Green Up Your Day: Building a Sustainable Morning Routine for Health and Planet

Another month brings another chance to take positive action for yourself and the planet. Over the past few editions, we’ve looked at how to swap out toxins in your cleaning products, conserve energy at home, and improve your indoor air quality. Now, we’re turning our attention to where every day begins: your morning routine.

Our daily habits, even the smallest ones, have a ripple effect. By making simple, sustainable swaps first thing in the morning, you set the tone for a healthier, more conscious day ahead. This month, we’ll show you how to green up your morning routine-helping you feel good about your choices and your impact, right from the moment you wake up.

Why Green Up Your Morning Routine?

Our morning routines set the tone for the day, and small changes here can have a big impact on both our health and the planet. Many common morning products, like disposable razors, plastic toothbrushes, and chemical-laden toiletries, contribute to plastic waste, pollution, and exposure to harmful substances. When you choose sustainable alternatives, you’re not just reducing your own environmental footprint-you’re part of a bigger movement towards a cleaner, healthier world. Every morning is a new chance to make choices that reflect your values and support your wellbeing. It’s a simple way to start your day feeling good about yourself and your impact.

Foundational Steps: Simple Swaps to Start Your Day Right

Swap Disposable Razors for Reusables

Disposable razors are made almost entirely of plastic and are designed for short-term use. They take hundreds of years to break down, often ending up in landfill or the ocean, where they contribute to microplastic pollution and harm wildlife. In contrast, safety razors are made from durable stainless steel or metal, sometimes with bamboo handles, and only require the blade to be replaced. The blades are recyclable, and the razor itself can last a lifetime, massively reducing waste and carbon footprint.

Safety razors are unisex and suitable for shaving any part of the body-face, legs, underarms, or anywhere else you need a smooth finish. They’re designed for all skin and hair types, offering a close, gentle shave without irritation or ingrown hairs
Brands to try in the UK: Bambaw, Shoreline Shaving, Kinghood, or The English Shaving Company.

Choose Sustainable Toothbrushes

Plastic toothbrushes are another major source of plastic waste-each one takes centuries to decompose. Bamboo toothbrushes are a brilliant alternative: bamboo grows quickly without pesticides, is biodegradable, and naturally antimicrobial. Some brands also offer toothbrushes made from recycled materials.
Brands to try in the UK: Truthbrush, Humble Brush, and EcoShoots (all widely available in supermarkets and online).

Ditch Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Many mainstream toothpastes and mouthwashes contain fluoride and chemicals that disrupt the oral microbiome. Dr Nathan Bryan’s research on nitric oxide highlights the importance of maintaining the natural bacteria in your mouth-using fluoride and especially mouthwash can wipe out these beneficial bacteria, reducing your body’s ability to produce nitric oxide, which is vital for heart and brain health. For a truly sustainable morning routine, skip the mouthwash and opt for natural, fluoride-free toothpaste made with plant-based ingredients.
Brands to try in the UK: Kingfisher (fluoride-free), Jason fluoride-free Toothpaste, Green People, Truthpaste, and Bite Toothpaste Bits. All are available online and in health food shops. Or if you’d like to help offset the damage to your nitric oxide levels you can get Dr Bryans N1O1 toothpaste.

Opt for Eco-Friendly Toiletries

Most shampoos, conditioners, and body washes are packaged in plastic and contain harsh chemicals that can pollute waterways. Choose products with biodegradable ingredients, ethical sourcing, and minimal or refillable packaging.
Brands to try in the UK: Faith in Nature, Ethique (solid bars), Green People and Dr Organic through Holland and Barratt These are available in supermarkets, health food shops, and online.

Upgrade Your Morning Brew

Consider switching to Birchall Tea for your morning cuppa. Birchall operates the UK’s only solar-powered tea factory, making your daily ritual even greener.

Next Level Actions: Elevate Your Sustainable Morning

If you’re already nailing the foundational swaps and want to take your sustainable morning routine even further, here are some next-level actions to try:

Make Your Own Personal Care Products

DIY personal care is a brilliant way to cut down on packaging and control what goes on your skin. Natural ingredients like coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils are gentle, effective, and free from harsh chemicals.

• DIY Toothpaste: Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. This blend cleans teeth and freshens breath without disrupting your oral microbiome.
• DIY Deodorant: Combine 3 tablespoons of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder. Add a few drops of tea tree oil for its natural antibacterial properties.
• DIY Face Wash: Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with a splash of warm water. Honey is naturally antibacterial and soothing for the skin.

Support Zero-Waste Brands

Look for brands that offer refill stations, plastic-free packaging, or subscription services to help you cut down on waste even further.

• Bower Collective is a UK-based leader in refillable personal care and household products. Their award-winning BowerPack™ reusable pouches are designed to be refilled and returned free of charge, eliminating single-use plastic waste. Bower’s products are naturally derived, carbon neutral, B Corp certified and made in the UK. Joining their refill revolution means reducing plastic waste while enjoying effective, eco-friendly products.
• Other UK brands to try: Fill (refillable personal care and cleaning products), Lush (solid shampoo bars and refill schemes), Wild (plastic-free deodorant subscriptions), and UpCircle (beauty products made from repurposed ingredients with recyclable packaging).

Reduce Water Usage
Water is precious, and small changes can make a big difference.

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Try a water-saving showerhead-these can cut water use by up to 50% without compromising your shower experience.
  • Brands to try: Methven and Grohe both offer water-saving showerheads widely available in the UK.

Mindful Consumption
Take a moment to reflect on your morning habits and identify areas where you can reduce consumption or waste further:

• Switch to Reusable Cotton Pads and Facial Rounds: Disposable cotton pads and wipes contribute significantly to landfill waste and microplastic pollution. Reusable cotton rounds made from organic cotton or bamboo are soft on the skin, gentle, and washable, lasting for years. They’re also free from harmful pesticides and plastics, making them better for both your skin and the planet.
  Brands to try in the UK: EcoRoots, Plantish Future, Life Vista and Greenzilla. These brands are available online and in eco-friendly shops.
• Use Compostable or Bamboo Toothpicks and Floss: Traditional plastic floss and toothpicks contribute to microplastic pollution and landfill waste. Compostable alternatives made from FSC-certified bamboo break down quickly and don’t harm the environment. Bamboo toothpicks are strong and durable, offering an eco-friendly way to maintain oral hygiene.
  Brands to try in the UK: Humble Bamboo and Swantex. both be found online and in health stores.
• Buy in Bulk or Refill When Possible: Reduce packaging waste by purchasing your toiletries in larger quantities or using refill stations offered by zero-waste brands. This approach cuts down on single-use plastics and packaging waste, saving resources and money over time.

Every step you take in curating your sustainable morning routine not only benefits your health but also supports a cleaner, greener planet. The more intentional you are, the more empowered you’ll feel to make positive change.

At The Alchemy of Being, we believe every small step matters. By greening up your morning routine, you’re nurturing yourself and making a meaningful contribution to a healthier planet. Remember, wellbeing is a continuous journey-not a destination-and curating your habits with intention is the key to living sustainably and joyfully every day.