This summer I started my zero waste journey. I am always desiring to live more environmentally, and being the change I want to see in the world is the best way to begin. This is definitely a process that doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and thought to slowly transition into making new choices everyday. The two largest areas of waste in any household are with personal care products and in the kitchen. Although I have been transitioning both areas over to zero waste, my personal care products have been the easiest so far. I’m not 100% there though.
Hair Care
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses
I’ve been doing water only hair washing for my curly hair since January 2014. Lately I’ve been using apple cider vinegar rinses more frequently. It removes excess oils from my hair, keeps my scalp healthy and free of debris, and makes my hair even easier to detangle. I surprisingly stopped using butters/oils in my hair for now and instead use only flaxseed gel. This allows me to skip the monthly clarifying treatment.
Flaxseed Gel
This moisturizing hair styler is completely zero waste as the seeds can be purchased package free in bulk bins and later composted. Although this gel and I have a love/hate relationship, we are now in the love stage again.
Wooden Brush & Seamless Rubber Comb
I mainly finger detangle, yet still wanted to show you my new wooden brush since my other one broke, and my Magic Star Jumbo Rake by Hercules Sagemann is made from natural hard rubber. I do have a “wide” tooth horn comb (not pictured), yet I can only use it on straightened hair, which almost never happens.
Zero Waste Hair Ties
I use DIY Super Soft Seamless Hair Ties which do not snag or break my hair for styling, and are very easy to make.
See my updated zero waste hair care products here!
Dental Care
Radius Natural Biodegradable Silk Floss
No more nylon floss! This comes in a compostable and recyclable paper container, and silk is also compostable. The only major downfall is that the floss is still in a plastic container inside the paper box. In that case this may still be a better option.
Bulk Baking Soda
I just use baking soda to brush my teeth… simple, effective, and whitens naturally. Baking soda can be mixed with coconut oil and/or a bit stevia for a simple toothpaste recipe too.
Brush with Bamboo Toothbrush
The bristles of this toothbrush are not recyclable or compostable, yet can be released from the handle by soaking in hot water. Of course the bamboo handle can be composted. The packaging is also completely plastic free.
Feminine Care Products
Intimina Lily Cup Compact Collapsible Menstral Cup
If I knew how much easier it could be to use a menstral cup, I would have started earlier. Ok so it did take a few months to get accustomed to. I no longer buy disposable tampons, liners, or pads anymore that add to landfill waste. Yes it unfortunately comes in a plastic carry case, but the case is the size of a lip balm and is discrete when storing. I do have reusable cloth liners/pads by GladRags, yet I prefer my menstral cup.
Skin Care
High Linoleic Oil
In One Year Using High Linoleic Oils Exclusively I mentioned that I was washing my face with just water and moisturizing with a high linoleic oil. I am back to this simple skin care regimen now that my skin has calmed down. I had temporarily changed my regimen this past spring when my skin was freaking out from a detox I was doing. I am currently finishing up the rosehip seed oil that I have before repurchasing any other oil, and will use just one high linoleic oil for everything including lotion to keep it simple. This regimen explanation is in that article!
DIY Tinted Lip Balm
I make my own DIY tinted lip balm which I store in a metal tin. I now use just three ingredients and that recipe I will share soon.
DIY Gentle Exfoliant/Face Powder
I use colloidal oatmeal as a gentle exfoliant and also as a face powder when I have too much “glow”. If I am unable to find colloidal oatmeal free of packaging, I will probably switch to something else that I can find in bulk. Regardless I am again using up what I have first.
Body Care
Swissco Bamboo Dry Body Brush
Read more about the benefits of dry body brushing here!
Sappo Hill Unscented Oatmeal/Glycerin Soap
This soap always comes 100% package free in stores, yet did have plastic wrapping around the paper box when I purchased 12 in a box online. I’ve used this soap for years and still love it!
Parker 29L Unisex Long Handle Safety Razor
Using a safety razor eliminates more trash for landfills. I shave using my oatmeal soap. This also shaves closer than disposable razors. This safety razor comes with five razor blades which can last up to six months if dried after every use. That will last me approximately 2.5 years before purchasing new blades which are rather inexpensive.
