These days, the environment and trying to be a responsible consumer is a hot topic.
And, as it should be, really. If we want to have a planet to live on, we need to start being more responsible and taking care of it. After all, we’ve only got one!
Unfortunately, trying to be more eco-friendly can mean making a lot of changes — including to your beauty routine. Here are 5 big mistakes that you’re probably making right now, and what you can do to fix it.
Your Glow Involves Glitter
Look, I know you already heard all the bad things about glitter. This sparkly stuff is made from plastic, and when it makes its way into the environment (by way of throwing makeup wipes in the trash, or washing it down the drain), these microplastics accumulate into big pollution. It eventually finds its way into the ocean, where it’s ingested by marine life and can build up in birds’ bellies.
Of course, the best solution to glitter woes is to not use the stuff. However, if you’re really itching to sparkle, you can find bio-glitter made from plant sources — specifically, eucalyptus cellulose.
It’s the only glitter proven to biodegrade into harmless particles in the natural environment. All those other eco-friendly sounding options, like cellophane-based glitter, PLA glitter, and even compostable glitter are not to be trusted! They won’t actually biodgrade in nature.
You’re Reaching for Disposable Makeup Wipes
Single-use makeup wipes are so convenient, which is why so many of us reach for them. They’re easy, they travel well, and they can live on your nightstand for evenings when you’re too tired to stand over the sink.
Unfortunately for all of us lazy — er, efficient — ladies, these disposable makeup removers are terrible for the environment. They’re often not biodegradable, contributing to overflowing landfills. Plus, they’re usually wrapped in plastic. If you’re using mountains of cotton balls or cotton pads, it’s just as bad.
Instead, try switching to washable, reusable pads to wipe the day’s makeup away. Or, switch to a micellar water that doesn’t even require wipes at all.
You Switch It Up a Lot
Are you always the first in line to try the latest and greatest products? Are you spending a small fortune on the latest, novelty color palette that’s been released, only to use one or two colors before moving on to the next?
This kind of throw-away mentality influenced by consumerism is so bad for the environment (not to mention, bad for your bank account!). After all, every product comes with some serious baggage, from the container it’s in all the way to the manufacturing process and the shipping materials it took to get it to the store.
It’s best to only add a new product to your routine once you’ve finished another one, instead of stockpiling and tossing piles of products.
You’re Tossing Empties in the Trash
While we’re talking about packaging, shipping, and manufacturing, we also need to talk about recycling. One of the biggest environmental offenders when it comes to beauty? Tossing stuff in the trash can.
When you toss empties in the trash, they’re winding up in landfills and oceans. You know what to do: make sure you’re recycling everything you can. If you don’t have dedicated recycling where you live or a go-to spot for dropping off recyclables, check out Terracycle.
Beauty brands have partnered up with the company to collect items from around the world and convert them into other products. Some companies, like Origins and MAC, will also take back their containers when empty.
You’re Purchasing Products From Unsustainable Brands
The worst sin when it comes to the beauty world, though, is purchasing products from unsustainable brands. While consumers are plenty responsible in their own right, corporations hold the most responsibility when it comes to trashing the environment. That’s why we need to make sure we’re supporting the right ones.
But how do you do that? As it turns out, the beauty world is full of vaguely worded promises and downright lies. I hate to tell you, but the only solution is to do your research.
Ensure that a brand is truly cruelty-free and against animal testing — the leaping bunny symbol is a great guarantee that it hasn’t been tested on animals. And, put down any product that contains phthalates, mercury, lead, toluene, or formaldehyde. These chemicals are some of the most damaging to our planet.
On top of that, look for sustainable brands that have thoughtful, eco-friendly packaging. Avoid styrofoam, cartons, and PVCs in packaging when possible. Instead, try looking for packaging that is recyclable, or even made from recycled material.
