Simple Eco-Friendly Bathroom Swaps That Save Money and Reduce Waste
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The bathroom is one of those spaces where we’re constantly buying the same things over and over again.
Toilet paper, soap, shampoo, deodorant — these are things we use every single day, so it makes sense that we’re always replacing them. But because they’re everyday items, they don’t always feel like a big deal in the moment. Until you start to notice how quickly it all adds up — both in terms of cost and the amount of waste coming into your home.
At the same time, it’s also a space where things tend to accumulate. Half-used products, things you tried and didn’t love, backups of things you already have. So before making any changes, start with what you already have. Use things up, pay attention to what actually works for you, and then make more intentional choices as you go.
Prefer to listen instead? In this episode of the Sustainable in the Suburbs podcast, I’m talking about what it actually looks like to approach sustainable bathroom swaps in a way that’s doable, practical, and budget-friendly.
These are the bathroom swaps we’ve landed on over time — the ones that actually stuck, simplified our routines, and made a difference without overcomplicating things. For a quick overview, I have gathered some of my favourite products here: ECO-FRIENDLY BATHROOM ESSENTIALS
1. Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper
Toilet paper is one of those things that just goes on the list. We don’t really think about it, we just notice we’re getting low and pick up another pack — and because of that, it adds up quickly. But, yes! You can still use toilet paper!
Recycled Toilet Paper (100% post-consumer content)
There are several online options for toilet paper made from 100% recycled content that came in a cardboard box, with each roll wrapped in tissue paper. It’s a really simple switch that cuts down on both packaging and resource use. We often order Cascades from Staples, or Who Gives a Crap, who has the cutest tissue paper!
“Tree Free” Toilet Paper
Another option you’ll come across is toilet paper made from bamboo. It’s often called “tree-free,” because it doesn’t rely on traditional wood pulp, and bamboo grows back much faster than trees, making it a more renewable option. We really like Caboo, which is very soft, non-GMO, and MADE SAFE ® certified. RePurpose is another great brand made from 100% FSC-certified bamboo.
Bidet Attachment
A bidet is one of the easiest ways to reduce how much toilet paper you’re using without changing things too drastically. We have a Hello Tushy in every bathroom now, and it’s one of those things that’s hard to go back from once you get used to it.
And then there’s everything that comes with it. The rolls, the tissue paper, even the plastic packaging.
I save all of our toilet paper rolls in a basket and reuse them for things like drawer organizers, seed starters, and even compost browns. The tissue paper can be reused for crafts or gift wrapping, or composted. And if you do end up with plastic packaging, it can be reused as a garbage bag so you get at least one more use out of it before it goes to landfill.
2. Bar Soap
If you look around your sink or in your shower, it’s usually more than a few plastic bottles. Hand soap, body wash, sometimes multiple versions of each — and most of what’s inside those bottles is… just water. Add in the packaging, the shipping, and how quickly it gets used up, and it becomes another one of those repeat purchases that adds up fast.
Switching to bar soap is one of the simplest changes you can make here. It lasts much longer, isn’t packaged the same way (if at all), and just simplifies things overall. Fewer bottles, fewer decisions, and less coming into your home. It’s a small shift, but it’s one you’ll notice pretty quickly — you’re not replacing it as often, you’re not dealing with the same amount of packaging, and the whole routine just feels a bit easier.
Soap Saver Bag
A soap saver bag helps your bar soap last even longer. It lets the soap drain between uses, keeps it out of direct water in the shower, and doubles as a plastic-free loofah. We just pop the small leftover pieces of soap into the bag so nothing goes to waste.
Well-Draining Soap Dish
A well-draining soap dish is a must and makes all the difference in how long your bar soap lasts. Letting the bar dry out between uses keeps it from getting soft and disappearing too quickly.
There are so many small businesses making really beautiful bar soaps, and it’s something that’s pretty easy to find once you start looking. Take a look around your local shops and farmer’s markets for handmade soaps, often made with locally-sourced ingredients.
3. Refillable Liquid Soap (Concentrates + Tablets)
If you prefer liquid soap, there are still ways to cut down on packaging and avoid constantly buying new bottles. You can make your own foaming hand soap using a concentrate and a reusable dispenser, which means you’re not paying to ship water back and forth every time you run out. I love the grapefruit + white melon scent from GoodWash Soap — a local (to me), woman-owned small business — and their aluminum bottles are returnable, refillable, reusable, and recyclable.
There are also tablet-based options, like Blueland, where you just add water at home and reuse the same bottle. It’s a simple way to keep the convenience of liquid soap while reducing packaging and repeat purchases. The tablet packaging is compostable.
4. Eco-Friendly Shower Swaps and Sustainable Hair Care
If you look around your shower, this is usually where things really start to add up. I used to have multiple shampoos and conditioners, body washes, shaving cream, soaps, body scrubs… all in plastic bottles and taking up so much space.