Scent of Samadhi Herbal Powder
This incredible herbal powder is an all natural deodorant containing sandalwood, my favorite scent aside from vanilla. This deodorant also works as a natural fragrance so is a two in one product. It holds up well in sweaty dance classes, and I even had a friend comment that I always smell good. It comes in a glass jar, yet unfortunately with a tiny plastic scoop. But it is packaged in a cloth pouch made from traditional South Indian sari material.
My Zero Waste Journey Continues
I have yet to fully “zero waste” my makeup, but I might as well use up what I have first in terms of supplies and products. I have a very simple everyday makeup routine anyway when I do wear it. My wardrobe is in essence zero waste since I shop consignment stores already. Keep a look out for my updated capsule wardrobe soon. My experience with composting and creating a zero waste kitchen is coming soon too.
In the meantime, I am continually making progress which I am so pleased with. Believe me if recycling was the answer to our planet’s environmental issues, then zero waste would not be needed. But sadly recycling is not. Minimalism and zero waste really do work well together, and I definitely feel that this was just the next step on my own simple living journey.
One Love!
(Images by Dawn Michelle)
mary ann says
Hi Dawn Michelle
great article thanks so much for all your information !!!
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks Mary Ann! I’m glad you liked it!
Katrina says
Hi,
I love your site, such simple to follow natural beauty but was wondering if you are able to recommend something for exfoliation than oatmeal as I am allergic…also I live in australia and wondered if you could recommend a good organic oil supplier here??
Thankyou Kat.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Katrina,
Have you ever tried using a microfiber cloth for skin care? I also wrote about it here when I was oil cleansing often. It’s amazing at exfoliating the skin, plus no need to worry about product irritation. You can find other natural skin care info in this series as well. Best wishes!
paula says
you are flawless!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Paula,
OMG thank you! Baking soda doesn’t bother my teeth, yet mixing it with coconut oil makes it much gentler. Hope this helps!
paula says
hi dawn michelle, i was just wondering whether the baking soda thing can be used long-term or can i only use it once in a while?
Nia says
Hi Dawn,
Great article!
How has your experiences with Rosehip seed oil and Pumpkin seed oil differed?
When using Rosehip seed oil to remove makeup, is it ok to put it undiluted on the skin or is it better to add another oil to it? If using undiluted, what is the max amount you would put on the face?
Thank you!
Nia
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Nia,
I plan to write an article comparing the two oils soon. Also you can see a full description of how I oil cleanse here. You don’t have to dilute the oil either. I always recommend using one oil at a time to ensure that your skin likes it. Have a beautiful day!
Iga says
Hi Dawn Michelle 🙂
I only recently discovered your page and I can relate to so much of your experience. Thank you so much for sharing it. I am hopeful that this blog will help me with the skin struggle 😉
I write to ask about the detox. Could you tell a bit more about it? Has it worked? What kind of detox was it?
<3
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Iga,
I go to a hydrotherapist and/or acupuncturist, eat extremely clean organic foods, incorporated cilantro and other detoxifying foods, as well as incorporate herbal supplements as advised. Detoxing does work and also helps you step up your game with eating better in general. I’m so glad you are enjoying the site!
Daisy says
Hello 🙂
Your posts on minimalist skincare inspired and informed me greatly. So, I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU!
Best,
Daisy
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Daisy,
I’m so thrilled this has been helpful to you. Thanks for letting me know this and you are so welcome!
Alana says
Hi dawn i was wondering if you ever tried a konjac sponge and if you did how does it compare to microfiber cloths?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Alana,
I haven’t tried konjac sponges so can’t compare them. I wrote more about microfiber cloths here though which explains why I like them so much. Hope this helps!
Tutu says
Hey Dawn,
a great like always. i was only exposed to the menstrual cup after reading this post and decided to give them a try so i bought a cheaper cup called Femme Essentials. I’ve only used it once so far, and my experience was pretty flumsy one in a good way. I kinda struggled to place it correctly to the point that i had to reposition it about 8 times in………5 hours! But basically i really believe it’s a great and better alternative to tampons and pads. Am thinking of getting the Intimina cup now. Have you any tips on how to correctly insert it? Have you tried others brands other than the Intimina?
Thanks and have a great weekend.
It’s freezing cold in Germany….
