Household Swap Series: Creating A More Sustainable Bathroom

If you’re looking to reduce waste at home, the bathroom is a great place to start because of all the possibilities. From shampoo bottles to disposable razors, it’s one of the biggest sources of everyday plastic and single-use products in many households. The items we use daily tend to be heavily packaged and designed for convenience, not sustainability.

The good news? You don’t have to change everything at once. Just like in the kitchen, small swaps made over time can have a big impact. As products run out, try replacing them with more sustainable options that reduce waste, save money, and simplify your routine.

Here are five, easy near zero-waste bathroom swaps for you to try…

1. Swap bottled products for bar soaps

Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash often come in single-use plastic bottles that quickly add up. Bar versions eliminate that packaging entirely and typically last longer than their liquid counterparts, meaning fewer replacements over time. Many people are surprised by how well they work once they find the right brand for their hair or skin type. As a bonus, bar products are compact, travel-friendly, and reduce clutter in your shower.

2. Trade your plastic toothbrush for bamboo

Plastic toothbrushes aren’t recyclable and should be replaced every three to four months, creating a steady stream of waste. A bamboo toothbrush offers a simple alternative with minimal packaging. Bamboo breaks down easier than plastic, and you can check for local composting options. It performs just like a conventional toothbrush, so there’s no learning curve. Just an easy, repeatable swap that makes a difference throughout the year.

2. Trade your plastic toothbrush for bamboo

Plastic toothbrushes aren’t recyclable and should be replaced every three to four months, creating a steady stream of waste. A bamboo toothbrush offers a simple alternative with minimal packaging. Bamboo breaks down easier than plastic, and you can check for local composting options. It performs just like a conventional toothbrush, so there’s no learning curve. Just an easy, repeatable swap that makes a difference throughout the year.

3. Use refillable or concentrated cleaners

Most bathroom cleaners are largely made up of water and packaged in bulky plastic bottles. By switching to concentrates, refillable systems, or other alternatives like toilet cleaning tablets (“toilet bombs”), you can reuse the containers over and over again. This reduces plastic waste and cuts down on the energy needed to ship heavy liquids. Many of these options are also made with gentler ingredients, making them a win for both your home and the environment.

4. Replace disposable cotton rounds with reusable ones

If you use cotton rounds for skincare, makeup removal, or nail care, switching to reusable versions is one of the easiest swaps to make. Disposable cotton products are used once and thrown away, but reusable rounds can be washed and used again and again. Simply toss them in with your regular laundry, and they’re ready to go. It’s a small change that can significantly reduce your household waste over time without changing your routine.

5. Switch to a safety razor

Disposable razors are convenient, but they create a lot of plastic waste and need to be replaced frequently. A safety razor is a durable alternative made to last for years, and only the blade needs to be replaced. While it might feel like a bigger switch at first, many people find that with a little practice, it becomes just as easy to use and is more cost-effective in the long run.

Start Small and Build from There

Creating a more sustainable bathroom doesn’t mean throwing everything out and starting from scratch. In fact, the most sustainable option is to use what you already have and make swaps gradually as items run out.

Start with one or two changes that feel manageable and build from there. Over time, these small shifts can lead to less waste, fewer purchases, and a simpler, more intentional routine.

Just like switches in the kitchen, sustainability isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making progress!