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Most of us are guilty of having a bathroom shelf or cabinet cluttered with plastic bottles, containers, and tubes – most of which make their way into landfills, with very little getting recycled. One report suggests there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050. Also worth noting is that many of these beauty and personal care products contain chemicals that make their way into our wastewater systems.
The good news is that we can all do our part to help by making small changes to our routines. It’s time to swap your plastic bath and beauty products for something good for the planet – and yourself. From shampoo bars and zero-waste tooth powders to plastic-free sponges and bamboo toothbrushes, here are some of the alternative grooming products that are fast-growing in popularity.
1. Bamboo toothbrush and biodegradable floss
Hundreds of millions of toothbrushes are tossed out in landfills every year. Think about changing to a toothbrush with a bamboo handle and biodegradable floss.
Try: Kindbrush – a quality, environmentally-friendly oral care range purposefully designed by a South African oral hygienist who is as passionate about oral health as she is about reducing plastic waste. Kindbrush has a range of funky bamboo toothbrushes and biodegradable floss-in-a-bottle. Available from dental practices and online https://thekindbrush.com/.
2. Natural toothpaste/toothpowder
Toothpaste can contain artificial sweeteners and other harmful ingredients such as glycerine and fluoride, plus the empty tube ends up in landfills. You might consider going back to your roots by buying toothpowders which are made with natural and organic ingredients and come in recyclable packaging.
Since the times of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, people have been using toothpowders to clean their teeth, and recent studies have shown that they can be more effective than toothpaste at removing dental plaque.
Try: Olgani Naturals toothpowders which contain non-abrasive blends of botanical ingredients and natural minerals that work together to promote dental health. Olgani is available online from olgani.co.za and selected Dis-Chem, dentists, pharmacies and health shops nationwide. You can also find them on Instagram @olganinaturals and Facebook.
3. Soap
Look for natural soaps made with basic yet effective ingredients like natural oils and cocoa butter.
Try: Eco Earth Bar www.ecoearthbar.co.za or Soap & Things www.soapnthings.co.za.
4. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars
Shampoo bars are all the rage right now and it is no surprise as to why! Say goodbye to empty plastic bottles going to landfill, and shampoo bars are chemical and preservative-free – meaning you are not lathering up with harmful ingredients, nor are those chemicals entering the waterways.
Try: Zero Shampoo Bars www.zerobar.co.za or EarthWarrior shampoo and conditioner bars www.earthwarrior.co.za.
5. Solid perfumes/deodorants
Many deodorants contain harmful ingredients such as aluminium, plus the packaging is not recyclable. Deodorant bars are fast gaining popularity as they contain natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging – if any.
Try: Shop Zero www.shopzero.co.za or Simply Bee www.simplybee.co.za.
6. Non-plastic toiletries and accessories
Our bathrooms are filled with plastic sponges, disposable razors, combs and earbuds. Next time you shop for these items choose eco-friendly options such as plastic-free earbuds, re-usable razors, a natural loofah, and wooden or bamboo combs and brushes.
Try: Faithful To Nature stocks an extensive range www.faithful-to-nature.co.za or visit Takelot.