How To Make Your Bathroom More Sustainable

Once upon a time, asking ‘how green is your bathroom?’ would have led to some beautiful descriptions of avocado suites. But as the room we go to for cleanliness, you would think we humans would have started getting rid of the toxic chemicals and wasteful products that fill our bathroom cupboards up a long time ago. The truth is, we take our bathrooms for granted, and it’s not that we don’t know many products we use in our bathroom routines are unsustainable, it’s that some of them are so convenient we’re avoiding the conversation (looking at you, period products).

While some eco bathroom options—such as solid deodorant, shampoo bars, and menstrual cups—are slowly becoming mainstream staples, there are other surprising and simple ways that you can create a sustainable bathroom.

check your timings

It seems obvious that showers are greener than baths, but that comes with some caveats. While a short shower is the best option, the average shower still pumps out nearly 20 litres of water every minute. With the average household bathtub holding just under 140 litres, it only takes 7 minutes in the shower before the bath becomes the less wasteful option.

If you’re getting ready for work—or back home for the day—a short five-minute shower is your best choice. Just don’t put the shower on before you get in! But when you’re looking to pamper yourself, don’t feel guilty about using the tub.

swap your toilet paper

The average American goes through 141 rolls of toilet paper a year. Not only does toilet paper production lead to mass deforestation —with most toilet paper still made from virgin wood pulp rather than recycled materials—it also goes through an intensive chemical process that requires 37 litres of water to manufacture just ONE roll.

Switch to recycled toilet paper, or go one better and find a sustainably produced bamboo alternative like eco club member Reel. They not only create their toilet paper from verified sustainable bamboo crop but also help to provide access to clean toilets for those without. Most toilet paper subscription services have also eradicated plastic packaging, meaning that the parts you can’t use, can be recycled.

switch your sunscreen

No one would deny that SPF is one of the most crucial skincare steps. However, every year an average of 14,000 tonnes is believed to end up in the ocean, adding chemicals to already troubled waters. Coral reefs are particularly at harm from these toxins, but luckily there are easy ways to be reef-safe with your sunblock. The HEL List lists all the known pollutants used in sunscreen so that you can check your own before purchase.

As a general rule, opt for organic or vegan sunscreens that don’t contain parabens, petrochemicals or oxybenzone. Bonus points if you opt for blocks or creams over aerosols and choose products that come in non-plastic or recyclable packaging. 

simplify your makeup routine

An already thriving industry, the makeup and beauty world has exploded with the support of influencers using YouTube and Instagram to tell us about the latest wonder product. ‘Hauls’ of products gifted to the influencers convinced many of us to start stocking up on every must-have mascara, nail polish or hot cloth cleanser.

But you can only wear one mascara at a time, and all cosmetics have a shelf life, leading to many half-full bottles and tubes of product ending up in the trash. Instead, we should be prioritising quality over quantity. Save your money for your favourite items, choosing the best foundation, mascara, shadows and lipsticks for you. There is nothing more classic than having a signature look.

Unfortunately, ‘organic’ makeup is still unregulated, but checking the ingredients lists (Palm Oil is still found in over 70% of cosmetics and toiletries) and choosing vegan products is a good starting point.

change your towels

Traditionally towels, face cloths and bathrobes are made from cotton, one of the most chemically-intensive, water-fuelled, unsustainable materials we use. Don’t throw away any perfectly good towels; instead, look after them by avoiding fabric conditioner, adding vinegar to the wash occasionally, and using a dryer ball while laundering. But when it does come time to get some new ones in, choose towels made from that eco bathroom favourite— bamboo!

 How have you created a more sustainable bathroom? Share your tips in the comments!