Best wishes ,Tutu
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tutu,
I’m sure lots of women have this same question because I did too when I first started using a menstrual cup. It takes awhile to get use to. It’s trial and error and understanding your body. Wish I could say more but I can’t other than once you get used to it, you’ll be so happy you started. This is also the only brand I have tried by the way. Best wishes!
jessica obrien | @jessohbee says
i’m so glad i stumbled upon your blog tonight via instagram’s explore page. i’m also in LA and i work in marketing with a passion for fashion so i have some of the same views or contradictions with minimalism that you do so i can totally relate to your posts. my husband owns an eco-friendly website (thegreenlifeco.com) but we just started making our own toothpaste and deodorant (both with bentonite clay, coconut oil and baking soda) and i started face washing with just oils. can’t wait to dig around your site more!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jessica Obrien,
Welcome! Making your own products is definitely the way to go. I hope that you enjoy reading more. Have a wonderful day!
Alisha says
Hi! I was wondering if you’ve tried using any other natural skin care routines (pertaining to non facial skin lol) other than what you’ve mentioned in this post. I have tried various natural items, but haven’t found anything that makes my skin feel clean and moisturized. Also everything I’ve tried so far leaves my skin with little raised red bumps all over it. I don’t usually shave either so that isn’t irritating my skin. Do you have any suggestions for fixing my skin predicament? Oh and just a comment. I don’t like using soap (liquid or bar) because it’s all made with lye and I’m on my own personal journey to use products that have in them and were made with zero chemicals. Any suggestions are much appreciated 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Alisha,
I shared this article on chemical-free body care as part of my chemical-free skin care series. There are soap-free cleansing alternatives which I hope are helpful to you. Best wishes!
Jasmine Watts says
It’s amazing to find these zero waste ideas! I am aiming for zero waste, but never thought to implement it for my bath beauty products. These ideas are very useful and interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jasmine Watts,
I’m so glad you are also on a zero waste lifestyle journey! Wishing you the best and I’m so glad that you found this helpful!
Julie says
This article was so helpful!! I’ve always wanted to try to save money and be more minimalistic on shaving and feminine products!! Plus always have wanted a bamboo toothbrush, so thank you very much for reading my mind! 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Julie,
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this article. Best wishes on your eco journey!
Confused says
First off, I just want to say that I recently discovered your blog and am absolutely loving it. So much of what you write about reflects how I feel about how we should live in this world.
Here’s my question: I recently starting trying to make the switch to all-natural beauty products (along with minimizing my lifestyle in other ways as well). I began with all-natural soaps for body and hair: First, Dr. Bronner’s liquid castille soap, and then (because I must have really hard water and hated the soap scummy feel left behind) body and shampoo soaps from Chagrin Valley. These were kind of cool, but I still had the soap scummy feel and, after much Googling, soon learned of the importance of pH to our skin and stopped using these. I found the OCM and excitedly used a coconut oil scrub for my face (oops) and then went out and bought some jojoba oil because so many blogs encouraged these. This is about the time when I found your blog and learned about high linoleic oils for acne prone skin. The more I read your blog, the more I thought “this gal has really done her research!” (Whereas other blogs that enouraged readers to slather coconut oil everywhere really started to turn me off.) Therefore (I promise I’ll get to my point soon), I started trying to go even more minimal by reducing my oil cleanses and hair washes (currently using rye flour, thinking about getting some soapnuts and henna/coconut milk). I oil cleanse with jojoba once a day and wash with warm water once a day. I recently got some tamanu oil and tried a few drops of that for a cleanse. I also got some rosehip oil to try as a moisturizer. As far as body washing goes, I was using a bit of jojoba oil and a cloth for that as well, but have recently switched to just water washing. My goal is to reduce all of it and try to only cleanse when necessary like you have mentioned. I’m slowly working towards letting my body regulate its natural oils by spacing out my washes. Here’s the problem, though: I keep breaking out and I have gross dandruff. I’ve always been fairly acne prone (but never enough to leave terrible scars like some people, thank goodness) but this is the most I’ve ever had. I get cystic and non-cystic acne on my face (forehead, nose, and near my ears) and on my chest and upper back (ew). I saw here that you use an oatmeal glycerin soap–isn’t that really alkaline like other soaps? And doesn’t that make your skin “start over” when it comes to regulating natural oils? (Or maybe you’re just using this for hands?) I’ve read a lot about how you cleanse your face with oils, but so far haven’t come across any blogs on what you do for your body. Any recommendations? I did buy a body brush yesterday but haven’t had time to try it out yet. As far as you know, it is normal to break out this much as a reaction to this switch? I haven’t used nasty store-bought shampoos or body washes for over a month. I stopped using high-alkaline all-natural soaps about two weeks ago. I should also mention that my diet has been much, much better (fruits and veggies, bulk foods, hardly anything that comes in a package) but that my stress levels have been pretty high. Thanks for any advice you might have, and sorry for droning on and on. I just have so many questions about my transitioning journey!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Confused,
I’m so glad you are enjoying my blog, and to be completely honest with you I also went through very crazy transition periods trying to figure out what worked best for me. I’ve had days when I first started this journey where I missed dance classes because I’ve had tangles in my hair so bad as I was washing it in the shower, or I broke out from using the wrong oils for my skin. Have patience as you find what works best for you as it takes time and definitely listening and trusting yourself.
