How to reduce plastic use: header image with photographs of LBP bottles and containers being re-used

how to reduce plastic: beauty tips

From shampoo bottles to toothbrushes, body washes to moisturizers, most people have a lot of plastic products in their bathrooms. The result: around eight million tons of plastic find their way into the oceans every year. That’s why it’s now time to take matters into your own hands. Knowing where to start when reducing your plastic use may seem tricky, but luckily, we’ve created a list of easy tips to explain ways to use less plastic in your household that might help you achieve a nearly plastic-free bathroom over time.

1. Use up all your products before buying new things

We know it’s tempting to dive in and replace everything you already have in your bathroom with eco-friendly alternatives. As much as we all love trying out new products and think it’s great to try and find planet-friendly products, throwing away half-used bottles is not the most sustainable approach. One of the best ways to cut down on plastic is having a look around your bathroom and using everything up that you already have.

2. Refill, recycle, and reuse

Once your current products are empty, you should recycle them as best as you can. Check your local recycling services and see what products and what kind of packaging you can recycle. You can also look into refilling options to reuse old packaging, so you don’t need to buy a completely new product. Alternatively, try and upcycle empty beauty products. Be creative and give your previously loved things a new life with these simple solutions.

Use your old toothbrush for cleaning your bathroom.
Old glass bottles and jars can be used as vases or storage for jewelry.
Get crafty and give old shampoo bottles a new purpose as vases for your plants.

LBP shampoo and conditioner bottles being reused as a vase and to hold makeup brushes

3. Reduce plastic and switch to alternatives

If all your old products are emptied, their packaging recycled or reused, then it’s time to find your new favorite beauty, skin, and hair care products. Keep the following tips to use less plastic in mind and your dream of a plastic-free bathroom might soon become a reality.

Ask yourself what you really need. Downsizing your bathroom cabinet and sticking to a consistent routine is not just good for your skin, but it’s also a super easy method to cut down on plastic.
Go for eco-friendly options. Choose products that are package-free, use less plastic, or have biodegradable packaging. Easy swaps include using a soap bar as an alternative to body wash, one of our shampoo bars to wash your hair, or deodorant in a glass or aluminum jar.
Choose products that can be used for different purposes. Get some argan oil to help moisturize your hair and your skin.
Ditch plastic. Reduce plastic in your bathroom by changing to a bamboo toothbrush, plastic-free cotton buds, and biodegradable or reusable face wipes.
Invest in beauty products that will last a lifetime. One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste: make the switch to long-lasting products such as a steel safety razor or a menstrual cup.
Get creative and make beauty products yourself. Pamper your skin and treat yourself to a homemade sugar and honey face scrub.

4. Don’t be hard on yourself

Change can be exciting but also scary. Once you start looking into alternative products to reduce plastic use, it can be overwhelming to see what’s out there. Don’t stress yourself by trying to be perfect from the get-go. It’s great to take inspiration from others but remember that change takes time and even a little adjustment you do now can make a big difference in the future.

Hopefully, these tips to use less plastic will give you a little heads up and a way to start. Check out our packaging story to learn more about how we’re trying to make a difference.