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From solid shampoo to loofah: you can be sustainable in the bathroom
Sustainability
Avoiding packaging and choosing formulas without microplastics are key decisions to avoid unnecessary waste
El bathroom It is one of the rooms where more waste is generated. From single-use products, such as make-up removal pads, swabs or compresses, to products with a slightly longer shelf life, but very full of plastic, such as razors or toothbrushes, the bathroom concentrates most of the waste we generate throughout the day.
But, although we speak of a place where a priori plastic and disposable items prevail, it is very important to know that there are more and more sustainable alternatives to reduce the plastic in our bathroom and take care of the environment. We are not only talking about containers and objects made of plastic, but many of the beauty and hygiene products that are used contain microplastics that are very difficult to recycle. «There are products such as exfoliating gels, toothpastes or sun creams to which they are added plastic microparticles and that they are designed to go down the drain. Hence, due to their size, it is impossible to prevent them from reaching rivers and seas where they become food for many species, entering the trophic chain ”, they explain from ‘Living without plastic’. Therefore, they recommend that, when buying any cosmetic, you should avoid these ingredients in its composition: polyethylene (polyethylene), polypropylene (polypropylene), polyethylene terephthalate (polyethylene terephthalate) and polymethyl methacrylate (polymethyl methacrylate).
The rest of products formulated with plastic are often polluting, but by not disposing of them properly, they have an even greater impact on the planet. «The wipes, for example, if we throw them down the toilet are very polluting; This happens with cotton buds, tampons or pads, because these products are made mainly of plastic. By not flushing these products down the toilet, greatly reduces its impact, although the production is still there ”, they indicate from ‘Living without plastic’.
Cintia Guich, from ‘Zero Waste’, comments that today there are alternatives to all conventional bathroom products, not only to replace plastic packaging, but also cosmetic products without microplastics.
Alternatives to shampoo and gel
«Shampoos and gels packaged in plastic and made with synthetic ingredients are easily replaceable by solid shampoos and soaps, without packaging or unnecessary plastic, “says Cintia Guich. From ‘Living without Plastic’ they comment that, when looking at the label of any shampoo, the first ingredient that it will have is water. “We already have water when we open the shower tap, so it makes no sense to spend a plastic container to transport something that we do not need,” they add.
Alternatives to toothbrush and toothpaste
On the other hand, in oral hygiene there are also options to replace plastics with less polluting elements. The most prevalent, and increasingly common, is choosing a bamboo toothbrush. “The bristles are made of nylon, but it is a lesser evil compared to the amount of plastic in the handle”, they say in ‘Living without Plastic’. In addition, Cintia Guich comments that we can find both toothpastes in solid formats (tablets) as in glass jars, as well as silk and bamboo tooth floss, eliminating the use of nylon. “They are packaged in a bottle that is reusable, so it can be refilled countless times, saving the planet thousands of waste”, indicates Cintia Guich.
There is no perfect option, but there is a better option
In general, they comment from ‘Living without plastic’ that there is nothing 100% sustainable, but that there are simply things more polluting than others. «For example, if we cannot buy creams in solid formatWithin the plastic packaging, we can choose those that are more respectful with the environment, have more recyclable packaging or are from responsible and local companies “, they say.
There are products more complicated than others such as toilet paper. The platform recommends using recycled toilet paper or one that comes in a paper container, “which is made with paper from responsibly managed forests.” “In other words, there are many factors that come into play in making one product more sustainable than another and, depending on the circumstances of each person, we have to make a general balance of what is less bad in our circumstance”, they summarize.
Alternatives for putting on makeup (and removing makeup)
Currently there are more and more options to take care of our skin in a solid format. They list in ‘Living without plastic’ that there are already moisturizers, exfoliants, masks, and even sun creams without microplastics. In addition, there are many brands that are moving to easier to recycle packaging like glass jars or cardboard packaging.
To remove make-up, there are even solid make-up removal products. There are also cotton make-up removal pads, which can be washed and reused without any problems.
Alternatives for waxing
From both platforms recommend replace disposable razors plastic for a metal one with interchangeable blades. Not only do they claim to “work better,” but they are a huge money saver, as a metal blade can last virtually a lifetime.
Alternatives for sponges and towels
“Conventional sponges are made of synthetic materials and are hardly recyclable,” explains Cintia Guich. Therefore, it recommends as an alternative the luffa sponges, made from the fibers of the luffa fruit, very similar to zucchini. “In this way we use a natural, 100% biodegradable sponge that also exfoliates us effectively and hydrates us naturally,” he adds. Regarding towels, the recommendation is to ventilate them after use, in order to avoid bad odors and to be able to extend the time without washing them, to save water.