If basic take a shower is not necessarily associated with zero waste, given that we consume water, it is however possible to bring a little ecology into all of this. And I will explain to you in this article how to do it precisely, at the risk of shocking more than one person to take zero waste showers !
What is a zero waste shower?
A waste-free shower is an eco-friendly option for reducing water and energy consumption. It’s about making some simple changes to your showering habits to reduce the amount of single-use disposable items entering our sewage system, like plastic shampoo bottles. With a few simple steps, you can reduce your personal contribution to water and energy waste while saving money on your water bill. A “zero waste” shower involves recovering wasted shower water using a collection system before it enters the drains and reusing it to flush the toilet or irrigate your garden. You can also replace all your single-use disposable items with reusable items so you don’t release unnecessary plastic into the environment. By taking part in a waste-free showering regime, you can feel good knowing that you are taking positive steps to conserve our planet’s resources.
What are the advantages and disadvantages ?
What solutions should be put in place?
Taking a zero waste shower is a great way to reduce your ecological footprint and make an impact on the planet. It doesn’t have to be complicated either! We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you enjoy a waste-free shower, without sacrificing luxury.
Reduce your water consumption
The first thing to do in order to reduce waste is to save water. We therefore prefer the shower to the bath, and during the latter we can make a lot of savings, both for your wallet and for the planet. Because drinking water as we know it in France, and which flows from your shower, is not accessible at the same level everywhere in the world! Some people don’t even have enough to drink… So let’s be serious for two minutes!
During your shower, you can implement several simple actions, which will reduce water consumption, and therefore everything that this includes upstream or downstream, such as water treatment, electricity production for heat it etc. Start by placing a basin or tray under the tap while you heat the water. This recovered water can be used later for many things, such as washing dishes, flushing toilets or watering your plants.
During the shower itself you can also turn off the water! Indeed, we need water to get wet, and to rinse, that’s all! Between, before and after these two, no need to let the water run!
Opt for a low flow shower head
By replacing your current shower head with a low flow head (around 1.5 gallons per minute), you can save thousands of gallons of water each year! You’ll also save money on your energy bills by using less hot water than before. There are a number of low flow shower heads available today, so take the time to research which one would best suit you and your bathroom.
Pee in the shower!
And there I can already hear you shouting “oh Mélanie, what are you saying!” ! But yes, although it may seem dirty to some, the reality is there. If you flush the toilet every time you pee, you already know that your water consumption over the year for this small commission is already enormous!
By peeing in the shower, you will save an extra flush per day! Here again, money savings can be expected. I’m talking about the small one, not the big commission!
Choose a natural soap and shampoo
Look for natural soaps, shampoos and other body care products that are free of synthetic fragrances and chemicals. They often come in the form of bars, which avoids single-use plastic packaging. Additionally, many natural soaps contain ingredients such as essential oils and herbs that will leave your skin nourished and hydrated. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the store, consider making your own soap with simple ingredients like olive or coconut oil.
An alternative solution for washing
The last point regarding your shower is how you shower! Indeed, we can also make a lot of savings and a great ecological gesture. To the displeasure of some once again, we can start by skipping showers!
Indeed, in winter and when you don’t practice any activity or don’t do much all day, you can simply skip a shower. Every other day is quite enough. In the same way, you can opt for example for cat washing, which simply consists of cleaning yourself with a glove, and therefore we will use practically no water here.
Change your hygiene products!
Last but not least, in the shower it’s not just the water that is concerned when we talk about zero waste. There are also all your care and hygiene products, such as soap, shampoo, body lotions and so on. Here too we can make an effort.
For example, you can start by using Marseille soap, which will be used to wash your body as well as your hair. Natural, it does not contain chemicals and is therefore better for the planet. Dr Bronners soap is even better in my opinion.
But you can also use products like coconut oil for the body, and others in this sense, the idea here being to avoid polluting the water. Finally, the best thing is simply to use nothing more, because after all, soap is to smell good and washing with water is more than enough.
Say no to single-use plastics in the shower
When it comes to having a waste-free shower, avoiding single-use plastics is essential! These include disposable razors, exfoliating gloves and loofahs, bath bombs, shampoo and conditioner bottles, and more. Instead of buying plastic items every time they run out, opt for reusable items like bamboo toothbrushes or metal razor blades. Shop around for local eco-friendly stores or online stores that offer natural alternatives to everyday items. They are often packaged in bulk, which allows you to avoid unnecessary plastic waste!
Conclusion & Opinion
Taking a waste-free shower may seem intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive! By making small changes, like choosing natural soaps/shampoos and investing in reusable items instead of disposable items, you can easily make an impact on the environment without compromising on quality or luxury. Start little by little and experiment with different methods until you find the perfect routine for you – happy bathing!
And you, what zero waste solutions do you implement in the shower?
Mise à jour le : July 22, 2024
