Bathrooms are one of the most resource-intensive areas in a home, consuming water, energy, and plastic-heavy products. By making small changes, you can reduce waste, save money, and create a more sustainable bathroom.
This guide will show you simple and effective ways to make your bathroom eco-friendly.
1. Switch to a Low-Flow Showerhead 
Traditional showerheads waste a lot of water—a 10-minute shower can use up to 25 gallons (95 liters)!
Eco-Friendly Shower Habits:
Install a low-flow showerhead to cut water use by up to 50%. Take shorter showers (aim for 5–7 minutes). Turn off the water while lathering or shaving.
Bonus Tip: Collect cold water from the tap while waiting for it to heat up, and use it for watering plants.
2. Use Plastic-Free Toiletries 
Most bathroom products come in single-use plastic packaging. Switching to sustainable alternatives reduces plastic waste.
Eco-Friendly Bathroom Swaps:
Shampoo & conditioner bars instead of bottled products.
Bar soap instead of liquid body wash.
Bamboo toothbrush instead of plastic.
Refillable glass or aluminum containers instead of plastic bottles.
Bonus Tip: Buy in bulk or refill stations to reduce packaging waste.
3. Install a Water-Efficient Toilet 
Toilets account for nearly 30% of household water use. Switching to a low-flow toilet can cut water use in half.
Water-Saving Toilet Tips:
Install a dual-flush toilet for high and low flush options. Place a water-saving tank insert in older toilets. Never flush tissues or wipes—they belong in the trash or compost.
Bonus Tip: Use recycled toilet paper or bamboo toilet paper for a more sustainable option.
4. Use Non-Toxic and DIY Cleaning Products 
Many bathroom cleaners contain harsh chemicals that harm the environment and indoor air quality.
DIY Natural Cleaning Solutions:
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix white vinegar, lemon juice, and water.
Tub & Sink Scrub: Use baking soda and water to scrub surfaces. Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix baking soda with vinegar and let sit before scrubbing.
Bonus Tip: Store DIY cleaners in glass spray bottles to reduce plastic waste.
5. Reduce Electricity Use in the Bathroom 
Bathrooms use a lot of energy, from lights to electric razors and hair tools.
Energy-Saving Tips:
Switch to LED light bulbs, which use 75% less energy. Install motion sensor lights to turn off automatically. Air-dry hair naturally instead of using a hairdryer.
Bonus Tip: Turn off heated towel racks and exhaust fans when not in use.
6. Choose Eco-Friendly Towels and Bath Mats
Most towels and bath mats are made from conventional cotton, which requires a lot of water and pesticides to produce.
Sustainable Alternatives:
Organic cotton or bamboo towels – Require fewer pesticides and water. Hemp bath mats – Naturally antimicrobial and durable. Linen or recycled fabric options for a more sustainable choice.
Bonus Tip: Wash towels only when necessary to reduce water waste.
7. Use a Safety Razor Instead of Disposable Razors 
Disposable razors create millions of tons of plastic waste each year. A metal safety razor is a reusable and cost-effective alternative.
Why Choose a Safety Razor?
Lasts a lifetime – Just replace the blades. Reduces plastic waste. More affordable in the long run.
Bonus Tip: Store blades in a blade bank and recycle them at a scrap metal facility.
8. Switch to Sustainable Feminine Hygiene Products 
Most tampons and pads contain plastic, synthetic materials, and chemicals. Eco-friendly alternatives are healthier and waste-free.
Sustainable Options:
Menstrual cups – Reusable and lasts for years. Reusable cloth pads – Washable and plastic-free. Organic cotton tampons – Biodegradable and chemical-free.
Bonus Tip: Some companies offer take-back programs for used menstrual cups!
9. Reduce Waste with a Bathroom Recycling Bin 
Many people forget to recycle bathroom waste, leading to unnecessary landfill waste.
Items You Can Recycle in the Bathroom:
Toilet paper rolls.
Empty makeup containers (check brand recycling programs). Shampoo and soap bottles (if plastic).
Bonus Tip: Check if brands like Lush and TerraCycle offer recycling programs for beauty products.
10. Save Water While Brushing and Washing Hands 
A running faucet wastes 4 gallons (15 liters) of water per minute! Small changes in your daily routine can save thousands of gallons per year.
Water-Saving Habits:
Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Use a small cup instead of running water to rinse. Fix leaks immediately to prevent unnecessary water loss.
Bonus Tip: Use cold water when washing hands to save energy on water heating.
Final Thoughts
Making your bathroom eco-friendly is easy with small, simple swaps.
Start with: Switching to plastic-free toiletries like shampoo bars and bamboo toothbrushes. Installing water-efficient fixtures to reduce waste. Using non-toxic, DIY cleaning products for a healthier home.
Every sustainable change reduces waste, saves money, and helps the planet. 
