Reducing plastic bathroom waste: Simple sustainable swaps

Small bathroom changes that significantly reduce plastic waste and support sustainable living

Amelia Fairgrieve

July 09, 2024

Can small bathroom changes reduce plastic waste?

Plastic packaging is everywhere, especially in our bathrooms. From shampoo bottles to disposable razors, avoiding plastic can feel like an impossible task.

Since working at Valpak, I’ve learned a lot about sustainable living. While I’m eco-savvy in some areas, reducing plastic bathroom waste has been one of my biggest challenges. That’s why I decided to start small, and over the past few months, I’ve been surprised by how much of a difference simple swaps can make.

This blog shares what worked, what didn’t, and what I learned along the way.

Shampoo bar

Steps I took to reduce plastic in my bathroom

The first area I tackled was toiletries and cosmetics. Plastic bottles had taken over my shower, and I wanted that to change.

One of the most successful swaps I made was switching to a refillable deodorant. I loved the circular concept, and the quality has been fantastic. I don’t miss aerosols or their harsh chemicals at all.

I also switched to:

  • Soap bars instead of liquid soap
  • Shampoo and conditioner bars
  • A rechargeable razor instead of disposable ones

These changes were often cheaper, created less waste, and even felt like a form of self-care.

When getting rid of bathroom plastic bottles, you can use our plastic recycling guide to make sure you’re recycling them correctly.

What did and didn’t work when reducing bathroom plastic

Shopping for sustainable toiletries pushed me back to the high street. Buying in person helped me avoid extra packaging from online deliveries and made it easier to find plastic-free options.

I also found that talking to retail staff was incredibly helpful. Trying new products can feel intimidating, and these conversations made me feel part of a wider sustainability movement.

However, convenience was my biggest barrier. Running out of toiletries often felt urgent, and I didn’t always have time to visit specific shops. Travelling also presented challenges, as soap bars require containers, and resisting disposable plastic bags took planning.

My advice? Plan ahead and keep old cosmetic tubs, they’re perfect for storing bars and reusable toiletries.

The biggest challenge: Conditioner

Conditioner proved to be my toughest swap. My curly hair needs moisture, and conditioner bars just didn’t work for me.

Refillable bottles were hard to find on the high street, and trade-in pots became expensive over time. In the end, I returned to a familiar brand but I now reuse the tubs as soap boxes, sponge holders and storage containers.

The key lesson? Sustainable living should work for you. Being planet friendly shouldn’t mean draining your bank account or sacrificing practicality.

Final thoughts: Progress, not perfection

My journey to a plastic-free bathroom isn’t over, but these small changes have made a real difference. I hope sharing my experience encourages others to try small challenges of their own because if we all make a few changes, the collective impact can be huge.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author, Amelia Fairgrieve, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Recycle More, Valpak Limited, or any other organisation.