The single biggest thing you can do to work towards a greener bathroom this year is to be discerning when choosing your cosmetic products so you don't end up with lots of half-used bottles.
- Think about what you actually need. Check for any ingredients you don't like so you know what effect the product will have on you. Also, don't be afraid to ask for samples so you can try a product for a few days. If you like the results then go back to purchase.
- Use soap instead of shower gel or liquid soap, use shampoo bars instead of bottled shampoo and use solid massage bars instead of massage oil. These are all better for the environment as there is little or no packaging and solid products contain no water, therefore need no preservatives.
- Avoid products that are heavily packaged or remove the packaging and leave it at the cash register to send a clear message to the retailer. Be aware that sometimes the contents often cost less than the actual packaging of a product!
- Check the product for a use-by date. No use-by date means that the product is heavily preserved, which means more preservatives are going down the drain -- and that's bad for the environment.
- Try to buy locally produced cosmetic products. Check the label! Have they been made locally or have they been air-freighted in from afar?
- Buy products that last as long as possible, such as toothbrushes that have a disposable head so that you only replace the head and are not throwing as much away.
- Explore water recycling systems for your bathroom. Around 60 percent of the Japanese population filters, recycles and reheats bath water. When you do have a bath, make the most of it! Take at least 45 minutes out of your schedule to relax and unwind. Try recycling your bath water to water your garden, or share your bath with your partner!
- When you clean your teeth, remember to turn the water off while you are brushing.
- Recycle any plastic bottles, but make sure that you wash them first. If you don't they will contaminate the rest of your recycling and end up in landfill.
- When you go shopping for cosmetic products, take your own reusable bag and preferably walk or cycle to the shops.
