Last Updated on October 20, 2023 by Thyme with Tina

Please, welcome to my (almost) plastic-free bathroom. I’ll show you around and how to make some small changes for a big impact.

---

As I became more aware of the environmental impact of plastic waste piling up in our landfills, I made a conscious decision to cut down on my plastic consumption.

I kicked off this endeavour by targeting my bathroom products realizing just how many of them contribute to the plastic waste problem. My thoughts were, it would be valuable to share my journey with you, in the hope that it might inspire you to make more environmentally friendly choices as well.

And to keep this completely transparent; I still have products with plastic packaging or containing plastic components as I still have products to use before switching to plastic-free options.

It’s essential to remember that this is a personal choice, and there’s absolutely no pressure for you to follow suit. I’m continuously experimenting and making changes to my products. I’m sharing them with you to illustrate the variety of eco-friendly options available.

So without further ago, let’s see what I have in my plastic-free bathroom:

1. Plastic-free Hand soap bar
2. Plastic-free Bamboo Toothbrush
3. Plastic-free toothpaste
4. Plastic-free Dental floss
5. Tongue scraper
6. Plastic-free Deodorant
7. Sustainable Razor
8. Plastic-free Shampoo bar
9. Body wash bar/shaving soap
10. Home-made makeup remover
11. Face and body moisturiser
12. Reusable Makeup pads
13. Sustainable Earbuds
14. Plastic-free Sunscreen
15. Sustainable Menstrual cup
16. Sustainable Recycled toilet paper

#1 Plastic-Free Hand soap

Swapping liquid hand soap for a bar was my very first step towards my plastic-free bathroom and into the world of reducing waste. It might sound basic, but it’s incredibly important because you can cut down on a massive amount of plastic waste by making the switch.

These days, you can find soap bars almost everywhere, even though many of them come wrapped in plastic. I’ve been using the brand linked below for more than two years now, and it’s made from basic, good-for-you stuff like coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, essential oils, and water. It’s simple but great for your ski

#2 Plastic-free Bamboo Toothbrush

I’ve stuck with the same brand of bamboo toothbrushes ever since I embarked on my zero-waste journey. The differences between brands are quite minimal, with your choice primarily revolving around your preferred bristle firmness – soft, medium, or hard.

Once your toothbrush has reached the end of its dental duty, there are still plenty of uses for it. I repurpose my old brushes for cleaning, and when they’re truly worn out, I toss them into my compost bin.

NOTE: It’s important to note that while some bamboo toothbrushes are 100% biodegradable, featuring both biodegradable bristles and handles (like the one I use), others have a biodegradable handle paired with plastic bristles. In the latter case, you can easily remove the plastic bristles using pliers and dispose of them in your plastic recycling, while the handle can go into your compost bin.

#3 Natural plastic-free Toothpaste

Many people often find that swapping out toothpaste can be a challenge due to its distinctive taste and texture, and I’m inclined to agree.

While there are countless DIY videos and toothpaste recipes out there, I confess that I haven’t ventured into making my own. I’ve had dental issues since childhood, which has made me somewhat cautious when it comes to choosing dental products. After trying a few different brands, I settled on the one in the picture above. The taste is fantastic, but it does take some time to adjust to the texture.

It’s important to note that this toothpaste doesn’t produce much foam, but you can truly feel how clean your teeth are after using it. Plus, when you’ve emptied the toothpaste tube, you can repurpose the container for other storage needs. Alternatively, you could explore toothpaste tablets, which you chew to create a paste, and then proceed to brush your teeth as you normally would. While I haven’t tried this method yet, it sounds promising.

Additionally, twice a week, I incorporate natural toothpowder with activated charcoal into my routine for dealing with stains and plaque removal. It’s from the same brand as the toothpaste. I’ll be honest—it can get a bit messy. However, the results are well worth the minor inconvenience.

