Do you drop your empty shampoo, body wash, and moisturizer bottles in the recycling bin after use? Of course, you do! But, recycling used bottles is not enough to deal with toxic waste. Your bath and beauty products cost the environment in terms of plastic packaging and wraps, cardboard boxes, paper inserts, labeling, foam, and small glass mirrors. And, that’s only the beginning! For instance, that jar of night cream you absolutely need will probably take at least 1,000 years to degrade.
So, what can you do to lower this impact? Here are a few smart ideas that make you look fantastic and flaunt your commitment to the planet.
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1. Wear a Bracelet that Supports Ocean Clean-Up
Wear a Bead the Change charity bracelet, and you’ll contribute to an initiative dedicated to saving the environment. The organization works to harvest plastic and glass from the seas and use them as raw material to make gorgeous bracelets that you can wear every day. Each bead is crafted out of glass, while the cord is made with recycled plastic. The women of Ghana lovingly craft the bracelets, and the proceeds from the sales of the products provide a source of income for them. Designed for both men and women, this environmental cause bracelet is a perfect gift for friends, family, and colleagues who share your love for the planet.
2. Try Organic Skincare Products Made with Hemp Oil
The beauty and skincare industry is recognizing the toxic effects of microbeads added to cosmetics. Microscopic plastic fragments, fibers, and tiny particles enter the waterways and are swallowed by marine life. Eventually, all that plastic ends up on your plate. What if you could switch to organic, biodegradable products that won’t damage the environment as they travel down the drains to the open oceans? A good alternative is natural bath and beauty products made with hemp oil. The linoleic acid and oleic acids in hemp skincare are perfect for reversing signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. These natural ingredients nourish your skin and eventually break down without leaving a trace.
3. Cut Back on Your Use of Aerosols
Did you know that any kind of aerosols you use have the same impact as petroleum emissions? Studies have shown that hairsprays, perfumes, deodorants, and any other scented products delivered in aerosol form add to the “‘volatile organic compounds” (VOCs) in the air. When these particles interact with the air, they convert into toxic ozone and a compound called PM2.5 – both of which are exceedingly harmful if inhaled. You can make your own organic sprays at home by combining essential oils and ingredients like water and lemon juice. They work wonderfully well for hair setting and keeping away body odor.
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4. Choose Beauty Products Manufactured Sustainably
Before buying any cosmetics, check the label for its ingredients and the most critical item – palm oil. It might interest you to know that close to 50% of consumables use palm oil in their manufacturing processes. The alarming factor is that palm oil demand is resulting in rapid deforestation and the habitat loss of many animal, bird, and plant species. The extinction of various species is the fallout of our demand for beauty products. The exciting thing is that you can make your own creams and salves at home: mix glycerin and fragrant plant-based oils with rose water and herb or flower extracts. Apply on your skin to watch it glow. You can also make your own shampoo by mixing avocado oil, glycerin, essential oils, and castile soap.
5. Do Some Research on Harmful Chemicals in Store-Bought Sunscreen
Spend some time reading up about the chemicals in your favorite beauty brands and find out more about how they affect the environment. For instance, most sunscreens contain a chemical, oxybenzone. Studies have shown that this compound causes severe damage to coral reefs and the creatures that live in them. Make your own sunscreen by blending nature’s sun protection products namely, shea butter, aloe vera, and a carrier oil like olive, almond, or coconut. Apply every three hours and your skin will thank you by acquiring an enviable radiance. You can even use the blend as a makeup base.
Looking gorgeous need not take away from the beauty of the planet. Commit to going green by phasing out chemicals from your vanity. Make your own cosmetics at home by creating blends of plant-based ingredients. You won’t have to worry about allergic reactions or plastics entering the earth’s ecosystems. And, you might just find that each product gives your skin a fabulous glow and lends a psychological boost. It’s a win-win all the way!
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