5 Easy Ways to Make Your Beauty Habits More Sustainable January 21, 2020
As a beauty-lover, I often feel I pang of guilt at how my unsustainable purchasing patterns and personal care habits are affecting the environment around me – and I’m not alone in my thoughts. Research conducted by the leading market research group, Mintel, indicates that sustainability is a growing concern amongst millennial consumers. But what can we do to reduce our environmental impact?
There are many ways we can implement changes to make our Beauty and Personal Care routines more sustainable.
Helpful Sustainability Vocabulary
- Biodegradable: a term which refers to a product’s ability to break down naturally in the environment via bacteria or other living organisms; note: in the US, this term is not regulated, so many brands can falsely claim they sell biodegradable products
- Single-Use: a term that refers to a product which may be used once before being thrown out. Examples include Q-Tips, plastic plates, makeup remover wipes
- Sustainable: products that are eco-conscious and focused on maintaining ecological balance through ethical and biodegradable ingredient sourcing that avoids natural resource overconsumption
5 Easy Ways to Make Your Beauty Habits More Sustainable
1 | Ask for samples to avoid returning cosmetics or skincare products
This first suggestion pertains more to my American friends, given that not all countries allow makeup to be returned. Also, I don’t think anyone should feel guilty for returning a product that doesn’t work for him or her OR for returning a product that produced an allergic reaction.
However, I recommend taking steps to ensure that you’ll enjoy a product before you purchase it. More specifically, try to ask for free samples of cream or liquid products whenever possible. By trying a sample product, you are better able to assess whether you like a formula or whether a shade will work for you.
Why are returns wasteful? Simply put, retailers cannot resell any returned beauty products. Therefore, these items end up in the trash. Moreover, the rising popularity of dumpster diving has caused many beauty retailers to destroy products before they toss them into the trash.
Don’t be afraid to ask for samples!
2 | Avoid aerosol-based facial sprays and hairsprays
Traditionally, aerosol sprays contained ingredients that depleted the ozone layer. While aerosols sold in the US are prohibited, not all countries prohibit these types of aerosols. More importantly, aerosol sprays are be difficult to recycle. In fact, not all recycling centers in the US can properly break these down.
3 | Consider trying plastic-free personal care products
I love that brands like LUSH are pioneering a new genre of entirely plastic-free beauty products. Shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars are more environmentally friendly than their packaged alternatives. Also, they are a non-irritating option for individuals with ultra sensitive scalps. Finally, they are handy for anyone who travels frequently, but doesn’t want to check a a bag.
LUSH Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar
4 | Try bamboo toothbrushes and plant or silk-based dental floss
How many of us think about how our toothbrushes and dental flosses are made entirely out of plastic? I know that I didn’t actually think about my toothbrush waste until this year. However, there are some awesome bamboo-based and silk-based dental flosses on the market.
Pure Silk Eco Floss is a Plastic-Free Dental Floss Solution in Reusable Packaging
5 | Purchase Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Did you know that many sunscreens can contribute to coral bleaching? More specifically, the ingredient, Oxybenzone, is a known contributor to coral bleaching. Click here to read more about the impact of sunscreen on coral reefs.
REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 is a Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Want to go beyond these 5 easy sustainable beauty swaps? Check out this post featuring brands that reward you for recycling.
Considerations Before Making the Swap
Having a passion or sudden interest in making sustainable swaps is a wonderful feeling, but there are definite considerations to keep in mind before making any transitions:
Research, Research, Research
Before you buy any new, sustainable goods, conduct your own research to figure out what brands or products will be easiest to incorporate into your lifestyle.
Lookout for Green-washing
In the US, many terms such as “sustainable,” “biodegradable,” “natural,” and “organic” aren’t officially regulated which means that major corporations can use these terms to advertise their products without offering a solution that is actually better for the environment.
Be Price-Conscious
In other words, don’t spend beyond your means. Sustainable options are often more expensive than more traditional goods because they are investments that will last a long time. Although it may be tempting to make sustainable purchases all at once, don’t spend beyond your means.
Assess About What is Feasible For You
Think about your abilities and your lifestyle. Deep down, if you know in your heart-of-hearts that something won’t be a good fit for you, don’t buy it.
First, Use What You Own
Before investing in sustainable goods, it is much better to use up what you already own. Do not just toss out the less sustainable alternative in order to purchase something new. For example, if you already own a ton of single-use cotton rounds, use up what you own. Then, incorporate your new sustainable alternatives into your routine.
Takeaways on the 5 Easy Ways to Make Your Beauty Habits More Sustainable
As always, don’t send yourself on a guilt trip if you don’t follow all of these tips. Even a small change can help to reduce your environmental impact.
Let’s connect on social media: Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ | Influenster
Did you find this post with my 5 easy sustainable beauty swaps helpful? Check out the previous post in this series or the first sustainable swap post in this series!
Disclaimer: Please note, I recognize that these sustainable swaps or alternative ways of doing things may not be viable for everyone due to personal finances or ability-status. I am in no way passing judgment on anyone’s habits or purchases but sharing this post to inspire those who can make more sustainable choices.
