The bathroom plastic problem hit me when I was cleaning my shower one Sunday morning. I counted over 25 plastic bottles, tubes, containers, and tools—all in one small space. That’s when I realized how much plastic waste I was generating from just my personal care routine. Like many of you, I’d been making eco-friendly changes in my kitchen and shopping habits, but somehow my bathroom had remained a plastic paradise. So I decided to challenge myself: could I eliminate 90% of my bathroom plastic in just 30 days? The answer was a resounding yes, and the journey was easier (and more rewarding) than I ever expected.
Why Bathroom Plastic Is a Serious Environmental Problem
Before diving into my zero-waste bathroom transformation, let’s understand why bathroom plastic is particularly problematic. According to research from Zero Waste Week, the beauty industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging annually, much of which isn’t recyclable. Bathroom products present unique challenges because:
- Many bathroom plastics are made from mixed materials that can’t be recycled
- Small items like caps and pumps typically end up in landfills
- Most people don’t recycle in the bathroom (only 14% of Americans do, according to Unilever research)
- Wet environments lead to contamination of potentially recyclable materials
The average person uses 9-10 personal care products daily, each housed in its own plastic container. That’s a staggering amount of plastic for just one aspect of our lives. But as I discovered, there are viable alternatives for nearly everything.
My Bathroom Plastic Inventory: The Shocking Starting Point
I began by taking everything out of my bathroom and cataloging all the plastic items. Here’s what I found:
- 4 shampoo and conditioner bottles
- 3 body wash containers
- 2 face wash bottles
- 5 skincare product tubes and jars
- 3 deodorant containers
- 2 toothpaste tubes
- 1 plastic toothbrush
- 4 disposable razors
- 6 makeup items in plastic packaging
- Various cotton swabs, pads, and plastic tools
That’s 30+ items of bathroom plastic waste waiting to happen. I realized that even though I recycle when possible, much of this packaging would ultimately end up in landfills or oceans. It was time for a change.
My 30-Day Bathroom Plastic Elimination Plan
Rather than replacing everything at once (which would be wasteful), I created a staged approach. I would use up existing products and replace them with zero-waste alternatives as needed. Here’s how I structured my 30-day challenge:
Week 1: Research and Easy Swaps
The first week was dedicated to research and making the simplest changes that would have immediate impact:
- Bamboo toothbrush: My plastic toothbrush was due for replacement, so I switched to a Brush with Bamboo toothbrush with plant-based bristles.
- Shampoo and conditioner bars: I researched options that would work for my hair type and settled on Ethique bars.
- Safety razor: After much research, I invested in a lifetime-quality safety razor from Leaf Shave to replace my disposable razors.
- Soap bar: I finished my body wash and replaced it with a locally-made soap bar that came in paper packaging.
Lesson learned: Take time to research alternatives that will actually work for your specific needs. For more guidance on choosing the right products for your hair and skin type, check out our zero-waste bathroom product guide.
Week 2: Tackling Skincare
During the second week, I focused on my skincare routine:
- Cleansing: Replaced my face wash with a cleansing bar specifically formulated for faces.
- Moisturizing: Invested in a moisturizer that comes in a glass container with metal lid.
- Toning: Made a simple DIY toner with apple cider vinegar and stored it in a glass spray bottle.
- DIY masks: Created a clay mask recipe using dry ingredients stored in glass jars.
Bathroom plastic eliminated: 7 plastic containers (not counting future replacements avoided)
Week 3: Dental and Personal Hygiene
Week three addressed some of the most challenging bathroom plastic problems:
- Toothpaste: Switched to Bite Toothpaste Bits that come in a refillable glass jar.
- Floss: Replaced plastic floss with a refillable silk floss in a glass container.
- Deodorant: Made the switch to a deodorant in a cardboard push-up tube.
- Cotton products: Bought reusable cotton rounds and a small laundry bag to wash them in.
Bathroom plastic eliminated: 6 plastic items
Week 4: Makeup and Final Adjustments
The final week was dedicated to tackling makeup and any remaining bathroom plastic:
- Makeup: Started transitioning to brands with sustainable packaging like Elate Cosmetics and Kjaer Weis.
- Hair styling: Replaced my plastic hairbrush with a wooden one and switched to plastic-free hair ties.
