Creating a More Sustainable Bathroom

Did you know that until 2020, Earth Overshoot Day was getting earlier and earlier in the year? That's when we overshoot the number of resources available on the earth this year. 

This is mostly in part because of COVID-19 slowing down a lot of airplane transport and production.

But we can't rely on global pandemics to cut down on our demand for ecological resources! There are ways to reduce our emissions every single day, and it can even start with making your bathroom eco-friendly. 

Here are seven easy tips on how you can make a positive effect on your environment right from your home bathroom. 

1. Watch Your Water

Of the three famous "R" rules, "Reduce" is one you can and should exercise as much as possible. One way to do that is to cut back on the amount of water that you use in the bathroom. 

There are many ways to do that, like choosing to install a shower instead of a bathtub. Filling up a bathtub can often be extremely wasteful if you don't need to take a bath as often. 

You can also install low-flow toilets and showerheads to reduce the amount of water coming through your pipes in general. Another thing you can do is to take shorter, more efficient showers as an individual. 

Take that time you spend on shower thoughts and write them down to manifest the good things that may come out of them!

2. Save on TP

Now, another way to save the environment may also end up saving you money in the long run! Saving on toilet paper and investing in something like a bidet can do a lot for reducing your waste (non-bodily waste, that is). 

Plus, you'll actually get a wash in there too. But if this isn't as appealing to you, it's worth it to think about the other ways you can replace household paper with more zero-waste items. 

Instead of single-use wipes for makeup removal, try using a washable towel or investing in reusable cotton pads. You can also try substituting paper towels for rags or old shirts when cleaning around the house. 

3. Light It Up 

It may seem obvious by now, but it's still really important: change your lights!

LED lights are great for eco-friendly lighting compared to any other option (aside from just the natural sunlight, of course). This is because LEDs do not produce heat when they stay on.

Plus, LED's provide you with tons of different creative paths. If you're feeling really decorative, you can even get LED strip lights and make every bathroom visit or shower a little party. 

Finally, if you have the means, take advantage of solar power. It can be easier on your home and save you quite a bit of money in the long run. 

4. Homemade Magic

Never underestimate the power of baking soda and vinegar. 

One way to save a lot of money as well as lower your waste is by making your own cleaning solutions. Now, you have to make sure to properly assess your needs when it comes to cleaning up, but for the most part, you can get the same desired effects from a little bit more elbow grease. 

Putting together a concoction of homemade cleaning solution and a rag compared to whipping out a plastic bottle of cleaner or several single-use Clorox wipes can make all the difference. If that seems a bit daunting, it never hurts to consult the internet for the best homemade cleaning mixes and methods! 

5. Bar Hopping

The icons of zero-waste in 2020 seem to be all the different bars that are coming out. Gone are the days where hand soap bars and body wash bars were the only things we knew. 

Now there are bars for body scrubs, facial washes, and shampoo and conditioner!

Not only can these be great resources for you and your body, but there are so many different kinds already. You can shop around for tons of different benefits, scents, and shapes. 

Using a bar for things like your hair can seem awkward at first, which is understandable. If you want to ease into it but still want to reduce your waste, it also could be helpful to find a zero-waste store that will refill your empty shampoo and conditioner bottles! 

6. Reusable Supplies

So, how else can you possibly reuse it in your bathroom? There are still ways!

One is to opt for more sustainable toothbrushes, like the ones made from bamboo. Another is to go for some hygiene products that you normally would replace often. 

Getting a reusable razor can cut down on the number of times that you're replacing blades. You can also try using a menstrual cup and lower the number of tampons or pads you're throwing out each month. 

And don't forget to be crafty with the items that look like they're single-use at first glance. You can totally turn that bottle into a flower pot! 

7. Hit the Floor

Finally, depending on your bathroom upgrade budget, it can never hurt to replace your floor for a more eco-friendly option. 

The main enemy here is a vinyl floor. Vinyl is a material that can emit harmful chemicals that you may not notice, but the earth definitely will. 

However, a different type of tile or a beautiful stone patterned floor will look just as good — if not better. So getting rid of your vinyl floor or opting to replace it can be a fun renovation project and a good move for helping the environment. 

Go Green: Make Your Bathroom Eco-Friendly

And there you have it! Seven easy and fun ways to make your bathroom eco-friendly. 

Doing good for the environment can always seem intimidating at first, but when you start small and keep building pretty soon you'll have made a great impact all on your own. So what are you waiting for?

Try one or more of these tips out today and see how your life will change!

Simple Good Gifts is dedicated to bringing Long Island a zero-waste lifestyle option. Check out our shop and find everything you need from baby products to self-care.