A Warm Relaxing Bath (the many benefits)
There is not much more relaxing than a warm relaxing bath – it can help you sleep, give you some ‘quiet time’ and relax aching muscles. Of course these days we are all told to have showers to save money (although some power showers use more water). But if you have a bath, then just have one less often, and enjoy it!
Choose unscented bath products if pregnant/nursing. If you use bath water diverters (that hang out the window to reuse water for the garden), only choose unscented biodegradable products – even sea salt could harm plants and pets/birds/wildlife drinking the water below).
Bath safety tips (for adults and children)
Test the water before you get in the bath, and always stand up slowly when you get out (avoid very hot baths for heart/blood pressure conditions and pregnancy/nursing. Limit baths to 30 minutes or so, and avoid slippery bath oils (a non-slip bath mat helps to stay safe too).
NHS has a 2-minute video by a midwife on safe baby baths (never leave babies alone for a second, and avoid bath seats, as these can quickly detach).
When running a bath, test temperature by adding hot water with your wrist or elbow, keep your baby’s head clear of the water, and don’t bath straight after feeds (nor if a baby is hungry or tired). Avoid baby oils and talcum powder (don’t use cotton buds to clean ears, the cause of most infections).
Keeping pets safe near bathrooms
Avoid pet-toxic plants in bathrooms or other rooms (read more on pet-friendly gardens – some indoor plants like lilies or sago palm can even harm, by a tail brushing past). Likewise, keep scented oils (esp. citrus) away from pets (never use xylitol toothpastes – or gums/baked goods containing it – in homes with pets).
Avoid facing indoor plants to outdoor gardens (and use curtains/blinds/screens over windows), to help stop birds flying into windows.
Epsom salts (for soothing joints and muscles)
Epsom salts (named after the Surrey town) contain magnesium. A cup in the bath tub can refresh tired legs, and is preferable to dead sea salts (from a sea that is literally dying). Despite the name, the Dead Sea supports 500 million birds (300 species) 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.
Miniml refillable bubble baths
Miniml Bodywash & Bubblebaths are the ideal swap to keep on hand for an eco-friendly foamy bubble bath (they also double up as shower gels). Made with biodegradable ingredients (and Yorkshire water), all scents are naturally derived, and the bottles can be taken back to shops to be refilled (or use the QR code to send them back for washing, refilling and sending back to you).
Choose from:
- English Lavender & Chamomile
- Nourishing Coconut
- Tea Tree & Mint
- Pink Grapefruit & Aloe Vera
There are discounts for regular subscriptions, and students.
Bio-D offers a fragrance-free biodegradable bubble bath, if you prefer or need not to use scent. Approved by Allergy UK, there are 5L refills available.
For toxic bathroom products, recycle empty bottles with kerbside collections. For bottles with product, dispose of them at your council’s hazardous waste department.
Comfortable stone bath mats (guaranteed for life)
Natural Step Bath Mats never go mouldy like soggy fabric mats, nor collect airborne bacteria from men who don’t put the loo seat down after flushing! They are a bit more expensive, but last for life.
These mats absorb 5 times their weight in water, yet still feel dry to the touch, as water quickly evaporates. The mats dry in seconds, and 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.
Reborn (recycled plastic bathroom accessories)
Reborn (Wiltshire) makes quality bathroom accessories from reclaimed plastic waste, in neutral stone, grey or black colours.
We don’t recommend the toilet brush, as recycled plastic could leach into the sea. Use a cloth or LuBeka toilet brush alternative.
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).
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.
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!)
