More and more people are becoming sustainability-conscious, and for a good reason. With the acceleration of climate change, it’s more important than ever to live in ways that don’t contribute to the destruction of mother nature.
This idea might seem challenging, but there are small changes everyone can make in their everyday lives that can add a significant difference. One area where you can start incorporating this practice is your beauty routine. Keep reading to find out why and how.
Why Incorporate Sustainability Into Your Beauty Routine?
There are a few reasons you should start being more conscious about the products you use and how they affect the environment. For one thing, the beauty industry is a significant polluter. The packaging alone creates a lot of waste—not just regular ol’ trash waste, but hazardous waste that harms the environment and human health.
According to the Environmental Working Group, the average woman uses 12 personal care products daily, exposing herself to 168 unique chemicals before leaving the house. And those chemicals don’t just stay on the body; they ultimately end up in the waterways, where they wreak havoc on aquatic ecosystems.
In addition to being bad for the environment, many conventional beauty products also harm your health. Synthetic fragrances, for example, often contain Phthalates—chemicals linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer. So not only are conventional beauty products harming the planet, but they’re also harming your health.
On the other hand, sustainable beauty products tend to be made with natural ingredients that are better for you and the environment. When you switch to sustainable beauty products, you can feel good knowing you’re doing your part to care for the planet and your health.
How To Incorporate Sustainability Into Your Beauty Routine
Ready to make the switch to a sustainable beauty routine? Here are some tips on how to get started:
Do your research
When looking for sustainable beauty products, it’s best to do your best to buy from brands that have transparency regarding their ingredients and manufacturing processes. Also, look for brands that are certified organic or fair trade—these certifications ensure that both people and the planet are treated fairly during all stages of production.
Many beauty brands are now embracing sustainability by using eco-friendly packaging, biodegradable materials, and natural ingredients. So, there’s no shortage of good sustainable options out there. By doing your research, you’ll be able to find products that fit your values and needs.
DIY beauty treatments
You don’t have to buy fancy products to make a difference. Many natural ingredients, such as honey and aloe vera, can create effective beauty treatments at home. You can also repurpose items like coffee grounds and used tea bags for exfoliants and masks.
If you’re unsure how to make these treatments, there are plenty of DIY recipes online. You can visit a DIY website that focuses on ethical and sustainable beauty or look up recipes in books dedicated to natural beauty. Many of these books provide directions for creating treatments from ingredients you can find in your kitchen.
By making your beauty treatments at home, you’ll be reducing your waste and saving money in the process. Plus, you can customize treatments to suit your specific needs. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Use less
Another easy way to incorporate sustainability into your beauty routine is by using fewer products. Using the right amount of product is essential to avoid waste and unnecessary use of resources.
Also, don’t forget that your skin needs time to breathe. Consider taking a break from makeup now and then or cutting back on how often you wash your hair to keep it healthy. Remember, too much of a good thing can be bad for you and the planet. So, be mindful of your consumption and use only what you need.
Start slow
You don’t need to replace all your beauty products overnight. Start slowly by replacing one or two items at a time with more sustainable options. For example, try switching to an organic option if you usually use conventional shampoo and conditioner. Or, if you usually wear foundation, try changing to mineral powder instead.
Rushing into a fully sustainable routine may be overwhelming and expensive. Taking it one step at a time is the best way to ensure you stay motivated and on track.
By making minor changes to your beauty routine, you can make a big difference for the planet. Once you get into the habit of using more sustainable products, you’ll be making a positive impact on the environment without sacrificing your beauty regimen. So, give it a try, and you’ll be on your way to a greener beauty routine.
