Plastic waste is becoming a huge problem in our society. Saving the turtles seems to have died down as a mainstream environmental movement, but seriously, our reliance on single-use plastic may be one of the most damaging habits to have when it comes to the health of our planet. If you’re like me, you probably want to do your part to encourage sustainability. Too many self-care products are packaged in plastic and thrown out monthly, weekly or even daily. If you’re looking to reduce your plastic waste, here are 10 easy switches to make for products you are already using.
- Exfoliating Body Brush
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One staple that has been a part of my self-care routine for years is a loofah. It is recommended to replace your loofah every month. That’s a lot of plastic netting being thrown out every 30 days. Loofahs are great for exfoliation, but a plastic free substitute is an exfoliating body brush. They are wooden with natural bristles making them a great way to get smooth, glowing skin, all while helping preserve the planet.
- cardboard packaged Deodorant
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Deodorant is definitely a self-care product that we need in our routine. Everyone wants to smell fresh even after your Group Ex class at McComas. Thankfully, there’s a way to stay smelling great without single-use plastic. Many brands nowadays have begun packaging their deodorants in cardboard. Same application, same great smell, but now with a happier Earth. You can try zero-waste focused brands such as Ethique or Meow Meow Tweet, but even trusted deodorant brands like Secret are beginning to make the switch.
- refillable Body wash
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When washing up with my favorite body wash, I started to feel guilty about how many plastic bottles I was throwing out. Of course, the easiest alternative to the plastic packaging of body wash, is a good ol’ bar of soap. If that’s not your thing, don’t fret. You can purchase body wash refills and a reusable bottle. Admittedly, this one is not completely plastic-free, but it does eliminate single-use plastic. These body wash refills are in a concentrated powder form in paper envelopes, so you just tear them open and add them to your bottle with water and mix. Try Blueland and their 3 scents: Waterlily Dew, Coconut Milk and Sandalwood Sage.
- biodegradable floss picks
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Floss picks create even more plastic waste than a traditional roll of floss. If you prefer floss picks to string floss, this is great news for you. Floss picks designed out of biodegradable materials are now available, and I can attest that they work just as well as their plastic counterparts. There’s no better time to show off those pearly whites than when you’re happy to be helping the environment. My favorite brands are Clean Idea and Happy Eco.
- shampoo bars
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Shampoo bars are probably one of the more well-known plastic free self-care products, and it’s for good reason. Shampoo bars often last longer than liquid shampoo. You can find a shampoo bar for any hair type: curly or straight, dry or oily. They even make shampoo bars for sensitive scalps. Not to mention they come in endless scents. Shampoo bars are a great starter product for those just dipping their toes into the plastic-free world. Ethique is a great brand, but shampoo bars are widely available, so I recommend trying a few different brands such as the bar pictured below to see what works for you.
- compostable lip balm
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This is the perfect product for anyone that needs to have lip balm on them at all times. I carry it in my bag, car, purse, you name it. Similar to cardboard deodorants, lip balm is sold in tubes made from eco-friendly materials that can be composted after use. A few brands to try are Bee Balm and Ethique.
- toothpaste tabs
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Some toothpaste companies have introduced recyclable-plastic packaging, but we can do even better. Considering we are already replacing and disposing of our plastic toothbrushes every couple of months, toothpaste tabs in place of plastic toothpaste tubes can make a big difference. Toothpaste tabs are a solid form of toothpaste that are often sold in metal, glass or paper packaging. To use a toothpaste tab, you simply chew it and brush with water. Try out Huppy, the brand featured below, or Bite.
- glass bottle skincare
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Skincare products packaged in glass bottles or jars with aluminum screw lids can be purchased to reduce plastic waste. This includes facial cleansers, serums, scrubs, masks, toners and more. The next time you are stocking up on all of those products that keep your skin happy, consider making the switch to glass packaging where possible. Andrea’s Organic Market on Etsy has a wide range of products.
- bamboo hairbrush
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Plastic hairbrushes don’t last forever. Their bristles often break off and are thrown away. Eventually, the whole brush needs to be replaced. Hairbrushes with a bamboo handle and bristles are a much more sustainable option. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world and can replenish itself quickly after harvesting, making it a great material for eco-friendly products.
- solid perfume
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For years, I have been a Bath and Body Works customer. I love adding new scents to my routine, so instead of purchasing expensive perfumes, I have collected their body sprays. I no longer want to consistently throw out the plastic bottles they are packaged in, but that doesn’t mean giving up affordable perfume. Glass perfume bottles are an easy eco-friendly alternative– however, they can be pricey. Solid perfumes are natural waxes or butters fragranced with oils and packaged in tins or jars. Lush has lots of solid perfume scent options for $16.50 each.
