The Many Benefits of a Warm Relaxing Bath
Epsom salts (named after the Surrey town) contain magnesium, so can soothe tired joints and muscles, especially after workouts. A cup in the tub is enough, even a short soak can refresh tired legs. These are preferable to dead sea salts (from a sea that is literally dying). Despite the name, it supports 500 million birds (300 species) who rest during migration and many plants, fish, leopards and ibex.
Do not use Epsom salts on broken skin. Avoid for diabetes, kidney disease, eating disorders or low-magnesium diets. Stop if you notice skin irritation, itching, or dizziness.
Bath safety tips (for adults and children)
Test the water before you get in, and stand up slowly when you get out. A non-slip mat helps, as does keeping avoiding slippery oils. Limit baths to 30 minutes or so, and drink water if the warm is warm. Avoid very hot baths for heart/blood pressure conditions and pregnancy/nursing).
Use unscented biodegradable bath products for pregnancy/nursing and if you use bath water diverters (that go out the window – even sea salt could harm plants and pets/wildlife/birds if drinking water beneath).
Avoid pet-toxic plants in bathrooms (also read about giving dogs baths). Avoid facing plants to outdoor gardens, to stop birds flying into windows).
Safety for Baby Baths
NHS has a 2-minute video by a midwife (never leave babies alone, and avoid seats that can quickly detach). Run cold water first (test adding hot water with your wrist or elbow). Keep your baby’s head clear of the water, and don’t bathe straight after feeds (or if baby is hungry or tired). Avoid baby oils and talcum powder (don’t use cotton buds to clean ears, the cause of most infections).
Comfortable Stone Bath Mats (guaranteed for life)
Natural Step Bath Mats are a step up from soggy fabric bath mats, which become mouldy from constant use. And as around half of all people in England don’t put the loo seat down after flushing, all that airborne bacteria ends up on bath mats! These bath mats are bit more pricey, but designed to last for life.
They absorb 5 times their weight in water, yet still feel dry to the touch, as water quickly evaporates. The mats dry in seconds, and also grip the floor to avoid slippery surfaces. To clean, wash with mild soap and water weekly, then rinse and air-dry. You can brush off dust or hair with a soft broom.
I am a complete convert, who will never go back to fabric mats. Less water everywhere after my shower, and stay in position much better than my old mat, which I sometimes slipped on.
Miniml Refillable Bodywash & Bubblebaths
Miniml Bodywash & Bubblebaths are the ideal swap to keep on hand, for a rich foamy shower or can also be used as bubble baths (also good for hotels). Made with biodegradable ingredients (including Yorkshire water – even the scents are naturally derived), these are vegan-friendly and not tested on animals, and sold in bottles that you can send back to be refilled!
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and near babies/pets. If buying other items in the range, citrus oils in particular are toxic to pets (even if rinsed and dried, residue could be licked from paws). For these homes, just clean with a mix of water and baking soda and white vinegar.
These are concentrated, so a little goes a long way. At end of use, you can get the bottles refilled at stores that sell them, or use the QR code to send off empty bottles for refilling, and return.
The starter bottles are 500ml, and the refill bottles will last you ages!
To use, just squirt onto your hands and use on your body in the shower, then rinse away the lather. For baths, pour 10ml to 15ml into a warm bath. Choose from:
- English Lavender & Chamomile
- Nourishing Coconut
- Tea Tree & Mint
- Pink Grapefruit & Aloe Vera
There are discounts for regular subscriptions, and students.
For toxic bathroom products, you can recycle empty bottles with kerbside collections. For bottles with product, dispose of them at your council’s hazardous waste department.
Dip & Doze (organic cotton towel bales)
Instead of scratchy polyester towels, invest in a bale of Dip & Doze organic cotton towels, in natural colours to blend with any bathroom design. These can also safely be laundered, without leaching microplastics from the machine. Avoid fabric conditioners, as they reduce absorbency.
Organic cotton is not just good for the planet, wildlife and farmers, but as the fibres are not treated with chemicals, they tend to last longer too. To reduce bacteria build-up, hang up after use, and wash hand after every couple of uses.
If using old towels to transport creatures to wildlife rescue shelters, remove the tassels (they could tangle in paws and claws).
Panda Luxury Bamboo Bath Towels
Panda bamboo towels are made from the world’s fastest-growing grass, so naturally eco-friendly and anti-bacterial, ideal to wrap up warm after a relaxing bath or shower. Made from a blend of bamboo and quality cotton, they are sold in a beautiful array of natural shades and sizes.
Sold with a 1-year guarantee, the bamboo means these towels become softer each wash, instead of scratchy. And are beautifully absorbent. There are also matching towels for children (with cute panda ears!)
Reborn (recycled plastic bathroom accessories)
Reborn is a Wiltshire company, which makes quality bathroom accessories from reclaimed plastic waste, to help reduce virgin plastic from Asia. Designed to last years, the items are in mostly stone, grey or black, to blend with any bathroom design. Also in black, The range includes:
- A soap dish to help palm-oil-free vegan soaps drain quickly. It’s easy to clean, thanks to the smooth surface. Plus a liquid soap dispenser (with a wide stable base).
- A bathroom caddy (raised surfaces allow air-flow and prevent mould).
- Holders for dental items (never use xylitol brands near pets).
We don’t recommend the toilet brush, as recycled plastic could leach into the sea. Use a cloth or LuBeka toilet brush alternative.
How to recycle plastic bathroom waste
To get virgin plastic bathroom waste items out of your town forever, have your community order a TerraCycle Bathroom Waste Box (everyone can pool a few pounds to pay). Then when full, it’s sent off using the prepaid label, and everything is made into piping or garden benches.
