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by Erica Redding
When it comes to our grooming routine, choosing to buy eco friendly toiletries, can really make a difference.
After all, toiletries are something that most humans use every day.
Habitual purchases shape the market and influence what is sold and innovated.
To encourage environmentally friendly innovation, we’ve put together a list of green options you can choose from with just a click this #PlasticFreeJuly
Wash Your Body
Once a bathroom staple, bar soap has been cast aside for body wash. With so many bubbly scents you can easily pump onto your loofah, how is one to resist?
Well, the truth is, bar soap isn’t so basic anymore. It comes in all kinds of styles and smells.
What’s more, there is an assortment of types that you can try. Most of which use natural essential oils and suds up just as nicely as a liquid.
You can buy them as a bulk set or as a single Eco Friendly body wash bar (this one is available as a one-off purchase or as a subscription).
Wash Your Hair
Growing concern for planetary health forces more eco-friendly products to emerge. The latest clever concept: ridding ourselves of plastic-bottled hair care.
If you have tried a bar shampoo that left your hair a bit waxy, don’t give up!
The quality and effectiveness gets better all the time.
The 2 in 1 is not your only option either, shampoos and conditioners are made separately. In fact, several brands even offer S&C bars for different hair types.
Ethique makes some great solid Shampoo and Conditioner options.
Battle BO
Just like hair care products, people want their deodorants to be eco-friendly and health conscious too. Meaning, they want to ditch the plastic.
Plastic sucks for the environment and smelling bad sucks for you. Thank goodness it doesn’t have to be one or the other.
Check out these non-toxic, plastic free, BO blaster bars from Papr Cosmetics and walk through your day with confidence.
Add An Enticing Perfume or Cologne
Step your aroma game up by grabbing a plastic-free scent in a tin.
There are plenty of great smells to choose from. Floral, musky, forresty, etc. All of them handy, portable ways to freshen up. There are great options for men and women, from smokey high-end perfumes to more affordable but equally eco-friendly perfumes and suave colognes.
Plus, not covering your Uber, or some unfortunate passerby with an accidental spray and you’re walking around smelling good free of guilt.
Brush Your Teeth with Bamboo
Your average dentist and the American Dental Association recommend changing out your toothbrush every 3 months. That is at least 4 new toothbrushes per person per year. (Assuming you don’t forget yours in a hotel or hostel along the way.)
That means that toothbrushes alone make up a huge amount of discarded plastic quarterly. Limit this unnecessary plastic use at no extra cost to you.
Wooden toothbrushes are sold widely, individually as well as in bulk. They are also typically around the same price or cheaper than plastic. Some even come in bamboo travel cases!
Buy Toothpaste Without The Tube
Yes – even toothpaste comes in travel-friendly, environmentally conscious packaging.
Depending on your preference, toothpaste can be in powdered or solid form. Either one you choose comes in all of the classic flavors, like peppermint, and charcoal.
And there’s the additional benefit that solid and powder forms of toothpaste are one more thing that can’t leak out all over your suitcase.
And while you’re at it, you can even get plastic free mouthwash tablets.
Put it all in a Clear (Silicone) Bag
Eliminating plastic doesn’t mean we want to trick you into being accosted at the airport for improper packing. You still need a clear bag for your carry-on.
Luckily, there are alternatives to plastic. Silicone bags meet TSA requirements and are made specifically for toiletries.
For checked luggage, however, you have the option to use bags made of cloth or other materials. Get yourself some with waxed or waterproof linings to keep your other items dry en route to your next destination.
Bonus: Use a reusable ‘Cotton’ Swab
Image: Last Swab
For those of us that use cotton swabs, there are great reusable options out there.
Last Swab is a reusable q tip, which comes in a handy biodegradable travel case (made from corn, in case you were wondering).
They even make two different kinds of swabs – one for beauty, and one for general.
Psst – get 10% off if you use the code WASTEFREEWORLD
Passionate about Plastic Free Travel?
Looking for tips on zero waste eating while travelling, how to make your travels more ethical, or even what the best sustainable yoga pants for your trip are? We’ve got you, boo!