- Storage solutions: Added bamboo containers and glass jars for storage.
- Final audit: Conducted a final count of remaining plastic items.
Bathroom plastic eliminated: 14 plastic items
The Results: My New Low-Waste Bathroom
After 30 days, I had eliminated 27 of the 30 plastic items in my bathroom—that’s 90% of my bathroom plastic! The remaining items were:
- A prescription medication that legally must come in its original container
- Contact lens case and solution (still searching for better alternatives)
- One specialty hair product I’m still trying to find a replacement for
Everything else had been replaced with sustainable alternatives that were either plastic-free or significantly reduced plastic waste through refill systems.
Top 10 Most Impactful Bathroom Plastic Swaps
Based on my experience, these are the changes that made the biggest difference in eliminating bathroom plastic:
1. Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Old product: Plastic bottles of liquid shampoo and conditioner New alternative: Solid bars in paper packaging Environmental impact: Eliminates 4-6 plastic bottles per person annually Tip: It may take a few tries to find the right bar for your hair type. I found success with bars containing cocoa butter for my dry hair.
2. Safety Razor
Old product: Disposable plastic razors New alternative: Stainless steel safety razor with replaceable metal blades Environmental impact: Eliminates 18-24 plastic razors per person annually Tip: There’s a slight learning curve, but go slow and you’ll get the hang of it. The close shave is worth it!
3. Bar Soap
Old product: Body wash in plastic bottles New alternative: Bar soap in paper packaging or no packaging Environmental impact: Eliminates 6-12 plastic bottles per person annually Tip: Look for locally made soaps at farmers markets for minimal packaging and transportation impact.
4. Solid Toothpaste or Powder
Old product: Plastic toothpaste tubes New alternative: Toothpaste tablets, powder, or paste in glass jars Environmental impact: Eliminates 4-6 plastic tubes per person annually Tip: Bite, Georganics, and Unpaste all offer excellent alternatives to traditional toothpaste.
5. Bamboo Toothbrush
Old product: Plastic toothbrush New alternative: Bamboo handle with plant-based or pig hair bristles Environmental impact: Eliminates 4 plastic toothbrushes per person annually Tip: Mark your family members’ brushes by dipping the ends in different colors of non-toxic paint.
6. Reusable Cotton Rounds
Old product: Disposable cotton pads and cotton balls New alternative: Washable bamboo or cotton rounds Environmental impact: Eliminates hundreds of single-use cotton products annually Tip: Buy a small mesh laundry bag to keep them together in the wash.
7. Plastic-Free Deodorant
Old product: Deodorant in plastic packaging New alternative: Deodorant in cardboard tube or glass jar Environmental impact: Eliminates 3-4 plastic containers per person annually Tip: Give your body a couple of weeks to adjust to natural deodorant formulations.
8. Refillable Makeup
Old product: Makeup in single-use plastic packaging New alternative: Refillable compacts and containers Environmental impact: Significantly reduces plastic waste from beauty products Tip: Kjaer Weis, Elate, and Zao offer excellent refillable makeup systems.
9. Biodegradable Floss
Old product: Nylon floss in plastic container New alternative: Silk or corn-based PLA floss in glass container Environmental impact: Eliminates both plastic container and non-biodegradable floss Tip: Look for refill options to make this swap even more economical.
10. Menstrual Products
Old product: Disposable pads and tampons (often with plastic applicators) New alternative: Menstrual cup, period underwear, or reusable cloth pads Environmental impact: Eliminates hundreds of single-use products annually Tip: Try different options to find what works best for your body and lifestyle.
Overcoming Bathroom Plastic Elimination Challenges
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Here are some challenges I faced and how I overcame them:
Challenge: Initial Cost
Some zero-waste bathroom alternatives require a higher upfront investment. For example, my safety razor cost $84, compared to $10 for a pack of disposable razors.
Solution: I created a priority list and made one swap each payday. The long-term savings have already offset the initial costs, as many of these items last for years or even a lifetime.
Challenge: Product Effectiveness
Not every sustainable alternative performed as well as my conventional products.
Solution: I didn’t settle for underperforming products. If something didn’t work, I researched alternatives and read reviews from people with similar hair or skin types. For example, I tried three different shampoo bars before finding my perfect match.
Challenge: Convenience
Some plastic-free options require more effort or planning.
