Climate change is a serious global issue. Rising global temperatures are causing extreme weather all around the planet, with escalating economic and social consequences. Heat alone has cost billions of dollars in missed productivity.
For the previous five years, the average global temperature has been among the highest on record. There are many reasons for global warming, and one that is often overlooked is the beauty industry’s negative impact on the environment, such as:
- The rampant use of plastic materials, cosmetic packaging might take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills.
- Toxic chemicals in cosmetics which are washed down drains wind up in oceans, causing environmental damage and the extinction of aquatic life.
- Toxins that wind up in the soil can cause reproductive, genetic, and developmental abnormalities in livestock, as well as a variety of cancers.
- Natural resources are fast diminishing as brands add one or two natural components to cover other hazardous ones.
- Palm oil-based cosmetics contribute to deforestation and climate impact.
If you love cosmetics, you must already know that many beauty products are environmentally-damaging. But, as consumers, you have the power to change the narrative when it comes to discussions of beauty and global warming.
Become a Wise Beauty Consumer
While it is difficult to live a completely ethical and sustainable lifestyle, there are several things that you can do to decrease your carbon footprint as well as counteract your environmental impact by being more mindful of your purchase selections.
Fortunately, manufacturing companies have begun to practise environmental stewardship by employing packaging materials that represent the least amount of environmental danger. According to a 2017 poll, 24% of new beauty products come in eco-friendly packaging. Other industries are in the process of implementing more environmentally friendly packaging.
This article will look at sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices to help you become a better beauty consumer.
1. Use shampoo and conditioner bars
Plastic packaging winds up in the waters. Micro bacteria adhere to plastic and establish their ecosystems, which can cause death and harm to sea life.
You can use shampoo and conditioner bars as a sustainable alternative to replace liquids in plastic containers. Not only will you be doing your part in reducing plastic pollution, but you will also save money because shampoo and conditioner bars last longer than liquids.
2. Look for more environmentally friendly packaging
Most cosmetics packaging can’t be recycled because it’s made up of various plastics containing metals and glass (e.g., mirrors). That’s why it’s better to look for packaging that is made of sustainable packaging materials, such as glass, recycled/recyclable cardboard, or recyclable plastics.
Sustainable packaging items are made, distributed, and used in a way that does not harm the environment. This indicates that the packaging’s materials were sourced carefully and that the production process had a low carbon footprint.
In addition, these products can either be reused or recycled after they reach consumers. Finally, if they are released into the environment, they will degrade without accumulating.
3. Reduce, reuse, and recycle
While it’s difficult and impossible to completely eradicate the use of plastic, you can recycle and reuse them to lessen your environmental impact. For instance, empty cosmetic containers can be reused for other purposes or recycled according to your local council’s requirements to avoid ending up in landfills.
By reducing your cosmetics waste, reusing containers and other items before replacing them, and recycling items whenever you can, you get to help the environment significantly.
4. Reduce or eliminate the use of palm oil
If you need any more convincing about why it’s time to limit your palm oil consumption, consider that up to 300 football fields are cleared every hour to make way for palm plantations.
Therefore, it is best to avoid products that use palm oil and alternative sustainable options and look for beauty brands that have been certified vegan if you want to avoid using palm oil in your cosmetics routine completely.
5. Choose organic cosmetic products
There are many cosmetic companies out there who have jumped on the green movement, going above and beyond to reduce plastic waste and keep their packaging sustainable by sourcing and using organic and sustainable materials.
Millions of people want a greener, safer world; thus, eco-conscious brands are attracting a loyal following. As consumers, you have the power to choose products that care for not only your skin but also the environment. If you want to be a part of this advocacy, it’s time to become conscious consumers.
Final Thoughts
Making more sustainable decisions, in the end, boils down to being aware of the rapidly changing world you currently live in. Remember that you have the choice to slow down or contribute to reducing the effects of global warming by showing that you are mindful of your purchases.
Check out:Â 8 Eco-Friendly Tech Gadgets for Sustainable Homes
