8 Sustainable Bathroom Swaps That Reduce Waste and Save Money

Written by

Tehrene Firman

Published

Bathrooms aren't the epitome of sustainability. The average American household uses more than

400 rolls of toilet paper per year. We use paper cups for drinking water, disposable cotton swabs, and plastic soap dispensers. And then there's all the plastic bottles—

shampoo, body wash, and more!—on display in our shower caddies.

The good news is making your space more eco is easy. All you need to do is start with some planet-friendly bathroom swaps. From choosing planet-friendly towels to opting for reusables over single-use items, you're only a couple steps away from bettering the planet.

8 Eco-Friendly Bathroom Swaps to Try

1. Bamboo Towels Instead of Cotton Towels

Our Pick:

Ettitude Waffle Towel Set,

While

cotton is a natural fiber, it's not the most sustainable. Cotton not only has a large water footprint, but globally, it represents about 10% of pesticides and 25% of

insecticides used.

Bamboo is a more sustainable alternative when done right. These towels are top-notch: They feature a luxe waffle weave fabric that's free from harmful chemicals, gentle on the skin, and moisture-wicking. They're even more absorbent than traditional towels.

2. Refillable Deodorant Instead of Plastic Deodorant

Our Pick:

Wild Refillable Deodorant, $16

Most deodorant comes in a plastic container that's hard to recycle after the product is gone. This refillable deodorant features a container made from anodized aluminum and recycled plastic that's built to last.

Every refill you buy is plastic-free and comes in

compostable packaging. They're also long-lasting: Each is expected to last 4 to 6 weeks with daily use.

3. Soap Bar Instead of Canned Shaving Cream

Our Pick:

Leaf Shave Soap Bar, $11

Instead of buying bottled shaving cream, reduce waste with a shave soap bar. This soap bar generates a luxurious lather that allows you to get a smooth shave. It also leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturized.

If you have sensitive skin, it's an unbeatable option: It's vegan, cruelty-free, and free from petroleums, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

4. Bamboo Bathrobe Instead of a Cotton Bathrobe

Our Pick:

Ettitude Bamboo Waffle Bathrobe, $99

Ditch the Like with your bath towels, ditch the cotton and opt for bamboo, which has a lower environmental footprint. Bamboo uses minimal water to grow and requires less land area than cotton to thrive.

This bathrobe in particular is cooling, light-as-air, and will make you feel like you're at the spa without ever leaving your home.

5. Bamboo Toothbrush Instead of a Plastic Toothbrush

Our Pick:

Plus Ultra Bamboo Toothbrush 2-Pack, $9

After your plastic toothbrush is too worn-out to use, it can't be recycled. Instead, it's sent to the landfill. A simple way to reduce waste is to opt for a beechwood option that's suitable for

home compost.

This toothbrush features eco-friendly handles that are sculpted from Moso bamboo. They're 90% biodegradable—all but the nylon bristles and metal staples that hold them in place.

6. Shampoo Bars Instead of Plastic Bottles

Our Pick:

Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set (+ Free Travel Pouch), $26.50

Why buy

shampoo and conditioner in plastic bottles when you can use low-waste bars? This volumizing option gives your hair body and bounce with African dates and vitamin B5. It also smells great: It has an irresistible citrus scent you won't be able to get enough of.

Already have volume? There's also a

soothing option that keeps hair soft and manageable, and a

moisturizing option that leaves stands soft and silky. Plus, each comes with a free travel pouch.

7. Metal Safety Razor Instead of a Plastic Razor

Our Pick:

Plastic-Free Razor Instead of Plastic Razor, $84

Billions of plastic razors wind up in landfills every year. But when you buy this reusable option, you'll only need one for the rest of your life.

The heavy-duty

safety razor has a built-in pivoting head that makes shaving easy. You can also use up to three blades, depending on your preference. Extra bonus: It includes a 10-blade starter pack.

8. Lotion Bar Instead of Plastic Bottled Lotion

Our Pick:

Kate McLeod Daily Stone Body Moisturizer, $45

Bar products aren't just found in the haircare aisle. Now, there's a wide range of

beauty bars that make it possible to reduce the amount of plastic in your bathroom. Including this body moisturizer bar.

The Daily Stone from Kate McLeod slides on your skin like silk and is made with a soothing blend of cocoa butter and four base oils (avocado, sweet almond, apricot kernel, and fractionated coconut). Basically, your skin will eat it up.