Bathroom swaps are one of the most common entry points into sustainable living — but they can also be one of the most overwhelming.

There are so many products, so many recommendations, and so much pressure to replace everything all at once.

In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m talking about what it actually looks like to approach sustainable bathroom swaps in a way that’s doable, practical, and budget-friendly. The focus is on using what you already have, reducing repeat purchases, and making changes that actually stick in real life.

We dig into how much waste is coming from the bathroom, why so many of these items are designed to be used and replaced quickly, and how shifting your approach can naturally reduce both waste and spending over time.

I also walk through what has (and hasn’t) worked in my own routine — from bar soap and toothpaste to deodorant and other everyday products — and why simplifying your routine can often be more impactful than swapping everything out.

Takeaways

• Why the bathroom is a major source of household waste 
• Start with what you already have instead of buying new “eco swaps”
• Which sustainable bathroom swaps tend to work in real life (and which don’t always)
• Simplify your routine instead of adding more products
• How small, consistent changes can reduce waste without overhauling everything

One Small Shift

Take an inventory of what you already have in your bathroom and focus on finishing those products first. From there, you can make more intentional choices about what you actually want to replace (and what you don’t).

Resources

Eco-Friendly Bathroom Swaps (blog post)

Related Episodes

4: How to Do a Household Waste Audit

8: 5 Easy Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps for Sustainable Living

9: Skincare, Sustainability, and Self-Care with Rebecca Ogilvie

10: How to Refill in Your Own Containers for a Plastic-Free Pantry

22: From Refills to Resilience — Simple, Real-Life Sustainable Living with Julie Darrell

38: Things I Don’t Buy Anymore — Eco-Frugal Shifts That Reduce Waste and Save Money

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Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio

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