These workspaces need to be neat, convenient, and as germ-free as possible, while still making customers feel welcome and pampered — not gross. But how to achieve this while remaining eco-responsible? Disposable hand towels, scented hand soaps in single-use plastic dispensers, plush toilet paper, and aerosol air fresheners aren’t exactly known for their durability.
Experts say, however, that there are eco-friendly options for these products that don’t require you to sacrifice your guests’ comfort.
“Over the past six to 12 months, I’ve seen so much innovation that it’s easy to give customers a taste of luxury while reducing excessive waste,” says Heather Muir, beauty director at Real Simple. “Reducing the waste in your home can be very overwhelming. Think of how many plastic bottles are living in your bathroom right now. My advice is to take baby steps. Even small adjustments can help.
Here are some options for a clean and comfortable, but also more sustainable bathroom.
Liquid soap. It’s time to break away from hand soaps in single-use plastic bottles. For cost savings and a longer lasting after-product, use refillable hand soap. “My favorite system is a glass dispenser that you fill with product from an aluminum bottle that you can recycle like a soda can,” says Danielle Jezienicki, vice president of sustainability for Grove Collaborative, which specializes in personal and ecological care. home products. Refills, usually sold in recyclable packaging, also come in a concentrated form, usually tablets or a liquid that you dissolve or pour into water. You won’t have to hunt them down in specialty shops; Big box retailers offer refills for brands such as Dial and Softsoap. You can buy starter kits and refills, or you can find an attractive dispenser and buy refills.
Bar soap. Although bar soaps can last longer than their liquid counterparts, some people are put off by the gooey mess many leave in dishes or by excessive packaging. My suggestion: Shop at local craft fairs for handmade bars. You support local artisans, and these soaps often contain fewer ingredients and have minimal, if any, packaging. Depending on the seller’s recipe (and ask before you buy), you may also find that the bars won’t become slimy or slimy, even with repeated use over a short period of time. Just be sure to use a dish with grooves or slats to allow the soap to drain, says Muir. Other options include individual biodegradable hand soap sheets, such as those made by Grove Co., or dissolvable powdered hand soaps. Muir says one of his favorites, from EvolveTogether, comes in dissolvable packaging.
Hand towels. Everyone who uses your bathroom will wash and dry their hands. Experts say skip paper towels made for bathrooms. “I’m a big fan of 100% organic cotton towels because they’re absorbent and absorb water quickly,” says Betsy Cribb, Homes and Articles Editor at Southern Living. Cribb suggests buying several towels and swapping them in the middle of the evening. Those with ample counter space or a decent sized shelf can mimic a luxury hotel lounge by filling a basket or container with inexpensive rolled up washcloths. Add a trash can where guests can deposit used towels. After your event, throw the cloths in the washing machine and have them ready again next time. If you’re worried about damp towels spreading germs and feel more comfortable with paper towels, opt for ones made from bamboo, which is a fast-growing plant and is considered a more sustainable choice for children. paper products.
Toilet paper. Admittedly, this is a delicate subject. “People get incredibly defensive about their favorite brand,” says Jezienicki. “But eco-friendly manufacturers these days are producing great toilet paper from recycled paper or bamboo that’s soft, absorbent, and priced on par with regular brands, making it easy to switch.” These newspapers are richer and more likely to be multiplied than some of their predecessors. Jezienicki, who uses both recycled toilet paper from Seventh Generation and bamboo paper from Grove Co., says she’s replaced traditional toilet paper in her home and no one has complained — or even complained. ‘have noticed. Several brands can be found on the shelves of big box stores, and there are also subscription services, including Cloud Paper, Reel, and Who Gives a Crap.
Additional keys. Want to add zero waste extras? Help guests hydrate after handwashing with a solid lotion/moisturizer, like Kate McLeod’s. In case someone eats a little too much garlic dip, leave out a jar of zero waste mouthwash tablets for a quick breath freshener. And instead of an ugly spray can, opt for a soy or beeswax scented candle. Or find a DIY air freshener recipe online and fill a glass bottle. “And every room needs something alive, so get out a vase or jar and add some cut flowers or a sprig of evergreen,” says Cribb.
Denver-based writer Laura Daily specializes in consumer advocacy and travel strategy. Find it on dailywriter.net.
