As you might already know, it’s so important to do what you can to have a zero-waste home and overall just try and incorporate eco-friendly practices within your lifestyle, such as what you consume, how you cook, and even how you clean. But with all of that said, there is still one thing that you really need to keep in mind, and that’s your beauty routine and overall hygiene routine. These tend to be missed or even forgotten. While some companies will sell products labeled “Bottle Made with Recyclable Materials,” is that actually enough?
No, it’s not enough; now, it’s great that some of these products can be recyclable and that within itself can be seen as a good thing. But it’s also important to recognize that this isn’t necessarily enough either. So, with that said, what can be done? How can you incorporate a more eco-friendly beauty routine? Well, here’s exactly what you need to know!
The Ugly Truth About Beauty Products
There are a plethora of reasons why beauty products (hygiene products included) can be bad for the environment. Again, changing a bottle into recyclable plastic or glass isn’t exactly going to be enough. There’s an ugly truth behind all of this, too.
Potential Long-Term Health Issues
So, you have to keep in mind that sustainability isn’t just about long-term solutions for the environment, but it’s also about long-term solutions for you and everyone else. It turns out that a lot of conventional products are packed with nasty stuff like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
They might give you that instant glow, but they can also cause irritation, allergies, and even long-term health issues. Yikes! By switching to eco-friendly options made with natural, organic ingredients, you’re not only treating your skin right but also showing some love to the planet. On top of that, when you wash your face, a lot of these go into the water supply, which can also be a really bad thing.
Beauty Choices Impact Mother Earth
But it’s not just about you—it’s about the bigger picture, too. Let’s talk about the environmental side of things. Think about all that excessive packaging and the resources sucked up by the beauty industry. From forests to oceans, the impact is huge (and there’s already an issue with plastic filling up the ocean). Think palm oil, for example. Its production often leads to deforestation and habitat destruction.
So, a good step is the fact that more companies are using recycled plastic and pushing people to recycle their bottles. Slowly, more companies are doing this—even massive ones like Unilever, which is usually notorious for greenwashing. So, just by choosing eco-friendly products, like ones with recyclable packaging or sustainably sourced ingredients, you’re doing your bit to reduce your carbon footprint and lessen the load on our planet.
So Much Greenwashing
And guess what? Your shopping choices have power. Yep, you heard that right. Every time you swipe that card or click “buy now,” you’re sending a message. So why not support brands that are all about sustainability and ethical practices? As mentioned earlier, massive companies use greenwashing tactics, so small things like recyclable bottles are a good step.
But if you’re doing one small eco-friendly thing while still causing the destruction of the planet in the name of greed, are you actually eco-friendly? Absolutely not! By putting your money where your values are, you’re telling the beauty industry what matters to you—seriously, they’re listening.
Think About the Water
Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to spare. Did you know that the beauty industry is one of the biggest water guzzlers out there? From manufacturing to product formulation, water is used at every step of the process. But here’s the kicker: a lot of that water goes to waste or ends up polluted with harmful chemicals. With water scarcity becoming a real issue, it’s time for the beauty industry to start taking water conservation seriously.
Multi-Step Skincare Isn’t Always Needed
Not saying that those 2-in-1 products (like shampoo and conditioner mixed) are a good thing because that’s not good for hair or skin. But having multiple steps and multiple products isn’t always necessary either. Just think about it: an individual product, an individual bottle for everything, when some of these things could even be combined. Many companies worldwide are guilty of this. It’s designed to make you spend more, and it’s also harmful to the environment because it creates more waste.
So Many Carbon Emissions
Last but not least, there are the carbon emissions. Yep, even our beauty products have a carbon footprint. From manufacturing to transportation, every step of the supply chain releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. And don’t forget about all those ingredients derived from fossil fuels. It’s time for the beauty industry to clean up its act and reduce its carbon emissions.
What’s the Best Ways You Can Make Your Beauty Routine Eco-Friendly?
So, as you read for yourself, the beauty industry isn’t exactly the prettiest when it comes to the environment. But rather than just beautifying ourselves, it’s so important to think about nature and make it cleaner and more beautiful for the future. So, what can you do? How can you incorporate your beauty routine into this? Making your beauty routine more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, there are plenty of simple swaps and habits you can adopt to reduce your environmental footprint without sacrificing your skincare goals.
Choose Clean, Green Products
The first step in creating an eco-friendly beauty routine is to choose products that are gentle on both your skin and the planet. Look for brands that prioritize natural, organic ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. You’ll usually find these with small brands because smaller brands are mostly promoted as eco-friendly—unlike the massive ones that are greenwashing.
Bonus points if the packaging is recyclable or made from sustainable materials. There are plenty of eco-conscious beauty brands out there, so do your research and find ones that align with your values.
Know What You Need
You’re better off knowing what you need rather than spending money on things that you don’t need in the slightest. For example, do you know your skin type? Do you know what you need for your skin type? For your hair type do you know what type of hair you have? If you curl, then do you know what type of perm curls you have? All of this can help; you’re spending less money, and you’re going to be less inclined to jump on trends as well.
Simplify Your Routine
Next, consider simplifying your beauty routine. Do you really need a dozen different skincare products, each with its own fancy packaging? Probably not. Streamlining your routine not only reduces waste but also saves you time and money. Focus on multi-purpose products that serve multiple functions, like a moisturizer with SPF or a tinted lip balm that doubles as a blush. By cutting back on unnecessary products, you’ll declutter your bathroom and lighten your environmental load.
Consider DIYing Some of Your Products
You don’t need to do this for everything when it comes to your hygiene or beauty routine, but a little bit can help out a lot. It’s the same for cleaning supplies. Some DIY recipes can be great, but not all DIYs can get the job done. So, with all of that said, one of the simplest ways to greenify your beauty routine is to make your own products using ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
Just think about it for a moment: you can make face masks made with avocado and honey to sugar scrubs infused with coconut oil; the possibilities are endless. Not only are DIY beauty recipes fun to make, but they also allow you to control exactly what goes into your products. Plus, you’ll eliminate the need for excessive packaging and reduce your reliance on store-bought products.
Recycle and Reuse What You Can
When it comes to eco-friendly beauty, it’s all about reducing, reusing, and recycling. This is absolutely key, and when it comes to an eco-friendly lifestyle, for the most part, you just can’t achieve it without incorporating these practices! So, with that all said, instead of tossing empty containers in the trash, look for ways to repurpose them.
Old jars can be used to store homemade beauty concoctions (like the DIYs mentioned above), while empty bottles can be cleaned out and recycled. Many beauty brands now offer refillable options, allowing you to replenish your favorite products without buying new packaging each time. And don’t forget to recycle any cardboard or paper packaging that comes with your products.
Stop with Mindless Consumption
Just like the fashion and homeware industries, the beauty industry has short-lived trends. You can’t have these in your face! So, before purchasing a new beauty product, ask yourself if you really need it. Can you finish up what you already have? Can you find a more eco-friendly alternative? By being more intentional with your purchases, you’ll reduce waste and save money in the long run. And when you do buy new products, opt for ones with minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled materials.
