By Helene Ravlich
The beauty industry currently produces 120 billion units of waste every year, with the majority of this being non-recycled; this has the largest impact on the industry’s carbon emissions. Sustainability is a veritable beauty buzzword right now, but being a little more eco-friendly with our beauty choices is more than just a fad — it’s the right thing to do for the future of our planet. If you’ve been meaning to make some changes to your own routine, we think there’s no better time than the present to look at ways you can make your things more sustainable. Here’s a few easy beauty hacks for a more earth-friendly lifestyle…
Upcycle jars and containers where you can
By now, we all know that recycling is important. In fact, it’s essential. Pop your empty jars and containers in your recycle bin if appropriate (with many recycling programs it’s sadly not), or upcycle your favourite glass empties by getting a little crafty. Consider using an empty candle vessel from your favourite luxury home fragrance brand as a chic makeup brush holder, or keep well-washed smaller ones on hand for decanting your favourite products into when you’re next travelling.
Turn off the tap, stat!
In many parts of New Zealand, we’ve just had one of the longest dry spells on record, with no sign of that lifting as we head towards the end of the year. Water is one of the planet’s most valuable resources and sadly, it’s drying up. Make a few changes wherever you can, starting with washing your face and brushing your teeth. We recommend splashing your face with water and applying your cleanser with damp fingers before turning the tap off. Massage the cleanser over your face, then turn the water back on to rinse. While it may seem easier to just leave the water running, this little bit of time can make a big impact! As an added incentive, explore Dust&Glow, a New Zealand-based brand that offers an ever-growing collection of waterless, powder-based, high performing products. By removing the water, plastic waste and nonsense, the company has delivered sensorial formulations for a healthy glow and a happy planet that we can definitely get behind.
Get rid of the wipes
And that goes for single-use cleaning rounds, too! Microfibre cloths are the perfect eco-friendly option for removing your makeup, and many do double duty as makeup removers and gentle exfoliators. Be sure to clean them regularly to avoid transferring dirt and bacteria back onto your skin, and always allow them to dry fully between uses. Garnier Micellar Reusable Eco Pads are reusable and washable up to x1000 times per pad, while Face Halo pads quickly and easily remove makeup using water only. Non-toxic and reusable, Face Halo pads replaces up to 500 single-use makeup wipes and are suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Alternatively, invest in a cleansing tool like the Foreo Luna – a 2-in-1 facial cleansing and massaging device that removes all traces of oil, makeup, sweat and dead skin to leave it looking fresh, smooth and luminous in just 30 seconds.
RRP $16.99
Look for planet-friendly beauty tools
Did you know your choice of beauty tools can be sustainable too? Makeup blenders are a more eco-friendly alternative to using disposable applicators, and you can also opt for makeup brushes that made from recycled materials and sustainable wood. Aleph’s Vegan Diffuser Brush has densely packed vegan bristles that are designed to work just like animal hair, but are hypoallergenic and far less likely to harbour bacteria. Sustainably made in Italy, they are designed to last.
RRP $59.00
Opt for minimal packaging
Packaging plays a big role in the amount of waste caused by the average beauty routine. To make your own more sustainable, consider reaching for products that have minimal or no packaging, like bar soap in the shower and shampoo and conditioner bars from brands like New Zealand’s own Ethique and Anihana. My pick if you like things a little more boujie is Christophe Robin’s Hydrating Shampoo Bar with Aloe Vera, which cleanses like a dream.
RRP $32.00