I’ve been working towards a chemical-free home for a while now. I’ve become more conscious of what I buy, what I put on my skin and more importantly the products I use on my child.
I’ve always been aware of the amount of plastic I use – possibly because I grew up in the 80s when there was less packaging around. However, I’m ashamed to say I never really gave much thought to all the chemicals I released into the oceans when I was desperate to buy the latest designer shampoo promising me some hair magic.
Please note, my hair has never been magic…
I’ve been trying to buy (or make) more eco-friendly bathroom products. I always try to be honest and highlight that this is a work in progress. I still use toothpaste and I’ve struggled to get on with shampoo bars because I don’t have 2 months to be able to adjust past the greasy stage – if anyone has any suggestions, let me know.
What I am doing is trying to be thoughtful about what I do use and think about the environmental impacts. Eco-friendly bathroom products aren’t going to reverse climate change – but every little helps.
My eco-friendly bathroom products
Bamboo toothbrush
It’s estimated that we use 3.6 billion plastic toothbrushes worldwide and 80% of them end up in the sea where they take over 1000 years to dispose.
One of the easiest changes to make is to switch to a bamboo toothbrush.
I’ve used a bamboo toothbrush for years now. I only used to be able to buy them online but now I live in an area with lots of health food shops, I can find them everywhere.
They’re recyclable and biodegradable. you need to pull the bristles out to put them in the plastic recycling and the actual toothbrush can be composted.
Brands include: Bambaw
Natural teeth whitening charcoal powder
Want white teeth but not at the expense of the planet? Yes, me too.
I use charcoal powder. It’s really easy to use and 100% natural. The packaging can all be recycled too or in my case upcycled into candles.
Brands include: Smile UK
Soap bars
For some of us that are old enough, we can remember a time when shower gel was just a glint in its mother’s eye. We all used soap.
I’m getting back into using soap again. It contains far less packaging and lasts a lot longer. Sometimes I make my own using an SLS free melt and pour base from my favourite apocotherapist Baldwin’s. Otherwise, I buy locally.
Brands include: Friendly soap
Hand wash
I make my own hand wash using castille soap, distilled water and essential oils.
I buy everything in bulk and decant it into amber bottles I buy from Baldwin’s.
However, I completely appreciate you may not have the time or interest to make your own. I happen to love doing anything vaguely crafty. There are good options on the high street such as Faith in Nature or Method. I have a shop locally that does Faith in Nature refills so I don’t need to keep buying the bottles.
Bath salts
I make my own bath salts and honestly, it couldn’t be easier. I can never go back to buying ‘luxury’ bathing products ever again.
They only contain 3 ingredients and essential oils but failing that, use Epsom salts. They’re also natural and the magnesium will give you a health boost.
Brands include: Westlab Epsom salts
Cotton buds
I tried to go on a cotton bud break because I convinced myself they’re a product I only use because they’re there. Anyway, my break only managed to prove that I do need them after all.
I will only buy products that contain no plastic and have some guarantee about the cotton used.
Brands include: Organyc
Room spray
Without wishing to go into too much detail, there are sometimes occasions when the bathroom needs a bit of freshening up..
Get a spray bottle and add 30 drops of essential oils into water. Job done.
Please note, some of these products were gifted but all reviews are my own. The sites I’m referring you too aren’t always where I bought the product – it’s just for ease of reference.
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