Sun protection essentials should be a top priority when it comes to your daily beauty routine. However, being eco-friendly doesn't stop there. It's important to not only protect your skin from harmful UV rays but also consider the impact your beauty products have on the environment. Here's how to go green with your beauty routine:
Use Natural Ingredients
Introducing natural ingredients into your beauty routine can provide a range of benefits not only for your skin but also for the environment. Natural ingredients are plant-based and free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances commonly found in conventional beauty products. These harsh ingredients can pollute water sources and harm marine life. Using natural ingredients is not only gentler on your skin but also on the environment.
Benefits of Natural Ingredients
Natural ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile can soothe and hydrate the skin, preventing inflammation and irritation. Natural ingredients also contain antioxidants that can protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays.
Common Natural Ingredients Used in Beauty Products
Some common natural ingredients you can look out for in beauty products include:
- Lavender oil
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Honey
- Jojoba oil
- Tea tree oil
- Almond oil
- Olive oil
How to Check If a Product Contains Natural Ingredients
When checking labels, look out for certain buzzwords such as "organic," "all-natural," and "plant-based." However, be wary of greenwashing, where companies use vague or misleading claims to appear more environmentally friendly than they are.
DIY Recipes Using Natural Ingredients
DIY beauty recipes can be a fun and cost-effective way to incorporate natural ingredients into your routine. Some easy and eco-friendly DIY recipes include:
- Coconut oil and sugar scrub
- Aloe vera face mask
- Green tea toner
- Lemon and baking soda teeth whitener
- Avocado hair mask
Avoid the Use of Microbeads
Microbeads are tiny plastic beads commonly found in exfoliating products. These beads are too small to be filtered out by water treatment plants and end up polluting water sources and harming marine life. Avoid using products that contain microbeads and look for natural alternatives such as jojoba beads or sugar.
Choose Sustainable Packaging
Choosing sustainable packaging options can also reduce your environmental footprint. Many conventional beauty products come in plastic packaging that can take hundreds of years to decompose. Sustainable packaging options are made from eco-friendly materials and can be recycled or composted.
Why Sustainable Packaging Matters
Sustainable packaging reduces waste and conserves resources. It reduces the demand for virgin plastic and other non-renewable materials used in traditional packaging. Choosing sustainable packaging also supports companies that adhere to environmentally responsible practices.
Types of Sustainable Packaging Options
Sustainable packaging options include:
- Glass jars and bottles
- Paperboard containers
- Cornstarch-based plastics
- Bamboo or cork packaging
Brands with Sustainable Packaging Initiatives
Brands that have sustainable packaging initiatives include:
- Lush
- Seed Phytonutrients
- The Body Shop
- Glasshouse Fragrances
How to Dispose of Eco-Friendly Packaging
To properly dispose of eco-friendly packaging, check the recycling symbols on the packaging. Some packaging can be recycled, while others can be composted. By disposing of eco-friendly packaging properly, you can ensure it has a second life.
Support Companies with a Strong Environmental Record
Supporting companies that have a strong environmental record can also make a difference. Look out for brands that have taken initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and have environmentally responsible practices. By supporting these companies, you can send a message that you value sustainability and the environment.