Photo Credit: https://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2018/04/24/bathing-beauties/
Cleaner Cleaners
I’ve been working on slowly substituting all of our cleaners with those with less harmful ingredients, but the bathroom, for me, was tone of trickiest. I mean, this is the place I wanted the sterile clean that only bleach could provide. After doing some digging, I’ve landed on some less harsh cleaners that still pack some punch like this toilet cleaner from Method (https://methodproducts.com/shop-all/antibacterial-toilet-bowl-cleaner-spearmint-24-fl-oz?sku=817939012215) and the Glass Cleaner Concentrate from Grove plus my all-purpose Thieves.
Ditching Plastic Shower Curtains
I recently read about the chemicals that PVC shower liners release, and it was a total duh! Moment. I don’t heat up plastic anywhere else in my home, why would I do this in the shower?!?! (This is the article:https://purelivingspace.com/a/s/blogs/home-air-quality/why-you-should-ditch-your-vinyl-shower-curtain) I immediately tossed ours and replaced with a cotton one. While I definitely haven’t perfected our system yet - there is SO much water being absorbed! - I feel a million times better knowing my family isn’t huffing VOCs every time we take a shower or bath.
Add Some Green
I love the look of greenery throughout the home but especially in the bathroom. It instantly ups the spa feel! After killing several aloe plants, I’ve landed on a zamioculcas, (ZZ plant) and it is thriving! It can tolerate low-light and lower moisture which is perfect for my inconsistent watering.
Loose the loofa
I kind of shudder to think of how many years I used a loofa. After speaking with many dermatologists in my past beauty pr girl life, I know that loofas can harbor tons of bacteria. Rather than changing them often which just contributes to overall waste, I’ve opted to ditch them entirely. Sudsing up using your hands or washcloth is easier and safer all around.
Raise the bar
Along with the loofa, body wash is now obsolete in our bathroom. I like the eco-friendly nature of a bar of soap. Minimal, oftentimes recyclable packaging, with zero plastic makes it a win over here. The whole family uses the classic Dove Beauty Bar, and we often have a shampoo bar in rotation too (so far, either Peach or Spinster Sisters which we pick up from Grove).
Trying to live as low tox as possible is definitely a marathon, not a sprint, but I like how each little change adds up. Let me know in the comments if there are any small changes you’ve made that have made an impact in your home.
-MC-