6 Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps You Can Make in Your Bathroom

Rashi Goel
Sep 1
2 min read

When we think of sustainability, the bathroom often gets ignored. But it’s actually a hotspot for single-use plastic and throwaway products. The good news? With a few small swaps, you can cut down waste big time without compromising on comfort or convenience. Here are six easy ones to start with:

1. Reusable Cloth Pads Instead of Single-Use Cotton Rounds

Those little cotton pads we use to remove makeup or apply toner? They add up quickly. Swap them for these washable cloth pads made from bamboo or organic cotton ones. They’re soft on your skin, last for months (sometimes years), and you just toss them in the wash after use.

2. Bamboo or Reusable Earbuds Instead of Plastic Ones

Traditional earbuds are tiny but create mountains of waste. Switch to either a reusable silicone swab that you wash after use or bamboo cotton buds (biodegradable). Both options keep your ears and the planet clean.

3. Corn-Starch or Eco-Friendly Floss Instead of Plastic Floss Picks

Most floss sticks are made of plastic that lingers in landfills forever. Look for cotton floss or other natural material floss in glass jars that are biodegradable or corn-starch floss picks. They work just as well and are way kinder to the environment.

Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper Instead of Virgin Pulp Paper

Here’s something we all use every single day: toilet paper. Regular rolls are usually made from virgin wood pulp, which means more trees cut down. Switch to bamboo toilet paper or recycled paper toilet rolls. They’re soft, strong, and much gentler on the environment.

5. Refillable Natural Deodorants Instead of Aerosols/Plastic Tubes

Most deodorants come in plastic packaging that’s hard to recycle. Try a refillable deodorant stick or cream deodorants in tins or glass jars. They’re usually made with natural ingredients, safer for your skin, and you’ll generate way less waste. I use this one and I absolutely love it.

6. Solid Shampoo & Conditioner Bars Instead of Bottled Shampoo

One bottle of shampoo can take up to 450 years to break down. Shampoo and conditioner bars are compact, plastic-free, and last as long as 2–3 bottles. Plus, they’re great for travel—no leaks, no mess. Some good solid shampoo options are this, this and this. For a good conditioner bar, try Rustic Art or Bare Necessities. I use the shampoo and conditioner bars from Sat-Suma which are by far the best I've tried.

Why These Swaps Work

They cut down single-use plastics and landfill waste.
Most of them save you money in the long run.
They’re healthier for your skin and hair since many eco-brands avoid harsh chemicals.

Making the shift doesn’t have to be overwhelming—start with one swap, and soon your whole bathroom will be a lot greener 🌱.