Disclaimer: Recipes on The Zero Waste Collective have not been tested in a lab. Please consult your health care provider if you are unsure and use your own discretion when making these products at home.
This is an exciting post! The Zero Waste Collective community has truly come together to share really great recipes. Thanks to @cedarbirchcottage, @minimalwastegirl, @szannae, @toxinfreetribe, and @wanderlightly for sharing their fave DIY recipes in the bathroom!
If you’re into DIY, then this is the perfect post for you. Check out the recipes below for toothpaste, mouthwash, and deodorant. These DIY projects will help you reduce your plastic consumption and the waste created by daily bathroom routines. Complement your toothpaste with a bamboo toothbrush, and store all of the recipes below in your own reusable containers and you're good to go!
Not only will these DIY recipes reduce your waste, you’ll also know EXACTLY what ingredients went into the making of your products. Our skin absorbs everything that we put on it, which is why it’s really important to be informed about the ingredients we’re using on our skin.
Tooth Powder by @minimalwastegirl
Christie from @minimalwastegirl makes her own tooth powder, and says that it's much easier and less messy than toothpaste and it works amazingly! She’s been using it for over a year already. The best part about it is if you'd prefer it in a paste, Christie recommends adding some coconut oil to mix it into a paste.
Recipe:
1/2 cup baking soda
1/4 cup xylitol
1 tbsp bentonite clay (can leave out or switch for activated charcoal)
20 drops of peppermint oil
2 drops orange oil (optional)
Coconut oil (optional to make it into toothpaste)
Instructions: Mix these ingredients together, and place in your own reusable container!
Extra tips from Christie: For the tooth powder version, just wet the bristles of your toothbrush and dip your brush into the powder to brush your teeth. However, avoid getting your tooth powder too wet in the process, otherwise it will become too wet and clumpy. Thanks Christie!
Charcoal Toothpaste by @wanderlightly
Sarah from @wanderlightly has provided a quick-to-whip-up charcoal toothpaste recipe! Sarah notes that charcoal is a great detoxifier as well as a tooth brightener, but you’ll likely need to rinse your sink after brushing your teeth.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp baking soda
1 tbsp coconut oil
3-5 drops peppermint oil
½ tsp charcoal powder
Instructions: Melt coconut oil in water bath. Mix melted oil, baking soda and charcoal together. Add 2-5 drops of peppermint oil. Store in a sealed container.
Once you’re done and ready to use it, scoop a pea-sized amount with a small spoon and apply to a bamboo brush, and brush those beautiful teeth! Thanks Sarah!
Mouthwash by @toxinfreetribe
Want to finish off your dental routine with mouthwash? Marnie from @toxinfreetribe has you covered with a super simple mouthwash recipe!
Ingredients:
Handful of fresh sage, OR
Tbsp of dried sage
Boiling water
Instructions: Cover a handful of fresh or tablespoon of dried sage with boiling spring water, steep for 4 hours (or overnight), then strain into a glass jar to keep in the bathroom. Use as normal, and it lasts for up to two weeks. If you still have some after two weeks, Marnie recommends making a fresh batch.
Why Sage? Marnie explains that sage is an ancient herb that has been used for thousands of years for its antiseptic and antibiotic properties. Thanks Marnie!
Once you’ve brushed your teeth and swished with mouthwash, you’re probably wondering how you can replace your plastic deodorant from the drugstore. Check out these effective options below:
Deodorant by @cedarbirchcottage
Kris from @cedarbirchcottage shares her favourite deodorant recipe that she’s been using for years, and says it’s the best recipe she’s found! It doesn't get any easier than this recipe, with only three ingredients required.
Ingredients:
¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup arrowroot flour
6-8 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions: Combine in a bowl and transfer to a handy jar/container. It makes about 1 cup. Apply with finger or small spoon. Thanks Kris!
Cream Deodorant by @szannae
Anna from @szannae shares her favourite deodorant recipe as well. It takes 5 minutes or less to make, and it's really simple!
Ingredients:
2 spoons of shea butter
2 spoons of cornstarch
1 spoon of sodium bicarbonate
7 drops of teatree oil
7 drops of lavender oil
Instructions: Melt the shea butter, then add the cornstarch and the sodium bicarbonate. Stir, and then add the essential oils. Place in a container, chill it and you’re done! Thanks Anna!
These are really fantastic recipes to try out from The Zero Waste Collective community. If you have any questions about the above recipes, you can reach out to each of them directly; they're all very friendly and will be happy to answer questions about their recipes! Follow the links above to their Instagram accounts. Thanks ladies!
For more tips on going zero waste, read the book and head to zero waste 101!