It’s not just us who have to pay a huge price for the cosmetics and the products we use on our skin. The earth has a higher price to pay. The damaging chemicals, plastic bottles, and microbeads, used in such products affect the environment very drastically. People are not even aware as to how our daily skincare regime creates waste that ends up damaging the earth.
Sustainable Living Includes Skin and Beauty
Now is a time to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle. Many of us don’t even know how to take the first step since going zero waste since it sounds like a very western concept. Many people think it means making big changes in their lifestyle. But the truth is there is no need to turn your world upside down to go zero waste. All that’s needed are just a few minor changes in your day- to- day activities.
However, we have some tips for your beauty regime that are environment-friendly and so much more cost-effective than you would have guessed. Doing this will make the earth a better place to live than it already is. Not to forget, you will be helping animals and fellow human beings as well. Here’s a look at some of the easiest tricks to go sustainable and planet-friendly!
Changes to Storage and Packaging to go Planet-Friendly
Start using soap and shampoo bars. They last much longer and use far less packaging too, hence reducing the plastic and other waste.
If you use the same shampoo and conditioner in terms of brands, then consider purchasing a jumbo-size bottle. Larger packs tend to be cheaper, last longer and cut down on plastic usage. These huge bottles can be reused for other purposes as well.
Switch to eyeglasses rather than lenses. Lenses lead to double plastic waste.
Look for products packaged in glass jars and wooden cases. Plastic is the most preferred packaging material due to the long shelf life and ease of storage. But glass jars and bottles are just as good for elongating shelf life and be reusable as well.
To ensure better shelf life and better utilization of your products, follow the proper storage instructions. This will reduce the wastage created in discarding unused or half-used products. Also, before you buy new products, finish the ones you already have. Get rid of the hoarding mentality.
Take better care of your skin. The more cared for your skin, the lesser the need for makeup!
Changes in Products to go Planet-Friendly
When buying a sunscreen, check the ingredients and switch to the one that doesn’t have the chemical Oxybenzone. This ingredient has been scientifically proven to be deadly for coral reefs. Instead, use a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Take grandma’s precious advice and use home remedies and homemade products. These will save you money and your planet.
Choose products that serve multiple purposes. Most beauty and skincare products contain micro-plastics which are deadly for humans and the planet. So when you buy products that can be used to meet multiple ends, you’re reducing the amount of micro-plastic you add to the planet. For e.g. choose Vaseline jelly that can be used on face and body and has other uses as well.
Switch to the formulas packed in recycled containers. Most of these contain 20% reclaimed oceanic plastic. Another alternative is to opt for containers made from sugarcane or bamboo. These are entirely biodegradable.
Add ethically sourced, vegetarian and anti-animal testing products to your skincare routine. Animal testing is not just painful for the poor helpless creature; it also contributes to the environmental damage caused in the process of rearing animals for testing and consumption.
Use cosmetics that are free from harmful chemicals, parabens, and microbeads to save the bees. Bees play a huge role in the ecosystem, and there is an urgent need to keep them safe. Usually, your face-scrubs and face-washes have microbeads. So stop buying products which have microbeads in them.
Include makeup and toiletries made of bamboo. For toothpaste, check out alternatives such as clay, baking soda, sea salt, and antibacterial essential oils.
Use cloths to remove makeup instead of single-use cotton. Or use makeup balms that don’t require any cotton or cloths to either apply or remove.
To conclude, we just want to say that it’s time to join the movement of environmentally friendly green beauty regimes. The aim is to take small steps towards making the world a better living place. It’s far easier to reduce than you would think. The smallest things like implementing changes to your soap and toothpaste. Be aware, practical and sensible. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are endless ways to reduce and reuse.