As divers, we witness firsthand the devastating impact of plastic pollution on our oceans. From microplastics floating in the water to plastic waste entangling marine life, the problem is vast—but the solution starts with us. One of the easiest ways to reduce our plastic footprint is by making simple swaps in our daily lives, starting in the bathroom.
By switching to sustainable, plastic-free alternatives, we can significantly cut down on single-use plastics, prevent microplastic pollution, and support ethical brands that prioritize ocean conservation. Here are 14 easy product swaps to help create a plastic-free bathroom and protect the seas we love to explore.
1. Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Most liquid shampoos and conditioners come in plastic bottles, many of which end up in landfills or the ocean. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars eliminate the need for plastic packaging while lasting much longer than bottled versions.
Ethique offers salon-quality shampoo and conditioner bars in compostable packaging. Their products are sulfate-free, palm oil-free, and formulated for various hair types—including options for dry, oily, and curly hair.
These plastic-free options are not only better for the ocean but also ideal for packing light on your next liveaboard trip or freediving training camp. Since they come in solid or refillable forms, they’re easy to travel with.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No plastic waste
- Free from microplastics and harsh chemicals
- Lightweight and travel-friendly for dive trips
2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
If you’re planning your next scuba diving or freediving trip to a tropical destination, choosing a reef-safe sunscreen is essential. Many popular diving locations, such as the Maldives and Mexico’s cenotes, have banned sunscreens with harmful chemicals to protect their marine ecosystems.
Traditional sunscreens often contain oxybenzone and octinoxate—chemicals harmful to coral reefs. Switching to a reef-safe sunscreen helps protect marine ecosystems while keeping your skin safe from UV damage.
Raw Elements and Stream2Sea offer mineral-based sunscreens that are biodegradable, non-toxic to marine life, and come in plastic-free packaging options.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No coral-damaging chemicals
- Safe for marine life
- Comes in recyclable or reusable tins instead of plastic tubes
3. Plastic-Free Toothpaste
Many commercial toothpaste brands contain plastic microbeads and come in non-recyclable tubes. Switching to toothpaste tablets or natural alternatives in glass jars is a great way to reduce plastic waste.
Bite Toothpaste Bits come in refillable glass jars and use all-natural ingredients. Alternatively, Georganics offers toothpaste in compostable packaging.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No plastic packaging
- Free from microplastics
- Travel-friendly for dive trips
4. Bamboo Toothbrushes
Plastic toothbrushes contribute to the massive problem of plastic pollution, as billions are discarded each year. Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and a simple, effective swap.
The Humble Co. and Brush with Bamboo offer 100% compostable toothbrushes with sustainable bamboo handles and plant-based bristles.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- Fully compostable handle
- No plastic waste
- Sustainable and biodegradable materials
5. Plastic-Free Razors
Disposable razors and plastic cartridge razors generate huge amounts of waste. A safety razor with a reusable handle and recyclable metal blades is a sustainable alternative.
Leaf Shave offers plastic-free razors with replaceable blades, reducing waste without compromising a close shave.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No plastic waste
- Blades are recyclable
- Long-lasting and cost-effective
6. Refillable or Bar Soap
Most body washes come in plastic bottles, which often end up in landfills or the ocean. Bar soaps or refillable liquid soaps in glass containers are much more eco-friendly.
Dr. Bronner’s offers organic, biodegradable soap bars and liquid soaps in recyclable packaging. Ethique also has body wash bars with zero waste.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No plastic packaging
- No synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals
- Biodegradable formulas safe for marine life
7. Plastic-Free Deodorant
Many deodorants come in plastic tubes and contain synthetic chemicals that can wash into waterways. Natural deodorants in compostable packaging are a great alternative.
Wild offers refillable, plastic-free deodorant with compostable refills. Meow Meow Tweet has zero-waste deodorant sticks in biodegradable cardboard.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No plastic packaging
- No aluminum or synthetic fragrances
- Sustainable and compostable materials
8. Reusable Cotton Rounds and Swabs
Single-use cotton rounds and plastic cotton swabs contribute to pollution, especially in coastal areas where they often wash up on beaches. Reusable alternatives made from bamboo and organic cotton are a better choice.
LastSwab provides reusable cotton swabs, and Marley’s Monsters offers washable cotton rounds.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No plastic waste
- Reusable and biodegradable
- Sustainable materials
9. Plastic-Free Hairbrushes and Combs
Plastic hairbrushes break down over time, releasing microplastics into the environment. A wooden or bamboo hairbrush is a durable and sustainable swap.
Tek Brushes & Combs and BASS Brushes offer wooden hairbrushes made from FSC-certified wood.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No plastic waste
- Durable and biodegradable
- Made from sustainable materials
10. Refillable or Plastic-Free Dental Floss
Most traditional dental floss is made from nylon and comes in plastic dispensers. Fortunately, there are sustainable options made from silk or plant-based materials.
Etee and Dental Lace offer biodegradable silk floss in refillable glass containers. Some brands also provide compostable cornstarch-based floss.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No plastic packaging
- Biodegradable floss material
- Refillable glass containers reduce waste
11. Sustainable Mouthwash Tablets
Plastic mouthwash bottles add to bathroom waste, and many conventional mouthwashes contain artificial dyes and harsh chemicals. Mouthwash tablets dissolve in water, eliminating the need for plastic packaging.
Georganics and Bite offer mouthwash tablets in glass jars, reducing plastic waste.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No plastic bottles
- Free from artificial chemicals
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
12. Zero-Waste Face Cleansers and Moisturizers
Many face cleansers and moisturizers come in plastic packaging or contain microplastics that wash into the ocean. Solid bars, refillable jars, and sustainable formulations offer a better alternative.
Ethique provides face cleanser bars and moisturizers in compostable packaging, while Meow Meow Tweet has zero-waste skincare options in glass containers.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No plastic waste
- No microplastics or synthetic chemicals
- Vegan and cruelty-free formulas
13. Shaving Creams
Many shaving creams contain synthetic ingredients and come in plastic or aerosol cans that contribute to pollution. A solid shaving bar or shaving oil in a glass bottle is a sustainable alternative.
Ethique offers a solid shaving bar, while Dr. Bronner’s organic shaving soap is biodegradable and plastic-free.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No plastic waste
- No synthetic ingredients harmful to marine life
- Lasts longer than traditional shaving foam
14. Sustainable Makeup and Reusable Makeup Removers
Many beauty products come in plastic containers and contain microplastics that wash into the ocean. Sustainable makeup brands use refillable, compostable, or recyclable packaging.
Axiology offers plastic-free lipsticks and crayons in compostable tubes, and Elate Beauty provides refillable foundation and blush. For makeup removal, reusable cotton pads like Marley’s Monsters replace disposable wipes.
Why It’s Better for the Ocean
- No microplastics in beauty products
- Compostable or refillable packaging
- Reduces single-use waste
As divers, we have a responsibility to protect the oceans we love. Making the switch to plastic-free bathroom products is a simple yet powerful way to reduce waste and prevent plastic pollution from entering marine ecosystems. Many dive centers also now support sustainability initiatives, such as reef clean-ups and plastic-free facilities, so consider choosing an eco-conscious dive center for your next dive trip.
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