#4 Plastic-free Dental floss

Traditional dental floss I’ve been using for years is made from waxed nylon, which is derived from crude oil (a non-renewable resource). To decompose the nylon it takes up to 200 years. This information is just mindblowing to me so I decided to switch to a plastic-free option.

I alternate between a standard and a charcoal dental floss made of sustainable bamboo charcoal fibre, candelilla wax and peppermint essential oil. I love it because it’s a good addition to your plastic-free bathroom, it is very firm, peppermint oil makes it taste very nice and you can get a refill (2×30 metres) every time you run out of it.

#5 Plastic Tongue scraper

As mentioned at the beginning of my post, I still have products that are made (or contain) plastic which makes this whole plastic-free bathroom tour less plastic-free. This is still a journey and I do want to show you how some products are still good to use. The point is to reduce waste and plastic so just hold onto them and use them fully before tossing them out.

---

5 Easy Tips on How to go Plastic-free

---

I’ve had this particular tongue scraper for about 3 years now and I definitely plan on using it for at least another year or so. It’s in a good state and there is no reason for getting rid of it. I clean it once in a while with bicarbonate soda, lemon juice, and water (I just soak it in the mixture and then brush it with an old toothbrush).

Note: A tongue scraper is really important for your oral hygiene; it gets rid of bacteria that live on your tongue and in your mouth.

#6 Plastic-free Deodorant

I am seriously obsessed with this deodorant. I have been using it for some time now (as you can see my little collection below) and I absolutely love it. Before this one, I used mineral salt deo which is odourless and I quite liked it but it had plastic packaging. This one is recyclable.

All of these smell incredible. My favourite is definitely Jasmine and Rose but I always switch them around. What I like the most, besides being completely plastic-free, are the natural ingredients. Coconut oil, shea butter, and sodium bicarbonate are the key ingredients of every Earth Conscious deodorant.

Most importantly, these deodorants are antibacterial, and don’t contain any aluminum or parabens. They also don’t clog your sweat glands.

IMPORTANT:

“If you’re transitioning from commercial deodorants to a natural alternative, it’s essential to allow yourself about a week to adapt. You might notice some changes in odour, though it’s not a given. The reason behind this adjustment period is that the use of deodorants containing substances like parabens and aluminium can clog the glands in your armpits. This, in turn, restricts your skin’s ability to expel toxins through sweat because traditional antiperspirants inhibit sweating.

My advice is to be patient with yourself when making the switch to natural deodorants and not to give up too quickly. It’s often a good idea to begin this transition during the winter when you tend to sweat less or while you’re on vacation, when you can adjust more comfortably.

Here’s another helpful tip to expedite the process: consider making a detox mask using Bentonite clay and water. This can help draw out the chemicals from your skin, allowing your armpits to breathe freely once more.

#7 Sustainable Razor

Another plastic thing in my ‘plastic-free bathroom’. I’m still using the same razor I’ve had for years. The main reason is that I purchased a massive supply of refill blades, so I’ll continue with this one until I exhaust my stockpile. Once I’ve depleted my supply, I plan to make the transition to a double-edge safety razor. This swap eliminates the need to continually purchase and discard plastic razors. With a double-edge safety razor, you only need to change the blade roughly once a week. If you haven’t tried it yet, be cautious when using it for the first time, as it might differ from your previous experiences with disposable razors.

Note: The blades are recyclable in the UK. Check your local authority on how and where to recycle.

#8 Plastic-free Shampoo bar

I’ll be completely honest with you, I experimented with a few shampoo bars, and my initial impressions were far from enthusiastic. In fact, to be entirely candid, I was so disheartened that I contemplated reverting to my trusty bottled shampoo. I knew that wasn’t the right choice, so I gave it another shot. I didn’t want to give up, especially considering the staggering statistic that over 552 million shampoo bottles could be finding their way into landfills each year.

