GOING PLASTIC-FREE: One Room at the time, The Bathroom

At conscious.cleaning we firmly believe that small changes can lead to a big impact! Especially in the home, where our product choices and the packaging it comes in, has a direct impact on the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill or our oceans. Reducing the amount of single-use plastic we use is something we feel very strongly about and we've been on our own mission to do this in our homes. So, we wanted to share what we've learned and discovered incase you also want to make similar changes. Here are a few simple ways to help shed single-use plastic that won't break the bank.  

………….

Whilst there’s a growing awareness around the amount of plastic being bought, consumed and disposed of in the household, it looks like the focus is on some rooms over others. According to research by Recycle Now, 90% of packaging is recycled in our kitchens compared with only 50% in our bathrooms. So why is the bathroom so often overlooked? We actually think it’s a great place to start and with so many options and innovations out there, whether you’re looking to reduce, recycle or go plastic free, a few small swaps could make the world of difference… 

• Shampoo / conditioner – Did you know the average person uses 10 bottles of shampoo and 5 bottles of conditioner per year! If you stack that up over a lifetime the stats become terrifying! So, what can you do? 
• Turn single-use into multi-use plastic by taking your used bottles to your local refill shop for a top-up. They often have a selection so you can get the right one to suit your lovely locks. Or;
• Why not try out a shampoo and conditioner bar. Being plastic free and with zero waste, they’re a great eco-friendly choice. With loads of lovely options to choose from, we love this alternative. Why not try our fav, Faith in Nature – because it not only smells amazing, it works a treat too.  

• Soap & Shower Gel – these two are pretty much the same as our beloved shampoo and conditioner bottles. So here again….
• You can top up existing bottles or move to a shiny new aluminium or glass refillable bottle and top it up at your refill shop. 
• Can’t get to the shop? Then try out these sustainable and very sexy soaps and shower gels in an infinitely recyclable can, made by the super cool Kankan

• Toothpaste – 4 tubes of toothpaste a year might not seem like a lot but when you multiply that over a lifetime…it’s a small hill of plastic that could end up in our seas. We’ve picked a few of our favourite eco-friendly alternatives to help you on the journey to going plastic free…
• Try toothpaste tablets. There are many options out there these days but we love Parla the most – super minty and leaves your teeth squeaky clean. 
• Not ready to move away from your paste – then try Happier for a recyclable tube that is kind to the environment and great for your teeth. 

• Toothbrush – we average around 4 of these bad boys a year, which could be the do-it-yourself jobbies or the heads for your electric toothbrush. So, we’ve found some amazing eco-friendly alternatives: 
• Bamboo toothbrush (here)
• Recycled toothbrush heads _ that can be returned and recycled…yes, genius I hear you cry!! Live coco or;
• The amazing Bamboo electric toothbrush, here...they literally think of everything these days :-)

Last but by no means least, let’s not forget about…. 

• Cleaning Products - Now this is where we see a lot of plastic creep in, whether it’s the bottles your cleaning products come in, the cloths you use or even the particles of plastic that the sprays contain…it’s bloomin everywhere! So here are a few products of our own that can help keep your bathroom sparkling clean, whilst keeping the plastic to a minimum 

• Bathroom Spray – A sexy, infinitely recyclable aluminium bottle and an eco-pod made from plant-derived products that’s mixed with tap water…what’s not to love. It smells great and tackles limescale, water stains and grime. Check out our kits for the sprays 
  
  
• Compostable cloths & sponges – A plastic sponge never fully decomposes (a year’s supply of sponges will last approx. 52,000 years in landfill). So why not get rid of these little nasties and instead get your hands on some of our compostable friends. Not only can they be washed so they can be reused many times, when you’re completely done, they go into the compost and turn into something new and nutritious...and so the cycle continues.  Shop here 
  
  
• Toilet cleaner – normally coming in black plastic bottles that are near impossible to recycle and made from bleach that is harmful to you and your family. We have an alternative that is completely plastic free, smells great and removed limescale, bacterial and the build-up of grime. Check out our small but mighty toilet bombs for a sparkling clean bowl and a squeaky clean conscience    

These products are available as part of our kits or can be bought as an addition to any kit via our website.