We live in an age when everyone is carrying around hydroflasks and keep-cups to try and save our oceans from single-use plastics. But where we are so careful about not using plastic bottles and cups, why don’t we share the same principles when it comes to the products we use on our bodies?
Between 4.8 and 12.7 million tonnes of plastic enter our seas each year. No doubt the beauty industry contributes to this; most of us have a line of colourful bottles that line the shelves in our bathrooms and dressing tables that we use every day. But how can this be avoided?
Lush
Many of us probably haven’t stepped into Lush since it drove us into bankruptcy in year seven. But believe it or not, there’s a lot to be said for this pungent shop in the eco-friendly movement. Hoping to one day ‘reach the dream of Zero Waste’, green initiatives include asking customers to return their black pot packaging to be reused or recycled. They even opened their first packaging-free store in January of last year. As well as this, all their products are 100% vegetarian, ethically sourced and cruelty-free. Lush’s products are a great way to reduce our individual plastic use, such as their shampoo and conditioner ‘bars’, which have a range of products for different hair types. Although this option might be slightly more expensive than cheaper drugstore brands, they reportedly will last much longer and contain all the natural ingredients that will help nurture your hair!
Make your own
An obvious alternative to hair and face masks that come smothered in plastic is to make your own. Even better, this will be cheaper and most likely better for your hair and skin. Many hair and face masks contain alcohols and chemicals that will dry out your features rather than nourish them… always something to look out for when buying any beauty product! Cinnamon and honey can both act as antibacterials to reduce acne. Avocado and banana are both great for moisturising skin and oats or lemon juice will help give you that healthy glow. Just Coconut oil on its own can do wonders for your hair! There are a multitude of ingredients with different qualities for you to invent your own hair and face masks according to your own needs. It’s fun, cheap, sustainable and so much better for your body.
Reusable products
Another large contributor to landfill are single-use products that we use on our skin, such as makeup wipes, cotton buds and pads. These are now all available in reusable versions that can be put in the washing machine after use, or silicone ones that can just be wiped clean in the sink. The cotton pads I have conveniently come in a pack of 7, so it works in line with my weekly wash. Although they’re inevitably more expensive than a pack of disposables, they will last much longer and save money in the long run.
Being conscious about the environment is so important in the modern age, and it goes further than using metal straws and bamboo keep ups. Let’s all continue to try and reduce our plastic consumption as much as possible, while also caring for our skin and hair!