Bathroom Swaps

[theneverendinglaundry]

I'm trying to rethink the toiletries I use, and am interested to hear about swaps people have made.

So far, I have swapped cotton wool for washable make up remover pads, and shower gel for soap. I'm hoping to try a shampoo bar soon, but am completely stuck on moisturiser (face and body).

Please inspire me!

So far I’ve swapped:

Soap bars for shower gel and handwash (separate bars!)
Shampoo bar (I love the friendly soap one)
Dentabs instead of toothpaste
Plastic-free dental floss
Bamboo handled toothbrush
Recycled loo roll

Have you considered trying a jar of coconut oil as moisturiser?

Thanks, ooh yes recycled loo roll is another swap I've recently made.

I do have a small jar of coconut oil that I've been using for my hair instead of serum. I may try it as an all over body moisturiser tonight.

Have a google to see if there are any zero waste shops near you. Just wandering around our local shop is a massive eye opener as to some of the products out there. You can also take in empty containers to refill a lot of products without adding to plastic waste which is helpful if there are things that you cant find a good swap for. Just stay away from charcoal toothpaste. A friend ended up having to have some expensive dental appointments when her teeth became discoloured.

Thanks @blackcat86 I'll remember that tip!

Following with interest - I assume you already have either reusable sanitary pads or a mooncup.

I used to use a mooncup but don't get periods with the birth control that I use!

Okay- so I have decided to buy some empty pump bottles and will take them into town to get them filled up with some shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. I really am not getting on with bars of soap at all.

I'm also going to ditch the body lotion when it runs out and just use coconut oil as I have discovered it is just as good.

I'm not sure how well the kids will get on with the toothpaste tablets but I may try to find a sample to try.

Toothbrushes will be bamboo when next replaced.

Things I'm stuck on - face wash, day cream, night cream, eye make up remover, and make up. I'm on a really tight budget, I usually get things that only cost a few pounds, and I'm struggling to find alternatives that I can afford.

It all feels like a drop in the ocean compared to the amount of plastic in my fridge and kitchen cupboards, but it's a start...

For face wash I now use the Lamazuna face wash bars and they are amazing (I used Liz Earle before and was worried about swapping).

Also shampoo and soap bars. I haven't found a conditioner bar I like yet though, tried Lush Jungle and it's just not conditioning enough to get tangles out of my hair...

Razor to a safety one? Toothpaste? (Ben and anna paste is the closest I’ve found to normal toothpaste). Bath salts for when you just want a soak. Soap bag instead of a sponge in the shower. I love my shampoo bar now - took a while though, I’d been using it with conditioner the first time I tried it and ended up with awful greasy sticky hair. Second time I researched more and now use the bar (friendly soap one) and then a cider vinegar rinse (pour about 200ml of water with a tbsp of vinegar on then rinse off). No conditioner, no serum, nothing. My hair has never looked better - smooth and frizz free and soft - and I feel really angry at how much money I’ve wasted over the years on expensive shampoos and conditioners to try and get it to look nice!!

Also - have you tried a bar cleanser? I wear a fair amount of makeup and have never bothered with separate eye makeup remover etc. I just use soap but I’ve seen specific facial cleansing bars.

@linoleum, what's a soap bag?

Ah - it’s basically a string bag that you put your soap in for the shower then it works a bit like a shower scrub. I got one from AndKeep but there are loads on amazon etc too.

Oh, thank you!

I use Lush moisturisers as you can return the pots they come in to the shop to be reused (and if you take in five empty pots you get a free face mask).

Floral Street perfumes are vegan and lovely. I have Electric Rhubarb and Wild Vanilla Orchid, they are gorgeous. Packaging is sustainable.

flannels
bar soap

we don't use single use paper/cotton. flannels are great for removing make up.

Ooh yes I got a lovely cleanser from Lush - one without any packaging - and it is great for removing make up along with a flannel.