The year 2020 is a year of changes; therefore, it is time also to transform the way we treat the environment and replace all of the harmful bathroom utensils and toiletry with eco-friendly and sustainable washcloths, loofahs and other bathroom items.

Instead of trying to be always up to date with new beauty care products of wasteful brands, we guarantee you will feel happier when keeping things simple, easy and most importantly - nature friendly. Recently I wanted to see if there were more sustainable way to trade in my loofah and washcloths and I was surprise to see there are a few options I could go with.

Why go ego-friendly and sustainable?

Once you decide to live according to eco-friendly/ sustainable values, you will probably want to introduce your new routine in many different aspects of your daily life, also when taking care of yourself every morning and evening in the bathroom.

One of the first advice we can give you is to monitor your water usage, since average human showers, 1-2 times per day and consequently uses way too much water. Taking as many showers per day is not only bad for the environment but also bad for your skin.

With the usage of green shower products, you will alter the nature of your pampering habits. Remember always to choose quality over quantity and instead of frequently buying inferior products, rather invest in durable and reliable quality products.

Say no to plastic loofahs!

For decades, loofahs and washcloths have been a symbol of a pleasant and enjoyable shower. Still, nobody ever warned us that these plastic cleaning utensils are a bacterial paradise, especially if you had been using them for weeks without replacement.

Not only they are harmful to your body, but they are also contributing to one of the worst planet polluters since the bits of its plastic microfiber go straight into your shower drain and pollutes the rivers, lakes, and eventually even oceans. Check out these Sustainable alternatives to washcloths and loofahs

Sustainable bathroom alternatives to washcloths and loofahs

But don't worry, everyone is learning until they know and luckily, the market already provides an abundance of affordable, eco-friendly loofahs free of bacteria, with which you will establish best hygiene habits for you and the planet.

Egyptian Loofah

One of the world's most popular alternatives to traditional loofahs is the Egyptian loofah, made of 100 per cent naturally sourced dried Egyptian gourd. If you want to extend its usage, you can even cut it in smaller pieces. You can use this instead of a loofah because it is very beneficial for human's skin since it energetically exfoliates the skin due to its abrasive surface.

It is very affordable and available in the majority of the healthy-product shops. If you cannot find it, you can always order it online, too.

It is important to know though that it takes a bit of maintenance: it needs a weekly soaking in a natural solution making it a reusable body shower scrubber. But even with the soaking weekly it is still one of the best options for a cleaner alternative to your loofah.

Bamboo Washcloth

Not only bamboo is environment-friendly material, but it is also naturally antibacterial and antifungal; therefore, cloths made from the plant's fibers can help control acne-causing bacteria in those with blemish-prone skin. Bamboo is a very soft and gentle material, appropriate for the most sensitive skin types since it won't irritate your skin.

Boar Bristle Body Brush

Another very affordable alternative to a loofah or a washcloth is a body brush, made out of boar bristles. It is highly recommendable for gentle and abrasive skin. It is sourced from natural materials since it comes with a solid wood handle, which also makes it easy to grasp and hold in the shower or a bath.

It is a perfect item for back scrubbing, removing dead cells, or for lymphatic drainage.

However, be advised that a brush made out of boar bristles is an animal product and although it is eco-friendly, it is not plant-based and made for vegans.

Konjac Sponge

Another natural option is a konjac sponge, which is plant-based and vegan-friendly for it is made from the konjac root, a vegetable growing in Asia. A prevalent option is a konjac sponge, which also contains charcoal so that you can recognize it after its dark grey distinctive colors. These sponges are 100 percent biodegradable, meaning you can compost them.

Silicone Back scrubber

If you are not very fond of natural materials and smells, silicone is your best eco-friendly option. Search for a BPA-free silicone back scrubber, which is chemical-free, hypoallergenic, and does not produce any microplastics.

These types of brushes are easy to clean because of a lack of porous surfaces for bacteria to build up. They will last you a lifetime!

Due to its long handle, the back scrubber is also great for cleaning the parts of your body you cannot usually reach.

How to choose the right sustainable washcloths?

Now that you have learned about some of the healthiest and most sustainable alternatives to loofahs, you need to decide which one suits you and your needs the best.

The most important factors to consider are the costs of the replacement and also how often does the product needs to be replaced; how easy it is to clean it and if it is safe for your skin type. Make sure to be extra cautious in case you have sensitive skin.

And don't forget always to check the materials and to know how the product has been made! Just because the packaging says eco-friendly, it doesn't necessarily mean it is true! Make sure it is produced sustainably, that it is antimicrobial, nontoxic, and allergen-free!

Lastly, make sure not to support brands and services which manufacture their products using labor with poor hiring practices.