For many mummies the bathroom is a sanctuary, one of the few places left where ‘me time’ is still possible… if only for a minute! Make your escape an eco one with these tips.

Water watch
Did you know about a third of household water use happens in the bathroom? Fix those leaky taps,
keep your showers short and don’t leave the water on while shaving or brushing your teeth and you’ll be on your way to savings of both the liquid and dollar kind. If you don’t have one already, installing
a low-flow shower head can cut up to $90 off your yearly water bill, not to mention the money you may

be able to save on water heating!

In a lather
If you’re ready to get radical, let’s talk ’poo – shampoo, that is. The No ’Poo movement is about cutting

back your product and packaging use while getting healthier hair. In a nutshell, you ditch shampoo, tough out a few greasy weeks while your scalp adjusts its oil production and then reap the glossy, eco-friendly rewards. I know it sounds awfully gross, but I’ve seen the results up close and personal and give them two big thumbs up. It’s not for everyone for sure, but if you’re brave enough (and have some nice hats to get through the first weeks!) you might want to give it a try. Once your hair evens out, you simply maintain your mane with water rinses and conditioner on the ends now and then.

Not for you? I understand! Instead you might try cutting back your shampoo sessions and opting for rubbing a mix of bicarb and water into your scalp instead. Apple cider vinegar works a treat as a conditioning rinse, while olive oil is a great overnight treatment.

Lotions and potions

If this DIY kitchen-cupboard approach appeals, there are plenty more lotions and potions you can make yourself. Olive oil and sugar make an excellent whole-body exfoliator, for example, and some bicarb and cornstarch do a great dry shampoo. There are heaps of face masks you can make from fruits, yoghurt and other kitchen staples too, so give them a Google.

Shopping sustainably

Being green should never be hard work, so if making your own stuff or eschewing shampoo has you running for the hills, never fear! An easy-peasy way to support the planet is to shop smartly. Buy the products you use a lot in bulk packs to cut back on packaging, look for refillable containers and keep your eyes peeled for multi-use products, which are great for the hip pocket. Think two-in-one shampoo and conditioner, make-up sticks that can be used on the lips, lids and cheeks, and multi-purpose balms that do everything from taming hair to moisturising skin. Use your eagle eco eye to scan ingredient listings, too. Try to steer clear of artificial colours, fragrances and preservatives, petrochemicals, parabens and other synthetic ingredients. Look instead for organic and natural ingredients, or single-ingredient wonders. Jojoba oil, for example, works wonders as a moisturiser, make-up remover and more!

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More on making your home eco-friendly:

• Ways to reduce food waste
• Live like your gran
• 10 eco tips from your fave celebrities
• Eco-friendly, baby!
• Turning play green!