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eing committed to living a more eco-friendly lifestyle is one of the flexes of conscious living. And that includes your beauty routine. But we also know that it can be tough to switch to more sustainable products with the beauty aisles at the stores filled with numerous options. Keeping your beauty products eco-friendly isn’t a service to humanity alone, but a form of self-care. Loving yourself enough to be deliberate about the products you invest in is top-tier.
While you have chosen to eat healthily, consider leaning toward more sustainable products. From recyclable packaging to choosing products with fewer toxic ingredients, being mindful is the best way to elevate your life. This new year, if there’s one thing you do to have an impact beyond yourself, it is to up your beauty game with the environment in mind.
Here are easy and practical ways to make your beauty routine more eco-friendly…
#1. Use reusable towels
There are plenty of simple changes you can make to help reduce a negative environmental impact with your beauty products. One easy way to do this is to use reusable towels. Instead of using disposable wipes, shampoo caps, and other disposable products, switch to cloth versions. You can either buy them pre-made or make your own from old towels or pieces of fabric. Not only will this help reduce waste, but it will also save you money in the long run. So go ahead and make the switch—your planet will thank you!
#2. Invest in sustainable brands
Sustainable brands are those that make an effort to reduce the negative environmental impact their products might have, whether through recycled materials, renewable energy, or cruelty-free ingredients.
There are lots of great sustainable brands out there, and with a tactful approach, it’s guaranteed to find the ones that best fit your values. And don’t forget to tell them why you love them—the more customers who support sustainable brands, the more incentive these companies will have to continue their environmentally-friendly practices.
#3. Cut out single-use packaging
Another way to make your beauty routine more eco-friendly is to cut out single-use packaging. This means saying goodbye to those pesky little shampoo and conditioner bottles, as well as toothpaste tubes.
Fortunately, there are several great alternatives to single-use packaging. Shampoo and conditioner bars are a great option, as are refillable toothpaste tubes. You can even buy bar soap in bulk or make your zero-waste beauty products at home.
#4. Always do your research
Doing your research before purchasing anything can prevent future regrets. It’s important to take your time and consider the ingredients and processes used to make the products you’re using. Are they packaged in recyclable or reusable materials? Do they contain animal-derived ingredients or harsh synthetic chemicals? How much energy is required to produce them, and how far do they need to travel before they reach you? All these are important questions to ask when evaluating a product’s environmental impact.
Answering these questions will help you make more mindful choices about the products you use and how they affect the planet. Once you’ve done your research, go ahead and get shopping! Knowing that your beauty routine has a positive impact on the environment will feel even better.
#5. Give secondhand products a try
One easy way to make your beauty routine more eco-friendly is to give secondhand products a try. These products may not be brand new, but they can still be used effectively without waste. Plus, you can save some cash by investing in gently used items instead of buying new ones from the store.
When it comes to secondhand products, keep an eye out for your favorite makeup brands on resale sites. Everything from foundations and lipsticks to skincare and haircare products is in great condition—all at a fraction of the original retail price. And don’t forget about thrift stores—they’re a great place to stock up on basics like cotton pads and brushes.
The bottom line is, you don’t have to break the bank or compromise the planet while shopping for your beauty routine. Purchasing quality secondhand products is an easy and affordable way to practice sustainability while still looking your best.
#6. Repurpose disposable tools
Disposable items like cotton pads and applicator sponges often end up in landfill, creating a huge environmental problem. There are plenty of non-disposable alternatives that you can use instead. Invest in some reusable cotton pads, which are soft and gentle on the skin and much better for the environment. You could also switch to bamboo makeup applicators, which you can wash and reuse. Or, if you love using liquid foundation or blush, consider investing in an airbrush machine—it dispenses a fine mist of product onto your skin that’s so sheer you’ll hardly feel it.
If you’ve already purchased these disposable products, think of creative ways to repurpose these packaging. Perhaps turn DIY a hair mask container into fancy home decor, or whatever creativity leads you to do.
#7. Don’t forget about your home
The final step in making your beauty routine more eco-friendly is to start thinking about your home! It’s not just about what you apply to your skin and hair — taking action in other areas of your life can make a big difference.
First and foremost, find ways to reduce your energy use. Invest in LED light bulbs and turn off the lights when you don’t need them. Make sure all your electronics are unplugged when not in use. You can also opt for greener cleaning products, as conventional brands often contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and your health.
Finally, reduce your waste by reusing what you have around the house. Repurpose old jars, plastic containers, and fabric scraps into something new! Remember, even small changes add up over time — so don’t forget to make a difference at home.
In conclusion
Making your beauty routine more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By incorporating just a few small changes, you can have a big impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Whether it’s choosing products with natural ingredients, opting for reusable packaging, or supporting companies with environmentally-conscious practices, every little bit counts. So why wait? Start making these changes today and feel good about the beauty products you use, while also doing your part for the planet.
Featured image: @sinqobile.tusani/Instagram
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