Shop smarter

Next time you are shopping for bathroom items, think about smarter choices you can make to be more eco-friendly.

Look for brands that use minimal packaging or sell products made of sustainable materials. For example, buy a toothbrush made of bamboo instead of plastic because they are biodegradable!

Generate less waste

Another thing to consider when purchasing personal care products is the amount of waste you generate. Even if the products you are buying are not marketed as sustainable, there are ways to purchase them in a sustainable way! Consider: 

• Buying multipurpose products to reduce the amount of waste. 
• Buy products from brands that have a refill option, so you generate less plastic waste. 
• Buy bigger bottles so you don’t have to buy them as often. 

Avoid microplastics

Microbeads are a type of microplastic that are found in toothpaste, face washes, and other cleansing products. Brands include these in their products because they act as an exfoliant, extend shelf life, and control the release of ingredients.

When shopping for personal care products, look for items that do not have beads, to avoid consuming microplastics or assisting their entry into the environment.

Save water

It’s cliche, but little actions do have an impact. Don’t let the water run when you are brushing your teeth, washing your face, or doing anything that doesn’t require it to be running.

Information from the Florida Museum, Berkeley College of Natural Resources, The Minimalist Vegan, and Plastic Makers.