What do the shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, facial cleanser, hand soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, dental floss, tissues, sanitary pads, and razors we buy at the store have in common? They are all items we regularly use in the bathroom, and most of them come in plastic packaging. After my family committed to a zero-waste and plastic-free lifestyle, the most debated items were these personal hygiene products. Finding alternatives to replace all these items without plastic packaging was a significant challenge for me. I started by using up the products we had before replacing them.

I switched to shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoo and conditioner, used soap for body wash and facial cleanser, replaced body lotion with coconut oil, made homemade toothpaste from natural ingredients like coconut oil and baking soda, and opted for bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ones. I also replaced plastic dental floss with bamboo floss and switched from regular tissues in plastic packaging to recycled paper tissues, gradually making these changes. However, this sudden shift led to complaints from my family. They experienced issues like itchy scalps from using soap instead of shampoo and found the texture of homemade toothpaste strange, questioning whether it was effective. There were many moments of confusion about how to address these complaints. Nevertheless, after consistently trying for three years, I learned that our bodies and minds can adapt.

Now, my children prefer homemade toothpaste over foaming toothpaste, my husband shares his opinions on which shampoo bar suits him best, and my family looks for coconut oil after bathing. Over the past three years, I’ve gone through several shampoo bars, dealt with bamboo toothbrushes that had stiff bristles meant for cleaning, and struggled with coconut oil that was too thick to apply easily. These experiences allowed me to observe and discover which products are environmentally friendly and suitable for our family, as well as how our bodies react to different products and ingredients.

The most important tip I want to share from my journey of switching to plastic-free bathing products is to keep searching and trying consistently. Our bodies are accustomed to many chemicals found in conventional shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste, so sudden changes can cause discomfort or reactions like breakouts or itchy scalps. However, if you persist through the initial discomfort, you will notice changes in your skin and hair. Give your body time to adapt. Nowadays, there are many brands offering shampoo bars, conditioner bars, zero-waste body lotions, and even bamboo toothbrushes, so the options are broader than you might think. Try various products to find what works best for you and your family, and once you find the right ones, continue to purchase and use them regularly.

Finally, I’d like to share my homemade toothpaste recipe. This recipe was developed after three years of experimenting with various recipes I found through Google searches. I aimed to choose ingredients that can be purchased without plastic packaging and to minimize the number of ingredients. Since my children would also be using it, I focused on creating a gentle toothpaste.

Ingredients:

Coconut oil: Helps prevent bacterial growth and is effective in reducing gum inflammation.
Arrowroot powder: Balances acidity in the mouth and contains many minerals, making it non-irritating for sensitive teeth.
Bentonite clay: Prevents bacterial growth and helps avoid plaque formation.
Baking soda: Cleans teeth but can scratch the enamel, so it’s not recommended to use it alone.
Essential oil (peppermint or eucalyptus): Provides a flavor similar to commercial toothpaste.

Once you have the ingredients ready, let’s make the homemade toothpaste:

1. Mix the dry ingredients in equal parts. Combine 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay in a glass jar.

2. Stir the dry ingredients together. You can use a wooden spoon, but I prefer to cover the jar and shake it vigorously. Make sure to check for any remaining white powder at the bottom.

3. Add coconut oil to the mixed dry ingredients. I usually add 3 to 4 tablespoons. Since the texture and density of coconut oil can vary by brand, it’s best to add one tablespoon at a time and mix until you reach your desired consistency. Aim for a slightly thick texture since you will be adding essential oil.

4. Finally, add your desired essential oil. I typically use 10 drops of peppermint and 10 drops of eucalyptus. Adjust according to your personal preference.

5. Ta-da! You’re ready to brush your teeth. I usually keep a small spoon handy to avoid dipping the toothbrush directly into the toothpaste jar.

Creating a zero-waste and plastic-free bathroom not only benefits the environment but also provides a much safer and healthier outcome for our family. Additionally, it saves both money and time. Since we no longer need to buy shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or toothpaste, we save money. Plus, we no longer spend 30 minutes searching online or in stores to check the ingredients of every product, which significantly reduces our shopping time. It’s a win-win situation! Now it’s time for you to take action and start your journey toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Begin by making small changes one step at a time.

Written and photographed by Lee In-a, a woman dreaming of a zero-waste life and a mother raising two lovely daughters with her husband. Blog: 81dldlsdk.blog.me