Making the switch to a plastic free lifestyle can seem very difficult to achieve at first look but one of the easiest places to start is your bathroom. From shampoo bottles to toothbrushes the bathroom is filled with one time use plastics. But fortunately with a few simple switches and sustainable choices reducing plastic in your bathroom can be achievable.
This blog will be your guide for the top 6 beginner friendly tips to help you start your plastic free bathroom journey and make sustainable choices that benefit both the planet and your personal well being.
Choose Recycled or Sustainable Packaging
The first step towards a plastic free journey is looking at the packaging of your most used brands and products. Traditional bathroom products are usually wrapped in virgin plastic which takes hundreds of years to break down. Brands that use recycled materials especially from the Prevented Ocean Plastic source like Apple & Bears are actively working to reduce waste and clean our planet.
These sources collect plastic from coastal areas that do not have a proper recycling infrastructure to give the materials a second life while supporting local communities. Switching to brands that offer zero-waste travel toiletries practices is a powerful way to reduce the impact on the environment and our planet.
Replace Single Use Items with Reusables
Another and one of the easiest ways to cut down on plastic is by replacing one time and disposable items with usable items like:
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Use metal safety razors with replaceable blades instead of disposable and one time use blades and razors
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Replace cotton pads with washable cloth pads
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Use bamboo toothbrushes and discard the plastic ones
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Choose reusable shower caps and containers
These alternatives not only reduce waste but also save money in the long run.
Use Solid Formats
Solid toiletries like bar soaps and shampoo bars and conditioner blocks are tiny and typically have zero or minimal packaging. They are just as durable as their liquid counterparts and typically contain fewer preservatives and synthetic additives.
By opting for these you can eliminate plastic packaging by a significant percentage and in most cases have a cleaner and more natural product for your hair and skin.
Look for Refill Alternatives
Many companies now offer refillable items of bathroom essentials, so you can recycle the containers and avoid buying new containers every time.
In-store filling points or doorstep delivery of refill packs are means through which this business model encourages a circular economy and reduces the need for repeated manufacturing of new plastic.
Even without refills, using bulk packaging in large sizes will still assist you in reducing your plastic load over the long term.
Buy from Brands That Prioritise the Planet
It is worth researching the morals of the things you purchase. There are some companies that do everything they can to minimise their effect on the planet by recycling their packaging, not using horrible chemicals, being cruelty-free, and having open and sustainable supply chains.
Certifications like FSC, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Approved, and Prevented Ocean Plastic™ give assurance that a product aligns with environmentally conscious values. Buying these brands helps contribute to building demand for more sustainable options across the industry.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Mindfully
Going plastic-free is not just about replacement. It's about building a more mindful consumption strategy. When considering buying something new, ask yourself:
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Do I really need this?
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Can I make do with what I already possess?
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Is there a less wasteful option available?
Recycling is worthwhile but should be supplemented by minimising and reusing. Aim to simplify your bathroom routine and use up what you already possess before purchasing spares.
The Green Impact of Bathroom Plastic
Few individuals realise how much plastic trash originates from their bathrooms. Bottles of shampoo, lotion pumps, disposable razors, and toiletries contained in plastic are some of the biggest sources of plastic consumption at home. Plastics in bathrooms are under-recycled compared to plastics in the kitchen because they tend to become clogged up with residue from personal care items or have vague labeling and thus they're sent to landfills or waterways.
This endless cycle of creating and discarding doesn't just impact marine life, ecosystems, and even the air we inhale. Microplastics can potentially get into the food chain and subsequently find their way into our own bodies. It's not convenient to steer clear of bathroom plastic; it's about making intelligent decisions that not only keep us healthy but also the planet.
Packaging That Makes a Difference
Innovative packaging solutions are the current pinnacle of sustainability. Brands employing Prevented Ocean Plastic™, for example, keep plastic out of our oceans by collecting recyclable material from high-risk coastal regions. They are then remade into high-quality packaging and reducing waste and helping recycle globally.
Moreover, eco-friendly brands are opting for FSC-certified cardboard, cruelty-free stamps, and less-is-more design to cut out the excess. Green packaging ensures that once a product is finished, its packaging will have the minimum possible effect. As consumers, supporting this is a call to action across the whole personal care industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the first step to a plastic free bathroom?
Begin by replacing the simplest single use plastics such as cotton pads or toothbrushes made of plastic with their reusable equivalents. Little changes each day build tough habits.
Q2. Is it costly to make the transition to sustainable bathroom products?
Not always. Some green products cost more initially, but they are longer-lasting and will save money in the long run. Most eco-friendly substitutes are not costly.
Q3. Can packaging make a difference?
Yes. Proper materials and recycling, or more specifically from clean ocean programs, cut down on pollution and assist in recycling on a global scale.
Why Choose Us?
We're dedicated to responsible beauty inside and out. We're among the first to embrace Prevented Ocean Plastic™ packaging, not just eliminating plastic waste but also sponsoring global clean-ups. From ingredients to recyclable parts, we're passionate about protecting the planet without the trade-off on quality or care.
Every detail from the box to the bottle, is constructed with sustainability. We encourage reuse, recycling, and mindful decisions that leave a lighter footprint on the earth.
About Us
Apple & Bears is a UK family-run company with a passion for green skincare. All of our products are made in England, handmade from natural ingredients, and vegan and cruelty-free certified.
We are proud to be involved in the Prevented Ocean Plastic initiative and produce packaging that is effective and ethical from recycled material obtained from coastal areas. Our commitment is to deliver clean beauty that is gentle to skin, kind to animals, and gentle to the world.
