The beauty industry significantly impacts the environment. From the sourcing of ingredients to the delivery of products, beauty items leave a carbon footprint. While many beauty companies have started to reduce their environmental impact, more can be done. You can contribute to environmental sustainability by making small changes to your beauty routine.
Tips to Make Your Beauty Routine Greener
- Finish Products Before Buying New Ones
Before purchasing a new skincare product, ensure you finish what you already have. This practice prevents waste and ensures that residual product in the container doesn't hinder recycling. Moreover, it prevents products from expiring and being wasted.
- Choose Sustainable Packaging
Packaging plays a crucial role in sustainability. Both containers and outer packaging should be recyclable. The cosmetics industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging globally, much of which ends up in landfills. Opt-in for minimal or recyclable packaging to reduce this impact.
- Use Biodegradable Items
Some beauty products, like tissues, cotton swabs, and dental floss, are single-use and end up in the trash. Choose biodegradable alternatives whenever possible. Biodegradable beauty blenders and sponges can be used for 30 days, and cotton swabs without plastic are available.
- Control Your Water Usage
Conserving water is essential as freshwater is a finite resource. Simple actions can save significant amounts of water:
- Skip the initial splash of water on your face and wet your fingers instead.
- Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth and washing your face.
- Keep showers short to save liters of water daily.
- Use Natural and Organic Products
Natural and organic products often contain fewer ingredients, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint. They typically have up to 90% more active ingredients, making them potent and effective for longer use. Additionally, natural ingredients are less likely to cause skin problems.
- Pay Attention to Ingredients
To make your routine more sustainable, be mindful of product ingredients. Many conventional skincare products contain unsustainable ingredients like palm oil, plastic microbeads, and synthetic fragrances, which can harm the environment. Instead, look for sustainable alternatives:
- Plant-based oils and butters, such as coconut oil and shea butter.
- Natural exfoliants like jojoba beads or ground coffee beans.
When shopping for organic skincare products, read the ingredient label. Avoid products with unsustainable ingredients and opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives.
