If your bathroom is stacked with empty plastic bottles, disposable razors, and half-used products—it's alright, we've all been there. Most body care routines generate a considerable amount of waste. In fact, by the age of only 3 years old, we have already produced 32,074 items of bathroom waste. But the good news is, creating a zero-waste (or even low-waste) routine is actually doable, cheap, and even enjoyable. Here's a straightforward guide to help you start building a zero-waste body care routine without being overwhelmed. 

Step 1: Take a Look at Your Current Routine 

Examine your current supplies before making any new purchases. Aside from avoiding harmful packaging, make sure the ingredients used in your products are safe for the environment. Be on the lookout for microplastics and dangerous chemicals!  

Note: The most sustainable thing you can do in this step is to use up what you already have before safely disposing of it. 

Step 2: Switch to Sustainable Alternatives 

Another example of awareness is using a product down to the last drop to help reduce waste and save money. 

Furthermore, the core of a low-waste lifestyle is the ability to say no to unnecessary purchases. I know this may be hard for self-care spenders or shower girlies, but you do not need 5 different conditioners or 3 body butters! In fact, it is even more practical, responsible, and sustainable if you use multi-purpose products. For example, you can use coconut oil for shaving, moisturizing, and makeup removal. In this way, you have saved money, helped the environment, and made your skin very happy. 

Step 4: Proper Disposal & Recycling 

It is essential to learn the proper methods for disposing of objects to prevent them from ending up in landfills. Once you have used up all your product, make sure to segregate and clean the packaging that can be recycled before throwing it in the correct recycling bin. 

For products wrapped in cardboard, bamboo, paper, or other biodegradable materials, you may compost them if they have no plastics or stickers attached. Through composting, these materials can be used as natural soil fertilizers for healthy plant growth. 

If there are objects that are difficult to recycle, such as pump bottles, plastic caps, or mixed materials, you may bring them to eco-stores, recycling drives, barangay junk shops, or local initiatives that will use your plastic waste for eco-bricks or upcycling projects. 

Final Thoughts 

Switching to a zero-waste body care routine doesn't mean you have to make drastic changes overnight. You don’t have to totally eliminate plastic right away or throw away everything you have just to start over. It begins with small steps, like saying yes to shampoo and conditioner bars! And it doesn't have to cost a lot of money either. You can simply reuse your products or do DIY swaps that are affordable and use simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. 

With each simple change, you can reduce waste and contribute to helping the environment. That's why your challenge for today is to replace a single product with a sustainable alternative and to encourage another person to do the same. Although this may seem like a small step, a zero-waste body care routine is a lifestyle that involves making choices that are more loving to the planet, even if they are simple. 

Reference: 

What’s your bathroom waste legacy? (2019, October 31). Circular Online. https://www.circularonline.co.uk/insight/whats-your-bathroom-waste-legacy/ 

Written by: Noira Maribao