How to transition to a zero-waste bathroom?

If you've made it this far, it means you're interested, whether directly or indirectly, in ecology and the impact your everyday life has on the planet, so go for your zero-waste bathroom goal 👍
On the web, it's easy to find out more about the right habits to adopt in order to start reducing your waste. You'll read or hear about minimalism, homemade household product recipes (DIY do it yourself), and all the plastic items that have eco-friendly alternatives. In short, there's no shortage of advice, and it often comes from reliable sources. With that in mind, I invite you to download our "zero-waste guide" for free, where we cover 4 chapters that can set you on the path to a cleaner, plastic-free routine.

In this article, we're going to focus on the following question: how do I organize my zero-waste bathroom? To answer that, let's look at how to clean it with clean and effective household products, which materials to use (see our article: Bamboo Design and Decor from our blog The Eco Mag) and which bathroom accessories and utensils should I get in an eco-friendly version.

Eco-friendly bathroom accessories

One of the first things to do is to equip yourself with a zero-waste bathroom kit in other words, good plastic-free hygiene accessories. You've certainly heard about toothbrushes and all the other utensils such as: cotton swabs, razors, hairbrushes and combs made from clean, plastic-free materials such as bamboo. In our collection of bamboo wood bathroom accessories, discover a wide range of utensils made from our signature plant.
Why bamboo? It's a leading material when it comes to eco-friendly resources. In addition to its exotic appeal, it has undeniable ecological qualities. It grows without fertilizer or pesticides and at a speed that outpaces almost everything else.
However, bamboo has certain drawbacks that tarnish its eco-friendly image due to its origins and where it comes from. In fact, bamboo does not grow naturally in Europe; it is imported from Africa and mainly from Asia, which is not ideal for Western consumers. At Bamboo Home Store, we cannot guarantee that our bamboo products come 100% from what could be called organic farming, because standards in Asia are not the same as in Europe. On the other hand, we certify that our products are not treated, because bamboo is rot-resistant and therefore does not require treatment with chemical products like some woods do to ensure their longevity. We are affiliated with the association One Tree Planted, and we offer our customers the option to complete their purchases by making a donation of 0.82€ to plant a tree through our association. As a result, the travel and CO2 emissions caused by transporting the product from its country of origin to our customers' homes are offset in the best possible way by planting a tree.

5 zero-waste bamboo bathroom accessories 

1. In the list of bamboo utensils and accessories that are ideal for replacing plastic ones, you'll find the essential toothbrush. They are 95% eco-friendly, why? Their handle is 100% biodegradable; however, their bristles are not recyclable. When it's time to replace it, remember to cut the bristles off flush and throw them into the bin for plastic. This bin is yellow and is reserved for packaging. Bamboo toothbrushes do not clean better than their plastic counterparts, but they do have the advantage of a biodegradable handle.
   
   
   
2. Bamboo combs and hairbrushes are also on the list. In fact, they are even recommended and offer excellent value for money. 
   They make detangling hair easier due to the lack of static electricity associated with wood in general. Wooden combs and hairbrushes also help distribute sebum. I recommend avoiding using them in the shower to preserve their longevity.
   
   
   
3. Bamboo razors. Both vintage and eco-friendly, this type of razor is increasingly popular in bathrooms. Made entirely from clean materials (stainless steel and bamboo), they are gradually replacing plastic-handled razors. The rise of "Barber" shops has greatly helped promote them. You simply need to change the blades, which are often made of steel. There is a slot designed for this purpose with a screw-tightening system that ensures an optimal and clean shave. You'll easily find this type of blade in all supermarkets at prices far lower than the blades of certain brands such as: Wilkinson or Gillette. 
   
   
   
4. Bamboo cotton swabs. Increasingly trendy, bamboo cotton swabs are making their way into our toiletry bags. Their plastic substitutes have a disastrous impact on the environment and are among the tons of waste that can easily be avoided, just like toothbrushes. Using wooden cotton swabs is more than necessary for a transition to a zero-waste bathroom. However, do you know how to clean your ears properly? This question was the subject of one of our articles. You'll discover that using cotton swabs, whether bamboo or plastic, is not recommended for proper ear cleaning. I won't say more, and I invite you to read our article to learn more on the subject.
   
   
   
5. To conclude this list, let's take a bath. This accessory is intended for people who have a bathtub. Of course, using a bathtub is not very eco-friendly in itself because of the high water consumption. However, relaxing in hot water from time to time does a world of good. For that, there are bamboo bath trays that fit across your bathtub to unfold a tray on which you can place your toiletries and more. This type of accessory is certainly non-essential, but it always adds a zen and exotic touch.
   
   

How do I clean my bathroom with zero-waste products? 

Now that you have a list of eco-friendly products and accessories, the question is: what eco-friendly product should I use to clean and how can I be 100% zero-waste in my bathroom? In supermarket aisles, you'll find super, mega, and ultra-cleaning products that are the opposite of eco-friendly for 2 reasons.

• Single-use bottles are often made from plastic that is difficult to recycle.
• The products used to make these famous super cleaning products come from mixtures of chemicals that are often harmful to our skin and to the environment.

So how can you avoid this ecological disaster?  By making your own cleaning products, quite simply! Have you ever heard of DIY products (do it yourself)? Translated into French, it means: make it yourself! In fact, it is not at all complicated to make your own hygiene and cleaning products. You can very easily find all kinds of recipes online to make: toothpaste, day cream, deodorant, as well as dishwashing liquid, floor cleaner, and multi-purpose cleaners. 



The products needed to make certain zero-waste recipes are easy to get, and in most cases you'll find:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Citric acid 
• Marseille soap
• Washing soda crystals 

No need to have a degree in chemistry to prepare certain effective, economical, and above all eco-friendly recipes. It's up to you to browse around online and form your own opinion on the matter.
Below is a recipe for a multi-purpose cleaning product that is perfect for almost all the surfaces in your bathroom.
Feel free to download our E-BOOKS for free, where you'll discover several zero-waste tips for your bathroom and more.

Equipment

• 1 stirring stick
• 1 large container (mixing bowl) for making the mixture
• 1 small container (bowl)
• 1 funnel

Ingredients

• A reused cleaning bottle
• 50cl of water
• 2 tbsp baking soda
• 4 tbsp white vinegar or alcohol vinegar
• 1 teaspoon essential oil
  
  
  

The recipe

1. In a large container "mixing bowl," add the baking soda
2. Heat the water then pour it into the bowl to dissolve the baking soda
3. In a separate small container, mix the essential oil and the vinegar
4. Add this mixture gradually to the {water + baking soda} mixture, being careful that the foam does not overflow. Stir if needed to "break" the foam
5. Once everything is incorporated, mix one last time, then use the funnel to fill the bottle with the product. It's ready!

Use

• It's a multi-surface cleaner: floors, tables, windows, etc., slightly diluted
• For the floor: dilute in hot water. This will make cleaning and drying easier
• For countertops: put a little product on a damp cloth and scrub
• For windows: fill a spray bottle with this product to make it easier to spray. It is essential to rinse with a cloth that is slightly damp, because the baking soda will leave whitish marks that are completely non-toxic but unsightly.