Everyone has a skincare and beauty routine; for many of us, this is the time we get to relax, unwind, and pamper ourselves. However, what we may not realize is that the products we use in our routine may be harming our health and the environment.
The beauty industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It’s estimated that over 120 billion units of packaging are produced by the global cosmetics industry every year, and less than 10% of this is recycled. The majority of this waste ends up in landfills or in our oceans, where it harms wildlife and pollutes our water.
In addition to the environmental impact of the beauty industry, many of the products we use every day contain harmful chemicals that can damage our health. For example, cosmetics often contain parabens, which are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can promote the growth of cancer cells.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can change your routine to use ethical beauty products that are better for your health and the environment.
1. Choose products with minimal packaging.
When shopping for beauty products, look for products with minimal packaging. For example, choose products that come in glass or metal containers instead of plastic. You can also look for products that are sold in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging you need to throw away.
There are some companies that mention packaging on their website. It might be recycled plastic, paper, or glass.
2. Avoid products that contain harmful chemicals.
Many beauty products contain harmful chemicals that can damage your health. Look for products that are free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and other harmful chemicals. You can find lists of harmful chemicals to avoid on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) website.
3. Choose products that are cruelty-free.
Some beauty companies test their products on animals, which can be cruel and unnecessary. Look for products that are marked as “cruelty-free” to be sure that they have not been tested on animals.
There are lots of good products that are cruelty-free, and many of them are vegan, too. You can buy vegan lipstick, eyeshadow, skincare, and more.
4. Look for products that are made from sustainable ingredients.
Many beauty products are made from ingredients that are not sustainable, such as palm oil. Look for products that are made from sustainable ingredients, such as bamboo, to help reduce the impact of your beauty routine on the environment.
5. Choose products that are made by small businesses.
When you buy from small businesses, you can be sure that your money is going to a company that is committed to ethical and sustainable practices. Look for products that are made by small businesses, such as local boutiques or online shops.
6. Make your own beauty products.
One of the best ways to ensure that your beauty products are ethical and sustainable is to make them yourself. There are many easy recipes for homemade beauty products, such as face masks, scrubs, and moisturizers.
7. Buy secondhand beauty products.
Another way to reduce the impact of your beauty routine is to buy secondhand products. You can find secondhand beauty products at thrift stores, garage sales, and online.
8. Use less product.
One of the simplest ways to reduce the impact of your beauty routine is to use less product. For example, use less shampoo, conditioner, soap, and makeup. You might be surprised how much product you can save by using less.
9. Recycle or compost your empty beauty products.
When you’re finished with a beauty product, recycle or compost the packaging. You can recycle some types of packaging, such as glass and metal, at your local recycling center. You can compost other types of packaging, such as paper and cardboard.
10. Educate yourself and others about ethical beauty.
One of the best ways to reduce the impact of the beauty industry is to educate yourself and others about ethical beauty. You can learn about the harmful chemicals in beauty products, the impact of the beauty industry on the environment, and how to choose ethical and sustainable products.
You can also share this information with your friends and family to help them make more ethical choices when it comes to their beauty and skincare routine.
Latest posts by Meredith (see all)
- Here One Moment Book Club Discussion - November 8, 2024
- Create Fun Halloween Decor with a Decoupage Pumpkin Craft! - October 21, 2024
- Slow Dance Book Club Discussion - September 13, 2024
Leave a Reply