Tree Hugging Family - Living Green

Daily Green Audit: The Stuff In Your Bathtub

by Jennifer on February 8th, 2008

This week we’ve been auditing our bathtub and shower. So far, we’ve looked at basic adjustments you can make to your tub and shower, and your personal water habits in the bathroom. Today let’s look at what sort of products you’ve got sitting in your tub.

Here are some likely items:

• Soap
• Shampoo - conditioner
• Loofah or sponge
• Face cleaner
• Bath toys
• Bubble bath
• Razor
• Shaving cream (often in those pesky aerosol cans)
• Shower caddy

Each of the items above represents an item I could write a lot about. Since this is a blog, not a book, we’ll look at some quick facts and solutions. Later on, at some point on this blog, I’m sure Peggy or I will cover the topics more in depth. If there’s one item you’d like to know about sooner, then feel free to leave a comment or e-mail Peggy or I.

Soaps and other bubbly, body cleaning items:

The problem with most commercial soaps, face cleaners, shampoos, and bubble baths is that many contain chemicals you don’t need (or want) on your skin. Another issue is that the chemicals in commercial products leaches out into our water supply - which can also harm aquatic life and other water bound animals.

A bigger problem, so far as the health of the planet, is packaging. So much plastic is used to make all those bottles. Options?

• If you do buy new bottles, only purchase natural organic products, and purchase from companies that used recycled plastics or other containers. You can often buy natural soap with zero packaging at farmers market and co-ops.
• What I do is re-fill my bottles. A LONG time ago I bought some bottles, which I simply take to the co-op and refill with shampoo and conditioner from the bulk area. You can also buy bubble bath and body and hand soap this way. If you don’t live by a co-op that offers this option, buy the biggest container you can. You can even look into wholesale - save money and plastic.
• Make your own soaps, scrubs, and shampoos, etc. Not so hard as it sounds - I make some of my own items. Still, too long for this post. Later today I’ll come back with at least one cool recipe.

Razors:

Guess how many disposable razors get thrown away each year? Some research says about two billion razors and blades a year. Wow. Of course a plastic razor is going to refuse to biodegradable. Darn razors. Burning them up creates a toxic cloud of pollution, and they have a terribly short life span. What can you do?

• Shave less often.
• Use an electric razor. The environmental destruction caused by plastics is worse than the small amount of energy you’ll use with an electric.
• Use an old school razor - one with a longer lasting metal and replaceable blade.
• Buy recycled. Remember the post I did on Recycline toothbrushes and razors? No? Oh, well, go read it. They make nice recyclable razors that are mush better for the planet than traditional disposables.

Shaving cream:

There are lots of good natural and non aerosol shaving creams. You still have to deal with packaging, unless you make your own, but the natural and non aerosol aspects are better than nothing. I’m not sure why, but so many organic companies make natural shaving cream in really small containers. Wasteful. Still, here are some options I’ve liked.

• Organic Men’s Stock North Woods Shave Cream - I stole some of this from my ex one day. It smells a little strong, but works well.
• Kiss My Face makes many shaving creams; I like the Lavender/Shea Moisture Shave best.
• Body Shop men’s shave cream.

Your local natural foods store will have lots more.

Sponges:

You can simply use a washcloth - it lasts longer than most loofahs and sponges. Or you can use nothing or go natural. There are all sorts of better sponges and hemp scrubbers you can buy.

Shower caddy:

I love this sustainable shower caddy from Gaiam. Love it. Another option, of course is to use no shower caddy - although it does get a little nuts without one sometimes. If you do have one make sure you clean it weekly. This will expand it’s life, and keep it in no-mildew shape so you’ll be less likely to toss it. If you do get rid of yours, make sure you check around to see if recycling is an option.

What other ideas do you have for creating a more sustainable tub and shower experience?

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