Hello lovely people! As a skincare enthusiast, I have spent years learning how to take care of my skin. But as we all know, taking care of ourselves also means taking care of the planet. So today, I want to talk about the impact of skincare on climate change and what we can do to help.
The impact of skincare on climate change
The impact of skincare on climate change may not be immediately apparent, but it is significant. The beauty industry, including skincare products, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and waste. The production and transportation of skincare products require energy and resources, and the disposal of packaging and unused products adds to landfill waste.
The use of unsustainable ingredients and non-recyclable packaging in skincare products also contribute to the problem. For example, the use of microbeads in exfoliating products can harm marine life, and the production of plastic packaging leads to plastic pollution in our oceans and other ecosystems.
The production of plastic packaging alone in the beauty industry produces an estimated 2.7 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, according to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
The beauty industry has a significant impact on the environment. From packaging to ingredients, our skincare routine can have a negative impact on the planet.
But don't worry, there are simple changes we can make to reduce our impact and make our skincare routine more eco-friendly.
How to have a net zero skincare routine
Let's start with packaging. We all love pretty packaging, but the truth is, it's often not recyclable or biodegradable. So, what can we do? Look for brands that use eco-friendly packaging such as glass or paper. And don't forget to recycle your empty bottles and jars!
Now, let's talk about ingredients. Some skincare ingredients have a negative impact on the environment. For example, microbeads which are found in some exfoliating products, end up in our waterways and can harm marine life. So, avoid products with microbeads and instead look for natural exfoliants such as sugar or coffee grounds.
But it's not just about what's in the product, it's also about how it's produced. Look for brands that use sustainable and ethical practices, such as sourcing ingredients locally and using renewable energy in production.
Now, let me share a personal anecdote with you. I used to use a popular face scrub that contained microbeads. I had no idea about their negative impact on the environment until I did some research. Once I learned about it, I immediately switched to a natural exfoliant and now I feel good knowing that my skincare routine is not harming the planet.
But eco-friendly skincare doesn't just stop at our products. It's also about how we use them. For example, avoid using too much product and wasting it. Use just enough to cover your skin, and if you have any leftover, use it on your neck and chest instead of throwing it away.
Another way to reduce your impact is to choose eco-friendly tools, such as reusable makeup wipes or cotton rounds. They may cost a bit more upfront, but they will save you money in the long run and reduce waste. Win-win!
And finally, let's talk about sunscreen. We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays. But did you know that some sunscreens contain ingredients that are harmful to coral reefs and other marine life? Look for brands that offer reef-safe sunscreen, which contains ingredients that are less harmful to the environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eco-friendly skincare is not just a trend, it's a necessity.
By making eco-friendly choices in our skincare routine, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help combat climate change. Choosing brands that use sustainable practices, natural and renewable ingredients, and eco-friendly packaging can make a big difference. Using products in a responsible and sustainable way, such as avoiding waste and using eco-friendly tools, also helps to reduce our impact on the environment.
By making small changes to our skincare routine, we can reduce our impact on the planet and protect it for future generations. So, let's make our beauty routine beautiful for ourselves and the planet!
Stay beautiful and eco-friendly, my friends!
Emma