Your Guide to Plastic Free Personal Care

We know by now that toiletries wind up being washed down the drain and in our waterways, but what about the plastic packaging those toiletries came in? If you're looking to cut down on your plastic waste, follow my easy guide to replacing everyday personal care items with zero waste natural alternatives.
Sep 13, 2021by Irene Falcone
If you're looking to minimise your plastic consumption wherever and whenever you can, it's worth having a think about how the products you use each and every day are actually packaged. Where does plastic packaging end up when you're done with it, and what is that packaging really doing to the environment? When it comes to natural body care, there are a few essential items we just can't do without, so if you're wanting to try out a zero waste or just reduced waste lifestyle, there is a growing range of plastic free products on the market to help you cut down on your environmental impact, with everything from dental floss to deodorant.

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Benefits of going plastic free


By opting for plastic-free toiletries and personal care products, you're ensuring that you aren't contributing to rising landfill. After all, every piece of plastic you place in the rubbish bin will last for hundreds or even thousands of years. While some plastic is recyclable, a majority ends up as litter, landfill and even in the ocean. Plastic is designed to last forever and it doesn't break down easily, so it's really worth looking for plastic-free and eco-friendly packaging alternatives to ensure you aren't unnecessarily contributing to the problem. Read more about the benefits of going waste free in my blog post here!

Best natural zero waste toiletries


Life Basics Bamboo & Charcoal Toothbrush
Toothbrushes are one of those items that we need to replace pretty regularly, so they wind up in the bin quite a few times a year. The Life Basics Bamboo & Charcoal Toothbrush is the most eco-friendly option as it's 100% biodegradable and comes in plastic-free packaging, unlike traditional plastic toothbrushes. It also harnesses the antibacterial and natural whitening properties of Activated Binchotan Charcoal for a truly deep clean and to help keep teeth sparkling white. Available in regular medium bristle, soft bristle for sensitive teeth, and kids size.

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Ethique Sweet Orange and Vanilla Créme Bodywash Bar
A great zero-waste alternative to plastic body wash bottles, the Ethique Sweet Orange and Vanilla Créme Bodywash Bar nourishes and hydrates skin while deeply cleansing away dirt and grime. Creamy Coconut Butter and Bentonite Clay draw out build-up from the pores of the skin, while sweet and fresh Orange and Vanilla Oils give it a light and soothing natural fragrance. Ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin, this low-lather bar is biodegradable, Vegan and Palm Oil Free, and comes in compostable packaging.

Life Basics Konjac Sponge Bamboo Charcoal
Ideal for replacing plastic facial sponges and loofahs, the Life Basics Konjac Sponge Bamboo Charcoal works to thoroughly cleanse skin and remove dirt, grime, makeup and impurities. Designed especially for acne prone skin, this natural Konjac Sponge is infused with Activated Bamboo Charcoal, known for its absorbent and purifying properties. pH neutral and perfect for use in conjunction with your facial cleanser or on its own with water, this soft sponge very lightly exfoliates the skin which may help remove acne-causing bacteria and build-up. It's also 100% biodegradable, so once it naturally begins to disintegrate you can just dispose of it in the compost or garden.

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Life Basics Activated Charcoal Body Soap Peppermint
Ideal for congested or body acne prone skin, the Life Basics Activated Charcoal Body Soap Peppermint contains Activated Coconut Charcoal to purify and exfoliate the body, while moisturising Shea Butter, Olive, Sunflower Seed and Coconut Oils soften and hydrate to leave skin feeling silky smooth and soft. With a refreshing scent from Peppermint Oil, this Vegan, Australian made soap is Palm Oil Free. For those with scent sensitivities, opt for the Unscented Face & Body Soap, perfect for use all over as a two-in-one facial cleanser and body wash.

No Pong All-Natural Anti-Odourant
A great product housed within a recyclable tin is the No Pong All-Natural Anti-Odourant. With antibacterial Bicarb, Coconut Oil, Beeswax and Corn Starch, this creamy paste helps to stop body odour as well as create a water-resistant environment where bacteria can't survive. Designed to be effective for over 12 hours, this long lasting formula provides day long protection, even during heat and exercise, and has a light, gender neutral fragrance from Sweet Orange, Vanilla, Cedarwood, Bergamot and Lime. Apply a small amount to each underarm and rub in well, allowing to absorb before dressing. For sensitive skin, try the Bicarb Free version.

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Ethique Heali Kiwi Shampoo for Dandruff or Scalp Problems
Shampoo might seem like something you can't avoid plastic in, but the Ethique solid shampoo bars are actually zero-waste, packaged in compostable paper packaging. The Ethique Heali Kiwi Shampoo is my pick, containing antibacterial Coconut Oil and Kiwifruit which may help reduce dandruff, while Coconut Milk, Oatmeal and Calendula soothe and replenish sensitive scalps. Safe for use on coloured hair, this solid bar is biodegradable and is equivalent to up to three plastic bottles of liquid shampoo. To use, wet hair and swipe bar over hair from roots to ends, working into a rich lather with fingers. Rinse well.

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