Why a Eco-Friendly Bathroom Matters: It's Time to Make a Change!
Think about it: every time you reach for your plastic-packaged shampoo or use a roll of toilet paper made from trees, you’re contributing to the problem. And that’s not all—when we wash our faces, shower, or clean the bathroom, harmful chemicals end up being rinsed down the drain, threatening aquatic life. It’s easy to overlook, but the environmental footprint of our bathroom habits is significant. You can make a real difference by changing just a few things in your bathroom. By reducing water usage, swapping out plastic for sustainable alternatives, and using eco-friendly cleaning products, you can turn it into an eco-friendly bathroom that reflects your values—helping the planet and creating a healthier space.
Making an Eco-Friendly Bathroom
Water Conservation Tips for Your Bathroom
Water is one of our planet’s most valuable resources, and yet, it’s easy to overlook how much we waste—especially in the bathroom. The average American uses 80-100 gallons of water a day (source: US Geological Survey), and a significant portion of that water is consumed in the bathroom. But the good news is, small changes can add up to a big impact. By being more mindful of how we use water, we can save gallons every day, reduce our environmental footprint, and even lower our utility bills.
Why It Matters:
By conserving water, you’re not just saving money—you’re also helping to protect this precious resource for future generations. Water is vital for life, and with increasing droughts and water scarcity in many areas, every little bit counts. Making sustainable choices in the bathroom is a simple but powerful way to make a difference.
Practical Tips for Cutting Down on Bathroom Water Waste:
Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth
It’s a simple habit, but it’s one that can save you up to 4 gallons of water per minute (source: EPA). I remember being taught this in elementary school back in the 1980s. I’ve stuck with this habit ever since I was 8 years old. It’s an easy, no-brainer way to conserve water every day—plus, it only takes a second to turn the tap off while you brush.
Install low-flow showerheads and faucets
Low-flow fixtures will maintain water pressure while using less water. This change can save you a ton of water every day without compromising the quality of your shower or sink time. Whether it’s for your shower or bathroom sink, these small updates can make a world of difference. You’ll be surprised how effective they are at getting the job done while using less water.
Take shorter showers
I enjoy a long, relaxing shower, but by cutting my shower time by just one minute can save up to 2.5 gallons of water (that is how much is used per minute according to the EPA). It might seem small, but every minute counts! I’ve challenged myself to cut down on shower time—living in dry, sunny Colorado, where water conservation is crucial, I set a timer for 5 minutes. I know it’s tough to break old habits, but it’s worth the challenge to conserve water and energy. Plus, your skin will get used to it!
Use a Dual-Flush Toilet
Traditional toilets can waste a lot of water with each flush, but dual-flush toilets offer a simple solution. Choose the low flush button for liquid waste and the full flush button for solid waste, saving water and money every flush! Over time, this small change can make a big difference in water conservation. I’ve noticed more and more homes and businesses switching to dual-flush toilets, and it’s exciting to see so many people embracing sustainable practices!
Water conservation in the bathroom is more than just about saving money on your water bill—it’s about contributing to the global effort to preserve our planet’s precious water supply. By making small, conscious changes like turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, switching to low-flow fixtures, shortening your showers, and upgrading your toilet, you can make a real impact. Start with one change at a time, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to create a water-conscious and eco-friendly bathroom routine!
Eco-Friendly Toiletries
Take a look around your bathroom—how many of your toiletries come in plastic bottles? Chances are, most of them. From shampoo to body wash, toothpaste to deodorant, so many personal care products are packaged in plastic and filled with questionable ingredients. Not only does this contribute to environmental pollution, but many conventional products also contain harmful chemicals that can affect both our health and aquatic life when rinsed down the drain.
I’ve been making the switch to plastic-free self-care products by slowly using up my old toiletries and replacing them with sustainable alternatives. The best part? These swaps work just as well—if not better—than their conventional counterparts.
Why It Matters
Many self-care products come in single-use plastic packaging that lingers in landfills for centuries before breaking down. Many also contain parabens, phthalates, and other toxic ingredients that can pollute water sources, harming aquatic life and ecosystems. By switching to plastic-free, non-toxic, and biodegradable alternatives, you can keep your self-care routine just as effective—while being kinder to the planet.
More Simple Swaps for a Eco-Friendly Bathroom
Bar Soap Instead of Body Wash
Unlike liquid body wash, which comes in a plastic container and often contains palm oil (a major driver of deforestation), our bar soap is a much more sustainable option. Our collection of palm-oil-free bar soaps is made with clean ingredients and either packaged in compostable paperboard or completely package-free—making it the ultimate eco-friendly swap.
Toothpaste Tablets Instead of Tubes
Ever wondered what happens to all those plastic toothpaste tubes? They pile up in landfills. Switching to toothpaste tablets eliminates the need for plastic tubes while offering a mess-free, sustainable way to brush your teeth. Plus, they’re perfect for travel and camping—just chew one tooth tab, and brush as usual! No wasted product, no plastic, no problem. Check out our Kaylaan Tooth Tabs for an easy switch.
