Reusable Pads and Menstrual Cups
Every month, girls produce waste from their menstrual products, such as pads and tampons. Both products are wrapped in plastic packaging and the menstrual products themselves are made out of thick cotton to absorb blood. Because of this, in North America alone, each woman throws away around 14,000 pads or tampons in her lifetime. This adds up to around 12 billion menstrual products going into landfills each year. In total, each woman produces around 300 pounds of menstrual product waste that is going to be sitting in landfills and breaking down.7 Because of this, different companies have come up with reusable products that keep that waste out of landfills, such as reusable pads and menstrual cups. A good menstrual cup can last about 1-2 years; that’s equivalent to 300-600 pads or tampons that would have been in a landfill. While both products are very daunting to use, many have found that over time, they are simple solutions that effectively work and keep waste out of landfills.
Every month, girls produce waste from their menstrual products, such as pads and tampons. Both products are wrapped in plastic packaging and the menstrual products themselves are made out of thick cotton to absorb blood. Because of this, in North America alone, each woman throws away around 14,000 pads or tampons in her lifetime. This adds up to around 12 billion menstrual products going into landfills each year. In total, each woman produces around 300 pounds of menstrual product waste that is going to be sitting in landfills and breaking down.7 Because of this, different companies have come up with reusable products that keep that waste out of landfills, such as reusable pads and menstrual cups. A good menstrual cup can last about 1-2 years; that’s equivalent to 300-600 pads or tampons that would have been in a landfill. While both products are very daunting to use, many have found that over time, they are simple solutions that effectively work and keep waste out of landfills.
Bamboo/Metal razors
Shaving is a part of both men and women’s lives and because of this, a good razor is essential. Many buy cheap razors that are replaced after every 5-10 shaves. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that 2 billion disposable razors are thrown away each year in the US alone.8 Razors are not recyclable and just end up in landfills like many other products. Metal razors and bamboo razors are alternatives to disposable razors because the user is keeping the same body of the razor while only changing out the metal blades. Safety razors can be scary to use because you have to be careful that you don’t knick yourself, but eventually you get the hang of it.
Shaving is a part of both men and women’s lives and because of this, a good razor is essential. Many buy cheap razors that are replaced after every 5-10 shaves. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that 2 billion disposable razors are thrown away each year in the US alone.8 Razors are not recyclable and just end up in landfills like many other products. Metal razors and bamboo razors are alternatives to disposable razors because the user is keeping the same body of the razor while only changing out the metal blades. Safety razors can be scary to use because you have to be careful that you don’t knick yourself, but eventually you get the hang of it.
Metal blades
With the safety razors you need razor blades to go with them. The metal razor blades last you a long time and while it may seem pricey up front, think about the amount you spend on disposable razors. Metal razors are also recyclable! Houses that were built during the 20th century had boxes built into the wall where you could drop the blade once you were finished with it. Modern houses do not have this feature because razors have been transformed (possibly for the worst). Another solution is getting a metal container of your choice where once you finish with your blades, you can drop it in. When it is filled, the container needs to be secured shut, and the blades can be taken to the metal bin container at your recycling center. While taking the extra step may seem like a drag now, the environmental benefits in the future are worth it.
With the safety razors you need razor blades to go with them. The metal razor blades last you a long time and while it may seem pricey up front, think about the amount you spend on disposable razors. Metal razors are also recyclable! Houses that were built during the 20th century had boxes built into the wall where you could drop the blade once you were finished with it. Modern houses do not have this feature because razors have been transformed (possibly for the worst). Another solution is getting a metal container of your choice where once you finish with your blades, you can drop it in. When it is filled, the container needs to be secured shut, and the blades can be taken to the metal bin container at your recycling center. While taking the extra step may seem like a drag now, the environmental benefits in the future are worth it.
Shampoo bars
Shampoo and conditioner bottles are constantly being quickly used and disposed of by both men and women. While the plastic bottles are recyclable, a better alternative has been created that has no waste at all. By shopping at a store like Lush, you are not using any packaging because the bar is solely in its form and there is no additional packaging. When you go to buy the bar, you can bring your own container or consider their metal tin options. During our zero-waste journey, Maddi tried her hand with the shampoo bars and loved them. She believes that they improved the overall strength of her hair and the individual bars last a long time.
