Many of us have already started making small changes in our everyday lives to help reduce the amount of waste we produce. Things like switching to a reusable tote bag or remembering your keep cup on the morning coffee run are now becoming the norm. However, when it comes to your beauty routine, waste can often be overlooked.
From shampoo and shower gel, to make-up and haircare, we tend to use lots of different products everyday which can add up to a huge amount of waste over time.
Some people think that making changes to reduce waste can be difficult, however, it’s easier than you think to make a few little swaps that can make a big difference to the environment.
So, without further ado, here are my 7 easy swaps for a zero-waste beauty routine.
1. Try Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Shampoo and conditioner bars are great alternatives to their bottled counterparts. With no packaging at all, the bars work just as well as the liquids. Although some bars can be slightly more expensive initially, they tend to last much longer so you get more bang for your buck and aren’t just pouring money down the drain!
2. Ditch the Face Wipes
Not only are face wipes bad for the environment, they are also bad for your skin! Many people don’t realise that face wipes are made from a type of plastic which makes them impossible to recycle. Instead, make the switch to reusable face pads. They are a great eco-friendly alternative and can easily be washed and reused again and again!
3. Switch to a Bamboo Toothbrush
One of the easiest ways to reduce waste is to switch to a bamboo toothbrush. Plastic toothbrushes can take up to 1000 years to break down in landfills, leaving behind dangerous micro-plastics in the process. Bamboo is a much more sustainable option as it can easily breakdown without impacting the environment.
4. Look for Products in Glass Bottles
Most moisturisers, cleansers and other face lotions tend to come in plastic bottles which are difficult to recycle. As an alternative, try looking for products that come in glass bottles. Glass is much easier to recycle and you can also refill and reuse them again.
5. Say Goodbye To Disposable Razors
Plastic disposable razors are particularly wasteful as they only last for a few uses and are incredibly difficult to recycle. Instead, why not try a metal safety razor? Not only do they look pretty as they are available in lots of different styles and colours, but they last ages and the blades can easily be replaced and recycled.
6. Lather Up With a Soap Bar
Earlier this year I made the decision to stop using bottled shower gel. Instead, I now use a good old-fashioned bar of soap! Soap bars are cheap, last ages and come in a huge range of lovely different scents. Look out for local soap makers in your area and support a small business at the same time!
7. Choose Bath Bombs
You can still enjoy a lovely relaxing bath without plastic waste by opting for bath bombs instead of bottled bubble bath. Places such as Lush stock bath bombs that are completely naked (packaging free) so this is a great way to eliminate another plastic bottle from your bathroom!
So, there you have it! 7 easy ways to help reduce waste in your beauty routine. Let me know if you have any other great tips on reducing waste by reaching out to me on social media.
To learn more about Amy’s passion for reducing waste through environmentally conscious products, make sure you visit Wasted World or @wastedworlduk.
Amy Bates is the author of Wasted World, a blog giving tips and advice on how to reduce your waste by switching to more eco-friendly products. Amy is dedicated to helping the environment and inspiring others to do the same. Follow Wasted World on Instagram @wastedworlduk.