When I decided it was time to simplify, I slowly used up what we already had while figuring out what to do next. This is one of those areas where I’ve tried a lot of things over the years — different products, different routines, things that sounded like a good idea at the time… and not all of them stuck. What we’ve landed on now is actually pretty simple, but it took a bit of trial and error to get there.
Shampoo Bar
Everyone’s hair is different, so it may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. If you try a shampoo bar and it’s not quite right, you can always add it to your soap saver bag.
My husband and I share the same shampoo bar now and keep it on a well-draining soap dish in the shower. When it eventually gets down to a small sliver, I just smoosh it onto the new bar so nothing goes to waste. We both really like the “Hydrator” shampoo bar from Notice Hair Co. and one bar lasts us about three months.
Refillable Conditioner
For daily conditioner, I’ve found that refill options work best for us. I have been using Oneka Elements for years and it is really lovely.
I keep mine in an aluminum pump bottle and refill it as needed. At my local refill shop, I reuse old ketchup bottles to bring liquids home, then decant them into my dispenser.
If you don’t have a refill shop nearby, there are still good options. Some brands offer larger refill bags to cut down on packaging, and others have subscription systems with returnable bottles. It keeps the routine simple without constantly bringing new bottles into the house.
Deep Conditioner (Tin)
I also use a weekly deep conditioner that comes in an aluminum metal tin, which lasts a long time and doesn’t come with the same plastic packaging. The Deep Conditioning Concentrate from Everist (another local and woman-owned business) is truly a MIRACLE product and I cannot recommend it enough.
Natural Loofah + Soap Saver Bag
Instead of plastic shower poufs, we use a natural loofah and a soap saver bag. The loofah can be composted at the end of its life, and the soap saver helps extend the life of bar soap while doubling as a gentle exfoliator. I am still trying to successfully grow loofah in my garden, so fingers crossed for this year!
What we’ve landed on now is a much simpler routine that we actually stick to. Fewer products, less waste, and over time it ends up being less expensive too.
5. Sustainable Dental Care Swaps
This is one of those everyday habits we don’t really think about — but it’s also one that’s almost entirely plastic. Toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste tubes… and it all adds up pretty quickly over time. Even a few swaps in your dental care routine can really make a big difference. But of course, your dental health always comes first! Please consult with your dentist before making any changes here if you have concerns.
Bamboo Toothbrush
Every plastic toothbrush we have ever used still exists and will for centuries. Switching to bamboo toothbrushes (even for the kids) is a really simple swap, and these days you can find them pretty much anywhere.
That said, we do use the ones with the nylon bristles as I found that the plant-based bristles only lasted a few weeks. When it’s time for a new toothbrush, I snap the head off for the trash, and compost the handle or reuse it as a plant marker in the garden.
Floss (Refillable + Picks)
Floss is a tricky one because it’s inherently single-use, but there are still some better options out there. You can get refillable silk floss in a glass container or look for floss picks that use less plastic overall.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another one that can take a bit of trial and error, and I have tried them all over the years! There are tooth tablets, toothpaste in glass jars or metal tubes, but this is definitely an area where you need to find something you’ll actually use consistently.
For anything that still comes in plastic, a lot of dental offices now have TerraCycle collection boxes where you can drop off used toothbrushes, floss containers, and tubes so they’re handled properly.
6. Eco-Friendly Shaving and Grooming Swaps
And then there are the products that really have to earn their spot. These are the ones you’re using regularly, so they have to work — otherwise you’re not going to stick with them.
Safety Razor
Disposable plastic razors are one of those things that just keep getting replaced, and frankly, aren’t even good quality.. A safety razor is a longer-term option — you buy it once, then just replace the blades as needed. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s a very different experience once you do. My husband and I just share one razor now and nothing is sent to the landfill.
Deodorant
This was surprisingly the first swap that my husband got on board with. He has been using Routine Natural Deodorant for nearly ten years now! It comes in a glass jar, but is also available in refill if you have a local refill shop.
This is one of those areas where I’ve tried a lot of different options over the years, and not all of them worked for me. I’ve gone back to a drug store brand for the time being as perimenopause wreaks havoc on me! But I save the empties for recycling at my local refill shop.
Makeup (Less + Better)
Over time, I’ve just started using less makeup overall. When I do buy something, I try to choose Canadian and woman-owned brands that are doing things a bit differently, like Elate Cosmetics and Cheekbone Beauty.
Over time, all of these small changes have added up to a much simpler routine. There’s less coming into the house, less to keep track of, and fewer things we’re constantly replacing.
There are lots of other little swaps you can make here — cotton rounds, Q-tips, wipes — but this is what has actually stuck for us and made the biggest difference day to day.
If you’re looking for specific products, I’ve put together everything we use and recommend in one place here:
ECO-FRIENDLY BATHROOM ESSENTIALS
