Zero-Waste Bathroom Guide
The Ultimate Step-by-Step Ritual for a Sustainable Sanctuary
The Hidden Problems Lurking in Your Bathroom
Plastic bottles, half-used products, cluttered shelves—sound familiar? The average Aussie bathroom hides over 40 plastic items, most destined for landfill (and oceans). But true sustainability isn’t about binning what you have. It’s about using up, reusing, and making mindful swaps when you’re ready.
Small changes, big ripples. Let’s transform your bathroom—one intentional step at a time.
Step 1: Take Inventory & Mindful Declutter
Open every cupboard, drawer, and shower caddy. Lay it all out—yes, everything! Snap a photo for your “before.”
- Check expiry dates.
- Sort: what’s in use, what’s half-used, what’s expired, what’s just clutter.
- Reuse, repurpose, or recycle responsibly.
- Remember: Don’t bin plastic just because it’s plastic. Use it up, then swap for better.
Step 2: The Ultimate Zero-Waste Bathroom Inventory & Eco Swap List
Below is your master checklist. Click on any “DIY” or “How-To” for recipes and extra tips.
Hair Care
| Conventional Item | Eco/Low-Waste Swap | Where to Buy/DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo bottle | Shampoo bar | Cooper Delivered |
| Conditioner bottle | Conditioner bar | Cooper Delivered |
| Scalp scrubber | EcoLuxe Scalp Massager | Cooper Delivered |
| Hair mask/treatment | Solid bar, refillable jar, DIY mask | DIY/Eco brands |
| Salt spray (hair) | DIY salt spray in glass bottle | DIY |
| Hair ties/scrunchies | Organic cotton, bamboo, silk | Eco brands/DIY |
| Bobby pins | Metal (reuse indefinitely) | Use what you have |
| Paper soap | Travel paper soap sheets | Cooper Delivered |
| Microfibre/bamboo towel | Organic cotton/bamboo hair wrap | Eco brands |
Body & Bath
| Conventional Item | Eco/Low-Waste Swap | Where to Buy/DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Body wash bottle | Bar soap | Cooper Delivered |
| Loofah/pouf | Natural loofah, sisal bag, hemp mitt | Cooper Delivered |
| Disposable razors | Safety razor (metal) | Eco brands |
| Shaving cream | Shave bar, DIY (coconut oil) | DIY/Eco brands |
| Bath sponge | Sea sponge, cotton cloth | Eco brands |
| Exfoliating scrub | DIY (coffee, sugar, salt) | DIY |
| Bath bombs (plastic) | Unpackaged or DIY | DIY/Eco brands |
Oral Care
| Conventional Item | Eco/Low-Waste Swap | Where to Buy/DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic toothbrush | Bamboo toothbrush | Eco brands |
| Toothpaste tube | Tablets, paste in glass/aluminium | Eco brands |
| Floss (plastic) | Silk/corn floss in glass | Eco brands |
| Mouthwash | DIY (baking soda, water, oils) | DIY |
| Tongue scraper | Stainless steel/copper | Eco brands |
Skin Care & Beauty
| Conventional Item | Eco/Low-Waste Swap | Where to Buy/DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Face cleanser | Bar cleanser, oil cleanse, refillable jar | Eco brands/DIY |
| Makeup wipes | Reusable pads/flannel | Cooper Delivered |
| Cotton pads/balls | Reusable rounds/flannel | Cooper Delivered |
| Toner | DIY rosewater, refillable glass spray | DIY/Eco brands |
| Moisturizer | Bar, refillable jar, DIY | Eco brands/DIY |
| Sunscreen (plastic) | Tin/glass, stick sunscreen | Eco brands |
| Lip balm (plastic) | Paper tube, tin, glass jar | Eco brands |
Feminine Hygiene & Personal Care
| Conventional Item | Eco/Low-Waste Swap | Where to Buy/DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Pads/tampons | Menstrual cup, cloth pads, period undies | Eco brands |
| Cotton buds | Bamboo or paper-stemmed | Eco brands |
| Deodorant (plastic) | Bar, paste in glass jar, refillable stick | Eco brands/DIY |
| Perfume (plastic) | Solid perfume, refillable glass atomizer | Eco brands |
Nail & Grooming
| Conventional Item | Eco/Low-Waste Swap | Where to Buy/DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Nail polish remover | Acetone in glass, reusable pads | Eco brands |
| Nail files | Glass, metal, cardboard | Eco brands |
| Tweezers/clippers | Stainless steel | Use what you have |
Towels & Textiles
| Conventional Item | Eco/Low-Waste Swap | Where to Buy/DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic towels | Organic cotton, bamboo, hemp | Eco brands |
| Bath mat (synthetic) | Cotton, bamboo, cork | Eco brands |
| Shower curtain (PVC) | Cotton, hemp, PEVA | Eco brands |
Storage & Organization
