Looking for a way to build sustainable beauty habits and practices? The cornerstone of any zero waste program is to reduce consumption, reuse as many materials as possible, and recycle where necessary. But what does this mean for your beauty routine? The thing is, almost all beauty products come in single-use containers or have non-recyclable parts.
This habit doesn’t have to be expensive: for the same price as a traditional product, you can upgrade to solid products with refill options! Read on to discover 9 tips on how adopting a litter-free beauty routine not only helps planet Earth, but also saves you money while keeping you clean, toxin-free and stylish. (e) !
Invest in reusable and refillable products:
Switching to refillable products is the most sustainable way to adopt a zero waste beauty routine. Look for brands that offer refills of their products, or buy containers made from durable materials like glass or stainless steel.
Use natural alternatives:
Look for natural alternatives to conventional beauty products, such as using coconut oil as an all-in-one moisturizer or oatmeal as a gentle facial cleanser. This will reduce your plastic waste and reduce the number of individual packages you have to buy.
Choose large packaging:
Instead of buying single-use items, opt to buy a bulk bottle when possible to minimize the amount of packaging needed. Beauty supply stores often offer family or larger sizes for shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, etc., which can be purchased at a time while guaranteeing several months of use. This way you will avoid additional packaging waste every time.
Shop local:
Buying local not only supports small businesses, but also reduces emissions from transportation, making it an ideal choice for those looking to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle. Local markets are often stocked with handmade beauty products made with organic ingredients like local honey, beeswax and essential oils, further reducing your reliance on plastic packaging.
Reuse what you have:
Before buying new items, look at what you already have that can be reused instead of thrown away. From old jars that can be turned into storage containers for cosmetics and skincare products to cloth napkins that can replace paper towels, there are plenty of opportunities for reuse!
Make your own:
If you’re feeling creative, why not make your own beauty products? Whether it’s a face scrub from coffee grounds or a homemade lip balm from beeswax, creating your own beauty products completely eliminates the need for disposable packaging!
Avoid single-use plastics:
When shopping for beauty products, avoid anything that contains single-use plastics, such as cotton swabs or disposable razors (which are wrapped in plastic). Opt instead for reusable items like washable makeup remover wipes or hair removal devices and electric razors that should last for several years without generating additional waste!
Bet on multi-purpose products:
Achieving a litter-free beauty routine isn’t an impossible feat, but it may require a few changes to your daily routine. One of the ways to reduce your ecological footprint is to opt for multi-purpose products. These options, such as solid bar shampoos and all-in-one facial cleansers, reduce packaging because they perform multiple functions at once. Plus, you’ll save time and money in the long run! Investing in multi-purpose products is the perfect way to start building more lasting habits into your life with minimal effort on your part.
Replace toilet paper with water:
Instead of cluttering our bathrooms with toilet paper, why not take a different approach and replace it with water? The process is similar to that of Japanese toilets which have a sophisticated water jet system that will take care of relieving you of your burden and providing you with a proper cleaning. With this practice, you will never have to worry regarding running out of toilet paper once more! Although installing a proper tank and nozzles can be a little difficult at first, you will quickly find this form of personal hygiene both practical and environmentally friendly. With all the benefits that come with this unique method, it really pays off.