You can find other natural options for body care here. Yes I do use an alkaline oatmeal soap, just not every day. I make my own body washes which you will see options for in the link above. Water only exclusively for hair and skin care wasn’t the best fit for me, yet it is still freeing to use simple products or ingredients, and especially freeing making your own.
As for acne, it’s a symptom of toxicity in the body, yet can obviously be caused by external factors as well. I now ONLY use high linoleic oils on my acne prone skin. Tamanu oil is high in oleic acid and I wrote about it long long before I had learned about the differences in oils. I also try to make a note of that in former articles.
Please note the amount of time of eating healthy versus not. It take time to detox the body and heal. I’ve been working on my own healing and balancing this entire year and years prior. Being patient is a must as it’s a journey. I also share how I healed my acne and my approach here. I still use these same methods when my body is imbalanced.
Self nurturing is also important to keep stress levels low as stress creates imbalance in the body and wears out the adrenals. Get good sleep and give yourself a lot of credit for caring so much to make a difference.
Best wishes!
Jamie S. says
I absolutely love what you’re doing here. It seems like we are of the same mind, but you are much further along than I am. I am discovering so many awesome ideas from your articles. Please keep up the great work! You’re helping a lot of people here, & you are making a difference, one reader at a time. I’m looking forward to catching up with all your posts!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jamie S,
Thank you so much!!! Have a wonderful holiday season and I hope you enjoy catching up! <3
Dee says
Happy New Year Dawn!
Thank you so much for all your efforts throughout the years to enlighten us and help us improve our lives.
I’m working on minimizing my waste. I’d like to get the razor, but I’m concerned about how to use it. I did some research and it seems like practice is needed. What was your experience? Do you have recommendations for learning to use it?
Thanks.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Dee,
I was nervous at first using a safety razor, but it just takes some time to get used to. You don’t have to press down while shaving and it is very easy to use. I love that I’m no longer having to buy razors anymore. I am saving so much money in that regard plus the razor blades last such a long time especially if you dry it after each use. It’s a win win in my opinion!
Chelsea says
I just found your blog through Paris to Go and I love it! Thanks! I am a super curly haired girl and I too have a love hate relationship with flax seed hair gel. We are currently on a break. I am always on the hunt for new hair ideas. A wooden bristle brush is next on the list!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Chelsea,
Yaaa curls! I’m so glad you found my site. I enjoy reading Paris To Go. I love her take on minimalism and I love Paris. Well I hope you have a wonderful day, and I’d love to hear any other thoughts you have!
Ashley Zeleznik says
What a great article. Thank you!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Ashley Zeleznik,
Thanks for your comment! I’m glad this has been helpful to you. Best wishes!
GalyaB says
Awesome blog! I’ve been stuck here for days 🙂
Is there an article I should read about what you use for sun screen?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi GalyaB,
I don’t wear sunscreen daily yet I shared my favorites and why here. I’m so glad you are enjoying the site and thanks for the kind words!
Linda says
Hi Dawn Michelle 🙂 Love your articles!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Linda,
Thanks so much! I hope you are having a beautiful day and I appreciate you stopping by + your comment!
Jamila says
I know I shouldn’t say this but…your life is #GOALS.
I mean even your writing emanates a sense of peace that I can barely dream of. I’m trying to find balance in my life and it is really complicated. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I hope I can use this minimalism in my erratic life. -J
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jamila,
OMG thank you so much! During my minimalist journey, a sense of peace and balance was something I was looking for. A lot has changed since I started, and it has been beyond rewarding. I also have a lot more clarity and have really started finding my own way of doing a lot of things.
