Did you know that most of the plastic we use ends up not being recycled? This trash sits in landfills for up to 1,000 years and pollutes our soil and waterways, according to the United Nations Environment Program. Celebrate the Earth this year by cutting plastic from your beauty and self care routine. Here are nine zero-waste, sustainable beauty and wellness products to try this Earth Day!
- Plastic free deodorant
Say farewell to BO and plastic with zero-waste deodorant! So many brands are offering paper packaging for deodorant. It is an easy way to start incorporating more sustainable products into your daily routine. Check out this scent from Hey Humans (sold at the College Park mini Target!).
- Reusable makeup wipes
Makeup wipes are not only bad for the environment but are also not great for your skin. Switching to reusable makeup cloths is a great way to save money, soothe your skin and reduce your waste. This Makeup Eraser from Sephora will get the job done!
- Menstrual cup
There are so many benefits to using a menstrual cup. They can be kept in for up to 12 hours and last a long time, which saves you money on period products for years. Menstrual cups also do not contain any bad chemicals or toxins that can be found in some tampons and pads. Try the Diva Cup for a plastic free period!
- Shampoo/conditioner bars
In the U.S. alone, 550 million bottles of shampoo are thrown away, according to greenwhale.eu. That is an average of 11 bottles per person. Take plastic out of your shower routine by switching to shampoo and conditioner bars! Check out Ethique for these easy-to-use, zero-waste products.
- Dryer balls
Instead of using dryer sheets the next time you do laundry, throw in a few reusable, wool dryer balls. Just like dryer sheets, these zero-waste products help keep your clothes from sticking together in the dryer. Dab a few drops of your favorite essential oils on them to leave your clothes smelling extra fresh! These dryer balls from Public Goods are a great purchase.
- Detergent sheets
In keeping with the laundry theme, detergent sheets are another great, plastic-free alternative. Tear up the sheets, and throw them in with your laundry where they will dissolve into soap and clean your clothes. Try the Earth Breeze sheets for a fresh scent!
- Metal safety razors
Swap out your disposable, plastic razor for a metal safety razor that will last so much longer. Only having to replace the metal blades means you are throwing away a lot less plastic and saving more money. Check out this sustainable razor from Albatross.
- Reusable Q-tip
They might be small, but they add up! This Earth Day, try using a reusable cotton swab instead of a single-use one. From makeup to ears, you can use this swab just as you would a normal one. The Last Swab offers a variety of colors and types.
- Bamboo toothbrush
Quite possibly the easiest product to get your hands on and use, a bamboo toothbrush is a great alternative to a plastic one. Bamboo is naturally biodegradable so your used toothbrush will not be sitting around for decades in a dump. Bite sells bamboo toothbrushes and other zero-waste oral care products!