Shampoo and conditioner bottles are constantly being quickly used and disposed of by both men and women. While the plastic bottles are recyclable, a better alternative has been created that has no waste at all. By shopping at a store like Lush, you are not using any packaging because the bar is solely in its form and there is no additional packaging. When you go to buy the bar, you can bring your own container or consider their metal tin options. During our zero-waste journey, Maddi tried her hand with the shampoo bars and loved them. She believes that they improved the overall strength of her hair and the individual bars last a long time.
Natural deodorant
Rather than constantly buying deodorant in plastic packaging that is not recyclable and clutters landfills, natural deodorant has become an alternative. Natural deodorant is in a paste form and is packaged in small glass jars. There are more intense options for masking a stronger scent, but to get started there are simple formulas that are easy to mold into your underarm. Once again, this is a product that can be used by both men and women and this is something that we (Maddi and Solana) have both tried. Solana didn’t favor this product because the brand she had stained the inside of her clothes and she felt that she smelled bad because having a bad scent is a phobia of hers. Maddi on the other hand liked the product (she had a different brand) and said that the scent pleased her and she has continued to use the product for an extended amount of time.
Rather than constantly buying deodorant in plastic packaging that is not recyclable and clutters landfills, natural deodorant has become an alternative. Natural deodorant is in a paste form and is packaged in small glass jars. There are more intense options for masking a stronger scent, but to get started there are simple formulas that are easy to mold into your underarm. Once again, this is a product that can be used by both men and women and this is something that we (Maddi and Solana) have both tried. Solana didn’t favor this product because the brand she had stained the inside of her clothes and she felt that she smelled bad because having a bad scent is a phobia of hers. Maddi on the other hand liked the product (she had a different brand) and said that the scent pleased her and she has continued to use the product for an extended amount of time.
Powdered toothpaste and Toothpaste Tabs
Toothpaste in plastic tubes is not recyclable and is another product that fills ever-growing landfills. Several toothpaste alternatives have been created, such as metal tubes. Once all of the toothpaste is used, the metal container can be cleaned and recycled in designated metal bins in landfills. We both wanted to try different toothpaste options and so, to begin, Solana used toothpaste tabs that came in biodegradable starch packaging. The tabs look like little mints or smarties that have to be chewed in the mouth and then eventually turn into a paste once you begin brushing with a wet toothbrush. Solana had no problems with the tabs and after going to her usual dentist appointment, the dentist said that her teeth looked fine, proving that there were no negative results in using the tabs. The tabs that Solana used contained xylitol and while reading reviews on the right toothpaste alternative to choose, some said xylitol should be avoided. After Solana consulted with her dentist, however, she reported back that the xylitol was fine to use as long as a fluoride rinse was also used. Maddi used a powdered toothpaste that came in a glass container. To use, you simply dip your wet toothbrush into the mix and start brushing.
Toothpaste in plastic tubes is not recyclable and is another product that fills ever-growing landfills. Several toothpaste alternatives have been created, such as metal tubes. Once all of the toothpaste is used, the metal container can be cleaned and recycled in designated metal bins in landfills. We both wanted to try different toothpaste options and so, to begin, Solana used toothpaste tabs that came in biodegradable starch packaging. The tabs look like little mints or smarties that have to be chewed in the mouth and then eventually turn into a paste once you begin brushing with a wet toothbrush. Solana had no problems with the tabs and after going to her usual dentist appointment, the dentist said that her teeth looked fine, proving that there were no negative results in using the tabs. The tabs that Solana used contained xylitol and while reading reviews on the right toothpaste alternative to choose, some said xylitol should be avoided. After Solana consulted with her dentist, however, she reported back that the xylitol was fine to use as long as a fluoride rinse was also used. Maddi used a powdered toothpaste that came in a glass container. To use, you simply dip your wet toothbrush into the mix and start brushing.
Silk floss
Most floss that people use is made out of nylon and is packaged in plastic. Once again, the plastic is not recyclable, but there is an alternative that has been made so that those plastics can be avoided. Silk floss is a route that we took and even though it comes from caterpillars and some argue against the ethics of taking their byproduct, we both found that this has less of an impact on the earth and it is also biodegradable. The floss comes in a small metal container that is reusable and once you run out of the floss, you can buy small bundles for a pretty low price.
Most floss that people use is made out of nylon and is packaged in plastic. Once again, the plastic is not recyclable, but there is an alternative that has been made so that those plastics can be avoided. Silk floss is a route that we took and even though it comes from caterpillars and some argue against the ethics of taking their byproduct, we both found that this has less of an impact on the earth and it is also biodegradable. The floss comes in a small metal container that is reusable and once you run out of the floss, you can buy small bundles for a pretty low price.
