Sustainable Self-Care: Low Waste Personal Hygiene Products

This Valentine’s Day season, don’t just treat your loved ones - treat yourself too! As you’re thinking about self-care, here are a few low-waste, sustainable alternatives to the personal hygiene products we use every day - and many of these could also save you some money!

***Any brands mentioned in this blog post are not affiliated with CRRH in any way, and are listed solely to provide examples or at the recommendation of the individual author.***

Razors

Many of us use disposable plastic razors for shaving, or disposable razor heads. However, these razors can be difficult to recycle due to the mixture of metal and plastic - and new ones can be expensive! Consider investing in a reusable safety razor - these “old fashioned” razors can be used for years and only the metal blade needs to be replaced. These blades are low-cost and can be recycled at CRRH. Safety razors can be purchased at local low-waste shops, chains, or online.

Other shaving items, such as disposable razors, can also currently be recycled at CRRH through TerraCycle. 

Bar Shampoo and Conditioner

You may have heard that when you pay for liquid soap or detergent, you are mostly paying for water. The same is true for hair products! You may already use bar soap instead of liquid hand soap or body wash, but have you tried bar shampoo or conditioner? Many companies have formulated bar shampoos and bar conditioners that lather and feel very similar to liquid versions, and have no plastic packaging. These bars last for a very long time, making them comparable or lower in price. Many brands can be ordered online, and some like Ethique are available locally in stores like Target. As a bonus, these bars are great for air travel when liquids aren’t permitted through TSA. 

Many shampoo and conditioner bottles are recyclable through curbside, when the neck of the bottle is smaller than the base. 

Bamboo Toilet Paper

There are several options for more sustainable toilet paper made from bamboo or from recycled materials - Who Gives a Crap and Grove are a few, but conduct your own search online - lots of options are sustainable and affordable. 

Cardboard toilet paper tubes can be recycled curbside. Tubeless rolls also exist!

Cotton Makeup Remover Pads

If you regularly use makeup wipes, cotton pads may be a great option for you to reduce your waste every day. Cotton makeup remover pads can be found in many stores, online, or at many craft fairs. You can even make them yourself from reused materials such as worn shirts! They can be washed with other clothes and used hundreds of times, and they are gentle on your skin. 

Reusable Menstrual Products

Did you know that people who menstruate will use around 10,000 pads or tampons in their lifetime? Most are not only wrapped in plastic, but made with plastic fibers that are bad for the environment and our health. There are many options for more sustainable menstrual products - check out this resource from WebMD with great options such as menstrual cups and reusable pads. 

As you go through your morning routine, consider some of these above options for reducing the waste you send to the landfill as a part of your personal care. You may be able to help out your wallet or upgrade your routine, in addition to helping the planet. Leave a comment below to share the strategies you want to adopt, or other low-waste self-care practices you have to share with others!