switch to bamboo makeup remover pads. They’re soft, durable, and can be tossed in the washing machine after use. You’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner!
• Reusable Menstrual Products: Switch to reusable menstrual products like menstrual cups or cloth pads. Not only do they reduce waste, but they’re also more comfortable, healthier, and cost-effective in the long run.

3. Plastic-Free Packaging in Personal Care

Australia is leading the way in offering personal care products with sustainable packaging. Here are some standout brands that are making a difference:

• Eco Cheeks: At Eco Cheeks, we are proud to offer toilet paper made from unbleached Bamboo, wrapped in plastic-free packaging. We believe in giving back to the environment, which is why we donate a portion of our profits to environmental causes. With Eco Cheeks, you can feel good about every roll you use, knowing you're making a positive impact on the planet.
  
  
• Freshwater Farm: Freshwater Farm offers a variety of body bars that are designed to cater to different skincare needs. These body bars are made with natural ingredients and are Australian-made, emphasising sustainability and quality.
  
  
• Biome Australia: Biome Australia is a fantastic resource for all things eco-friendly lifestyle. They offer a wide range of products from toothpaste tablets in glass jars to solid shampoo bars with minimal packaging. Their commitment to sustainability is truly inspiring.

Subscription services are another great way to stay stocked up on plastic-free products. At Eco Cheeks, we offer subscription boxes with items packaged in biodegradable materials, ensuring you never run out of your favourite eco-friendly products. Our subscription service includes a variety of essentials like unbleached bamboo naked toilet rolls, wrapped toilet rolls, tissues, and paper towels, all delivered straight to your door in sustainable packaging.

4. Eco-Friendly Hair Care

Your hair care routine doesn’t have to be a plastic-laden process. There are plenty of sustainable options that will leave your hair looking fabulous while protecting the planet.

• Bamboo Hair Brushes: Switch to a bamboo hairbrush, which is not only biodegradable but also gentle on your scalp. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant, making it a highly sustainable resource.
  
  
• Wooden Combs: Wooden combs are another excellent plastic-free option. They help reduce static and distribute natural oils from your scalp, promoting healthier hair. Plus, they just look so chic!
  
  
• Natural Fibre Hair Ties: Ditch the plastic hair ties that break easily and end up in landfills. Opt for hair ties made from natural fibres like cotton or wool. They’re more durable, and better for your hair and the environment.
  
  
• Plastic-Free Hair Products: Look for hair products packaged in glass or metal containers, which are easier to recycle. Brands like Ethique and Freshwater Farm offer solid hair care bars, from shampoos to conditioners, eliminating the need for plastic bottles.
  
  
• DIY Hair Treatments: Why not pamper your hair with homemade treatments? Here’s a simple recipe for a nourishing hair mask

DIY Avocado Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Mash the avocado in a bowl until smooth.
2. Add olive oil and honey, mixing well.
3. Apply the mixture to damp hair, focusing on the ends.
4. Leave on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Benefits:

• Avocado is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that nourish and strengthen hair.
• Olive oil adds shine and moisturises the scalp.
• Honey helps retain moisture and adds softness.

These advanced plastic-free bathroom swaps are not only easy to implement but also incredibly rewarding. By making these changes, you’re not just reducing your plastic footprint—you’re also inspiring others to join the movement. Remember, every small step counts, and together we can create a more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Next-Level Plastic-Free Life series, where we'll explore advanced tips for a plastic-free kitchen. Until next time, keep shining and making the world a greener place! 🌏✨