Looking for simple ways to reduce plastic in your bathroom? Start with easy swaps like a bamboo toothbrush, shampoo bars, a reusable safety razor, refillable makeup and a shower filter. They're practical, long lasting and can help cut waste, reduce your exposure to unnecessary chemicals and make your everyday routine feel a whole lot better.

Key Takeaways

• The bathroom is one of the easiest places to reduce plastic waste.
• You don't need to replace everything at once. One swap is a great start.
• Many plastic-free alternatives last longer and save money over time.
• Plastic Free July is the perfect opportunity to build new habits that stick.
  

Why is the bathroom the perfect place to start reducing plastic?

Have you ever paused to look around your bathroom and noticed just how much plastic is everywhere? Aussies bin approximately 179 million personal care containers each year. From toothbrushes, shampoo and soap bottles to razors and makeup, bathroom waste can add up quickly. And the tricky part? Most of it can't go in your kerbside recycling. 

Our bathrooms are one of the most wasteful rooms in the house, but here the good news… it's also one of the easiest places to start your low-waste journey. Unlike other areas of your home, most bathroom products are replaced regularly. That means when something runs out, you can simply swap it for a lower waste alternative. No need to throw perfectly good products away or overhaul your entire routine overnight

Let’s dive into the top five bathroom swaps, all designed to help you reduce waste and toxins without compromising quality or convenience. 

1. Swap your plastic toothbrush for bamboo (and rethink your toothpaste)

If you're looking for the easiest place to begin, this is it.

Did you know round 3.5 billion toothbrushes are sold globally every year, with most ending up in landfill where they'll stick around for decades. A bamboo toothbrush is a much lower waste alternative and once it's reached the end of its life, simply remove the nylon bristles before composting the handle.

While you're brushing, it's also worth taking a look at your toothpaste.

Traditional toothpaste tubes are made from multiple layers of plastic and aluminium, making them super difficult to recycle. Thankfully, there are now plenty of plastic-free options that work just as well, including toothpaste tablets, tooth powders, tooth tonics and toothpaste packaged in reusable glass jars.

Whether you prefer fluoride or fluoride-free, there's now an option to suit almost everyone!

2. Replace bottled products with solid bars

Australians throw away around 179 million personal care containers each year, and a huge chunk of that comes from products we use every single day in the bathroom. 

That’s where bars come in.Whether it’s shampoo, conditioner, body wash or even face cleansers, switching to solid bars can dramatically cut down packaging without changing your routine too much. You’re still cleansing, hydrating and caring for your skin and hair… just without the plastic bottle.

And the benefits go beyond waste! Solid bars typically last longer than liquid products, they’re compact, travel-friendly and are often made with more concentrated, gentle and naturally derived ingredients.Once you find the right bars for your hair and skin type, it becomes one of the easiest habits to stick with.

3. Choose a reusable safety razor

Disposable razors might seem convenient, but they come with a cost to the planet. Each year in the US alone, 2 billion disposable razors are thrown away, that's more than 63 razors going into landfills every second! Just like plastic toothbrushes, disposable plastic razors are made from mixed materials, meaning they're almost impossible to recycle.

Instead of replacing the whole razor, a plastic-free reusable safety razorallows you to simply swap the stainless steel blade when it becomes dull. The handle is designed to last for years, making it one of the easiest ways to reduce bathroom waste over the long term.

Feeling nervous about making the switch? That's completely normal. You'll be glad to hear that many people find they get a smoother shave and less irritation when using their safety razor.Watch this video here to learn all about how to use our reusable razors. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.

4. Switch to refillable, low-waste makeup

Beauty lovers, this one’s for you! Makeup is one of the biggest contributors to bathroom waste, and it often goes unnoticed. In Australia alone, around 10,000 tonnes of cosmetic waste end up in landfill each year (yikes).

Fortunately, the beauty industry is changing. Brands brands like Aleph Beauty and Scoop Whole Beauty are proving that high performing makeup doesn't need single use plastic. Their 100% natural, refillable, multi-use products are thoughtfully packaged in materials like glass and bamboo, helping you reduce waste without compromising on quality.

5. Upgrade you shower with a filter

This is one of those upgrades you don't think you need... until you try it. Your shower water can contain chlorine, heavy metals, limescale and other harsh impurities that you might not notice day to day, but they can leave you skin feeling dry or your hair looking dull over time.

The Tappwater Shower Filter uses a four-stage filtration system to reduce more than 70 contaminants, including chlorine, heavy metals, limescale, pesticides and even mould. The result? A shower that feels noticeably gentler on your body. People often notice benefits such as:

• Softer, less dry skin
• Shiner, healthier-looking hair
• Less irritation, especially for sensitive skin
• Reduced scalp dryness and buildup

Installation takes just a few minutes, requires no tools and each filter lasts up to six months before needing a simple replacement. It's a small change that can make your everyday routine feel a lot more comfortable.

Start Small, Dream Big

One of the biggest myths about sustainable living is that you have to change everything at once. The truth is, you don't! At Go For Zero, we've always believed progress is far more powerful than perfection. Whether you swap your toothbrush this week or finally try a shampoo bar, every small decision helps reduce waste and shows brands there's growing demand for better alternatives. 

This week we've made it even easier to get started with up to 25% off plastic-free bathroom essentials here, including plastic-free hair ties, reusable razors, natural face wash bars, plant-based body glitter, vegan condoms and more! 

So instead of asking yourself, "How can I make my bathroom completely zero waste?"

Try asking, "What's one swap I can make today?"

It’s all about doing what you can, when you can. And that’s more than enough!

Lots of love,
Ellie xo

FAQs 

1. What is the easiest plastic-free bathroom swap to start with?

A bamboo toothbrush is one of the easiest swaps because it's affordable, simple to replace and helps reduce plastic waste every time you brush your teeth.

2. Are shampoo bars better than bottled shampoo?

For many people, yes. Shampoo bars clean just as effectively, often last longer than bottled shampoo and eliminate the need for plastic packaging.

3. Do reusable safety razors save money?

Yes. While the initial razor costs more, replacement blades are inexpensive, making safety razors much more cost effective over time than disposable razors.

4. How can I reduce plastic waste in my bathroom?

Start by replacing everyday items as they run out. Swapping to bamboo toothbrushes, solid shampoo bars, refillable makeup and reusable razors can dramatically reduce bathroom waste without changing your routine.

5. Why should I take part in Plastic Free July?

Plastic Free July is a great opportunity to build simple habits that reduce waste all year round. Even one small swap can have a lasting impact for your home and the planet.