Bamboo toothbrush
Bamboo toothbrushes gained popularity just like the reusable straws. Every toothbrush that you have ever used is still sitting in a landfill somewhere breaking down. The toothbrush is something that is used daily and in the US alone, each person uses about 300 in their lifetime.9 These necessary tools are sold commonly in plastic, however, a popular alternative that has been created is bamboo toothbrushes. The bamboo is biodegradable and sustainable, so when you throw it away, you know that it won’t be sitting in a landfill for hundreds of years.
Bamboo toothbrushes gained popularity just like the reusable straws. Every toothbrush that you have ever used is still sitting in a landfill somewhere breaking down. The toothbrush is something that is used daily and in the US alone, each person uses about 300 in their lifetime.9 These necessary tools are sold commonly in plastic, however, a popular alternative that has been created is bamboo toothbrushes. The bamboo is biodegradable and sustainable, so when you throw it away, you know that it won’t be sitting in a landfill for hundreds of years.
Bar soap
Bar soap is a wonderful alternative to both hand and body soap. When washing our hands at home, the excess plastic containers are not necessary. Bar soap comes in various scents and colors and lasts a very long time as opposed to foaming or liquid hand soaps. Bar soap brands such as Dove, Burt's Bees, Dr. Bronner’s, etc., have bar soap options that are good to use on your body as opposed to body wash. Body wash is completely covered in plastic packaging that prevents you from getting to all of the product. Bar soap is an easy switch and if it is used with a washcloth, you will find that you are still getting squeaky clean without the plastic.
Bar soap is a wonderful alternative to both hand and body soap. When washing our hands at home, the excess plastic containers are not necessary. Bar soap comes in various scents and colors and lasts a very long time as opposed to foaming or liquid hand soaps. Bar soap brands such as Dove, Burt's Bees, Dr. Bronner’s, etc., have bar soap options that are good to use on your body as opposed to body wash. Body wash is completely covered in plastic packaging that prevents you from getting to all of the product. Bar soap is an easy switch and if it is used with a washcloth, you will find that you are still getting squeaky clean without the plastic.
Bamboo Soap Dishes
Of course everybody needs a place to put their bar soap. Bamboo once again is a wonderful product to use because it is sustainable and breaks down easily. There are soap dishes made out of stones and plastics, but bamboo is also a perfectly fine option. A quick DIY project that can be done to make your own soap dish is taking a lid to any sort of jar (jelly, mason) and placing rubber bands over it to support it. Also, a hole can be cut out of a sponge (check out the next product) and the soap can be placed there. Once you’ve run out of the soap, the sponge can be used to clean different surfaces because it is filled with a soapy mix.
Of course everybody needs a place to put their bar soap. Bamboo once again is a wonderful product to use because it is sustainable and breaks down easily. There are soap dishes made out of stones and plastics, but bamboo is also a perfectly fine option. A quick DIY project that can be done to make your own soap dish is taking a lid to any sort of jar (jelly, mason) and placing rubber bands over it to support it. Also, a hole can be cut out of a sponge (check out the next product) and the soap can be placed there. Once you’ve run out of the soap, the sponge can be used to clean different surfaces because it is filled with a soapy mix.
Natural cellulose body sponges
Natural cellulose body sponges are a natural way to not only exfoliate your body, but to also spread your soap. These body sponges can also be used with bar soap and if you don’t like this product, wash cloths are another alternative to spreading the soap rather than body scrubs with plastic bristles and handles. Cellulose is the cell wall of plants and vegetable fibers such as cotton.10 Because of this, the cellulose breaks down naturally in the environment and doesn’t sit in landfills for an excess amount of time.
Natural cellulose body sponges are a natural way to not only exfoliate your body, but to also spread your soap. These body sponges can also be used with bar soap and if you don’t like this product, wash cloths are another alternative to spreading the soap rather than body scrubs with plastic bristles and handles. Cellulose is the cell wall of plants and vegetable fibers such as cotton.10 Because of this, the cellulose breaks down naturally in the environment and doesn’t sit in landfills for an excess amount of time.
Reusable silicone swabs
Cotton swabs are made out of a plastic handle with cotton on either end. While some cotton swabs can break down naturally, a better switch that could be made is by using reusable products. Reusable silicone swabs have been created and in order to clean them, all that you need to do is wash it with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. These reusable swabs have been designed in a way that on one end, there is a special tip that enables you to get closer to the eye and get extra makeup that is missed. Bamboo cotton swabs have also been created which are biodegradable and sustainable. Although, the silicone swabs are still the better option because they are reusable.
