The 17th June is Plastic Free Beauty Day, created to educate consumers about how they can reduce their use of plastics and challenge misconceptions around recycled plastics. The global beauty industry produces a shocking 142 billion units of packaging every year which, as we are aware, has a negative impact on the environment. There are many things that you can do to help reduce your plastic use in your beauty products however, some of which may surprise you!
Swapping plastic products for non-plastic alternatives
The past few years has seen an increasing amount of plastic free alternatives become readily available. A few simple swaps is all it takes to make a big difference, without compromising on performance. Why not try the following:
- Swap a plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush
- Swap single-use wipes for a reusable cloth
- Swap liquid soaps for bars of soap
- Swap plastic cotton buds for bamboo cotton buds
- Swap a plastic hairbrush for a PCR (Post-consumer resin) or bamboo hairbrush
What if my products need to come in bottles or jars?
Many brands are getting on board with reducing the use of single use plastics these days and are packaging their liquid products in glass bottles and jars, or those made from recycled plastic. There is also an increasing trend in refillable products where you can purchase the bottle or jar once and then buy refills for when you run out. If you are fortunate, you may also have access to a ‘refill’ shop on your local highstreet where you can take your own bottles and jars to be refilled at the store. These shops are a great idea, selling not just liquid soaps, shampoos and laundry detergents but also cereals, pasta, rise and a variety of other store cupboard essentials.
Is there anything else I can do?
It may suprise you to know that having a water softening system installed in your house can also have a big impact! With soft water you will use half the amount of detergent products such as shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath and hand soap. Also, as soft water does not dry the skin and hair like hard water can, you will find less need to use skin moisturisers and hair conditioners and products. Having a water softener will make all the difference in reducing the amount of products that you need and in turn will reduce the amount of empty plastic bottles and jars that you will dispose of.
Get in contact to book a home survey to find out about our range of water softeners and start making a difference today!