• Zero waste in the bathroom – how can waste production be reduced?

When we stand in front of store shelves, we as consumers are inundated with plastic from all over the place. Almost everything is packaged in it. Food, water, dairy products, meat. Even vegetables; vegetables on a plastic tray or a single cucumber wrapped in plastic are now an integral part of the produce section.

The situation is no different in the cosmetics sector. Shampoos, conditioners, and disposable face masks are packaged in plastic. Creams are packaged in plastic jars, packed in a cardboard box, and further wrapped in plastic film. We use plastic toothbrushes, plastic cotton swabs, disposable makeup remover pads, and disposable plastic razors. We're so used to it that it seems the norm, and even if we'd like to reduce our use of plastic packaging ourselves, it often seems almost impossible. In our minds, plastic has become the norm. Something that accompanies us daily from birth. So, is there a solution to reduce the amount of plastic we use? While giving up plastic water bottles and plastic bags seems simple enough, the question remains: how do you organize a plastic-free bathroom? Is it even possible?

Zero waste in the bathroom – how can waste production be reduced?

• Disposable hygiene products:
  • Plastic cotton swabs can be replaced with bamboo swabs, which are 100% biodegradable and compostable.
  • Sanitary pads, tampons, and panty liners – there are many options here. All of these items contain substitutes made from natural, ecological materials, such as organic cotton, unbleached with chlorine, free of dyes, parabens, and artificial additives that are harmful to humans and the environment. They are packaged in a cardboard box that can be disposed of in the organic waste bin and completely decomposes. Reusable sanitary pads, panties, and menstrual cups are also available. The choice depends on individual preference.
  • Plastic toothbrushes – the most popular alternative are bamboo toothbrushes, which usually have nylon bristles without the harmful BPA compound.
  • Reusable cotton pads for makeup removal – these are simply cotton pads that can be washed and reused after use. You can buy them ready-made or sew them yourself. Cotton pads can not only replace makeup remover pads but also make a great replacement for baby wipes.
• Washing and care cosmetics:
  • Shower gels and shampoos – if we want to reduce plastic bottles, it's enough to replace the shower gel with a regular bar of soap packaged in a cardboard box, or even better, with potassium soap, free of added color and fragrance. New, however, are solid shampoos, also packaged in cardboard or paper and free of preservatives. They lather and cleanse the scalp like liquid shampoos and leave no residue.
  • Skincare creams, lotions, and scrubs – packaged in glass or recyclable plastic. Another excellent alternative can be to make your own scrub, for example, using olive oil and sugar or coffee grounds.

But the bathroom isn't just about colorful cosmetics and body care. We also stock a variety of cleaning products for scrubbing bathtubs, floors, mirrors, and toilets, as well as washing powders and liquids.

• Detergents and cleaning products
  • A great alternative to drugstore washing powders are soap flakes made from potash soap or soap nuts. They contain no preservatives or environmentally harmful chemicals.
  • Instead of bleach, descaling agents and lotions for washing bathtubs and sinks, which are always packaged in plastic bottles, you can make a universal household detergent based on water, vinegar and baking soda

Of course, these aren't all the zero-waste solutions that can be implemented in the bathroom. Of course, you don't have to implement them all at once. It's enough to start with small steps; it depends on us how willing we are to change our current habits. However, it's worth remembering that ubiquitous plastic doesn't have to be the norm, and that alternative solutions exist.