While it’s beyond my capacity to fathom, the internet’s agreed-upon statistic for shampoo waste in the US is 552 million bottles annually. It’s a jaw-dropping number. There’s a level of optimism that comes along with recycling plastic containers—what I’ve heard referred to as “wishcycling.” Unfortunately, about 85% of plastic packaging is destined for landfills, and only about 9% is actually recycled.

Luckily, there are ways to entirely forgo the need for plastic waste (or reduce it) whilst lathering your tresses with goodness. Let me name some options for you:

1. Bubbles: Located at 1031 H Street in Arcata, this sweet little shop carries several shampoo bar options. If you haven’t ventured into the realm of shampoo bars, let me elaborate. They look like a bar of soap, lather up nicely, and are formulated for various haircare needs. The great thing about them is that they require zero plastic, and are usually packaged with recycled paper. Just make sure to store them in a tray that allows them to dry out between uses, which ensures their longevity. In general, one shampoo bar is equivalent to two bottles. Bubbles also makes their own liquid shampoo in-house, where you can return the bottle for a refill and get 25% off. My favorite part is that you can choose from an impressive menu of scents and customize it to any vibe. I chose ylang ylang and jasmine, and it’s pretty intoxicating.

2. North Coast Co-op: Both the Eureka and Arcata branches carry a wide array of bulk shampoos. Simply bring your own container and skip on the single-use plastic bottle altogether. Jessicurl, Shikai, Griffin, Dr. Bronner’s, and Giovanni are just a few of the shampoo options they have available. They also have a ton of shampoo bars in stock.

3. Ewe So Dirty: While I haven’t tried it myself, a friend of mine swears by this local company’s shampoo bars. And since it hails from Humboldt, it’s extra sustainable because it didn’t have to be shipped far. They have a large selection of scents and can be found at the Arcata Co-op.

4.If you’re attached to a particular brand of shampoo you can’t find in bulk, another way to reduce the impact is considering frequency of use. A WebMD article from this year states that many people shampoo their hair more frequently than is healthy. While those of us who work out intensely, sweat more, or have oily hair may require more frequent washings, the consensus of experts is that it’s fine to go a couple/few days between shampoos, or more depending on hair texture. I’m not here to throw shade on anyone’s established ritual. If you’ve found what works for your hair type, congrats! But if you’re not sure, it’s worth experimenting. Going from daily shampoos to every other day, for example, could translate to better hair health and half the plastic waste.