Simple Swaps to Lower Waste | Part 1

Welcome to the first in a series on building a more sustainable household!

We live in an increasingly consumeristic society and it shows. Did you know the average American produces over four pounds of trash per day? In an effort to combat unnecessary waste production, not to mention save money in the long run, I want to share with you some Simple Swaps to Lower Waste.

The first (and possibly most important) thing I have to share is that the most sustainable option is the one you already own.

Already have Tupperware in your cupboard? Don’t throw it out to buy glass containers. Plastic laundry baskets don’t need to be disposed of to make way for wicker.

This series is meant to be a resource that helps you make subtle changes that have a big impact.

Over a year ago I started making little changes in our day-to-day life to lower waste. The first switch I remember is going from a plastic toothbrush to a bamboo toothbrush with nylon bristles. (Technically nylon is not plastic free but the only nylon alternative I’ve found is a boar bristled toothbrush and those are very expensive.)

When your brush has worn down and it’s time for a new one, use the old brush for a mini cleaning brush! When the bristles have been completely worn, remove the bristles and compost the bamboo handle. (Or repurpose it somehow!)

There are many places to get bamboo brushes — the last time I ordered I got mine from Wowe Lifestyle but check your local health food store to shop local.

Cotton balls, cotton pads, cotton swabs… how much of your bathroom trash consists of these items? I was amazed at how switching to these reusable, washable cloth pads made such a difference in reducing waste.

I use these strictly for makeup removal and really only eye makeup. They are very soft, gentle on this sensitive area (I wear contacts), and I’ve found I actually use less makeover remover!

I wash them in a lingerie bag so they don’t get lost in the washer or dryer. They sell cloth rounds at EcoRoots, Package Free Shop, or here are ones like I have.

I used a Venus razor for YEARS. The five-blade disposables that cost upwards of $25 for a package of 6 razor heads. My hair grows very fast so if I want to stay mostly hairless, I have to shave every other day. That’s a lot of throwing away.

I began researching plastic alternatives and found this rose gold safety razor (above, right). I didn’t need a “girly” razor, but I found that safety razors are almost exclusively marketed towards men and that’s not okay! We need more women choosing this economical option — the replaceable blades are super sharp, extremely affordable (I’ve found 100ct packages for less than $7) and they are much easier to use than you might think.

I do recommend doing a bit of research before switching on how to use them effectively — for example, you should never shave without a protective barrier on your skin aka shaving cream or shave soap. (I use this shaving bar! Above, middle)

The best part about using a safety razor is that Albatross Designs has a “Blade Take Back Program” where they accept used safety razor blades to recycle! More information on their mission and how to safely send them can be found here.

My husband made the switch as well — he no longer has to trim his beard down before shaving because the safety razor has the one sharp blade. Since I shave more often than he does, I opted to get him this bamboo handled safety razor (above, left) so he can control how often his blade needs changed. Now we also both have a razor if we travel separately.

A natural and affordable hair treatment is a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse. I followed this post to get started and now it’s a regular part of our hair care routine. (Even Trevor does it!)

I saved this green (plastic) shampoo bottle to mix it up in because I didn’t want to have glass in the shower. The bottle is at least five years old now.

When I found these machine-washable washcloths, we could finally say goodbye to plastic loofahs! The cloth on one side and exfoliating fabric on the other makes it very easy to use with solid bar soap — Trevor uses this body wash bar from Harry’s and I’m currently using this one from Nebraska-based Pacha Soap.

I can’t find these exact washcloths anymore but here’s a similar one.