After some persistence, I eventually discovered one shampoo bar that worked wonders for my hair. Finally! I’d heard about a new range at Holland and Barrett (Ethique), and that happened to be the one. My hair now not only smells divine but also feels incredibly silky, all without the need for conditioner. I generally steer clear of conditioner because my hair is naturally thin and silky, but this shampoo bar has proven to be a game-changer.

Keep in mind that what works best can vary from person to person, so I would recommend trying a few different brands to determine which one suits you best.

#9 Body wash bar/shaving soap + a plastic bottle that I refill

“If you’re looking to save some money, consider using a hand soap bar for washing your body.

However, if budget isn’t a concern, there are now numerous brands that craft luxurious body soaps, enriching your skin and leaving it smelling delightful. Currently, I’m experimenting with the detox bar from the Friendly brand (from &Keep), which happens to be the same brand as my hand soap.

For the ladies, when it comes to shaving, I’ve found that using the same soap I use to cleanse my body works quite effectively. While there are good shaving soap bars available, they aren’t a necessity. Just keep in mind that regular soap might have a slightly more drying effect on your skin, so be sure to moisturize afterwards.

Plastic-free bathroom with a plastic bottle – This is typically for the convenience of my family and friends when they come to visit, as sharing a soap bar may not be everyone’s preference.

I refill this bottle with shower gel from my local zero-waste shop.

#10 Home-made makeup remover

I used to rely on coconut oil for makeup removal until I stumbled upon a couple of DIY recipes for creating my own makeup remover.

Here’s one suggestion: I take around 100-150ml of sweet almond oil and add 10-15 drops of tea tree essential oil. However, the possibilities are limitless.

You can start with a base oil of your choice, such as jojoba, almond oil, or grapeseed oil, and mix in any essential oil that suits your preferences.

Keep in mind that if you’re transitioning from a commercial makeup remover to oils, your skin might initially react quite strongly. In my case, it went from being oily to overly dry, followed by breakouts, before eventually settling into a normal state.

I’m not a dermatologist, so if you have any underlying skin conditions, it’s advisable to seek professional advice. I’m simply sharing my personal experience.

After removing my makeup with this mixture, I follow up with a cleanser to wash away the oil, and then apply my usual serums and moisturizer.

#11 Reusable Make-up pads

One of the highlights of my plastic-free bathroom journey are reusable bamboo make up pads. I’m super happy with this purchase. It’s definitely one of my favourite investments when it comes to my plastic-free swaps. I don’t have to spend money on cotton pads anymore, probably ever. Plus I won’t be making any waste.

These are super soft and gentle to your skin, washable in a washing machine and as a bonus, you get a wash bag with your purchase.

I got mine at &Keep.com

#12 Face and body moisturiser

FACE: I’m still experimenting with plastic-free face moisturisers so unfortunately I cannot share with you any recommendations just yet.

BODY: I currently use coconut oil or sweet almond oil mixed with a few drops of lavender essential oil as my body moisturises.

#13 Sustainable Earbuds

I love these.

Simple yet impactful. I emphasize ‘impactful’ because I can’t forget the haunting image of a seahorse carrying a discarded earbud in the ocean, and I wish it were just that one instance. Millions upon millions of plastic earbuds find their way into landfills and oceans.

Fortunately, making this swap is remarkably straightforward and accessible for anyone. You can now easily find bamboo and cotton versions of earbuds in stores like Boots, Superdrug, Sainsbury’s, and more, and make a first step towards plastic-free bathroom.

#14 Plastic-free Sunscreen

When it comes to safeguarding your skin from the sun’s relentless rays, you can now make a mindful choice that benefits both you and the planet. Opt for plastic-free sunscreen, with a particular emphasis on mineral-based alternatives. By doing so, you’re not only nurturing your skin but also contributing to a more sustainable and eco-conscious future.

You can find plenty of options on &keep, Amazon, health stores etc.

