Zero Waste Deodorants that Don’t Stink | Zero Waste in RVA

Deodorant that comes in plastic is hard to recycle properly. If you were to do it correctly, you have to take it apart, clean each piece thoroughly, and figure out what kind of plastic it is and then find out if your local recycling pickup even recycles that type of plastic. That’s right, not all plastic is created equal. Most likely, if you haven’t been taking it apart, all your old deodorant sticks you have used over the course of your life are still sitting in a pile at the landfill or found their way into the ocean. Yikes!

It’s not just the plastic that’s the problem with “traditional” deodorant. Most deodorant companies do cruel, unnecessary, testing on animals. Companies like Degree, Secret, Old Spice, Suave, Speed Stick, and Arrid pay companies to rub harmful chemicals on animals’ bare skin and in their eyes. There is no justification for this type of animal cruelty. Animals, no matter the size, all feel pain and fear. I am a firm believer that if you personally can’t look at the conditions behind the scenes of a product (or food) you buy and feel comfortable, you shouldn’t buy it.

I am also not a fan of putting a bunch of carcinogenic chemicals onto my skin, which is the largest organ, and absorbs anything you put on it.  

Before we got more interested in living a more eco-conscious life, we didn’t know there were any deodorant options that didn’t come in plastic. The truth is, there are plenty of options out there for low waste, cruelty free, natural deodorant. Just because we don’t want to support wasteful plastic and animal cruelty doesn’t mean we have to stink!

Here are two non-plastic, cruelty free deodorant options we have been using. As always never an ad, just sharing what we use and works for us! :

Bright Body - I love this one the most because it is actually made in small batches right here in Richmond and its a female owned business! The packaging is 100% compostable cardboard (just remove the label). They have a storefront in Carytown that has all their deodorant, haircare, and extensive skincare collection. Everything is in glass or aluminum and they also have a zero waste refill program. You can also find some of their products at Ellwood Thompson’s.

Fat and the Moon - Great natural deodorant that smells great! It comes in a small glass jar that can easily be re-used or recycled. Also a special shoutout to their pimple mud! My face has been breaking out every time I wear the COVID masks and this stuff has been a lifesaver. You can order this from their website directly, but if you live in Richmond, Ellwood Thompson’s also sells it!

Of course, use up what you already have first, but when you need a new deodorant, consider an eco friendly alternative!