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How to make your skincare routine low waste and plastic-free
There’s no denying it: plastic is a problem. From polluting our oceans and harming millions of animals each year to ending up as microplastics in the food we eat, the environmental impact of plastic is significant. But the good news is that making a positive impact on the planet is still possible. By aiming for a low-waste and plastic-free lifestyle – right down to what we put on our skin – we can all play our part in protecting the Earth.
If you look around your bathroom, you’ll probably see plenty of plastic. From excess packaging to single-use cotton swabs, the potential for waste is all around us. This doesn’t mean you need to ditch your beauty regime, though. For many of us, skincare is self-care, an essential part of a wellbeing routine that helps us feel healthy, happy and confident. But what you can do is shop smart – working towards a zero waste skincare routine means limiting what is sent to landfill. Here are some plastic-free and zero waste beauty tips to get started.
1. Choose companies that care
The planet is our collective responsibility and beauty brands must show a commitment to the environment. This is where Dove focuses a lot of our efforts. With one of the biggest reduction plans of its kind in the industry, we have moved to 100% recycled plastic bottles and plastic-free packs for our Beauty Bar – reducing the use of virgin plastic by more than 20,500 tons per year. Additionally, we’re committed to bringing production waste down to zero.
2. Use what you already have
Before you buy anything new, check your cabinet. It’s great you want to switch to a plastic free skincare routine but finish what you already have first, otherwise all those old products will end up as waste too.
3. Be an eco detective
Look for logos and fine print telling you if the packaging is made from recycled plastic and whether or not it can be recycled when you’re done with it. If there’s the option, pick zero plastic skincare which utilizes more eco-friendly materials such as glass, paper or bamboo.
4. Opt for bars over bottles
A zero waste beauty routine is supported by products in paper packaging, such as cleanser and conditioner bars. As a plus, if you use a Dove Beauty Bar, you can cleanse easy knowing it was made in the USA and is manufactured using 100% renewable wind and solar energy too.
5. Refill and reuse
Choose products that offer a refill option, and if it can’t be refilled, consider if you can upcycle it before you recycle it. For example, an empty scented candle jar can become a pot for makeup brushes, while an empty powder compact is a great little place to keep loose bobby pins.
6. Think multi-use
Single-use products like wipes get used for seconds, then take hundreds of years to break down. Instead, opt for reusable face cloths and cotton pads. And shop multi-purpose products, too. For instance, a soap that works for your face, hands and body, or cream make-up that can be used on cheeks, eyelids as well as lips.
With a few simple tweaks, a low waste skincare routine really is possible.
