Caroline's Tips For Creating A More Sustainable Bathroom

Making my home a non-toxic, sustainable space has become a priority, and even though the bathroom tends to be one of the smaller rooms in the house, it's surprising how quickly disposable and toxic products can accumulate. From plastic soap containers and cotton swabs to countless rolls of toilet paper, there’s plenty of room for improvement. Lately I've been making some swaps and I couldn't be happier with the results – a cleaner space that feels just as luxurious. So if you're looking to make some changes of your own, I've put together a guide with all of my sustainable, toxic-free favorites.

Even though I’m a candle girl, lately I’ve been enjoying burning incense in the bathroom. It’s a wonderful calming ritual to add to your sacred space, and a great non-toxic alternative to many room sprays and air fresheners. Palo Santo is one of my favorite scents, so this Breu Resin bundle has been my go-to. It’s made from resin extracted from the Almacega tree in the Amazon rainforest and, traditionally it's used in healing rituals to invite good energy. I light a stick and place it in this hand thrown clay incense holder on my bathroom counter. I also like these hand-pressed Palo Santo bricks, which are super easy to travel with. Simply take out a piece, burn it on a non-flammable surface and let the soothing aroma fill the air.

Adding a plant to the bathroom is another great way to naturally freshen up your space. Plants act as natural air purifiers by removing volatile organic compounds found in household cleaners, beauty products and tap water. So not only will they bring life and beauty to your space, but they're a sustainable option too. If your bathroom doesn't have good natural light or you don't have a green thumb, the custom sage bundle is a great alternative. Made from dried flowers and grasses, it's attached to a sage wand that can be burned while the flower arrangement can be popped in a vase. 

We’ve all done our fair share of hand washing this year, and to keep my skin from getting too dry I've been using this 100% organic and sustainably-harvested hand soap. Made from a blend of coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, aloe and essential oils, it keeps my skin moisturized, and smells beautiful too. And the best part is that each of the two scents come in refillable glass bottles. All you have to do is buy it in bulk here to ensure you never run out.

For years I used disposable cotton pads to remove makeup and it always amazed me how quickly I would go through a pack and it seemed so wasteful especially with the plastic packaging. So I was excited to discover these reusable bamboo wash cloths. They're super soft and absorbent and the perfect size for washing your face. Since they're mostly made from bamboo, they're naturally hypoallergenic (which is great for sensitive skin), antimicrobial and durable. I also swear by these organic cotton towels. They're the softest, wash really well and the dove color goes with so many color palettes.

I never put much thought into my razor until I started to do some research and discovered that over two billion plastic razors and cartridges are discarded annually in the United States. This staggering statistic left me searching for a more sustainable alternative. I came upon the Well Kept Razor and love how it's made from solid brass and designed to last a lifetime. Completely plastic-free, this razor has a single sharp blade for a close shave that reduces irritation. The weighted handle allows you to shave without applying any pressure – reducing ingrown hairs and you can store it safely in the handy travel wrap case. 

It may seem like a small change, but swapping out my toiler paper for these sustainably grown, organic bamboo rolls has been one of my favorite changes. Made from plant pulp using zero harsh chemicals, Plant Paper toilet paper is soft on you and the environment. While white toilet paper is treated with loads of bleach, formaldehyde and other carcinogens which are harmful for you and the environment, Plant Paper is 100% bamboo and a pretty natural bamboo color. And not to worry, it's 3-ply, double sided and in my opinion, more durable and soft than any generic variety. 

It's no secret that I love sheep wool rugs and have been committed to buying those made without skin. Kind to the sheep that get to live a long, happy life, and beautiful in your home, here is just one of new arrivals.

Looking through some of the original photos of this bathroom has made me realize how far we've come. We've put in the work to update this space and it's starting to take shape. Throughout the process, my focus has been to fill the room with sustainable products, from the reclaimed wood paneling (found on Craigslist), and antique vanity, to the soap and toilet paper. Next up, we'll be having hand-painted wallpaper installed which is made on antique tea paper. We also need to install our shower and bathtub faucets and a few other nik naks... stay tuned for the finished room when we're ready!  

Sending lots of love,