Plastic Free July: 5 Simple Bathroom Swaps That Save Money and Reduce Waste
Every July, millions of people take part in Plastic Free July, a global movement encouraging us to reduce single-use plastics and make more sustainable choices.
The good news? You don't have to overhaul your entire lifestyle to make a difference.
Some of the easiest and most effective changes start in the bathroom—a room that's often filled with plastic bottles, disposable razors and products that create unnecessary waste.
If you've been thinking about creating a more sustainable bathroom, here are five simple swaps that are kinder to the planet and can even save you money.
1. Choose Handmade Soap Instead of Plastic Bottles
One of the easiest swaps is replacing liquid hand wash and shower gel with a quality handmade soap bar.
Liquid soaps often come in plastic bottles that are thrown away or recycled after use. Handmade soap bars, on the other hand, typically use minimal packaging and often last much longer than bottled alternatives.
Not only do handmade soaps reduce plastic waste, but they're also packed with nourishing ingredients that leave your skin feeling clean without unnecessary additives.
Bonus tip: Allow your soap to dry between uses to make it last even longer.
Take a look at our handmade soap here.
2. Make Every Bar Last Longer with a Bamboo Soap Dish
One of the biggest reasons soap bars disappear quickly is that they sit in water after use.
A bamboo soap dish allows water to drain away while improving airflow around your soap, helping it dry properly between washes.
The benefits are simple:
- Your soap stays firm for longer.
- Less soap is washed down the drain.
- You save money because each bar lasts longer.
- Your sink or shower stays cleaner and tidier.
Our bamboo soap dishes are available in round, square and rectangular designs, making them suitable for everything from facial cleansing bars to shampoo and conditioner bars.
Take a look at our Bamboo dishes here.
3. Stop Throwing Away Soap Scraps
We've all done it.
That tiny piece of soap becomes too small to hold, so it ends up in the bin.
Those little pieces quickly add up.
A soap saver bag lets you collect every leftover piece inside a reusable natural pouch. Simply add new soap scraps as your bar gets smaller, pull the drawstring closed and continue using every last bit.
As an added bonus, the woven fibres create a lovely rich lather while gently exfoliating your skin.
It's a simple change that reduces waste and helps you get full value from every bar you buy.
Take a look at our soap saver bags here.
4. Switch to Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Plastic shampoo bottles are one of the most common bathroom waste items.
Solid shampoo and conditioner bars eliminate the need for plastic packaging while lasting much longer than many bottled alternatives.
Pair them with a bamboo soap dish to keep them dry between uses and they'll reward you with an even longer lifespan.
Take a look at our natural hair care here.
5. Remember That Small Changes Add Up
Plastic Free July isn't about being perfect.
It's about making better choices where you can.
Swapping a bottle of shower gel for a soap bar.
Choosing a bamboo soap dish instead of a plastic tray.
Saving those last little soap scraps instead of throwing them away.
These are small changes, but when multiplied across weeks, months and years, they make a real difference.
Better still, they're changes that often save money because your products last longer and less goes to waste.
Why We Love Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July reminds us that sustainability doesn't have to be complicated.
It's not about buying more—it's about using what we already have more wisely.
By choosing products that help your soap last longer and reduce waste, you're creating a bathroom that's not only kinder to the environment but also more practical and economical.
Whether you're just beginning your low-waste journey or looking for a few new ideas, remember that every small swap counts.
Because when it comes to reducing waste, progress is always more important than perfection.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you're looking for simple, sustainable bathroom accessories, explore our collection of:
- Bamboo Soap Dishes – designed to keep your soap bars dry and lasting longer.
- Zero Waste Soap Saver Bags – perfect for using every last piece of soap while creating a rich, exfoliating lather.
Together, they're small changes that help you reduce waste, cut down on plastic and get more from every soap bar.
