How to build a sustainable bathroom routine -

When it comes to living more sustainably, there are a number of obvious changes people make. Taking public transport to work instead of driving, avoiding single-use plastics, and reducing meat and dairy consumption are among the most popular planet-friendly behaviors people adopt. The list of possible lifestyle changes does not end there, however. In fact, there are a huge number of simple and creative ways that we can be more sustainable in many areas of our lives, and, indeed, our homes.

In this particular gallery, we're focusing on how to reduce your carbon footprint in the bathroom. Want to give it a try? Then click on for the details.

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Reduce shower time -

This one probably goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway: spend less time in the shower. Reducing your shower time from 10 minutes to five, for instance, goes a surprisingly long way.

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Reduce shower time -

According to climate change expert Casey Meehan, a 10-minute shower with a regular shower head produces around 4 lbs of CO2. A five-minute shower will generate half of that.

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Install a low-flow shower head -

Even better than taking shorter showers is replacing your regular shower head with a low-flow one. And don’t worry: “low-flow” doesn’t have to mean “terrible water pressure.”

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Install a low-flow shower head -

Low-flow shower heads have come a long way over the years, and they are now a great, viable alternative to handheld shower heads.

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Use the bath tap -

Most people have to wait a few minutes for the water to heat up before they get in the shower. Why not be more savvy about it and save that water rather than letting it go to waste?

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Use the bath tap -

Instead of letting your shower run while the water heats up, you could run the hot tap during that time, collect the water, and use it later, perhaps to water the plants.

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Use refillable containers - For years now we have used refillable water bottles rather than buying a single-use one every time we fancy a sip of water while out and about.

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Use refillable containers -

There is no good reason it should be different for personal care products. Ditch the single-use shampoo bottles and invest in some refillable containers today.

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Use zero-waste products -

This might be another obvious one, but it is best to use sustainable and zero-waste products wherever you can. For certain products it’s easy to find a zero-waste alternative.

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Use zero-waste products -

Silk floss, for example, is biodegradable and is a great alternative to traditional dental floss, which is plastic-based.

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Use a bamboo toothbrush - Bamboo toothbrushes are another great sustainable product. They are also 100% biodegradable and tend to come in recyclable packaging.

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Use a bamboo toothbrush -

It may not seem like a big deal, but when you consider that we should be replacing our toothbrushes every few months, the plastic that can be involved certainly does add up.

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Make your own shampoo - DIY shampoos tend to have a smaller carbon footprint than store-bought ones. If you have the time, making your own shampoo can be a fun and creative way to shower more sustainably.

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Make your own shampoo -

If you are keen to make your own shampoo but you’re not sure where to start, simply Google "homemade shampoo" and you’ll find simple and easy-to-follow instructions.

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Use bars, not bottles -

Bars of soap might seem a little old school, but they’re a great way to go if you’re looking to reduce your bathroom carbon footprint.

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Use bars, not bottles -

Soap that comes in a bar tends to involve less plastic packaging (if it uses any at all), and it also lasts longer, so there is double the benefit.

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Avoid certain ingredients -

If you do not have the time or the will to make your own soap and shampoo (which would be understandable), the next best thing is to avoid brands that abuse palm oil.

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Avoid certain ingredients -

Unfortunately, palm oil is still a common ingredient in many store-bought products. If unsure, you can consult the World Wildlife Fund report on which companies use palm oil sustainably.

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Use the right toilet paper -

Next time you buy toilet paper, look for a product that is responsibly-sourced. Yes, this is a thing for toilet paper as well!

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Use the right toilet paper -

If you are looking for some eco-friendly brands, you could consult the ‘Issue with Tissue’ report by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

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Switch to menstrual cups -

Menstrual cups are a much more sustainable alternative to tampons or pads, which, depending on the brand, can take years to break down.

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Switch to menstrual cups -

Menstrual cups are a great way to save money, time, and reduce your carbon footprint. There are many brands out there to choose from.

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Save flushing water -

Take steps to reduce the amount of water your toilet uses every time you flush.

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Save flushing water -

You don’t need to replace it with a low-flow system or anything like that. There is a simple hack you can use that involves a water bottle.

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Save flushing water -

Fill a reasonably-sized water bottle (1 liter usually works) with some water and a couple of small pebbles. Place it in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water it uses.

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Compost -

Compost bins are a common feature of domestic gardens worldwide, while bathroom compost bins are far less common.

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Compost -

People often forget that many of the paper-based items we use in the bathroom can also be composted.

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Compost -

Why not put a trash can in your bathroom that you can fill with Q-tips, tissues, and paper towel rolls, and then compost it all later?

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Line dry your towels - Last but not least, try and remember to dry your towels on a line rather than in a machine. Machine drying your clothes and towels is a great way to push up your carbon footprint.

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Line dry your towels -

Drying racks are easy to find in stores, although it is best to fork out for a sturdy one, since cheaper ones tend to buckle eventually if overloaded with heavy towels.

Sources: (BBC) (NBC News)

See also: How to keep your bathroom organized

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