I often find that my bathroom ends up full of lots of almost empty bottles.  Worse, it only seems to happen with shampoos and conditioners.  And since I like to switch brands and try new products regularly, I’m often left with bottles of shampoo and conditioner just sitting in the shower–or beside the tub–and of very little use to anyone.  But I finally found a solution that deters waste and ensures that I have the space I need in my bathroom. I condense and combine. Here’s what I do:

• Shampoo: Shampoo is usually pretty mild and gentle enough to use daily so combining all old shampoos into one bottle creates a mixture that is perfect for washing clothes by hand.  I’ve used this combo-blend to handwash the most delicate fabrics including lingerie, panty hose and baby clothes.   I keep just one bottle under the sink and can easily add to it as I transition to other products.
• Conditioner: The purpose of conditioner is to moisturize.  Combining my old conditioners into one bottle makes a great shaving product.  It applies easily and moisturizes as I shave my legs.  It rinses quickly, doesn’t clog my razor and leaves my legs much softer than soap or shave gel.  

Finding other uses for these two products helped to cut down on my waste.  And it’s a great money saver since I’m not spending more for fancy laundry or bath products.