Have you ever taken a look at your bathroom counter and realized how much plastic you use every day? From shampoo bottles to toothpaste tubes, many of our personal care products are encased in single-use plastics that eventually end up in landfills or, worse, in our oceans. The good news is, with a little effort, you can transition to a plastic-free personal care routine that’s kinder to the planet.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of going plastic-free, offer simple swaps for your favourite products, and show you how to make sustainable choices that don’t compromise your routine. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to reduce your plastic waste and embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Why Go for Plastic-Free Personal Care?
First, let’s talk about why it’s so important to eliminate plastic from your personal care routine. Plastic ends to raise several concerns including the following:Â
Environmental Impact:
Single-use plastics take hundreds of years to decompose. In the meantime, they break down into tiny pieces called microplastics, which harm wildlife and ecosystems. Plastic pollution is a major issue, especially in our oceans, where marine animals often mistake it for food.
2. Health Concerns:
Plastic packaging often contains harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA, which can leach into the products you use daily. These chemicals have been linked to health problems, including hormone disruption. Going plastic-free helps minimize your exposure to these toxins.
3. Reduced Waste:
Most plastic packaging isn’t recycled, even when we toss it into the recycling bin. In fact, less than 10% of plastic gets recycled globally. By opting for plastic-free alternatives, you’re helping to reduce waste and lessen the demand for new plastic production.
How to Start Your Plastic-Free Personal Care Journey
If you’re ready to cut down on plastic in your personal care routine, here are some easy steps to get started.
1. Assess Your Current Routine
The first step is to take stock of what you’re using. How many of your personal care products are packaged in plastic? You don’t need to throw everything out right away. Instead, finish what you have, then look for sustainable alternatives when it’s time to replace them. This approach reduces waste while giving you time to find the right replacements.
2. Make Sustainable Swaps
Here are some simple swaps you can make to reduce the plastic in your routine:
- Shampoo and Conditioner Bars: Instead of plastic bottles, switch to solid shampoo and conditioner bars. These bars work just like liquid versions but come in minimal packaging, often wrapped in recyclable paper or completely package-free. Popular brands like Ethique and HiBAR offer a variety of options for different hair types.
- Bar Soap over Body Wash: Swap your plastic bottle of body wash for a bar of soap. Look for brands that use sustainable, plastic-free packaging or none at all. Dr. Bronner’s bar soaps, for example, are made with organic oils and come in recycled paper packaging.
- Refillable Deodorants: Brands like Wild and Myro offer refillable deodorant cases. You buy a case once, then simply purchase refill pods when you run out. This eliminates the need for plastic deodorant tubes.
- Bamboo Toothbrushes: One of the easiest swaps is replacing your plastic toothbrush with a bamboo version. Bamboo is biodegradable and naturally antibacterial, making it a great alternative to plastic. Brush with Bamboo is a popular brand known for its eco-friendly, compostable toothbrushes.
- Metal Razors: Ditch disposable razors in favour of a metal safety razor. These razors are durable, offer a better shave, and only require blade replacements, which come in recyclable paper packaging. Brands like Leaf and Albatross offer great plastic-free options.
3. Look for Multi-Purpose Products
When transitioning to a plastic-free personal care routine, one smart move is to opt for multi-purpose products that reduce the need for multiple items. For example, coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer, hair mask, and even makeup remover, eliminating the need for separate products. Similarly, a good-quality soap bar can serve as both a body wash and shaving cream, reducing the need for additional bottles.
4. Choose Refillable Options
Several brands now offer refill programs where you can send back empty containers and receive a refill in return. Lush, for example, encourages customers to bring back their empty pots, and they’ll reward you with a free product. For items like shampoo, body wash, or hand soap, refill stations at local zero-waste shops are becoming increasingly popular.
Plastic-Free Personal Care Products to Try
To help you make the switch, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best plastic-free personal care products:
1. Plaine Products Shampoo and Conditioner
Plaine Products offer refillable shampoo and conditioner in aluminum bottles, which can be sent back to the company for reuse. The formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with organic ingredients.
2. Ethique Shampoo Bars
Ethique is a leading brand in the plastic-free personal care space, offering a range of solid shampoos, conditioners, and body washes. Their products are zero-waste and come in compostable packaging.
