Tell your state representative: Support producer responsibility legislation
The plastic producers who are responsible for the pollution that threatens our environment should be held financially responsible for the waste they create.
A large amount of bathroom items come in single use plastic containers. While we know that ultimately producers should be required to reduce plastic and use more sustainable materials, there are plastic free alternatives we can use now.
As we celebrate Plastic Free July, one of the places we find the most unnecessary plastic is in our bathrooms. A large amount of bathroom items come in single use plastic containers. While we know that ultimately producers should be required to reduce plastic and use more sustainable materials, there are plastic free alternatives we can use now.
Here are some ideas for replacing single use plastic items that are commonly used in bathrooms with eco friendly alternatives.
Bar soap is a great alternative to hand soap that comes in single use plastic dispensers. Bar soap can also be used to replace body wash and some brands will work as a face wash.
There are shampoo and conditioner bars which are a great way to avoid using the single use plastic dispensers that shampoo and conditioner so often come in. Another alternative is to find a bulk store with shampoo and conditioner that allows customers to bring their own reusable container. Some brands use non plastic packaging that can be recycled. Everest is one brand that uses recyclable aluminum packaging for their shampoo and conditioner.
In the United States, over a billion toothbrushes are thrown out each year. Change out your plastic toothbrush for a recyclable alternative. Bamboo is a great option. It is recyclable and biodegrades easily. Floss is another bathroom item that is usually bought in a plastic container. Replacing it with floss in a glass container makes the container both reusable and recyclable. Alternatives to plastic packaged toothpaste include chewable toothpaste, toothpaste in a glass jar, and tooth powder.
Deodorant is another common plastic bathroom item that people go through quickly. Switch to deodorant that comes in a cardboard tube or glass container.
With so many people using pads, which are wrapped in plastic and have plastic inside of them, and tampons, which come in a plastic applicator- there is a lot of plastic pollution being created each month. Some eco-friendly alternatives include menstrual cups, bamboo pads, period underwear, and biodegradable cotton applicator tampons.
Instead of getting shower curtains with plastic liners that will contribute to the plastic problem, choose a more sustainable option. There are cotton, hemp, and bamboo shower curtains.
Plastic razors can only be used so much before they are thrown out and become plastic waste. Switch to a recyclable bamboo or metal razor.
Find a lotion that comes in a recyclable, refillable, non plastic container.
Purchase toilet paper rolls that do not come in plastic packaging.
While we all want to do what we can to go plastic free, we will still be calling on our leaders to require producers to take responsibility for the waste their products create. This summer we are talking to thousands of Virginians about this issue and generating public support. Add your name to this effort by signing the petition below.
This contribution was written by our summer intern McKayla Brown. McKayla will be starting her sophomore year at Hawaii Pacific University in the fall where she will pursue her passion for our oceans, studying Marine Affairs.
The plastic producers who are responsible for the pollution that threatens our environment should be held financially responsible for the waste they create.
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