Bathrooms fill up with plastic bottles, tubes and disposable items, but most of them are replaced only every few weeks or months. That makes the bathroom a low-pressure place to start: you can change one product each time something runs out.
The short version
- Finish what you have, then switch one item at a time.
- Soap, shampoo and your toothbrush are the easiest first swaps.
- Some “plastic-free” items still contain plastic parts; they are noted below.
Bar soap instead of bottled wash
A bar of soap in paper or card packaging replaces a bottle of hand wash or shower gel. Keep it on a draining dish so it dries between uses and lasts longer.
Trade-off: bars go soft if they sit in water, and some people prefer liquid soap for guests.
Shampoo and conditioner bars
Solid bars remove the bottle altogether. Formulas vary a great deal, so it can take a couple of tries to find one that suits your hair, and results can differ in hard-water areas.
Trade-off: a period of trial and error, and bars need to dry between uses.
A bamboo-handled toothbrush
The handle is the bulk of a toothbrush, so a bamboo handle removes most of the plastic. The bristles on most bamboo toothbrushes are still nylon, which is a plastic, so they are usually removed before the handle is composted. The American Dental Association advises replacing a toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are worn. See our bamboo toothbrush guide.
Trade-off: not fully plastic-free, and bamboo handles should be kept dry between uses.
Refillable dispensers
If you prefer liquid products, refill a durable pump bottle from a larger container or a local refill shop. Rinse and dry dispensers between refills.
Reusable rounds and cloths
Washable cotton rounds and flannels replace disposable cotton pads and wipes. A small mesh bag keeps them together in the wash.
Storage without plastic tubs
Woven or bamboo baskets and reused glass jars keep shelves tidy. Natural fibres dislike standing water, so use them away from the shower.
What is harder to replace
Toothpaste, sunscreen, contact-lens solution and medicines often have no practical plastic-free option, and what your dentist, doctor or pharmacist recommends should come first. If you try toothpaste tablets, check whether they contain fluoride and ask your dentist if you are unsure.
Next step: add one bathroom habit with the Daily Routine Planner, or read the conscious shopper’s checklist before buying replacements.
Sources and further reading
- Toothbrushes, American Dental Association.
