Hygiene: Eco-Friendly Checklist

Though thankfully, hair brushes and combs in general are not single-use, they still contribute greatly to plastic pollution that takes hundreds of years or more to break down.

Though this may not be as much of a frequent use item as many other hygiene products, every bit counts - plastic pregnancy tests still take 500 years or more to decompose. Multiply that by the everyone that uses a pregnancy test and it starts to add up. Fully plastic-free, biodegradable, and even flushable pregnancy tests are starting to become more available.

Condoms are a difficult product to find a fully sustainable solution for. While there are definitely more eco-friendly options than others, almost all condoms are made from latex to some extent, which is not biodegradable. They're also always single-use. However, there are brands that offer condoms that are free from harsh chemicals, animal products, and made from sustainably sourced natural rubber - which is a step in the right direction.

Condoms are a difficult product to find a fully sustainable solution for. While there are definitely more eco-friendly options than others, almost all condoms are made from latex to some extent, which is not biodegradable. They're also always single-use. However, there are brands that offer condoms that are free from harsh chemicals, animal products, and made from sustainably sourced natural rubber - which is a step in the right direction.

It's pointless for soaps to come in wasteful plastic bottles. Additionally, many liquid gel soaps are packed with unnecessary harsh chemicals. There are many sustainable and plastic free options for bar soaps that are either unscented or have incredible scents.

Similar to shampoo bars, conditioner bars give you more control and an equally (or better) clean and healthy wash without the waste and chemicals.

Typical menstrual hygiene products like tampons and pads create more that 200,000 metric tons of waste every year, including their packaging (1). Reusable and washable menstrual cups can help reduce this enormous amount of plastic that ends up in our landfills and oceans.

Mouthwash often comes in plastic containers with plastic lids that are simply discarded after they're gone. Mouthwash tablets or mints that come in plastic-free containers and potentially compostable packaging refills provide a wonderful alternative.

Fibers and microplastics in standard disposable facial wipes can take forever to break down or end up in our oceans, rivers, and lakes. Reusable is best, which you can find made from all natural materials.

Once you start washing your hair with a shampoo bar, you'll never want to go back. It lasts longer, feels better, and is free of harsh chemicals and unneeded plastic containers.

It doesn't make much sense to throw out a whole razor when only the blade needs replacing, right? Getting a safety razor with replaceable blades is a great solution to eliminate plastic waste from shaving.

There are several companies that offer chewable toothpaste bits. Just chew and brush away! No more wasteful toothpaste tubes.

Standard floss and especially plastic disposable floss picks can be incredibly wasteful. Investing in a water jet flosser and/or biodegradable floss picks can make a big difference.