#15 Sustainable Menstrual cup

After months and months of battling with menstrual cups, I have finally found “The One”. It’s interesting because I cannot recommend THIS particular brand in THIS size. Every vagina is different and there’s no one size fits all. I am suggesting to do some research on which one would suit you best and just give it a go. There are different shapes, different sizes, and different softness, or shall I say, flexibility. But I can tell you one thing, do not give up.

The best time to try it out and practice when you are at home, comfy, and safe. It could be messy at the beginning until you don’t get used to it but as I mentioned previously, it is definitely worth it.

It has a 12-hour capacity which equals 3-4 tampons. Yes, that means you don’t have to worry about it the whole day. (Of course, it depends on your flow but still, it’s awesome). You can also wear it at night, you’ll be safe and sound. Aaaand, It can last up to 10 years. Whaaat? So, just imagine how much waste you can reduce and the money you can save from one menstrual cup in 10 years’ time. It’s completely safe and easy to clean.

How to use:

I won’t delve too deeply into explaining how to insert the cup, but I can assure you it’s quite an interesting experience. Depending on your flow, you should aim to empty the cup every 6-12 hours, give it a rinse, and then reinsert.

Now, I’m curious, how has your experience been with the menstrual cup, and what are your thoughts on it?

If the cup isn’t your cup of tea, don’t fret. There are other eco-friendly options available, such as cotton sanitary pads, biodegradable and recyclable tampons, and period pants. The key is to choose what makes you most comfortable and suits your preferences.”

#16 Sustainable Toilet Paper

An absolute plastic-free bathroom star must be this cheerful toilet paper. It makes me, and anyone who enters my bathroom smile. I ordered it online and a pack of 48 rolls lasted me for half a year. You can also subscribe and not worry about ordering it every time you run out.

Fun fact – Who Gives a Crap brand donates 50% (yes, FIFTY) of their profits to help build toilets for those in need. The company donated over 1 million pounds to charity and saved a lot of trees, energy and water. It’s impressive, isn’t it?

You can get purchase it here: Who gives a crap

SUMMARY – Plastic-free bathroom

If you’ve made it through this lengthy post about my palastic-free bathroom, first and foremost, thank you for your time and attention.

Secondly, my most significant advice regarding the transition to sustainable products is this: it’s crucial to use up everything you already have that’s still in good condition.

Thirdly, if you have a preference for shower gels over soap bars or certain creams, laundry detergents, or food products, there’s absolutely no pressure to switch to the bar or solid alternatives. You can explore zero waste shops in your area to refill what you can. For those who are vegan, it’s essential to be ingredient-conscious, as zero waste doesn’t necessarily equate to vegan, and some products may still contain ingredients like honey and beeswax.

Lastly, it’s important to give yourself time to acclimate to all the new sustainable products. While the excitement to eliminate plastic from your household may be substantial (I know I was eager), that’s not the essence of sustainable living.

The key is to use and reuse everything you have for as long as possible, recycle properly, and then gradually introduce sustainable alternatives one product at a time.

Remember to be mindful.

Sometimes, especially for those who love experimenting with various products, it can be challenging. The urge to try something new often leads to accumulating more. If you test multiple products and find that some don’t suit you, consider giving them to friends to minimize waste.

As for my personal product choices for my plastic-free bathroom, I predominantly source them from the andkeep.com website. Ordering online is convenient for me, and I appreciate the extensive range they offer.

However, I still purchase specific items from my local zero waste shop. There are numerous shops where you can find eco-friendly and sustainable products, so it’s worthwhile to conduct some research and begin your sustainable journey at your own pace.

I genuinely hope that this tour of my plastic-free bathroom has provided you with valuable insights and information that can help you in your journey towards a more eco-conscious and sustainable lifestyle.”

---

Use the code “VALENTINA BALGAVI” to purchase products on the andkeep.com website to get 15% off. Just type in the code at the checkout.

---

PURCHASE MY PLASTIC-FREE ITEMS BELOW

PIN FOR LATER