Sustainable Living: Make the switch to eco-friendly hygiene essentials
In a world that is increasingly aware of our environmental impact, embracing more sustainable practices into our everyday lives is necessary in our collective effort to create a healthier planet. From the food we eat to the products we use, the everyday choices we make have the potential to either harm or heal our environment, however, one way we can make a significant difference in reducing our environmental harm is to switch to eco-friendly everyday essentials.
The traditional hygiene products we use everyday often contain harmful chemicals and are wrapped in excessive plastic or non-biodegradable packaging which contributes largely to the growing waste problem. If you’re curious about how you can integrate more low-waste hygiene essentials into your daily routine, keep reading as we explore some simple yet effective ways to reduce waste and support a greener future.
What low-waste hygiene switches can I make?
If you’re looking to make more eco-friendly choices when it comes to your everyday toiletry purchases, there are a few small changes you can make to your daily habits that can collectively lead to significant environmental benefits while maintaining your personal care standards.
There are a few key things to look out for when purchasing your usual toiletries that ensure they are eco-friendly. These include products in minimal or recyclable packaging, refillable products and products that are made up of natural ingredients. Below we have listed a few eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products available in our sustainable living collection at Planet Organic.
Reduce plastic waste with a natural soap
Soap is arguably the most essential hygiene product in every household, from cleaning your body to your home, soap is a must-have and is one of the easiest products to switch to a low-waste alternative. Most traditional soaps come in plastic bottles that will need to be repurchased frequently, however, a simple way to make this eco-friendly is to switch to solid soap bars. Switching to solid soap helps to reduce plastic waste as they are typically packaged in paper or cardboard and if you opt for a solid soap labelled as natural or organic, it will also be better for your skin.
Faith In Nature Lavender Soap and Dr Bronner's Rose Liquid Soap
Most natural soap bars contain nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil that are more gentle on the skin than traditional soaps, and they are not only effective at removing dirt and bacteria but are also hydrating and moisturising. The Faith In Nature Lavender Soap contains lavender oil, glycerin and aloe vera to produce a soap suitable for all skin types that can be used all over the body to soothe inflammation, stimulate cell growth and of course provide a lovely clean feeling.
If you prefer a liquid soap but still want to reduce your environmental impact, Dr Bronner's Rose Liquid Soap comes in a bottle made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Containing a beautiful blend of organic ingredients including coconut oil, glycerin, hemp seed oil and a stunning natural rose fragrance, this natural soap is a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to an everyday essential.
Switch to eco-friendly haircare
Investing in natural, eco-friendly haircare products is another easy way to strive towards leading a more low-waste lifestyle with the products you use everyday. Whether you’re interested in trying solid shampoo and conditioner bars or looking for haircare that offers refillable options, there are many ways you can take care of your hair and the health of the planet simultaneously.
Friendly Soap Natural Shampoo Bar and Fushi Really Good Hair Oil
Just like the bars of soap mentioned above, there has been a recent surge in the popularity of creating haircare products in solid form too. This Friendly Soap Natural Shampoo Bar offers all the benefits of a typical shampoo but in an eco-friendly solid bar formula as opposed to a traditional liquid shampoo. This solid shampoo bar in particular contains natural ingredients such as castor oil, coconut oil and olive oil that help to naturally condition your hair and scalp. Combined with essential oils such as lavender and tea tree known for their antibacterial and soothing properties, this solid shampoo helps to cleanse your hair and promote healthy growth, all whilst benefiting the planet by reducing waste.
Eco-friendly doesn’t always have to mean getting rid of packaging completely, you can still enjoy your traditional haircare products in more eco-friendly containers. For those that don’t wish to stray from their traditional liquid haircare but would still like to try out a more low-waste alternative, this Fushi Really Good Hair Oil is a great option. Packaged in a high-quality glass bottle, this hair oil is made to nourish and rejuvenate all hair types. Formulated with an effective blend of natural oils including virgin coconut oil and Moroccan argan oil, this product strengthens and smooths hair to leave it feeling soft and conditioned.
If you really want to cut down on your consumption of basic hygiene products, there are many ways you can create your own natural shampoos and conditioners at home using a blend of simple ingredients such as olive oil, castile soap and fragrant essential oils like peppermint and lavender. If this is something you would like to try, we would recommend saving any empty haircare bottles from previous products to decant your homemade haircare into as a way to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Opt for a natural deodorant with low or no-waste packaging
Refillable hygiene products are another simple way to reduce your waste and cut down on single-use plastics. One refillable product we have seen become increasingly popular recently are refillable natural deodorants. Not only are these deodorants kinder to your skin and body due to the absence of harsh chemicals, they can significantly reduce the amount of waste produced and can be more cost-effective than traditional deodorants.
Fussy Natural Refillable Deodorant and The Natural Deodorant Co. Clean Deodorant Balm lemon + geranium
One of the UK’s most top-rated natural deodorants is the Fussy Natural Refillable Deodorant. Containing a science-backed probiotic formula, this natural deodorant is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, with no added parabens, sulphates or aluminium, making it kind to your skin whilst providing effective odour-neutralisation. Helping to reduce the impact of wasteful products, each Fussy deodorant lasts between 4-8 weeks when applied daily - simply keep the same sleek deodorant case and refill with a new scent when needed.
Another low-waste hygiene option for staying fresh all day long is a natural deodorant balm such as The Natural Deodorant Co. Clean Deodorant Balm. Packaged in a reusable glass tub, this deodorant balm is made from a clever combination of antibacterial magnesium and sodium bicarbonate mixed with nourishing coconut oil and shea butter to provide all-day odour protection whilst moisturising delicate underarm skin. Free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances, this natural deodorant is not only better for your body but also for the environment.
Try a zero waste toothpaste
An integral part of everyone’s daily hygiene routine, brushing your teeth can contribute more to environmental waste than we may think. With the typical plastic toothbrush needing to be replaced every 3-4 months and taking years to decompose in landfill, and with each tube of traditional toothpaste being made from synthetic plastics, the amount of dental hygiene products ending up in landfill is problematic. However, a simple switch to a bamboo toothbrush and zero-waste toothpaste can help make a significant difference in how wasteful your daily hygiene routine can be.
Georganics Coconut Toothpaste Peppermint
This Georganics Coconut Toothpaste offers a natural, zero-waste alternative to conventional toothpaste, with a unique powder formulation that still provides premium oral care without harming the environment. Made from mineral-rich calcium carbonate and kaolin clay powders with added organic peppermint oil for a cooling aroma and antibacterial properties, this toothpaste is dentist approved and cruelty-free.
Lead a zero waste lifestyle with Planet Organic
If you’re interested in adopting some of these zero-waste hygiene habits into your everyday routine, browse through our full collection of plastic-free, organic and natural toiletries to see what other eco-friendly hygiene products there are on offer. Alternatively, if you want to extend eco-friendly hygiene to the rest of your home, head on over to our household cleaning collection to discover a range of plastic-free and natural cleaning products.
