It's no secret that our environment is in trouble, but luckily there are small things you can do to help, like adopting a sustainable beauty routine [1]. By swapping out your one-use products or choosing to purchase things with less packageing, you can keep plastic out of landfills. According to National Geographic, some kinds of plastics can take up to 400 years to decompose [2], making it one of the most harmful material to the environment.
If you're eager to do your part to avoid more waste, we've gathered up a few tips and swaps to make it easy. From using products made of bamboo, (which according to Scientific American can grow up to four feet a day [3] with almost no water, fertilizer, or pesticides) to starting to only pick reusable products — you can find easy ways to help the environment. While we recommend checking your local stores for sustainable products (to limit your carbon footprint), ahead you'll find products to make your routine more sustainable.
Makeup Eraser for Makeup Remover Wipes
Instead of buying pack after pack of makeup wipes that don't biodegrade, invest in a reusable product. Not only is it great for your bank account, but it's much more sustainable [4]. The Original Makeup Eraser [5] ($20) can remove your makeup easily after you wet it in the sink.
Purchase Refill Packs Instead of New Bottles
Many brands sell refills of your favourite products at a lower cost. Not only do products like the L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil Refill [6] ($36) save you money, but they also use less plastic than when you toss out your body wash bottle and purchase a new one.
Reusable Cotton Rounds Instead of Disposable Ones
You can even use the machine-washable Natural Cotton Reusable Rounds [7] ($11) to apply your serums and toners, instead of throwing out a few a day.
Go Bamboo Whenever Possible
Swap your plastic tooth brushes for a sustainable one made of bamboo like the GoWoo 100% Natural Bamboo Soft Toothbrushes [8] ($13 for 4).
Large Square Bamboo Paddle Brush
Consider purchasing a Large Square Bamboo Paddle Brush [9] ($8) instead of a plastic one the next time you need a new hair tool.
Bamboo Cotton Swabs
While you might want to still purchase disposable cotton swabs for sanitary reasons, the Bamboo Cotton Swabs [10] ($6) are a sustainable biodegradable alternative.
Purchase Items With Less Packageing
The Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water Shampoo + Conditioner Bar [11] ($5) is encased in less packageing than a traditional shampoo (which usually is held in a plastic bottle).