5 Low-Waste Habits for a Fresh Start: Small Changes, Big Impact
If you’ve recently finished our 5-Day Bathroom Detox, you’re probably looking at your space and thinking, "How do I keep it feeling this fresh?" Between you and me, the hardest part of going "eco-friendly" isn't the big renovations, it’s the daily habits. We get so used to reaching for that plastic bottle of body wash or tossing a plastic toothbrush every few months that we don't even think about where it all ends up.
The good news? You don't have to change everything overnight. In fact, I’ve found that just picking five small habits to master in January makes a much bigger difference in the long run. Let’s look at how we can lighten our footprint in the bathroom this year, one simple switch at a time.
1. The "Bar Over Bottle" Switch
One of the easiest ways to cut down on plastic is to move back to solid soaps. Think about it: a bottle of body wash is mostly water, packaged in plastic, and shipped across the country.
The Eco-Win: Solid bars use minimal packaging (usually just a bit of paper) and last much longer.
A Tip for the Transition: If you're worried about "soggy soap," make sure you have a well-draining dish. I actually wrote a guide on How to Make Your Own Beeswax Soap Dish that’s perfect for keeping your bars dry and lasting for months.
2. Rethink Your Morning Brush
We’re told to replace our toothbrushes every three months. If you’re using plastic, that’s four brushes a year, every year, for the rest of your life.
The Simple Swap: Switch to a bamboo toothbrush. When the bristles wear out, you can just pull them out with pliers to recycle them and toss the bamboo handle straight into your compost bin.
For the Tech-Lovers: If you aren't ready to give up your power brush, don't worry! Check out our guide on How to Clean Your Electric Toothbrush to make sure yours lasts for years instead of ending up in a landfill prematurely.
3. Master the "Half-Sheet" Mentality
This is a habit I picked up from a neighbor years ago. We often use way more product than we actually need, especially toilet paper and paper towels.
The Habit: Try using just what you need. Better yet, switch to 100% recycled or bamboo tissue. It's much gentler on the planet, and when you store it right (like in our 10 Zero-Waste Storage Hacks), it actually looks like part of your decor!
4. The "Last Drop" Audit
Before you toss any container this month, make sure it’s truly empty.
The Real-World Trick: I keep a pair of scissors in my bathroom drawer. When a tube of toothpaste or a bottle of lotion feels empty, I snip it in half. You’d be shocked to find there’s usually another 3 to 5 days' worth of product hiding in the corners. It’s a small thing, but it saves money and ensures nothing goes to waste.
5. Embrace the Refill
Instead of buying a new hand soap dispenser every time you run out, look for a local refill shop or buy the largest glass jug of soap you can find to refill your existing bottles.
Why it Matters: You’re cutting down on the "hidden" waste of shipping dozens of small pumps and springs, which are almost impossible to recycle. Plus, a glass dispenser just looks so much nicer on your new Eco-Friendly Countertop.
Conclusion: Progress Over Perfection
The secret to a sustainable home isn't doing everything perfectly; it's a lot of us doing it "imperfectly" but consistently. These five habits might seem small, but by the time next January rolls around, you'll have kept dozens of plastic bottles and brushes out of our oceans.