Solution: I created new routines that eventually became second nature. For example, I now keep a small container of toothpaste tablets in my travel bag so I’m never caught without them.
Challenge: Availability
Finding plastic-free alternatives locally was sometimes difficult.
Solution: I ordered some items online from specialized zero-waste shops. To offset the shipping impact, I placed fewer, larger orders. I also discovered our local food co-op had more options than I realized.
The Financial Impact of My Bathroom Plastic Elimination
While some zero-waste bathroom products cost more upfront, many save money in the long run:
In my first year, I spent about $127 more than I would have on conventional products. However, many items (like the safety razor) are one-time purchases that will save me money for years to come. By year two, I expect to start saving approximately $150 annually from my bathroom plastic reduction efforts.
Environmental Impact of Reducing Bathroom Plastic
Beyond the financial considerations, the environmental impact of my bathroom transformation has been significant:
- Plastic waste reduction: Approximately 30 fewer plastic items entering the waste stream each year
- Carbon footprint: Many plastic-free alternatives have lower carbon footprints due to reduced manufacturing and transportation impacts
- Water usage: Solid products like shampoo bars require less water to produce than their liquid counterparts
- Chemical reduction: Many zero-waste products contain fewer synthetic chemicals, reducing water pollution
According to the EPA, only about 8.7% of plastic waste gets recycled in the US. By eliminating bathroom plastic at the source, I’m ensuring that my personal care routine isn’t contributing to the approximately 27 million tons of plastic that ends up in landfills annually.
5 Tips for Your Own Bathroom Plastic Elimination Journey
Ready to reduce your own bathroom plastic waste? Here are my top tips:
- Start with the easiest swaps first: Build momentum with simple changes like switching to bar soap and a bamboo toothbrush.
- Use up what you have: Don’t throw away perfectly good products just to go plastic-free faster.
- Focus on quality over quantity: Invest in durable items that will last for years.
- Be patient with yourself: It’s a journey, not an overnight transformation.
- Track your progress: Take before and after photos to stay motivated.
For a printable checklist to help you plan your own bathroom plastic elimination journey, download our Zero-Waste Bathroom Transition Guide.
FAQs About Eliminating Bathroom Plastic
Isn’t it more expensive to go plastic-free in the bathroom?
While some plastic-free alternatives have higher upfront costs, many save money in the long run. For example, a safety razor has a higher initial investment but can last a lifetime with only the blades needing replacement (at pennies per blade). Similarly, solid shampoo bars typically last longer than liquid shampoo, providing better value over time.
What about medications and other necessary plastic items?
Some plastic in the bathroom is unavoidable, especially for medical needs. Focus on what you can change rather than aiming for absolute perfection. Every plastic item eliminated makes a difference.
How do I convince my family members to reduce bathroom plastic?
Start by making changes to your own routine and let the benefits speak for themselves. Many people are more willing to try alternatives when they see how well they work for someone else. For children, make it fun by letting them choose their own bamboo toothbrush color or help make DIY products.
Won’t I need to sacrifice quality or convenience?
Not necessarily. While there may be an adjustment period, many people find that plastic-free alternatives actually perform better than their conventional counterparts. For instance, safety razors often provide a closer shave, and natural deodorants can be more effective for some people.
What do I do with all the plastic items I’m replacing?
Use up existing products before replacing them, recycle what you can, and consider repurposing containers for storage or travel. For hard-to-recycle items, look into TerraCycle programs that accept beauty product packaging.
Join the Zero-Waste Bathroom Movement
Eliminating 90% of my bathroom plastic in 30 days was one of the most rewarding sustainability challenges I’ve undertaken. Not only did it reduce my environmental footprint, but it also simplified my routine and connected me with a community of like-minded individuals passionate about plastic reduction.
Remember that every plastic item eliminated matters. You don’t have to achieve a perfect zero-waste bathroom overnight—or ever. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Ready to start your own bathroom plastic elimination journey? Share your before photos and progress updates with us on Instagram or TikTok using #ZeroWasteBathroom. We love featuring community transformations!
For more detailed guides on specific bathroom swaps, DIY recipes, and product recommendations, visit EcoChicGlam.com and sign up for our monthly newsletter featuring exclusive discounts on sustainable bathroom products.
What bathroom plastic are you most excited to eliminate first? Let us know in the comments below!