Turn off the tap while brushing

Switch off the tap water while brushing your teeth and save up to 8 gallons of water per day.

Handy Tip: Pee in the shower

Save on water and toilet paper by peeing in the shower. It may not sound like much, but over the course of a year, IFL Science estimates that a daily showerer could save as much as 579 gallons of water!

Purchase plastic-free tampons and sanitary pads

Plastic-free tampons and sanitary pads not only reduce plastic waste, they also are often free from dyes, bleach, and other chemicals that can be harmful for the environment and your body.

Switch from virgin to recycled content toilet paper

Creating toilet paper is a highly intensive process requiring large equipment, removal of trees, and lots of water for processes. Switching to recycled toilet paper can reduce this impact.

Use reusable cotton rounds

Many of us rely on cotton rounds for removing makeup or applying toners and moisturizers. Try out a reusable option to reduce bathroom waste.

Handy Tip: Spend less time in the shower

We all love a nice long shower, but consider reducing it to save some water. According to the EPA, every minute saves, on average, 2 gallons of water!

Use a bamboo toothbrush or bamboo replacement head

Bamboo is naturally biodegradable and compostable. It's a great alternative to the estimated 50 million pounds a year of plastic waste solely from toothbrushes.

Handy Tip: Use less toothpaste

The CDC and American Dental Association recommend a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for people over 3 years old. Using this amount will extend the life of your tube.

Switch from a disposable to a reusable razor

Reduce waste overall by going reusable. Even if disposable razors are made from recycled plastic, some of the  plastic ends up in landfills. Reusable razors also tend to be sharper and give a better-quality shave! 

Use bar body and hand soap

Liquid soaps carry a heavy eco-load. Bar soaps can lighten it. They reduce plastic waste in landfills and cut the carbon emissions of transporting liquid weight. Nowadays, there are even bar soaps that can easily be turned into liquid soap!

Use bamboo or silk floss in a reusable container

Follow ADA guidelines to floss daily and do it with plastic-free floss. Made with bio-based materials like silk or bamboo and packaged in glass, this floss reduces landfill waste and microplastics in waterways.

Use period underwear or reusable pads

Do you prefer pads to tampons? Period underwear or reusable pads are a low-waste alternative and can be easily washed as part of your regular laundry loads.

Handy Tip: Reduce toilet flushing

Have you heard the phrase: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow?" With no solid waste in the toilet, consider waiting to flush. The EPA estimates that the average toilet uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Just think - 50% fewer flushes in the US would save around 1.3 billion gallons of water each year (assuming 5 toilet uses per person per day).

Use reusable swabs

Removing makeup or cleaning your ears? Try out a reusable swab that can replace single-use cotton swabs and are recyclable at end-of-life.

Use a lotion bar

Bars are a more concentrated version of your favorite lotion, without the waste. The highly moisturizing ingredients make them especially great for those in dry places.

Use sustainably-packaged facial cleansers and moisturizers

Pamper your face without plastic packaging.  Today's market offers many sustainable and allergen-free alternatives that can help you reduce plastic packaging while maintaining your glow.

Use bar shampoo and conditioner

Shampoo and conditioner bars are fast becoming more popular. They are a great option for reducing waste and limiting potentially harmful chemicals. You also won’t have to worry about liquids restrictions for travelling! 

Use a bidet and recycled toilet paper

Bidets are widely popular internationally and are catching on quickly in the U.S. They keep you clean and dramatically reduce the amount of toilet paper you have to use.

Use toothpaste in a recyclable tube

Mainstream toothpaste companies are beginning to move to recyclable toothpaste tubes made from the most recyclable type of plastic. You can continue to use brands you love, while knowing you’re reducing waste sent to the landfill.

Use a bamboo toothbrush or bamboo replacement head with biodegradable bristles

Lean into biodegradable bamboo even further and counter the adverse emissions of nitrous oxide that come with manufacturing nylon. Nitrous oxide is 310 times more potent than CO2. Nylon production is also an energy- and water-intensive process.

Use mouthwash tablets

Mouthwash tablets in eco-friendly packaging help reduce plastic waste. Use them to cut carbon emissions, too, since they are lighter and more compact to transport than liquid mouthwash.

Switch to a forever toothbrush

Use a sustainable toothbrush that only goes through manufacturing once. According to MYSA, 50% of all impacts of a manual toothbrush come from manufacturing and distribution.

Use toothpaste tablets

10% of toothpaste never makes it out of the tube. Switch to toothpaste tablets to eliminate product waste and reduce landfill waste from toothpaste tubes.

Use low-waste deodorant

Who knew there are so many low-waste deodorant options out there? Finding the right one can be a challenge. But once you do, this is a great way to reduce plastic waste.

Handy Tip: Use reef-safe sunscreen

Sun protection is extremely important, but so are our oceans. Protect your skin while protecting marine life by using reef-safe sunscreen. Many major brands produce reef-safe alternatives that are available in their online stores.

Use a bidet and reusable toilet paper

What’s better than the impact of using a bidet alone? Combining it with reusable toilet paper, especially if you’re going #1. No need to purchase, just repurpose some old clothing or sheets and toss into your laundry after use.

Use a menstrual cup

Menstrual cups are not only eco-friendly, they can save you a lot of money! With a lifetime of 10 years, this method of period management is a great way to help the earth and your wallet.