Have you tried any of these 5 Easy Ways to Make Your Beauty Habits More Sustainable or would you consider making any of these swaps in the future? Let me know in the comments below.
beauty beauty routine eco-friendly beauty makeup plastic pollution reduce plastic waste sustainability sustainable beauty sustainable beauty swaps sustainable swaps wellness
Jyoti says
January 21, 2020 at 7:32 amThese are really very nice and easy beauty swaps! Thanks for sharing! Wonderful Post! Have a great day!
Allurerage
Rampdiary
jennifertarheelreader says
January 21, 2020 at 8:51 amSuper helpful, as always, LP, and you gave me lots of new ideas of things to look for. I’m definitely interested in this topic.
mylilsliceoflife says
January 21, 2020 at 9:23 amThese are definitely some helpful tips but I do wish that some of these more sustainable items could be a little less expensive but I do try when I can. 🙂 ♥
genevaannn says
January 21, 2020 at 10:48 amThis was a helpful post! I’m happy to see there is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional dental floss.
The Newbury Girl says
January 25, 2020 at 1:55 pmMe too because I *literally* never considered the fact that I was using waxy plastic to clean my teeth. Hopefully more brands will offer alternatives like this.
Rosie Culture says
January 21, 2020 at 11:24 amI’ve really been trying to live greener! Shampoo/conditioner bars are the next leap I need to take, I’ve been putting it off for too long.
Chrystal says
January 21, 2020 at 11:45 amSo helpful. I just love your beauty posts ! Thank you for sharing
The Sacred Space AP says
January 21, 2020 at 3:06 pmThese are fantastic and extremely helpful tips for anyone trying to be more eco friendly.
I ensure all my products are vegan and either made for recycled products, no or minimal recyclable packaging and have alot of natural ingredients. Chemicals is something I have really tried to ban with my beauty products like deodorant and toothpaste etc.
Thank you for sharing!
Alyssa
The Sacred Space AP
The Newbury Girl says
January 25, 2020 at 1:52 pmI’m glad that so many brands are jumping on the trend to provide clean beauty free from harsh chemicals and fully vegan ingredients! I hope that more of my collection will be comprised by brands like this moving forward.
D65 says
January 22, 2020 at 3:07 pmHey there 🙂 I have linked you in the 15 Day Blogging Challenge wrap up that has finished now. I have listed your blog, as well as provided a thank you for all your contributions to the challenge. I hope you have a lovely day, thank you so much for being a part of the challenge 🙂
The Newbury Girl says
January 25, 2020 at 1:49 pmThank you so much! 💜
Alex Grace says
January 23, 2020 at 2:10 pmThis is so helpful – I love the tips you’ve shared especially about the trial products, really smart! I used to work for a beauty retailer and have seen first hand the amount that has to be binned if returned. Trying before committing to buying is not just good for the planet, it’s good for your bank balance too! Thanks for sharing x
The Newbury Girl says
January 25, 2020 at 1:48 pmI agree with you – I’ve worked at retailers that sold beauty products, too, and it always made me feel so sad to see products being trashed after someone used something one time.
Call me a Dreamer says
January 24, 2020 at 6:41 amBeing environmentally friendly and more aware of how we affect the nature, the environment I decided to switch this year to reusable cotton rounds to remove my makeup. But i still have a stash of one time use cotton rounds and some makeup wipes which i will slowly use up when I go on a trip or something because just throwing it away wouldn’t benefit anyone. Small steps, one at a time 😊
Great post
The Newbury Girl says
January 25, 2020 at 1:28 pmI agree with you that part of our job to be sustainable is not to waste what we have and I did something very similar. I purchased a huge bulk bag of cotton rounds last year, and I cut them into 3rds to get even more use out of them … and then once I finished them, I started using my reusable ones more regularly. I have 2 of the makeup eraser cloths too and they work wonders!!
lifeofshar says
January 26, 2020 at 1:04 pmThe vocabulary tips was very helpful! Asking for samples is a great idea, especially because if product doesn’t work for someone and they cant return it, they would just throw it out and then thats a waste. Who even need aerosol sprays anymore?haha! Lush’s shampoo tins are great! I did not know that about Suncream so I will be a lot more careful now! This was a great post and really really helpful!! x
The Newbury Girl says
February 7, 2020 at 9:02 pmI’ve been having the hardest time with finding sunscreens that do it all without damaging the environment!! I’m hoping to do a roundup that compares different reef safe options!
PoojaG says
January 26, 2020 at 1:21 pmReally great post I’ve been looking for more sustainable products!
The Newbury Girl says
February 7, 2020 at 9:00 pmI’m always on the hunt for ways I can be more sustainable especially given how many beauty products I buy. I try to make up for that bad habit in other ways!
Simone | Beautymone says
January 30, 2020 at 9:33 amSuch a great post! I think it’s so important to all make some small changes in order to be more sustainable. I also bought a Lush shampoo bar which I think is great and I really want to ask for samples more often so I can try before I buy 😊
The Newbury Girl says
February 7, 2020 at 5:10 pmI really need to do the same – I would like to try a new foundation at Sephora (the Bite Beauty one) so I think I will ask for a sample before I buy it!
rinoagreengirl says
June 7, 2020 at 5:28 amNice post! I like it a lot!
Especially spreading awareness on reef safe sunscreen is really great!
You might want to check out the sunscreen from Badger as well 🙂
https://greenoa.home.blog/2019/09/29/review-badger-sunscreen/
Stay safe and keep up the great blogging.