How to Create Sustainable Habits with a Communal Bathroom
By Olivia Penhall
Navigating residence life while maintaining “green” habits can be challenging especially when there are so many unsustainable aspects. I have found throughout my first year that a significant amount of waste comes from the plastics containers in your toiletries and the potential chemicals found inside them. Every single one of these products is available in the Waterloo- Kitchener region and is relatively affordable for anyone on a student budget.
Firstly, I am going to start with the products I use in the shower. The majority of my products come from Lush, where they carry many package-free options. They are also 100% vegetarian, handmade, ethical, and not tested on animals. The closest store is located just an LTR ride away at Fairview Park Mall. I primarily purchase my shampoo from Lush as well as different soaps and scrubs that always smell nice and fresh. There are also metal tins available to
place your solid shampoo bar inside which is especially convenient for putting into your shower caddy. They also carry many solid conditioner bars which are used similarly to the shampoo. I, however, did not have much success using them as I felt that my hair did not receive an adequate amount of moisture. Instead, I have been using the drugstore brand Love, Beauty, and Planet, who carry vegan, cruelty, and organic hair products that also contain no parabens, no silicones, and no dyes. They carry products for all different types of hair, including damaged, colour treated, and dry hair. My favourite part of their products is however how their bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic. I have searched through so many drugstore shampoos and conditioners and so far, this is the only one I have seen that meets these criteria.
The next step in my routine is my skincare routine. Once again, I purchased my face cleansers from Lush as they are also package-free and I simply keep them in reusable containers so they can travel easier from my dorm room to the washroom. Although I have not currently found a toner that does not come in a plastic bottle, I have found a solution for the cotton pads. At the Zero Waste Store, located in uptown Waterloo, I was able to purchase reusable cotton pads that I can put in a washing machine. This product helps mitigate the waste that comes from both the production and the disposal of single-use cotton pads.
Finally, a big waste problem can come from your dental routine as these products cannot even be recycled. Both toothpaste tubes and plastic toothbrushes end up in the landfill or even the ocean. To avoid this, I have invested in toothpaste tablets from the Zero Waste Store where you can either bring your reusable containers or use one of their complimentary recycled jars. I have found these to be just as effective and cleaning as regular toothpaste, and they are also super convenient for transporting to and from the washroom. I have also been using bamboo toothbrushes as an alternative because it is both a sustainable material and it can simply be composted after use. Organic fibres can decompose at a relatively faster rate compared to their plastic counterpart that will be around for centuries.
In conclusion, these products have worked for me and helped me minimize my carbon footprint and become more aware of the environmental impacts my habits can cause. As “green” products become more mainstream, I anticipate that more product choices will become available. There are so many different ways of living sustainably and I know that I have only just
scratched the surface. Therefore, I am encouraging you to also search for the “green” options that best suit your life so we can all eliminate waste for good.
