Dear Sarah,
Recycling is a great first step towards eco-living, but if you really want to be a committed earthling, you have to greener, you have to go all the way, you have to go…to the bathroom.
There’s an earth-friendly alternative to almost every product and practice we have in our lives, but it’s daunting to try to change everything at once. To learn how we could be doing more, there’s a little technique I like to call the “Bathroom Method.” The science behind the “BM” is that the easiest way to jump in is to start small, by looking at the smallest part of the house as a microcosm of your life’s activities. With me? Let’s head to the head.
Stand in the middle of the room and use this five point checklist to identify some simple steps towards greener living. Start with the basics:
1. Be sure you’re recycling everything you can: Most shampoo, lotion, and cosmetic products come in #2 plastic bottles—all are recyclable with the lids thrown away. Aluminum toothpaste tubes are recyclable with your commingled containers if you cut off the plastic top. Toilet paper packaging is Zero Waste these days—your toilet paper rolls can be recycled with paperboard items at the drop-off center and the plastic packaging is usually #4 plastic stretch wrap which can be recycled with your #2 and #4 plastic grocery bags and newspaper bags at the CHaRM (Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials).
2. Choose reusables over disposables whenever possible: Instead of adding to the 183 million disposable razors Americans toss in the landfill each year, cut waste and save money by getting a reusable, refillable razor. The same goes for toothbrushes. According to Recycline, Inc., at replacement rates of only twice a year, toothbrushes represent more than 100 million pounds of plastic waste in the U.S. Many health food stores sell toothbrush heads designed to go on a reusable handle so you only toss the head when it’s worn down.
3. Reduce toxins and air pollutants: The bathroom is a prime hiding place for toxins ranging from cosmetics like nail polishes and hair sprays to drain openers, but cleaners are often the biggest offenders. Commercial non-toxic cleaners are readily available, or you can make your own hospital-quality disinfectant by dissolving 1/4 cup borax in 1/2 gallon hot water. Instead of using air fresheners that contribute to indoor air pollution, try placing 2 to 4 tbs. baking soda or vinegar in a small bowl to absorb odors, or simply open a window.
4. Buy recycled: Most toilet paper and facial tissue is made from rainforest trees or old growth forests and they’re bleached white with chlorine, which creates dioxin, one of the most toxic substances known to humans. Replace them with recycled paper products whitened with hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine.
5. Reduce energy and resource consumption: According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, a typical American family of four uses up to 260 gallons of water each day. By installing a low-flow shower head, this same family can save over 47,000 gallons of water and $40 off their water bill per year. Of course the toilet is a prime culprit for water wasting. For free tools in assessing and stopping water waste in the toilet and bathroom, visit the city of Boulder’s website at www.bouldersaveswater.net.
Okay, there’s a line forming at the door. Get out of the bathroom and take your five point checklist with you. It can be your guide to greening up every activity or product in your life.
