Make 2008 the year to go green! Mark Constantine, founder of LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, lists his top ten tips on how you can make steps to have a more eco-friendly bathroom. The single biggest thing you can do to work towards a greener bathroom this year is to be discerning when choosing your cosmetic products so you don't end up with lots of half-used bottles.

1. Think about what you actually need. Check the ingredients to see if there are any that you don't like and what effect the product will have on you. Also, don't be afraid to ask for samples to enable you to try a product for a few days and if you like the results then go back to purchase.

2. Use soap instead of shower gel or liquid soap, use shampoo bars instead of bottled shampoo and use solid massage bars instead of massage oil. These are all better for the environment as there is little or no packaging and solid products contain no water, therefore need no preservative.

3. Avoid products that are heavily packaged or remove the packaging and leave it at the till point to send a clear message to the retailer. Be aware that sometimes the contents often cost less than the actual packaging of a product!

4. Check the product for a use-by date. No use-by date means that the product is heavily preserved, which means more preservative going down the drain - and that's bad for the environment.

5. Try to buy locally produced cosmetic products. Check the label, have they been made in relatively close or air-freighted in from afar?

6. Buy products that last as long as possible, like toothbrushes that have a disposable head so that you only replace the head and are not throwing as much away.

7. Explore water recycling systems for your bathroom. Around 60% of the Japanese population filters, recycles and reheats bath water. When you do have a bath make the most of it! Take at least 45 minutes out of your schedule to relax and unwind. Try recycling your bath water to water your garden or share your bath with your partner!

8. When you clean your teeth, remember to turn the water off while you are brushing.

9. Recycle any plastic bottles, but make sure that you wash them first. If you don't they will contaminate the rest of your recycling and end up in landfill.

10. When you go shopping for cosmetic products take your own reusable bag and preferably cycle to the shops.