I’ve been slowly making changes for our family over the years towards no waste or low waste options. In part, because I want to reduce our family’s waste output but honestly, I hate spending money on things we are going to throw away soon after use. While I realize that you may not be ready for all of these changes, making small steps as you’re ready can make a big impact.
As we approach the new year and a new decade, I’ve put together some common items that would make an easy switch for you. They can either be used repeatedly, recycled, or composted!
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Toothbrush and Floss
As a dental hygienist, I am all about trying out different dental products. No matter what toothbrush you use, it should always be replaced every three months due to bacterial build up and wearing down of the bristles.
I switched to using a Norwex toothbrush a few years ago, and have really enjoyed the experience. The handle of the toothbrush is reusable, and you only replace the bristle portion every 3 months. For the longest time, this has been a good option for us, as only a small part of the brush is getting thrown away.
Recently, found a bamboo toothbrush with soft bristles. It’s worked well so far and I appreciate that the whole brush is compostable once we are ready to switch them out. The brushes we are currently trying are infused with charcoal to remove additional staining (allegedly). I haven’t noticed a change or have ready any evidence of the validity in this statement, but overall, would recommend the brush to others.
It never fails, at least one patient every day will ask if I actually floss daily as we recommend. The answer is an, “Absolutely!”. Even our boys are flossed daily. This disposable ditch has been the newest change for us! A friend gifted us a silk cotton floss that is compostable! I have very tight contacts between some of my teeth, and larger spaces in others that catches food and debris. This makes for a challenge in finding a floss that works well.
I can’t say enough good things about this floss. It glides well between my teeth, but the cotton expands and catches debris well. I’m definitely sold on it! I prefer the unflavored, but they do offer a peppermint flavored floss as well!
Shower Gel
The simplest switch away from shower gel for us was to start using bar soap. You can find options for bulk soap, and if you get to know your soap maker, may be able to customize your ingredients and scents! Bar soap is long lasting and doesn’t need to be packaged in bottles with pumps.
Along these lines, you may want to consider changing to a shampoo bar as well. I plan on testing these out once my current shampoo is empty! I’ve used Lush bars in the past, but our local location closed a few years ago, and I’ve never gotten around to ordering online.
Lotion
The boys and I have super sensitive skin. It’s been a difficult journey to find options for a moisturizer that absorbs well and has ingredients I’m comfortable with. My favorite replacement so far is simply using straight coconut oil. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t smell (refined, or if you prefer the coconut oil scent you can opt for the unrefined version). You can definitely purchase the large tubs and divide it up into glass jars around the house for different uses.
I’ve categorized this with lotion, but the possibilities with coconut oil around the house are almost endless!
Razor
I struggle with disposable razors. From itchy rashes caused from the soapy pads on the razor to razor burn from razors that aren’t quite sharp enough. I can’t stand them. A few years ago, Bryce began using a safety razor to shave his beard and raved about how well it does.
Several people have since recommended I use this as well – and let me tell you, I’m never buying disposable razors again! Smooth skin, less waste, and no rashes!
I need a tiny amount of shaving butter, so I’ve used this with very good results. It does NOT lather or foam, but helps the blade glide smoothly. In my experience, a little goes a long way!
For blades, everyone seems to have their own brand that they prefer. Personally, I just use whatever Bryce has on hand. He purchased a large sample pack with a bunch of different brands.
Tampons and pads
I will be completely honest for this category. I haven’t had a period since before pregnancy with Stirling. (#extendedbreastfeedingforthewin) And I didn’t really start making major changes and considerations with my purchases until after Stirling was born. I did invest in some charcoal cloth pads for postpartum with Declan and definitely preferred them to the disposable kind I used after Stirling.
Aside from the waste associated with disposable pads and tampons, they’re full of scents and chemicals that really shouldn’t be going anywhere near your body. Since I don’t have any experience with them personally (yet), I’m not going to link any other recommendations. But I do encourage you to look into your options! A menstrual cup, reusable pads, or even alternative disposable options (that are biodegradable!)