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Bathroom

There are many simple solutions for the bathroom which not only will reduce plastic waste and have a positive impact for the environment but can also have a positive impact on your budget too!

What you can do

Choose to refuse single-use plastic bathroom products.

How you can do it

Plastic bottles and containers hide in many corners of the bathroom or in the drawers under your sink, and they are also some of the easiest to eliminate.

More and more people are choosing to make their own beauty and personal care products – it is simpler than you might think. There are numerous online recipes and tutorials for soap, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, scrubs and lotions. Using simple, inexpensive ingredients, these products are better for the planet and reduce your use of plastic too.

You may prefer to buy pre-made products, but without the plastic packaging. There are a number of brands that supply soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream and more in bar form, without any packaging or just a simple cardboard box.

A third option is to take an empty plastic bottle and refill it at a bulk goods store.

You may like to consider other items in your bathroom such as razor blades, nappies, bin liners and sanitary items. These can also be replaced with longer-lasting, reusable items that are plastic-free. See our separate cards for more details.

Taking the next steps

Your existing plastic bottles and tubs can be refilled, reused or recycled when empty.

Look out for a local workshop on making your own products, or check out the numerous online tutorials, including on the Plastic Free July YouTube channel.

Consider replacing old toothbrushes with bamboo versions or a model with a replaceable head. A switch to a safety razor with replaceable stainless steel blades will eliminate plastic and allow you to recycle the blades.

The impact

  • Reduce plastic waste and the use of our natural resources in creating it
  • Prevent the chance of plastic waste entering into our natural surroundings, where it will stay forever
  • Protect our wildlife who can mistake plastic as food

More ideas

What others do

Glass of lemonade, bunch of straws and a plastic juice bottle

To find plastic free ideas, take the Plastic Free July challenge

Reusable carry bag, keep cups and bamboo cutlery
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