Towards a zero waste lifestyle: personal hygiene

The zero waste lifestyle is gaining momentum in Quebec. Product and service companies as well as shops advocating this practice are multiplying every week across the province. This current helps our society to reduce its ecological footprint. On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that the basic principle is to reduce our consumption first and to consume better afterwards. To continue in our series of articles on the subject , here is one that takes a more comprehensive look at the aspect of hygiene. By presenting different objects, products and homemade recipes, this article demonstrates that it is possible to achieve our objectives and considerably reduce our waste production.

From head to toes

From hair to toes, the possibilities are endless when it comes to ecological and organic products available on the market. Companies now offer several interesting solutions, liquids, in bulk or in bars, to meet customer needs, in addition to being adapted to different skin and hair types.

Using zero waste toiletries has become a guarantee of quality, even for long hair. To get started in this way of life, several liquid shampoos and conditioners are available in bulk in several stores. For example, the ONEKA company offers liquid shampoos suitable for both dry hair and oilier hair. A fragrance-free range is also available for people with more sensitive skin. Améoli shampoos and conditioners, on the other hand, come in bar form. It is important to note that many of these products do not lather as abundantly as those of the big brands. You should know that it is not because a shampoo foams that it is more effective! It's just a matter of habit!

There are also biodegradable or more durable items. First, for an in-depth skin treatment, an ecological solution to our famous exfoliating plastic "puffs" is the loofah sponge. Made of dried squash flesh, the loofah can be used both as a horsehair glove and as a scouring sponge in the kitchen! As for the konjac sponge , it is made with the konjac root and can be used on sensitive skin and on oily and acne-prone skin. To allow it to regain all its softness, simply massage the skin with the water-soaked sponge, making circular movements.

For those who shave, you can buy stainless steel razors. With refill blades made of the same material, these razors are a durable solution to plastic razors. For the more adventurous, there are also barber blades. You can sharpen them yourself with the necessary tools at home.

After the shower

As a follow-up to essential hygiene items, the toothbrush requires special attention since all of its components are often made of plastic. Bamboo toothbrushes have a compostable handle. Just break off the head before throwing it away or, if you have the patience, pull out the hairs with pliers. There are also toothbrushes with interchangeable heads for individuals who are less fond of using wood. These are made of bioplastic. For toothpaste, in addition to the many options offered in bulk or in returnable containers, there are now some that you can chew. Once in the tooth, just lather it up to use it like traditional toothpaste.

Another essential item made entirely of single-use plastic is dental floss. The eco-friendly version of dental floss is coated in candelilla wax, making it compostable. Finally an ecological solution to a tool as essential as it is polluting!

To complete the cleaning, there remains everything related to make-up. There are several grandmother's tips or homemade recipes for effective makeup remover that will even get rid of your waterproof mascara. It is not only an economical and ecological option, but also much better for the health of the skin. I share with you some little tips unearthed here at Les Trappeuses. On the other hand, rather than opting for single-use wipes, go find reusable wipes or baby washcloths like those offered by Dulce Bee. They will allow you to remove everything without having irritated skin.

Then comes the deodorant step allowing us to keep a fresh smell all day. To change from commercial deodorant sold in a plastic applicator, several companies offer natural deodorants in jars. La Savonnerie des Diligences offers a few options without alcohol and based on organic coconut oil. In addition to being effective, they are ultra soft and will keep your armpits well hydrated.

Around the women

Feminine hygiene is a component that should not be dismissed. Well known to all, the menstrual cup works miracles. Being able to be used for more than five years, it not only considerably reduces the amount of waste, but it also allows a considerable saving of money and a much better intimate health. As every woman has a different cycle, some prefer sanitary napkins. To this end, Öko Créations and Lena & Gabi make pads and panty liners. Available in different formats and absorption levels, they will follow you throughout your cycle, no matter how abundant!

Then, a completely different option appeared on the market: period underwear. These are cotton panties with built-in protection equivalent to a panty liner. Additional sanitary napkins of different absorbency levels can be inserted directly into the panties for optimal protection, day or night. Of course, only you know your body. Do not hesitate to combine several methods of protection according to what suits you best.

What if we got down to it

If you feel like getting your hands dirty, several recipes can easily be found on the net to make your own products, from deodorant to soap, toothpaste and dry shampoo. It is also possible to follow complete workshops which show all the techniques and provide all the necessary equipment. Ideal for taking the plunge! The CREACO company works in collaboration with various local companies to offer them in different spheres. A few workshops are also given by TONIC MTL on April 25, May 18 and June 6 in Montreal! And if the manufacture of objects and the call of the sewing machine is felt, I suggest you a little tour at ESPACE FABRIK . This workshop will help you make homemade makeup remover wipes using towel scraps. Any other zero waste project can also be carried out. You will also have the satisfaction of having made all your necessities!

Reviewed By Melanie