The beauty industry is a major contributor to plastic pollution. In fact, it's estimated that the industry produces over 120 billion units of plastic packaging every year. That's a lot of plastic!
If you're looking to reduce your environmental impact, one easy way to do so is to go plastic free with your cosmetics. Here are five tips to help you get started:
1. Find plastic free alternatives to your favourite products.
There are now many plastic free alternatives available for all sorts of cosmetics, from shampoo and conditioner to makeup and skincare products.
For example, you can switch from a liquid moisturiser in a plastic bottle to a solid moisturiser bar that comes with minimal or zero packaging. A quick online search will turn up a variety of options to choose from.
2. Refill your old cosmetics.
Many brands now offer refill programs for their products – including some high street retailers! This is a great way to reduce waste and save money, so make sure to look out for brands that offer cosmetics refills.
3. Buy from plastic free companies.
There are a number of companies, like Stript Cosmetics, that make a point of using sustainable packaging. These companies use sustainable packaging materials, such as glass, metal, and cardboard. This helps to keep plastic out of our environment and landfills.
4. Reuse and upcycle your old cosmetics.
If you can't find a plastic free alternative to your favourite product, or if you're not ready to give it up entirely, there are still ways to reduce the environmental impact of your cosmetics.
For example, you can reuse your old makeup containers to store other items, or you can upcycle them into something new, like a jewellery holder or a plant pot.
5. Recycle your used cosmetics packaging.
These many cosmetics recycling points in the UK where you can take your empties to be recycled into something new. You can find a list of all the participating stores on the websites of the individual companies.
In addition to these in-store recycling points, there are also a number of mail-back recycling programs available. These programs allow you to recycle your empty cosmetics and personal care products from the comfort of your own home.
Going plastic free with your cosmetics is a small change that can make a big difference. By following these tips, you can help to reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment.
Here are some additional tips for going plastic free with your cosmetics:
- Bring your own reusable containers when you go shopping. This way, you can avoid buying products that come in single-use packaging.
- Support local businesses. Local businesses are often more likely to use sustainable packaging than larger corporations.
- Ask questions. When you're shopping for cosmetics, ask the salesperson about the packaging. They may be able to point you to products that are packaged in a more sustainable way.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce plastic pollution and make a difference for the environment.