12 easy changes in your bathroom to help the environment

1. Swap plastic razors for a re-useable safety razor (which last for years).
2. Use a bamboo toothbrush rather than a plastic one (or an electric one where you just change the head).
3. Ditch single use plastic bottles for refillable versions.
4. Use a bar of soap instead of a plastic bottle of handwash.
5. Try a shampoo bar for your hair instead of liquid shampoo.
6. Keep your shower time to 3-4 minutes – the length of one song on your phone.
7. If you switch on your shower to warm up before jumping in – place a bucket underneath and use the water on your plants.
8. Change any lightbulbs to LED bulbs.
9. Don’t leave the tap running when brushing your teeth or washing your hands.
10. Opt for a shower rather than a bath to use less water.
11. Don’t ignore leaks and drips, have them fixed promptly.
12. Ditch the use of body scrubs as they contain microbeads which get washed into the waterways and are terrible for the environment – try a coffee scrub instead.

Shower curtains – PVC versus polyester

Shower curtains are a practical addition to your bathroom. They are waterproof (obviously) but they are often made from PVC, a form of plastic which is terrible for the environment (and they can also release chemicals into the air while you take a shower).

If you want to stick with a shower curtain, try one made from polyester instead. These are water repellent rather than waterproof but are also machine washable to keep them fresh and clean.

The ultimate environmentally-friendly alternative is a glass shower screen or shower door which can be easily installed into most bathrooms.

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