Zero Waste, Zero Toxicity | Dorm Essentials

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re well and thriving!

If you're an incoming university freshman (or just looking to refresh your dorm setup), this one's for you. Moving into a dorm is a wild mix of excitement, chaos, and last-minute Target runs. But if you’re like me—and you care about what you put on your body, breathe in, and sleep next to—then you already know the typical dorm checklist doesn’t cut it.

That’s why I created this curated list of dorm essentials rooted in sustainability and non-toxic living. We’re skipping the synthetic air fresheners, plastic bins, and hormone-disrupting shower caddies—and replacing them with options that align with your wellness, values, and aesthetic. Because thriving in college doesn’t mean compromising your health.

💤 SLEEP

For a full breakdown of my sleep enhancements, check out my Catering to Sleep I and Catering to Sleep II

📚 STUDY

  • Blue Light-Blocking Lamp or Bulb – Helps support your circadian rhythm.

  • Non-Toxic Dry Erase Board – Choose glass or BPA-free options.

  • Recycled Notebooks + Pens – Keep it cute, sustainable, and campus-ready.

  • Ceramic Mug for Matcha or Herbal Tea – Because caffeine with class is a mood.

  • Dry Erase Markers (Low Odor) – Choose non-toxic, refillable options when possible.

  • Portable Air Purifier – Especially useful for dorms with poor ventilation or shared air systems.

My study essentials guide is coming soon.

🚿 SHOWER

  • Non-Toxic Shower Caddy (Silicone or Stainless Steel) – Ditch the plastic mold traps.

  • Fragrance-Free Body Wash + Shampoo Bars – EWG-rated, sensitive-skin friendly.

  • Exfoliating Washcloth and Hand Mitts (Hemp or Agave Fiber) – A zero-waste luxury.

  • Fragrance-Free Body Wash + Shampoo Bars – EWG-rated, sensitive-skin friendly.

My non-toxic and zero-waste friendly body care routine is coming soon.

🦷 ORAL HEALTH

  • For a full breakdown of my non-toxic and zero-waste routine, my Oral Care Post has you covered.

🧽 LAUNDRY & CLEANING

  • For a full breakdown of my non-toxic and zero-waste routine, my Laundry Routine Post has you covered.

  • For a full breakdown of my non-toxic and zero-waste cleaning essentials, my Bathroom and Kitchen guides have you covered.

🧖🏽‍♀️ SKINCARE STATION

🍽️ SNACK

BONUS: Aesthetic + Function

  • Upcycled Fabric Storage Bins – Cute and compostable at the end of their life.

  • Mini Compost Bin (with Lid) – Especially helpful if your campus has a compost program.

  • Natural Air Purifying Plants (Like Snake Plant or Pothos) – Low-maintenance + high vibe.

  • Cork Bulletin Board – A memory board with eco-style.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Your dorm room is your sanctuary, your study hub, your recharge station. Make it work for you, not against you. By investing in non-toxic and sustainable essentials from the start, you're not only protecting your health but also setting a standard for how you show up in the world.

You don’t need to be perfect—just intentional.

Let me know what you’ll be packing or swapping this semester! And if you’ve got a must-have I didn’t list, drop it in the comments!

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Zero Waste, Zero Toxicity | From Clutter to Curation: My Ethical Closet Overhaul.

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Zero Waste, Zero Toxicity | Catering to My Sleep II - Dream Foundation