In recent years, the global conversation surrounding climate change has intensified. As an individual who values both self-care and the environment, I have found myself questioning the impact of my skincare routine on the planet. And with the Plastic Free July setting in and trending, it is time to ask, “Is your skincare contributing to climate change?”.
And keeping this in mind, I embarked on a journey toward making more conscious choices in pursuit of a sustainable and eco-friendly beauty regimen.
Is your skincare contributing to climate change?
This is a question we all need to ask ourselves. What we use, what we buy, and how much we buy can contribute to climate change.
Awareness and Concern
Like many others, my skincare journey began with a focus on personal well-being and the pursuit of healthy, radiant skin. However, as my awareness of climate change grew, so did my knowledge about the potential environmental consequences of my beauty routine. I couldn’t help but wonder: Were the products I used contributing to climate change? Was my self-care routine inadvertently harming the planet?
Unveiling the Truth
To address these questions, I embarked on a quest for knowledge. I delved into research, scrutinized ingredient labels, and educated myself about the environmental impact of skincare products. I discovered that the beauty industry, with its reliance on resource-intensive practices and non-biodegradable packaging, indeed had a substantial carbon footprint. The production, transportation, and disposal of these products added to greenhouse gas emissions, plastic waste, and water pollution.
Conscious Choices
Armed with this newfound knowledge, I set out to make conscious choices that aligned with my values. I started by reducing my overall consumption of skincare products, embracing a less-is-more approach. I opted for multi-purpose products and simplified my routine, minimizing the number of items I used. This reduced my carbon footprint and allowed me to focus on high-quality, sustainable alternatives.
Embracing Sustainable Brands
In my pursuit of eco-friendly skincare, I discovered a multitude of brands committed to sustainability. These brands embraced renewable ingredients, ethical sourcing, and eco-conscious packaging. I could align my skincare routine with my environmental values by supporting them. Furthermore, I realized the importance of transparency, seeking brands that shared their sustainability practices openly. There is a list of sustainable brands that I trust, and that warrants another post!
DIY and Natural Alternatives
I delved deeper into my journey and discovered the beauty of do-it-yourself (DIY) skincare and natural alternatives. By harnessing the power of nature, I could create nourishing treatments from simple, locally sourced ingredients. This eliminated the need for excess packaging and allowed me to connect with the Earth more intimately. I reveled in the joy of mixing my face masks, toners, and scrubs, knowing that each ingredient was beneficial for my skin and gentle on the environment. And most importantly, not buying anything in bulk and being stuck with it!
Advocacy and Spreading Awareness
Alongside my personal changes, I realized the importance of advocacy and spreading awareness. I engaged in conversations with friends, family, and online communities, sharing insights about the environmental impact of skincare and the availability of sustainable alternatives. By educating others, I hoped to inspire collective action and create a ripple effect that could lead to a more environmentally conscious beauty industry.
Here are some tips you cannot miss
Here is my list of tips that can help you start small. Remember that #PlasticFreeJuly can be followed all year round!
- Choose solids over liquids! Like shampoo bars. They come with minimal packaging.
- Want to pamper your skin with sheet masks? Look up the variants from Mamaearth. They are completely bio-degradable, and you can pamper your skin without feeling guilty about contributing to a landfill.
- Opt for brands that promote sustainable and bio-degradable packaging. Glass or metal containers; paper wrapping is something you need to look for.
- And if you have the time, ditch the packaging and make your own products.
Wrapping it up
My skincare journey has been transformative, taking me from a place of unconscious consumption to one of mindful choices. By questioning the impact of my beauty routine on climate change, I have gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of personal well-being and environmental sustainability. While my journey is ongoing, I am in a space where I make informed decisions and support brands that prioritize the health of the planet alongside that of my skin.
Leave a Reply