Your New Zero-Waste Beauty Routine
Experts predict that by 2050 there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish!
98 million tonne of plastic is ending up in the ocean EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. This includes 100 billion units of cosmetic packaging produced by the beauty industry. So you can imagine the damage we are doing to our precious marine life.
Well, what can I do? I’m glad you asked! Here is a simple guide to what you can do to start working towards a zero-waste beauty routine.
SWAP MAKE UP WIPES FOR A REUSABLE MAKEUP PAD
Like this one. Not only will this save the environment, but it will also save you tonnes of money! Just wet, wipe and wash! Or do it how they used to, with a face cloth! Saving the environment really doesn’t need to be complicated.
SWAP ALL SINGLE USE BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR THAT MATTER
Yes, I’m looking at you sheet masks… Sample sized bottles, individually wrapped soap bars, and cotton tips. These days you can buy reusable eco-tips or just use a cotton cloth. Invest in a glass nail file that will last you a whole lot longer and are much gentler on fragile nails, preventing chipping and breaking.
USE LESS... DER
This may seem like an obvious one, but we all get caught up in the glam of all the different cosmetics and needing a new bottle of something for every single beauty task and then we buy multiple different ones of each. This is really unnecessary and just a waste of packaging and money! I’m just saying, do we really need a different moisturizer for our legs, booty, feet, and hands?
PURCHASE PRODUCTS THAT COME IN COMPOSTABLE OR RECYCLED PACKAGING
Some companies even make packaging out of waste from the ocean so you’re not only reducing the amount going in, but taking some out! Swap your regular sized bottles for larger ones, some stores even provide refills on things like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Also consider shipping packaging if you are going to purchase online, wrapping, boxes and labels can contribute to this waste so purchase face-to-face when possible to combat this otherwise do your research and ensure the company is using recycled materials to ship and pack.
INVEST IN A SILK FACE MASK
In more recent times with what is going on in the world the waste levels have increased due to the rising use of disposable face masks. Silk face masks are known to be just as effective as the disposable, single use, surgical masks but can be washed and reused. They are also much better for your skin. No more ‘maskne’ for us!
DITCH THE USE OF PLASTIC MICROBEADS IN YOUR EXFOLIANTS
Switch to sugar or coffee-based scrubs instead. This will also be more gentle on your skin and contribute to less plastic being washed down your drain and into the ocean. These can replace your face exfoliants and body scrubs. Do your research and find a company that offers these types of scrubs or make your own!
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito” – Dalai Lama
Try this glowing skin scrub:
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp fractionated coconut, jojoba, sweet almond or olive oil
Juice from half a lemon
10 drops peppermint essential oil
Combine ingredients until a wet sand consistency forms.
Scrub all over body 2-3 times per week, store in a glass jar or container for up to 2 weeks.
Source: beautynews.com.au