These days, almost everyone is doing their part to reduce their waste and be more eco-friendly. While it can seem impossible to eliminate plastic from our lives completely, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount we use. Our beauty regimens, for instance, are a great place to start.
Going zero waste with your beauty routine not only cuts down on plastic, but it also makes it easier to travel. Since most of us travel on a budget, having fewer liquids in our carry ons is ideal for low-cost flights. Who knew that being eco-friendly could be so convenient? Below you’ll find some tips and tricks to help you when travelling zero waste.
From shampoo to deodorant, lots of basic toiletries have their zero waste alternative. Not to mention, it’s easier than ever before to buy cosmetics in solid form. Whether you are buying from LUSH or a smaller brand, solid cosmetics aren’t hard to come by. Although making your own natural shampoo bars is also a great alternative to buying them premade in the shops.
Furthermore, you can ditch that non-recyclable toothpaste tube by opting for solid toothpaste. There are a lot of options on the market today, but a few great brands are Dirty Hippie Cosmetics, Georganics, and Bite. These natural toothpaste brands make a variety of different natural dental products with low impact packaging.
Going zero waste isn’t an exact science, there’s no right way to do it. Sometimes it’s inevitable to have ‘waste,’ but if you can recycle it in some way, then at least it won’t end up in a landfill. Consider how many of your favourite cosmetics come in lovely packaging. If you can find some way to reuse and recycle that packaging, then you’re doing the environment a favour.
In my personal experience, small tins and jars are perfect for travelling zero waste. These are great for carrying soap and shampoo bars or even homemade cosmetics. Personally, I always pack extra glass jars as they’re multipurpose containers that are useful when travelling zero waste.
The average person uses about four plastic toothbrushes every year. That’s about three hundred toothbrushes in a lifetime! An easy swap to significantly reduce your waste is a bamboo toothbrush. These are even available in sizes for children, as well.
Bamboo is a super durable natural material that can withstand much longer than plastic. Additionally, it’s naturally antibacterial, so you don’t have to worry about all those germs collecting in the bristles. Also, bamboo toothbrushes are compostable, which means you can toss them in the compost bin when the year is over.
Cotton pads are a part of nearly everyone’s beauty routine. While they are convenient for removing makeup, they also create a lot of waste. Furthermore, unless your cotton pads are 100% organic, then they contain pesticides. These pesticides can harm the environment when they end up in landfills.
For a zero-waste alternative, switch to reusable cloth pads. You can buy them or make them at home, whichever you prefer. These cloth pads are easy to wash, great for travelling, and much better for the environment. If you do decide to make your own cloth pads, there are plenty of tutorials online!
Shaving is an entirely personal choice. However, those folks who do decide to shave have to replace their razor heads quite often. Unfortunately, most razors today have plastic handles and disposable plastic heads. Fortunately, there is a zero waste option for people who prefer to shave.
Safety razors provide a plastic-free option for shaving. You can replace your disposable plastic razors easily with this low impact beauty alternative. There are plenty of options available from low to high ranges, so you can find something that works for you.
Travelling smart requires organized shopping beforehand. You’ve got to make your list and tick items off as you go. Well, the same goes for the zero waste lifestyle. To really reduce your waste and minimize the amount of plastic you consume, you need to shop smart. Most of the time that means buying in bulk.
Buying in bulk means less packaging per individual item and therefore, less waste. If you make your cosmetics at home, this also allows you more freedom in the cosmetic making process. When you are stocked up on all your go-to ingredients, you will buy less often and generate less waste.
Going zero waste isn’t a competition to see who can use less plastic. It is, however, a way for us to be more conscious and care more about the environment. Travelling zero waste is not always a walk in the park, but it is crucial to protecting the environment. If you are interested in learning more about how to make zero waste products, sign up for WapoBeauty’s Shampoo Bar Workshop. To learn about making skin care at home, find out more about WapoBeauty’s Skincare Course for Beginners.
Ashuni Pérez is an American writer based in Valencia, Spain. She has a passion for natural beauty and the environment. Ashuni loves to cycle and drink smoothies in the sun. Follow her on Instagram at @ashuuuuni
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