Body lotions, deodorants, face creams, shower gels, shampoos: beauty care products play an essential role in our daily self-pampering routines. However, once disposed, their packaging does not coddle the planet. Ironically, the beauty industry has a terrible blemish: it produces more than 120 billion units of packaging every year,(1) of which many end up in the ocean. In fact, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, by 2050, oceans could contain more plastic than fish.(2) Even the most effective concealer couldn’t cover up those repugnant numbers!
Luckily, there are straightforward ways to change our habits to help curb the problem while continuing to take care of ourselves. Here are five ways you can integrate eco-friendly beauty products into your daily beauty routine.
1. Raise the bar with beauty care bars
More and more brands are offering eco-friendly beauty products, most notably those that offer shampoos, soaps, and conditioners in the bar format. When it comes to clean solutions, it’s the solid choice – literally! Abandon the shower gels, plastic tubes or bottles and replace them with eco-friendly beauty products that are made from naturally sourced ingredients and packaged in biodegradable cardboard. Our leaves bar™ line of hair and body care bars is comprised of a variety of plastic-free beauty care products with rich textures and delicate aromas that are suitable for all types of skin and hair.
2. Buy in large formats or bulk
Just so we’re clear, a giant bottle of lotion is NOT an eco-friendly beauty product, but it can be reused multiple times! Choose brands that offer products in large formats, or bulk, if possible. This is a simple, yet effective, way to reduce your plastic consumption as well as save the money in your wallet! Among the most environmentally safe options on the market, ATTITUDE hand soap and shampoo eco-refills contain four times more product, but up to 81% less plastic than bottles.
3. Reuse your small containers
Now that you’ve decided to go big in your home, what are you going to do with those empty and insignificant bottles lying around? Reuse them! Save those little containers and refill them with your beloved beauty products so you can stick to your eco-friendly beauty routine even on the go. Turn those little jars into big space-saving travel companions. Slip them easily into your carry-on luggage for your next trip, in the medicine cabinet or under the sink.
4. Eliminate single-use beauty products
Convenience doesn’t always mean beneficial. Despite their handiness, single-use products such as individual facial masks and disposable makeup remover pads or razors are a menace to the environment. Sure, they are advantageous to you, but can you imagine the good we could do for the planet if we made the switch to viable reusable options such as masks sold in glass jars, reusable makeup remover pads or biodegradable steel razors? Even our toothbrushes, which are among the worst culprits of plastic waste, can be exchanged for bamboo-style models to start a cleaner beauty routine.
5. Rethink your needs
Chances are you’re aware of the three Rs of waste management: reduce, reuse, recycle. But did you know there was an often-forgotten R? Refuse. Buy only what you need when you need it. Create a list of your essential eco-friendly beauty products and shop options that are available to you. Your wallet and the planet will thank you!
At ATTITUDE, our goal is to offer healthy and effective products that are designed from cruelty-free and clean ingredients to enhance your beauty routine. Checkout our website and discover our mission and assortment of body, hair, home and animal care products.
Sources
2. https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/the-new-plastics-economy-catalysing-action