Sometimes it’s the most ordinary things, like beauty products, that are often overlooked as a valid way to make an eco-friendly impact.
You may ask, “Just what does my fruity-smelling, sparkling, scrubby, bubbly shower soap have to do with the planet?” For starters, soaps, shampoos, facial cleansers, body moisturizers, and bits of makeup are all being washed down the drain and into the water system. From there, the run-off is deposited into the rivers and oceans where fish swim and other important environmental cycles take place. Dirty water does go through a treatment process, but those processes don’t get rid of a lot of the chemicals left behind.
Haste makes waste
Before grabbing that bejeweled box, stop for a moment and think:
How many layers of paper, plastic and glue does it takes to wrap up one jar? Where will all those materials go once you throw that bottle of beautifying magic away? Will the packaging bio-degrade, be recycled, or just sit around for years taking up more space and leeching toxins into the earth?
The good news is that it’s becoming easier to find products encased in environmentally friendly packaging. Many companies, both large and small, are making major strides to shift towards responsibly packaged goods. They’re working with manufacturing plants that use renewable energy sources, and don’t dump their pollutants onto the earth. Next time you shop, keep these tips in mind:
- Go for a product with the least amount of packaging possible.
- Get containers that you can refill with bulk sizes of things, like soap and shampoo, to cut down on waste.
- Avoid plastic bottles with the numbers 3, 6, and 7 on the bottom, which are loaded with BPAs (Bisphenol A).
The skin you’re in
Remember how we said that there were chemicals being leeched into the water supply from personal care products? Well, those same non-eco-friendly substances sit on your skin anywhere from several seconds to several hours every day, and that’s not very body-friendly.
You can save your skin and the planet at the same time by choosing products that are healthier all the way around. Take a look at Green Beauty 101, for more on why this is so important.
Greening Up
You can use this website to find all of our experts’ non-toxic, planet-friendly, body-loving beauty products.
Get excited! You have the power to make choices that help keep your body and the earth beautiful today and for years to come!
Photo: Hani Amir
Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Green Beauty Team, Kristen Arnett has been immersed in the world of beauty for over 15 years, with roles ranging from product development to a career as an international makeup artist. She uses only the best in natural, organic, green makeup and skincare for her high-profile fashion and celebrity clientele.
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