Taking care of yourself and your home in an eco-friendly way is easier than you think. Small changes to your self-care and cleaning routines can make a big difference for the environment. Here are some tips for greening your beauty regime and household cleaning.
Reduce Waste from Packaging
The beauty industry generates a lot of plastic waste from packaging. Here are some ways to cut down:
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Seek out brands that use recycled and recyclable materials for their bottles, jars, tubes, etc. Glass, aluminum, and PCR plastic are better than virgin plastic.
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Look for products with less packaging overall. Bar soaps and shampoos have less packaging than bottled liquids.
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Buy in bulk when possible to reduce the number of containers.
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Choose reusable options – think reusable cotton rounds and facial pads instead of disposable ones.
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Avoid miniature/sample sizes as these create excess trash.
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Recycle containers properly when finished with a product.
Use Natural Skincare Ingredients
Many conventional skincare products contain harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. These can irritate skin and may have harmful health effects. Luckily, there are lots of natural, eco-friendly skincare options:
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Plant oils like coconut, jojoba, and argan oil hydrate skin without chemicals.
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Try natural serums with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
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Mineral makeup avoids irritants and synthetic dyes found in conventional makeup.
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Natural bar soaps, especially those without palm oil, are gentle and plastic-free.
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DIY skincare can be cheap and fun! Whip up your own sugar scrubs, face masks, and more.
Adopt a Green Hair Care Routine
Making your hair care routine more eco-friendly takes just a few simple swaps:
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Opt for shampoo & conditioner bars over bottled products – they last longer and prevent plastic waste.
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Use natural hair care brands that avoid sulfates, parabens, silicones, and other harsh chemicals.
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DIY hair masks and treatments with ingredients like avocado, coconut oil, or honey are natural options.
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Skip mainstream hair dyes laden with toxins – try natural henna or plant-based dyes instead.
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Reduce energy use by air drying hair when possible rather than blow drying.
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Recycle empty hair care product bottles through Terracycle or at specialized salons.
Go Green with Your Cleaning Supplies
Harsh chemical cleaners are terrible for the planet. Here are some eco-friendly swaps for every room:
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For flooring, use plant-based soap along with a broom and mop instead of chemical cleaners.
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Baking soda, vinegar, lemon and other kitchen staples make excellent natural surface cleaners and degreasers.
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Trade conventional laundry detergent for an eco-friendly brand or make your own detergent from soap nuts or castile soap.
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Microfiber cloths clean naturally with just water, eliminating the need for chemical cleaners.
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Plant-based dish soaps wash dishes without leaving toxic residue or harming waterways.
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For toilets, scrub with a pumice stone and use non-chlorine bleach or vinegar-baking soda solutions.
With a few easy swaps to your self-care and home care routines, you can remove harsh chemicals from your life and reduce plastic waste. Greening your beauty and cleaning leaves you and the planet a little healthier.
