April is just flying by, but I am so confused because of the cold weather. I keep thinking it’s still March. So I forgot that Earth Day is today, April 22. I realize you’ll be receiving this on Thursday, a day late.
You may remember that I love hiking in the woods, so I try to do what I can to acknowledge Earth Day year round. I try to recycle everything I can recycle in my state. I am one of the biggest contributors to our Buy Nothing group where I’ve given away more than 700 items. I reuse the few plastic bags that I receive when I buy something online.
When it comes to cosmetics and beauty products, there are some things that you can do to help save the earth.
Consider the Packaging Materials
I used to think that products that came in branded cardboard boxes were safer, more luxurious, and communicated more product information. But over time, I’ve begun to change my mind. The branded cartons are really over-packaging. And branded cartons with gold, silver or glittery accents can make the carton non-recyclable and likely to end up in a landfill. Not good.
In terms of the product packaging, when possible try to choose:
- glass bottles over plastic bottles
- aluminum over plastic
- recyclable plastic, e.g. #1, 2 and 5.
All packaging for recycling must be emptied and washed clean before recycling.
For products that are packaged in mixed materials, e.g. a glass or recyclable plastic bottle with a plastic pump with a metal spring inside, a glass dropper bottle etc., remove the pump or dropper and recycle the bottle/container on its own.
Or bring the packages made from non-recyclable plastics or hard to recycle materials to retail stores such as Nordstrom Rack, Sephora or Ulta where they accept any cosmetic products regardless of where you purchased them. I’ve begun to keep a bag to stash my beauty empties that I can’t recycle in my town to bring to one of the stores that recycles for free. Other retailers that take back their own products for recycling are Aveda and Kiehl’s at their stores.
Though not a beauty product, Nespresso capsules can be recycled for free by the company. I have the company mail me free, prepaid bags that I can bring to the UPS Store to mail back to the company for recycling.
Consider these Brands/Products
In addition to taking packaging materials into consideration, you can also choose products that are made with better-for-you-and-the-earth ingredients. Products where you add your own water are always a good choice because you’re not paying to ship water if you don’t have to. Brands that sell refills rather than a completely new product are another good choice.
Brands that I try to buy when I can include:
- Everist shampoo and conditioner: aluminum tubes, shampoo formulated without water
- Dirty Labs non-toxic cleaning products, e.g. laundry detergent, laundry powder booster, dishwasher powder, refillable products
- RITUALS personal care products: refillable and concentrated
- Rose Inc., Charlotte Tilbury, Kjaer Weis, Beautycounter makeup brands (and more), and Dior Rouge lipstick refill: refillable makeup
There are plenty of other brands/prospects out there that you’re probably already buying to save the earth. Think of your kids, your grandkids, and keep it up!
On a different topic, I will skip posting on Friday as I spend time with Jeff and his older daughter who’s visiting from the warmer, sunnier South. Have a good end of the week!
