Want to make your shower routine more sustainable and eco friendly? In this post we'll be covering how to transform your shower routine to better suit you and the environment. We'll discuss packaging, products, what you need and what you don't.
When I first began my journey to a more mindful and sustainable lifestyle, the shower routine was something that got left in the dust. I found myself constantly reaching back for the tried and true products and carrying on as per usual without even recognizing my routine as something full of potential for change. In testing out products and forming new habits on my own I have now truly found what has worked for me, and am eager to share that with you. The products discussed in this post are things that I have either tried in the past or still use in some form. I'll also be discussing with you who/what I believe they would be best suited for so hopefully you can skip some of the trial and error process in your own journey. Without further ado, here is how to make your shower routine more sustainable:
Let's start with haircare:
I have tried several brands of shampoo bars and definitely see their place in the world of
sustainability and zero waste, but there are other options if you, like me, have yet to find your perfect bar. My sister on the other hand, loves them. For context I have long thick hair with a texture around 2b/2c. They're definitely worth a try and Target has some affordable varieties which I have enjoyed.
If shampoo bars aren't for you, fear not. The main appeal of these bars is their compactness and lack of packaging. One way you can reduce your consumption of disposable packaging regarding shampoo and conditioner (and even body wash, but we'll touch on that later) is by reusing or repurposing containers. If there is a refill store near you, bring your favorite glass container you've been storing, or the pump bottle of the shampoo you're currently using and fill it up! Depending on the store's policy near you, you may be able to drop off other containers there as well to be properly recycled.
Another thing you can do when using liquid haircare is to be mindful of the brands you are supporting. Avoid brands that participate in animal testing, or that use harsh chemicals. A good starting point is to opt for products with cruelty free, phthalate free, paraben free, and sulfate free logos or seals on the packaging. Learn more about logos and certifications for beauty products here.
On to body wash:
When it comes to body wash, the options are either once again, to use a bar or to use liquid.
Just like with the use of liquid shampoo/conditioner, you can apply those same principles in using liquid body wash. Reuse containers where you can, opt for refilling existing bottles to eliminate excess packaging, and if you are going to be repurchasing liquid soap make sure to look for the appropriate logos to ensure you're supporting environment and health conscious organizations. Additonally, you can be mindful in your choices of using a loofah, old rags, etc in addition to your
body wash. If you have a product you currently use and enjoy, keep using it, keep using it until you can't use it anymore. Throwing out a good and useable products for the sake of purchasing "a new and sustainable swap" is not what we are about here at imperfectly sustainable. However, if you are in the market for a new loofah or physical exfoliator I would recommend this drybrush from Ecotools or true loofahs and not their plastic counterparts.
Bar soap matches the appeal of shampoo and conditioner bars in that there can be little to no packaging used and therefore eliminates the need to throw away or recycle any excess plastic. If there is a refill store near you, I always recommend supporting it and shopping locally when you can, as they often offer handmade and hand cut soap. If you are making the switch to bar soap I would recommend getting a soap bag as they allow you to use up every last sliver of your soap bar and can be used as a sort of loofah. You can save the small remaining pieces of bars as you go through them and place them in the bag together, or keep your bar soap in it from the start.
Last but not least, the shaving routine:
The objective with transitioning your shaving routine is to reduce the amount of waste you produce over time. For this reason, razors with exchangeable heads, safety razors, and electric razors are superior to disposable razors. Safety razors can be a great option for more advanced shavers as the only waste produced would be the old blades which can be recycled, but they can be tricky to get the hang of and often go hand in hand with other products. It is possible to establish a great and sustainable routine with a safety razor and accessories if you are willing to put in the time to learn and practice it. For those looking for an easier switch from disposable razors, options with replaceable heads are the way to go. From first hand experience, the blades from both the flamingo brand razor and Billie razors last exponentially longer than disposable razors if properly stored. These razors from Preserve are also worth checking out as they are made from recycled plastic.
As far as shaving cream goes, not everyone needs it, and not every razor is created equal. The same
as with other products we have discussed, if you choose to use shaving cream or gels, you have options regarding what kind of certifications they may have as well as how you dispose of or reuse the container. Alternative options to shaving cream include baby oil, coconut oil, shea butter, your conditioner, or good old soap and water. Be careful to patch test any new products or methods to avoid widespread irritation should any occur.
Any methods or products described in this post are meant to serve as inspiration and suggestions for anyone looking for advice or product recommendations in cultivating a more sustainable routine. As always, it's not about doing sustainability perfectly, it's about using what you have, and doing what you can. Thank you so much for being here :)
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