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The global cosmetics industry produces 120bn units of packaging every year, majority of which isn't recyclable Click To Tweet Menstrual products are the 5th most common type of waste found on European beaches. Click To TweetWe’re back with another round of easy eco swaps for a more healthy, sustainable lifestyle and this week is all about health & beauty. If you’re an MUA in the making or an avid member of the #selfcareclub, chances are you feel most at home in the beauty aisle. Your bathroom cabinets are likely filled to the brim with makeup, skincare, and bathroom products that form part of an extensive 20-step beauty routine. However, the ever-growing demand for beauty is unfortunately also contributing to a substantial amount of water pollution and waste. The global cosmetics industry produces 120bn units of packaging every year, majority of which isn’t recyclable (The Guardian, 2019). Many common beauty products also contain harmful chemicals that run from our drains into the oceans, polluting marine ecosystems. With growing awareness of the beauty industry’s negative environmental and health impacts, a call for sustainable beauty might be just what the doctor ordered. While you might not be ready to part with all your favourite beauty products just yet, we’ve got some easy sustainable alternatives that will simplify your everyday beauty routine, improve your health and help the planet in the process.
1. Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Disposable cotton pads are something most of us use on a daily basis but they have a far more negative impact than we might think. To yield just 1kg of cotton, it can require up to 20,000 litres of water. Non-organic cotton also utilises harmful pesticides and fertilisers which are detrimental to the health of both humans and wildlife. One easy way to reduce the demand for single-use cotton is by switching to reusable makeup remover pads. Not only are they a far better choice for the environment, but they are also more cost-effective in the long run. Click here to shop them on Veo!
2. Bathroom Refills
Plastic packaging waste is a huge issue within the beauty industry. According to Plastic Oceans, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050 if significant changes are not made. Not only is marine wildlife being impacted by this, but much like mercury, the microplastics consumed by fish lower down the food chain are also bioaccumulating in the fish we consume in our own diets. One way that we can begin to reduce the need for packaging is by switching to brands that offer product refills and reusable packaging. Brands such as Milly & Sissy offer compostable refill packaging as well as British-made glass and aluminium bottles, making zero-waste self-care easier than ever. Check out their full range of products, here!
3. Menstrual Cups
An estimated 200,000 tonnes of sanitary waste go to landfill in the UK each year. Menstrual products are also the 5th most common type of waste found on European beaches. With statistics like these, it’s no wonder people are seeking out a more sustainable, plastic-free period. An easy swap you can make today to reduce your period waste is to ditch the pads and tampons and opt for a reusable menstrual cup instead. Brands like Grace & Green use natural, 100% organic ingredients that put safety first. Conscious on people and planet, you can check them out here!
4. Bamboo Toothbrushes
If you’re looking for a simple way to reduce your plastic usage without having to switch up your routine, swapping out your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one couldn’t be any easier. One of the main issues with conventional toothbrushes is that they usually contain different types of plastics that are difficult to recycle at regular recycling centres. This means they often end up getting discarded and ultimately sent to landfill. Bamboo is a sustainable resource with naturally antibacterial properties making it the perfect eco-friendly alternative for your dental routine. Check out BlueRock for a great selection of bamboo toothbrushes that are perfect for individuals and families alike.
Those are just a few easy eco swaps you can make to your daily routine to create a more healthy and sustainable lifestyle. For all your self-care needs, head to our health & beauty section to discover the amazing, clean, sustainable brands we have here on Veo. Be sure to read our previous post in this series for easy food and drink swaps, here!