How To Make Your Bathroom More Sustainable 💚

Living a waste free lifestyle is becoming easier than ever before with the introduction of so many eco-friendly, single-use plastic alternatives. Education is huge part of it making sustainable choices too, so we'd like to share our tips for eliminating plastic waste in the bathroom!

Swap to a Safety Razor

In the US alone it is estimated that over 2-billion razor blade heads are thrown out every year. What makes this statistic even worse is that modern shaving cartridges are constructed of so much rubber and plastic that they cannot be recycled. 

Our Safety Razors represent everything we stand for at Kappi and we have seen how integrating them into your bathroom routine can inspire people to take on even more eco-friendly swaps. When looked after properly, they should last a lifetime! 

Safety razors are designed with one double-edged blade to ensure a closer shave, avoid irritation and in-grown hairs. Our Safety Razor is an investment piece, however, the long-term cost savings speak for themselves. Not just for you but also for the planet. For example, our 10-Pack of blades costs $6.95 V $20 for plastic razor refills.  Used blades can be stored in a glass jar and when full recycled as 'sharps' - click here to find your closest drop-off point. 

Bamboo Toothbrushes

Did you know that plastic toothbrushes take over 400 years to decompose? Not only do they remain in landfills indefinitely, but they also release chemicals into the air as they settle into the landfill which causes even further damage to the environment. Are you ready for another statistic? One billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year in the United States, creating 50 million pounds of waste annually. 

Are you ready to swap to a bamboo toothbrush now?

Our Kappi Bamboo Toothbrush handles are sustainable sourced as well as both Biodegradable and Home Compostable.

There are currently three types of bristles used in bamboo toothbrushes - Nylon, Boar and Biodegradable Vegan bristles. After much research and sample testing Kappi opted for Nylon bristles instead of biodegradable bristles for their durability and value. Vegan bristles unfortunately start breaking down within 10-14 days of use, and boar (pig) bristles don't allign with our ethical and sustainable values.

We recommend snapping the head off your old toothbrush when it's time to change.

Solid Shampoo + Conditioner + Soap

There is *so* much packaging in the bathroom alone and this drives us absolutely crazy! We've swapped to bars of everything imaginable in our bathroom and couldn't love it more. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, exfoliator/ scrub, hand soap - you name it! There are some wonderful companies out there offering zero-waste soaps of all kinds so get out there and give it a go. If you're game for a challenge, you can even make your own!

Sunscreen

Swapping to an environmentally friendly sunscreen like SunButter is not only a great way to get rid of plastics in the bathroom but is also a much better choice for the environment. 

Many chemicals used in regular sunscreen are now known to kill corals, build up in marine mammal tissues and wreak havoc on ocean ecosystems. They are one of the less visible, but potent pollution threats that our planet is facing today. These greasy chemical formulas aren't great for your body either and can often cause irritation, breakouts and in the worst case chemical burns.

SunButter created their reef-safe sunscreen to provide a safe, SunSmart, plastic free solution for us and the planet. Instead of using a plastic tube, they use a food grade safe, reusable and recyclable tins which are BPA free too! Unfortunately the tins can't be refilled due to health and safety guidelines in Australia, but they're working on changing these rules. In the meantime, reuse your tin however you like and know that when you're ready, it can be recycled!

 

Tongue Scraper

Thinking about about adding a Tongue Scraper to your morning arsenal? Good for you! Tongue Scrapers are a great way to keep your breath fresh and your mouth clean from bacteria.

Tongue Scraping is part of an ancient Ayurvedic text called the Charaka Samhita, where it is considered as one way to remove Ama, or toxic debris, from your mouth.

In a more Western setting, it has been adopted as a daily practice of dental hygiene, and is a fast way to remove extra particles (including ones that cause bad breath!) from the surface of your tongue. 

Instead of a nasty plastic one, how about a lovely Copper one instead? Copper has been used for centuries as a bacteria resistant metal, and it's been found that it also encourages the good bacteria on your tongue too. Winning!

 

 

Toilet Paper

We buy everything else in our lives, so buying bulk recycled toilet paper from Who Gives a Crap Au was a no brainer for us. They make super soft, 100% recycled toilet paper that's delivered straight to your door in a reusable/ recyclable cardboard box. Even better? They donate 50% of profits to help build toilets for those in need!

Sanitary Products

A woman will throw away between 10,000 to 15,000 pads and tampons in her lifetime. Period products are non-recyclable since they’ve been in contact with human waste, meaning they are directly deposited to landfills. Because a majority of items contain plastic, products take at least 400 years to decompose. If incinerated, products release toxins fumes such as carbon dioxide. We made the swap to period undies and cups years ago, and we think it's time you made the switch too. Head over here to read our Guide on having a Sustainable Period