3. Bite Toothpaste Bits
Bite offers toothpaste in tablet form, packaged in glass jars with metal lids. They’re easy to use, just pop one in your mouth, chew, and brush like normal. Refills come in compostable pouches.
4. Package Free Shop’s Zero-Waste Deodorant
This all-natural, plastic-free deodorant is packaged in a biodegradable paper tube. It’s made with ingredients like arrowroot powder and coconut oil to keep you fresh without harmful chemicals or plastic waste.
5. Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream
Meow Meow Tweet’s deodorant cream comes in a glass jar with a metal lid, making it a perfect plastic-free choice. It’s baking soda-free and uses natural ingredients like magnesium hydroxide and arrowroot powder for effective odor control.
6. Leaf Shave Metal Razor
This elegant, stainless-steel razor is a fantastic plastic-free alternative to disposable razors. It’s designed to last a lifetime, with replaceable blades that are recyclable.
DIY Plastic-Free Personal Care Products
If you’re the DIY type, making your own personal care products is a great way to reduce plastic and control exactly what goes into your skincare routine. Here are a few simple recipes to try at home:
DIY Deodorant
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup baking soda (or substitute with arrowroot powder for sensitive skin)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 10 drops of your favourite essential oil (lavender or tea tree work great)
Instructions:
- Mix the baking soda and coconut oil together until smooth.
- Add the essential oil and blend well.
- Store the mixture in a glass jar and apply a small amount under your arms daily.
DIY Body Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar (for a gentle scrub) or sea salt (for a more vigorous exfoliation)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 10 drops of essential oil (try peppermint or citrus for a refreshing scent)
Instructions:
- Combine the sugar or salt with the coconut oil until well mixed.
- Add the essential oils and stir.
- Transfer the scrub to a glass jar and use in the shower to exfoliate your skin.
Brands Committed to Plastic-Free Personal Care
Some companies are leading the charge when it comes to eliminating plastic from personal care products. These brands are worth supporting if you’re looking to make eco-friendly choices:
- Lush Cosmetics: Known for its package-free options, Lush offers everything from solid shampoo bars to naked body lotions. Their commitment to sustainability extends to using recycled materials for packaging when needed.
- Ethique: Ethique’s entire product range is zero-waste, meaning all their beauty bars come in compostable packaging. They’re certified vegan and cruelty-free, with products designed for every skin and hair type.
- The Earthling Co.: Offering plastic-free shampoos, conditioners, and more, The Earthling Co. is dedicated to reducing waste with its zero-waste packaging. Their products are also cruelty-free and vegan.
- Package Free Shop: This online store offers a wide range of zero-waste, plastic-free personal care products, from toothpaste bits to metal razors. Their mission is to make it easy for customers to live more sustainably.
Conclusion
Transitioning to a plastic-free personal care routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By making small, mindful changes, like swapping out your plastic shampoo bottle for a solid bar or using a bamboo toothbrush, you can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste you produce. Whether you’re buying from sustainable brands or making your own DIY products at home, each step you take makes a difference. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to a healthier planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to transition to a plastic-free personal care routine?
It’s a gradual process. Start by using up what you have and then slowly replace each item with a plastic-free alternative. There’s no rush, sustainable living is all about progress, not perfection.
2. Are plastic-free personal care products more expensive?
While some plastic-free products may have a higher upfront cost, they often last longer than their plastic counterparts, making them cost-effective in the long run. For example, safety razors and shampoo bars tend to last longer than disposable versions.
3. Can I recycle my old plastic personal care products?
Many personal care product containers aren’t recyclable due to the type of plastic used or product residue. Check with your local recycling program, and if possible, clean and reuse containers for other purposes before recycling.
4. What are the best plastic-free personal care brands?
Brands like Ethique, Lush, and Meow Meow Tweet are known for their commitment to zero-waste, plastic-free products. They offer a wide range of personal care products that don’t sacrifice quality for sustainability.
5.  Can I make my own plastic-free personal care products?
Yes! DIY personal care products, like deodorants and scrubs, are easy to make and allow you to control what ingredients go into them. This is a great way to eliminate plastic and ensure you’re using natural, non-toxic ingredients.
