The topic of rising environmental pollution and related hazards is getting more and more common. Is there anything that we can do to remedy the situation? Of course we can. We just need to join the zero-waste enthusiasts and make slight changes to skin and hair care choices. The biggest changes are started off by people.
What does zero waste mean?
The idea of this movement (or a lifestyle for some people) can be summed up by the motto: zero trash, zero waste. The less waste is related to zero waste and it concentrates on reducing the production of wastes and environmental pollution. You can’t just stop producing any waste. Not straight away at least.
Is zero-waste skin and hair care possible?
Someone once said that impossible doesn’t exist and it’s true. If you really want to cut down on waste, you can do it.
Every drugstore product has its eco-friendly equivalent, plus you can replace dozens of conditioners, masks, serums and sprays with one hair oil (it just must be cold-pressed and not refined). There’s more to oils though! You can use the same oil for cleansing your face and pampering the skin all over your body.
Fewer gadgets, less trash
You should also think of the accessories you use because they are usually the biggest source of your trash – replace cotton pads with a multi-use makeup removing cloth and use e.g. a menstrual cup instead of sanitary naps.
Of course you need to introduce the zero-waste changes gradually because a sudden change of all habits is simply impossible. This results in nothing but feeling discouraged and overwhelmed.
Fun fact
Personal hygiene products make up the largest source of wastes. Most cosmetic wastes include cotton pads, swabs, pantyliners, toothbrushes, shaving razors, tissues, etc.
ZERO WASTE SKIN AND HAIR CARE. HOW TO START OFF?
Is there a way of aiding you in getting to the zero-waste level? Not just one, there are a few of tried and trusted tips!
1. Don’t go shopping. Use what you’ve got.
Generally speaking, when you make changes, you replace bad things with good things. In the case of zero-waste life, your main goal is not wasting anything so you should try to use up all products you’ve got at home. If you can’t use something because your skin reacts to it, don’t throw it out. Share it with your mom, sister, friend. It might work for them.
2. Think if you’ve got some products that can serve multiple purposes.
Zero waste beauty care isn’t just about less waste – you also spend less money and time. You think you need seperate products for the eye area, skin on the neck, hands, feet and lips? You don’t! Learn how to find multi-purpose cosmetics – a natural moisturizing lotion works for the body and delicate face skin, and if you enrich it with coffee grounds, you’ve got an anti-cellulite scrub for free!
3. Appreciate the power concealed in natural oils.
Cold-pressed, unrefined, 100% organic oil is a beauty HIT! Not only because it’s all-natural and skin-friendly. Above all oils are in line with the zero waste philosophy. You can use one argan oil for hair, face, body and nails, to cleanse the skin, remove makeup, massage the body, etc. If you try hard, you can replace 90% of your cosmetics with a natural oil (one you like).
4. Search for eco-friendly products. Not just amongst cosmetics.
Instead of makeup removers, cotton pads and tissues, go for a muslin cloth. Not only is it environmentally-friendly but also works for multiple uses. Plus it removes the most resistant makeup and you can re-use it after rinsing it with water and drying it. You can do the same by choosing a reusable razor.
5. Choose products made from biodegradable materials.
Zero waste isn’t only about not producing waste – if we can’t eliminate the trash fully, we can produce the wastes that are friendly to the environment. What does that mean in practice? A bamboo toothbrush instead of plastic one, wooden or bamboo Q-tips instead of ones made from synthetics.
6. Instead of buying cosmetics – DIY!
Making your own beauty products on the basis of oils, food ingredients and semi-finished products is a way of expressing your respect to the environment. You don’t produce waste because the product isn’t packed in a plastic container. Moreover, you can suit the products to your needs – total customization. What’s the most important, making DIY cosmetics is simply fun!