It can be challenging to look ahead, but when you know that you desire something in life you just have to go for it. You’ll get more and more direction as you go. Best wishes with everything that you dream of!
cleocreek says
Dear Dawn, Between you, fullyraw Kristina, and “The Secret” by Dr. Paul Keyes, I am fully convinced that baking soda and salt are wonderful (complete) choices for my dental care (including an actual toothbrush, floss, and tongue scraper, of course). 🙂 I also appreciate the value of coconut oil pulling and the OraWellness Healthy Mouth blends. Thank you for sharing your own choices and inspiring subscribers like me to consider and research their best choices. Have a great weekend!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Cleocreek,
I am honored to be amongst some incredible and inspirational people in your eyes as both Kristina from Fully Raw and Rhonda Byrne the author of The Secret have definitely influenced my life. I am looking forward to researching Dr. Paul Keyes so thank you for sharing. Simple beauty care is the best approach in my opinion. Plus once you find what works for you, you question why things have become so complicated. Best wishes!
Sarah Cawley says
Hi Dawn,
Do you know if Parker razor brand is tested on animals or not?
Thanks in advance.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sarah Cawley,
So I did a quick search and found this statement on PETA’s website “Shaving blades may not be tested on animals, but many brands, such as Gillette, are owned by companies—in this case, Proctor & Gamble—that test other popular products on animals. Plus, the soft moisturizing strip found on some razors is made with glycerin, a compound that’s often made from animal products.” (It is true that if a product doesn’t state that the ingredient is vegetable glycerin, then it is not a vegan glycerin source.)
The benefit of a safety razor is mainly about reducing environmental trash. Also you are only purchasing actual razor blades and there are not glycerin strips or anything like that with safety razors. You can also contact the company directly to do further research, but I hope that this is a good start for you. There is also the option of finding a vintage safety razor and purchasing new blades for it. These razors are seriously high quality and will last forever. Best wishes!
Autumn says
Hi Dawn:
Thank you for sharing! Your site has helped change my life! What kind of body moisturizer do you use?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Autumn,
Thanks so much for you kind words! Truly humbling. I use a carrier oil as a body moisturizer. My favorite is rosehip seed oil. Since I started using oils, I’ve been in love. <3
Laurel says
Hi Dawn Michelle,
What do you use instead of body lotion after shower/shave? I’m sure you’ve posted about it, but I’m not finding. Have struggled to find a good balance with oils go between too astringent and dry (neem) to too non-absorbing and oily (almond).
Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Laurel,
I keep an updated page of everything I use in my beauty regimen including body care here. Most of the time I just use and oil or butter and other times nothing at all. I hope this helps!
Stephanie L says
I purchased this same razor but cut myself really badly a few times using it, and I was unable to get behind or on top of my knees with this blade. What did I do wrong?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Stephanie,
I’m sorry you experienced this. Cuts and nicks from shaving is never fun. Because this razor uses old school razor blades, I have found it important to shave with a lighter hand than plastic razors. It does take some time to adjust and you can’t rush the shaving process. It doesn’t take a long time though once you get used to how to hold it. It also helps to lather up really good prior. I hope this helps!
Neha says
Hi,
Amazingly simple routine & yet no compromise.
Have a query. For those who are allergic to flaxseeds, are chia seeds a suitable substitute?
Please let me know
Thanks
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Neha,
Thanks! I’ve never used chia seeds for DIY hair care, yet marshmallow root (shared here) is another mucilage herb that you could try. I hope this helps!
Pim says
Very nice informative list, thanks.
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks you Pim!
Masha says
Hi Did you garshana silk gloves for dry bush?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Masha,
I use the bamboo dry brush for body brushing. It’s the one pictured above.
Callee says
Love this simple beauty routine! I use (and make + sell, it’s my own company) Bestowed Essentials. It’s a line of ethical + eco-friendly beauty products – all-natural ingredients, certified vegan + cruelty-free in zero waste packaging, made with solar power in my van while I travel the US full-time 😀
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Callee,
Thank you! Best wishes to you with your business and safe travels!
Sandra says
Phenomenal article. Very well researched and assembled. Thank you for the information.
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks Mom! Love you.