| Conventional Item | Eco/Low-Waste Swap | Where to Buy/DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic baskets/caddies | Bamboo, wood, metal, upcycled containers | Eco brands/DIY |
| Plastic pump bottles | Glass/metal bottles, refill | Eco brands |
| Travel toiletry bags | Waxed canvas, cotton, recycled PET | Eco brands |
Cleaning & Maintenance
| Conventional Item | Eco/Low-Waste Swap | Where to Buy/DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom spray (plastic) | DIY cleaner in glass bottle | DIY |
| Toilet cleaner (plastic) | DIY powder/solution, refillable bottle | DIY |
| Scrubbing brush (plastic) | Wood/natural fibre brush | Eco brands |
| Disposable wipes | Reusable cloths, microfibre, old towels | DIY/Homewares |
Travel & On-the-Go
| Conventional Item | Eco/Low-Waste Swap | Where to Buy/DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Mini toiletries (plastic) | Solid bars, refillable tins, toothpaste tablets | Cooper Delivered |
| Disposable razors | Travel safety razor | Eco brands |
| Plastic travel containers | Refillable silicone/glass jars, tins | Eco brands |
| Travel wipes | Reusable cloth, compressed towel pellets | DIY/Homewares |
Want Every DIY Recipe From This Guide (and More)?
Ready to create your own rituals and transform your space?
We’ve bundled our entire archive of bathroom, cleaning, beauty, and haircare DIYs into one gorgeous printable guide. Perfect for anyone wanting to go deeper, get creative, and truly own their eco journey.
Get instant access to:
- All bathroom & cleaning recipes (see above)
- Natural haircare blends (salt sprays, masks, scalp scrubs)
- Beauty potions for glowing skin
- Rituals and routines for self-care, inside and out
- Bonus: Printable zero-waste bathroom checklist
Simply enter your email and unlock the complete DIY Recipe Archive.
No spam—just wisdom, empowerment, and a little bit of magic.
Step 3: Build Your Eco Cleaning Caddy
Essentials:
- Glass spray bottles (reuse old bottles)
- Reusable cloths (upcycled towels)
- Wooden/natural fibre scrubbing brush
- Bicarb soda, vinegar, lemon, essential oils
DIY Cleaning Recipes:
Glass Cleaner:
1 part vinegar, 1 part water, splash of lemon.Bench Spray:
2 cups water, 1 tbsp castile soap, 10 drops essential oil.Toilet Cleaner:
Sprinkle bicarb, spray with vinegar, scrub, flush.Shower Spray:
1:1 vinegar and dish soap, spray, leave, rinse.
Tip: Store all recipes in your caddy or print a cheat sheet for easy access.
Step 4: Water Saving & Eco Decor
- Install a water-saving showerhead.
- Catch cold water in a bucket for plants.
- Add humidity-loving plants for natural air-purifying.
- Use organic cotton/bamboo towels and mats.
- Light soy candles or use essential oil diffusers.
Step 5: Troubleshooting & Transition Tips
- Bar products feel weird at first: Give your hair/skin time to adjust.
- Storage: Keep bars dry between uses—use a draining dish or sisal bag.
- DIY cleaning: Label bottles, keep recipes handy.
- Not about perfection: Every swap counts. Progress over perfection
Step 5: Troubleshooting & Transition Tips
Eco Travel Kit:
- Shampoo/conditioner bars
- Bar soap in a travel tin/sisal bag
- Bamboo toothbrush & toothpaste tablets
- Mini DIY cleaner in glass spray
- Microfibre or bamboo cloth
Mind your travel bag lining—choose natural or recycled fabrics.
Tip: Solid products = no liquid limits, no leaks, less bulk.
Make it Fun—Plastic-Free Bingo & Progress Tracker
- Download Plastic-Free Bingo Sheet and tick off swaps, DIYs, and water-saving wins.
- Celebrate every swap—share your journey, tag us, and inspire others!
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
You don’t need to be perfect to make a difference.
Every small, mindful swap you make sends ripples of change through your life—and beyond.
You don’t have to buy more to do better. You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You simply begin, right where you are.
Use what you have. Honour what’s already in your home.
When it’s time to choose again, choose with intention.
Each small change is a declaration:
You are the kind of person who cares.
You are part of something bigger.
You are already making waves.
Small changes. Big ripples.
Celebrate every step.
You are enough—right now, exactly as you are.
Join the Movement
By choosing Cooper Delivered, you’re not just investing in your hair—you’re supporting a sustainable future. Let’s make every wash count, one shampoo bar at a time.
