Our personal care products generate a shocking amount of waste—over 286 pounds of plastic packaging per person each year! The good news? There are amazing sustainable alternatives that work just as well (or better!) than conventional products. I was worried I’d have to sacrifice quality, but I was pleasantly surprised. In almost every case, the eco-friendly version was just as good or even better than what I’d been using.
Toothcare
Electric toothbrush with sustainable materials – I switched to a Suri toothbrush with an aluminum body, castor oil bristles, and cornstarch brush head. It replaces plastic toothbrushes that shed microplastics and harmful chemicals directly into our mouths. I loved it so much I bought three more as gifts for my husband and grandchildren.
Charcoal dental floss – Made from natural bamboo charcoal fibers with a reusable glass dispenser. It replaces conventional floss made from nylon or plastic in single-use plastic containers. The switch was a no-brainer once I realized I was literally scraping my gums with plastic!
Metal tongue scraper – A simple swap from the plastic version.
Toothpaste tablets – These come in a cardboard tube and replace plastic toothpaste tubes. You can find them at Sprouts! Pro tip: Use a pill cutter to cut them in half and reduce your cost by 50%. They foam up beautifully.
Haircare
Shampoo bar – I’ve been using The Earthling Co. Citrus Sun bar for a couple of years, and it’s just as good as the expensive bottled shampoo I used before. Each bar lasts about 3 months! Also, it is super easy for traveling.
Conditioner bar – One bar equals 100 washes replacing about 2 bottles. I use Kitsch
Pro tip – get a metal bar stand – This holds multiple bars and lets them air dry without getting mushy. I found mine at Desert Refillery.
Body care
Bar soap – Replaces body wash in plastic bottles. There are lots of great options, including refillable body wash from stores like Desert Refillery.
Bamboo and sisal nail brush – Replaces plastic-handled brushes with nylon bristles. Even the friction from nylon bristles causes microplastics to shed into our water system.
Where to Find Many of These Products
Desert Refillery, a locally owned Arizona company, is a wonderful resource for eco-friendly kitchen essentials. Their Phoenix location is fun to browse, or you can order easily online. I recommend them simply because I love supporting local businesses and have discovered so many great products there.
What changes have you made in your bathroom? Every swap makes a difference!