Deodorant Cream Instead of Plastic Tubes
Traditional deodorants are packaged in plastic tubes and often contain aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. A much better option? Deodorant cream in a glass jar! This eco-friendly deodorant is just as effective at fighting odor, but are made with natural, skin-loving ingredients and come in recyclable or reusable glass containers with aluminum lids. They last longer, work beautifully, and are made in small batches by sustainable brands like Fat and the Moon.
Switching to eco-friendly toiletries doesn’t have to be daunting—just take it one step at a time. Start with a simple sustainable swap, like bar soap instead of body wash, toothpaste tablets instead of plastic tubes, or deodorant cream in a reusable jar. Every small change helps cut down on plastic waste while supporting ethical, zero waste brands that prioritize sustainability and non-toxic ingredients.
Sustainable Toilet Paper Options
Toilet paper is a daily essential, yet most conventional brands contribute to deforestation, come wrapped in plastic, and undergo chemical bleaching—all while consuming massive amounts of water during production. In fact, millions of trees are cut down each year just to keep up with demand.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives:
Switch to bamboo or 100% recycled toilet paper – Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that doesn’t require replanting, while recycled toilet paper helps reduce the demand for new trees. Both options are far better for the planet.
Use a bidet – Cutting back on toilet paper by using a bidet saves trees and reduces overall waste. I’m looking forward to pairing mine with Marley’s Monsters Reusable Toilet Paper—imagine how many trees we could save if more people made the switch!
Support sustainable brands like Who Gives A Crap – Their toilet paper is plastic-free, available in recycled or bamboo, and they donate 50% of their profits to help build sanitation projects around the world. It’s my go-to choice, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best eco-friendly bathroom swaps!
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
Most conventional cleaning products are packed with chemicals and come in plastic bottles that are tough to recycle. Making the switch to eco-friendly products is not only better for the planet but also safer for your home and health.
Why it matters
By opting for natural cleaning alternatives, you can keep your home sparkling clean while reducing waste and exposure to harmful substances.
Sustainable Swaps
DIY Cleaners – Simple, effective, and budget-friendly! Create all-natural, non-toxic cleaning solutions with ingredients like vinegar, Castile soap and essential oils.
Castile Soap – A cleaner that’s safe for everything from countertops to bathtubs. This versatile soap makes an excellent eco-friendly alternative to chemical-laden cleaners.
Refillable Glass Spray Bottles – Ditch plastic and switch to reusable bottles for your homemade or eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Our Cleaning Essentials Spray Bottle is a great option—it even comes with DIY cleaning recipes printed right on the side!
Cleaning Essentials Glass Spray Bottle
$19.00
Transform Your Cleaning Routine with Style! Say goodbye to plastic and hello to our sleek 16 oz Amber or Blue Glass Spray Bottles! These beauties not only look fabulous but also help reduce plastic waste. Whether you choose the classic… read more
Meliora Cleaning Tabs – A fantastic zero-waste, non-toxic all-purpose cleaner. I personally love the unscented formula, and it pairs perfectly with Marley’s Monsters Unpaper Towels for wiping down sinks and mirrors.
Meliora Cleaning Scrub – An absolute must-have for scrubbing tubs, sinks, and toilets. I use it with my Redecker Tub Brush, and it leaves my bathtub sparkling white! Hands down, one of the best eco-friendly bathroom scrubs out there.
Meliora Home Cleaning Scrub
$11.00
Your New Go-To for a Gleaming Home! Ready to tackle dirt and grime with a smile? Meliora Home Cleaning Scrub is here to save the day! Packed with natural ingredients like baking soda and plant-based surfactants, this scrub effortlessly cuts… read more
Redecker Cleaning Brushes – High-quality, handcrafted, and built to last. We offer a variety of Redecker brushes to tackle every cleaning task—my favorites are the tub brush, scrub brush with handle, and toilet brush for keeping my bathroom spotless.
Switching to eco-friendly bathroom cleaning products is an easy way to create a more sustainable home.
Creating an Eco-Friendly Bathroom
Start making small changes to your bathroom routine, one step at a time. Begin by swapping out your toiletries, cleaning products, and tools for more eco-friendly bathroom options. Consider installing a low-flow shower head or even challenging yourself to shorten your showers (trust me, I’m working on it too!). And when it comes to toilet paper, give Who Gives a Crap a try—it's truly an amazing eco-friendly choice.
It may feel like a lot at first, but remember: every little change adds up! Take it slow, have fun with it, and feel good knowing you're making a positive impact on this beautiful planet of ours. Together, we can help protect and heal Mother Earth. 🌎
If you're looking to get started, our zero-waste store offers a wide variety of eco-friendly bathroom products to help you transition to a more sustainable bathroom routine. Plus, we offer subscriptions and bulk options so you never have to worry about running out of bathroom or self-care essentials like all-purpose spray or toothpaste tabs. Let us support you in your journey toward a more sustainable bathroom and beyond!