our zero-waste bathroom

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This month I've been taking a sort of zero-waste inventory of our bathroom. I like to take a look at things as a whole periodically in order to gauge my progress.

A great way to eliminate waste created by an item altogether is to consider the necessity of the item. If we don't need it, we don't even have to search for a zero-waste alternative! (Pass the product on to a friend who will use it, or donate it to a shelter.) I love how the quest to decrease waste pushes us to become more + more simple + natural.

For those products that we do choose to continue using, we look for ::
-multi-functional products (like the soap we use as body soap, shaving cream, make-up remover, stain remover + facial soap)
-reusable rather than disposable versions (such as a safety razor)
-items that can be composted at the end of their functional lifespan rather than added to the landfill (such as a bamboo toothbrush)
-items we can make at home from natural ingredients that we can find unpackaged or packaged in recyclable packaging (such as our toothpowder + lip balm)
-items packaged in reusable (such as my facial moisturizer) or recyclable packaging (toilet paper)

Here is a little update of the choices we are currently making in our bathroom (by no means perfect or recommended...just honesty) ::

bamboo toothbrushes (a) :: compostable, recyclable/compostable packaging, landfill bristles
tooth powder (a) :: made by me from two paper + glass packaged ingredients 
unpackaged soap (b) :: no packaging, available locally 
shampoo bar (b) :: recyclable paper packaging (update here)
conditioner bar (b) :: recyclable paper packaging
lotion bar (b) :: no packaging, available locally
facial moisturizer (c) :: reusable glass + metal packaging, available locally
comb (d) :: fair-trade, compostable
deodorant (e) :: no packaging, long-lasting
compostable floss (f) :: compostable, reusable glass + metal, refills
​lip balm (g) :: made by me from local + natural ingredients in recyclable packaging
toilet paper (h) :: recycled, recyclable paper packaging, available locally
​hairbands, bobby pins, clip (i) :: long-lasting, clip is 20 years old
safety razor (j) :: metal, paper packaging, long-lasting, cost-effective, recyclable blades
nail clippers (k) :: long-lasting, 30 years old
​period panties + no applicator tampons (l) :: organic cotton, fair, reusable, less waste
(a menstrual cup is a wonderful option for those who can use them)
towels + bath mat (n) :: fair-trade, organic cotton
scissors + hair clippers (o) :: long-lasting, no cost haircuts for all  :)

I also have 2 bamboo brushes (m), an eyelash curler, some face powder, blush + eyeshadow that I don't routinely use. I have put them aside for occasional use at this point, which means that all of the above are long-lasting. Jo keeps the tweezers in her room + I "borrow" them as needed.  :) I've also kept the hairdryer, but haven't used it in years.

I put together a pinterest page for my own reference + as a place to collect options I might like to try when something here runs out. Feel free to check it out for links + further explanations of my choices.  :)

Love,
Jane 

P.S. I'm careful in this space to use language that communicates that I'm sharing my own choices + journey. I try to do the best I can with the choices + priorities I have. I make a concerted effort not to sound like I'm giving advice. Please feel free to make the choices that make the most sense to you + your priorities...and to share your journey as well.  :)