Opal Crown: Zero Waste

Aside from the kitchen, bathrooms can produce a lot of waste, from plastic packaging to disposable products that are filled with unsafe ingredients that aren't healthy for you or the environment. However, replacing your everyday bathroom essentials with eco-friendly alternatives is possible and a lot easier than you think. Today I wanted to focus on sustainable products that will help you create less waste and save you money in the long run...

1.) ORGANIC COTTON TOWELS.

100% organic cotton towels are biodegradable and can be composted. However, this isn't the case for cotton towels that are partially made of other synthetic materials like polyester that can take more than 20-200 years to break down. Organic cotton towels aren't made with chemicals like toxic pesticides or fertilizers that harm the environment. Therefore, organic cotton towels are ideal as they're safer for you and the planet.

2.) BODY SOAP.

Instead of using shower gels that come in plastic bottles, replace them with a bar of soap that comes unpackage or in sustainable packaging. However, if you don't want to switch over to bars, try purchasing shower gels in a larger size and recycle the bottle afterward or opt for a refillable dispenser.

3.) COTTON SWABS / Q-TIPS.

Most cotton swabs are made of plastic, which is harmful to the planet because many of these end up in the oceans or in landfills. Instead, switch to paper cotton swabs that are biodegradable or choose a reusable one that's durable, easy to clean, and more eco-friendly.

4.) MENSTRUAL CUP.

There are several different options for a more sustainable period. From menstrual cups to cloth pads, and period panties, they're all a better alternative to single-use cotton pads and tampons. Investing in reusable menstrual products can save you money in the long run and last you years.

5.) SAFETY RAZORS.

Laura Mitulla

Recycling plastic razors is a bit of a challenge because they're made of several materials that make them difficult to recycle. Instead of using disposable plastic razors, opt for a durable metal or bamboo safety razor. They can last a lifetime if properly taken care of, all you have to do is switch out the blades, and recycle the old ones.

6.) BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH.

One of the very first zero-waste swaps I did in my bathroom was replacing my plastic toothbrush with a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush. Plastic toothbrushes are very wasteful, they are made from polypropylene plastic and nylon that take up to 400 years to decompose. Switch your regular toothbrush for a sustainable alternative that's better for the environment.

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Something I've wanted for quite some time now is a travel utensil holder. I don't go out much, but when I do, I'm out for most of the day. I always carry with me a reusable water bottle, but for some darn reason, I always forget to pack my utensils! It happens more often than I would like to admit, and of course, I always feel guilty about it. That's why I finally decided to make my own cutlery wrap. I couldn't wait to share with you guys how I made it without using a sewing machine (of course, to save yourself some time, you should definitely use one.) But if you're like me and still don't know how to properly use a sewing machine, then this tutorial is just for you! It was really simple to make, so let's get started, shall we?

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

The fabric of choice ( I used two patterns)
Needle & Thread
Pins
Scissors
Ruler
Chalk
Ribbon/String

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.) Start by cutting the fabrics into two rectangular shapes (approximately 10 inches x 14 inches.) Make sure to cut the fabric taller than the tallest utensil.

Use two different kinds of patterns if you want the outside of your wrap to be different.