Make Your Morning Routine Zero Waste Easily

I love shampoo bars! They’re perfect for traveling without worrying about spilling soap everywhere, they’re zero waste and they’re usually made by an ethical company without the threat of animal cruelty. My hair has reacted differently to different bars so trying a few and finding the best for your hair type might be a part of the process. For my thick, wavy hair the volume boosters leave a bit of a residue so I stick to shampoos that are solely for cleaning.

I would love to try conditioner bars but they require a little more work that doesn’t fit with my lifestyle. One day when we move back into a house I’ll try them out. Apple cider vinegar is a good alternative, it can come in a glass bottle that can be recycled or bought in bulk. As long as plastic bottles are phased out anything helps!

Going back to the days of bar soap. Luckily these are very easily attainable! I try to get a cruelty free bar that is not wrapped in plastic even if they are a little bit more expensive. So many stores have a bunch of options making this an easy zero waste item. These bars are usually cheaper than bottled soap, and they last longer by not overusing the product.

Plastic loofah’s are breeding grounds for bacteria and can breakdown into micro plastic with the potential to harm wildlife. Natural loofahs dry quicker than synthetic, helping kill off germs and bacteria and are made from a gourd, naturally compost friendly.

Safety razors do take some getting used too. The pressure you apply to your legs as well as getting around the ankles or knee caps. I’ve used mine for over a year and now I’m used to it and like it a lot. I love the feel of the heavy stainless steel and the fact it’s not super feminine, it feels utilitarian over pretty. I use the blades probably far longer than most would but that’s how I treat everything. When the blades are dull you can send them back to Albatross to be recycled. The only complaint is that I didn’t realize I couldn’t fly with it but now I know! Next time I fly I’m going to get as minimal plastic razor and keep it for traveling.

I have not tried toothpaste tablets because I have yet to find one with fluoride. Toothpaste tubes are typically made by layering a mix of different materials making it very difficult to recycle. Toothpaste tubes made of metal are available but still don’t have fluoride. Hopefully soon a company will fill this gap with zero waste, cruelty free toothpaste with fluoride. This is a necessity to me that I have to cave on. Even though my toothpaste tubes will end up in a landfill I want a toothpaste with fluoride to protect myself. Even though this isn’t zero waste I will always be on the look out for a better product.

My husband just started using bamboo toothbrushes. He likes it and loves the fact that it’s less plastic waste. The toothbrush I use has a metal base with a replaceable plastic head. I like it but I wish it wasn’t plastic at all. Hopefully one day the company can find a better solution to plastic heads and nylon bristles. With billions of toothbrushes in landfills and the ocean every year any bit helps.

Floss is made from nylon or Teflon, neither degrade, they become micro plastic. Floss cannot be recycled even if it is made from recyclable materials because the small strings could damage machines. Floss made from biodegradable materials that also comes in a glass or stainless steel container is a better option. These floss are a bit more expensive but if you can swing it every little bit helps.

For makeup removers or face wipes try using old soft clothes that aren’t used anymore – I picked pajama pants – and cut up to a wipe sized sheet. If you know how to sew you can pinch the edges and make them look pretty. Or like me, ignore the frays. If you’d rather buy new try out reusable cotton rounds. Usually they’re are made 100% organic cotton and come packaged in recyclable packaging.

Tampons, pads and other menstrual products are not being disposed of properly. Too many people are flushing these items down the toilet, creating hazardous waste that clogs water systems. The ingredients are not disclosed for such a personal item, leaving menstruators hopelessly using potentially dangerous products in sensitive areas. There are other options, menstrual cups, reusable pads, absorbent underwear however if these are unreachable applicator-less tampons and plastic free pads are a great option.

We made an app, Boycott That! Available for iOS and Android devices!

Boycott That is the app to start becoming a healthier consumer. For the wannabe zero waster, Boycott That has achievable sustainable switches for everyday items. The app is also perfect for helping to avoid companies that partake in animal cruelty and violate basic human rights.