1. Ditch the make-up wipes. Use a face oil and a muslin cloth instead.
Make-up wipes are predominantly made up of plastic, they can take up to 100 years to break down. Something that you use for thirty seconds to remove your make-up, will exist as pollution somewhere in the ocean or landfill for more than your lifetime. Does that really sound like it’s worth the convenience? The BBC reported that wet-wipes make up 93% of sewage blocks in the UK (BBC, 2018). They are also not really that great for your skin. Make-up wipes are soaked in harsh chemicals that strip your skin of its natural oils. There are other more sustainable alternatives. I personally use coconut oil and a muslin cloth. Coconut oil and other face oils are great at breaking down the make-up and are moisturising for the skin. Once you’ve rubbed the oil in your face, use a damp muslin cloth to wipe your face.
2. Use a bamboo toothbrush.
I use a bamboo toothbrush and I love it. I find it more comfortable to use, mine also has charcoal infused bristles, and I can visibly see a difference in the whiteness of my teeth. Charcoal is known for its natural whitening properties and its ability to draw out dirt. Toothbrushes account for a massive amount of plastic pollution. Bamboo toothbrushes are compostable and can last you longer than an ordinary plastic toothbrush. Once you’re done with your bamboo toothbrush, you simply pluck out the nylon bristles and toss the bamboo toothbrush in a composting bin. It will take about 6 months to break down.
3. Use a bar soap instead of shower gel.
This is the easiest way to cut down the use of plastic bottles. Bar soaps require little to no packaging and they also last longer. Aside from producing less waste, there are other benefits to using a bar soap. They are generally less preservatives in bar soap, preservatives aren’t necessarily bad for you but it’s always best to use products that are as natural as possible to ensure your skin stays happy and moisturised. Good quality bar soap is generally better for your skin and can be more moisturising because the main ingredients in them are oils and butters. However, the main ingredient in liquid soap is water. That is what keeps it in its liquid state, so you’re basically spending your money on mostly water rather than soap.
4. Buy products that have reusable or recyclable packaging
There are several beauty companies out there that have packaging that you can send back to the company where they wash and refill them. One company in the UK is The Beauty Kitchen, they also use sustainably sourced, all natural ingredients. You can buy their products at Holland and Barrett or online, once the bottle is empty, you can either take the bottle back to the shop, send it by post or refill it yourself at designated refill points around the country. Several brands nowadays also make a point to use recyclable packaging, this isn’t as effective as reusable and refillable packaging because a large amount of plastic that gets dumped in recycling, doesn’t end up getting recycled. Refillable bottles are a sure fire way of making sure that you’re not producing unnecessary waste. This is however not as common as recyclable packaging so as a start, look for products with recyclable packaging.
5. Use a double edge safety razor instead of disposable plastic razors
A double edge safety razor is a kind of razor that was used back in the day before disposable razors were a thing. A safety razor uses a double sided metal razor, the handle and the casing around the razor is made out of metal, so when the razor gets dull you simply switch out the razor for a new one. No plastic involved. Other than the lack of plastic, there are many benefits to using a safety razor including saving money, especially as a woman. Turns out women have been paying more than men for basic hygiene products just because they are targeted at women, there is no fundamental difference between any of these products but women still pay more. It’s called the pink tax. By switching to safety razor you absolve yourself this and you never have to buy a disposable razor again. In addition to this, they are said to give you a closer shave and reduces the chances of ingrown hair growth.
If you’re someone that is finding new ways to be more mindful of your individual impact on the environment, hopefully these tips are a help. Remember, you don’t have to dive straight in and switch out everything you use, just start somewhere and see how it goes. Good luck on your sustainable journey!
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