Cotton swabs are made out of a plastic handle with cotton on either end. While some cotton swabs can break down naturally, a better switch that could be made is by using reusable products. Reusable silicone swabs have been created and in order to clean them, all that you need to do is wash it with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. These reusable swabs have been designed in a way that on one end, there is a special tip that enables you to get closer to the eye and get extra makeup that is missed. Bamboo cotton swabs have also been created which are biodegradable and sustainable. Although, the silicone swabs are still the better option because they are reusable.
Reusable cloth face rounds
Rather than using regular single-use cotton rounds, a reusable option is now available. Cotton rounds have been revamped and have been made out of bamboo and cloth. These products can be used to remove makeup by applying micellar water (or any choice of makeup remover) to the cotton pad and rubbing it across your face. The reusable cloth face rounds come with a mesh bag that they are washed in while in the washing machine and then they are clean and ready for use again.
Rather than using regular single-use cotton rounds, a reusable option is now available. Cotton rounds have been revamped and have been made out of bamboo and cloth. These products can be used to remove makeup by applying micellar water (or any choice of makeup remover) to the cotton pad and rubbing it across your face. The reusable cloth face rounds come with a mesh bag that they are washed in while in the washing machine and then they are clean and ready for use again.
Sustainable toilet paper
While toilet paper doesn’t fall under our definition of waste because it is biodegradable, there are ways to make the toilet paper that you use better for the environment. Tree-free toilet paper has been created and while it has not gained popularity on a large scale, it is still a good alternative to reduce your impact on the environment. The toilet paper is typically made out of bamboo, but sugarcane is another option as well. Products made out of bamboo and sugarcane are good to use because these plants re-grow very quickly.
While toilet paper doesn’t fall under our definition of waste because it is biodegradable, there are ways to make the toilet paper that you use better for the environment. Tree-free toilet paper has been created and while it has not gained popularity on a large scale, it is still a good alternative to reduce your impact on the environment. The toilet paper is typically made out of bamboo, but sugarcane is another option as well. Products made out of bamboo and sugarcane are good to use because these plants re-grow very quickly.
Unbleached, Recycled Paper Towels
While at normal stores like Target and Walmart, look a little deeper at the products that you normally buy. Towels can be made out of bamboo, but they can also be made out of unbleached and recycled paper, like those made by the brand Seventh Generation. While a dish towel may be the best reusable option, a paper towel that is unbleached and recycled is also a great alternative for those who don’t have certain products available for them.
While at normal stores like Target and Walmart, look a little deeper at the products that you normally buy. Towels can be made out of bamboo, but they can also be made out of unbleached and recycled paper, like those made by the brand Seventh Generation. While a dish towel may be the best reusable option, a paper towel that is unbleached and recycled is also a great alternative for those who don’t have certain products available for them.
Tip!
Rather than purchasing lip balm in plastic packaging that isn’t recyclable, make your own! Check out the recipe in the back of the book.
7. Shelton, Suzanne. "Is this the generation that will trash tampons and pads for
good?" Fast Company, 14 May 2019, www.fastcompany.com/90349787/
is-this-the-generation-that-will-trash-tampons-and-pads-for-good.
8. Associated Press. "Here's how to keep your razors from contributing to landfill
waste." USA Today, 7 Aug. 2019, www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/08/
07/landfill-waste-how-prevent-disposable-razor-plastic-pollution/1943345001/.
9. Kellogg, Kathryn. "The Life of a Toothbrush." Going Zero Waste, 29 Nov. 2016,
www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/the-life-of-a-toothbrush.
10. "Cellulose." Encyclopaedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/science/cellulose.
Rather than purchasing lip balm in plastic packaging that isn’t recyclable, make your own! Check out the recipe in the back of the book.
7. Shelton, Suzanne. "Is this the generation that will trash tampons and pads for
good?" Fast Company, 14 May 2019, www.fastcompany.com/90349787/
is-this-the-generation-that-will-trash-tampons-and-pads-for-good.
8. Associated Press. "Here's how to keep your razors from contributing to landfill
waste." USA Today, 7 Aug. 2019, www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/08/
07/landfill-waste-how-prevent-disposable-razor-plastic-pollution/1943345001/.
9. Kellogg, Kathryn. "The Life of a Toothbrush." Going Zero Waste, 29 Nov. 2016,
www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/the-life-of-a-toothbrush.
10. "Cellulose." Encyclopaedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/science/cellulose.