As we become more conscious of the impact of our actions on the planet most of us are taking steps to reduce waste.
In this post, we tackle simple ways to be more eco-friendly in the bathroom. Let’s face it, simpler steps are easier to start and maintain.
- Use less water:
Our first point is the most familiar, savvy and the easiest to achieve. Yes, use less water. Children already know to turn off the tap when brushing their teeth. A running tap uses 6 litres of water per minute. That is 12 litres in our house with the 2-minute sand timer on the sink. Some of us are good at having quick showers. A full bath uses 80 litres of water while a power shower uses 75 litres in five minutes. 45 litres for the same amount of time on a normal shower.
The aim is not to have a timer for showering but to be conscious of the amount of water we use. A full bath uses less water than 20 minutes under the shower. Some of our household goods are being better designed to minimise water. Modern toilets, for example, use less water while you can also fit a hippo device to an old toilet. Other simple actions such as using recycled toilet paper reduce unintended waste.
- Choose the right products:
The UK currently has a recycling rate of 45%. Recycling is good for the environment. But, the use and throw away culture is increasing the number of single-use items. This puts a demand on recycling which is counterproductive. It is more eco friendly to buy things that you can reuse over and over again. Eco friendly Safety Razor , menstrual cups and stainless steel bottle are some of the examples that come to mind. If you can reuse it for a long time, it is always better than something you can use a handful of time even if recyclable.
- Go natural:
Most of the toiletries we use contain chemicals with funky names we can’t even pronounce. Removing names at the back of your products you have to google from your routine is a good start.
Use products that exists in nature. Biodegradable products like our silk floss and floss refill and sisal soap pouch. Refill shops are removing the barrier to buying from plastic loving brands. Support them so they can be profitable enough to expand.Using non-toxic natural products including bath and shower soap free of synthetic chemicals reduces artificial waste pumped into the environment. Everything we need already exists in nature.
- Vote with your money:
This is a no-brainer, becoming a conscious consumer benefit the environment. We all know big companies have refused to reduce their use of plastic but they care about what you choose to buy. We are now seeing big brand making bamboo toothbrushes due to consumer protest. We are glad that they are taking the right step that is better for our environment. A change achieved by your support of eco-friendly products. Consciously supporting ethical small family-run businesses sends a clear message.
- Every little helps:
A conscious attitude and care of the environment is a good start. We can always do more, but taking on unachievable tasks do not last as long as they become frustrating. Little steps are important for big changes. Using a bamboo toothbrush handle instead of plastic is a step in the right direction. Replace your single use make up pads with reusable bamboo pads . “We do not need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly" - Anne Marie Bonneau.
- Make your own:
Streamlining your bathroom essential can be a great way to reduce waste. For example, using Shea butter for a hair mask, and body or bath soap for shaving. Or make your face mask with honey and oats. There has been a surge in cosmetics DIYers in the last few years. Make your own, with natural ingredients. Start with a natural base like raw shea butter and find the products that work for you. We love to experiment with different oils and all-natural ingredients.