Top Five Ways to Go Green with Your Beauty Routine
Written for Walgreens.com
Take a moment and think about how many personal care products you used this morning: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner. The list could go on and on, and for most people, it does. The products add up, and so does the effect on your body and the environment. Luckily, it’s not hard to bring this affect under control by greening your beauty routine. Read on for five easy ways.
1. Analyze
The average woman is exposed to more than a dozen products and 160 chemicals every single day. The average man is exposed to 80 different chemicals. One of the best things you can do for your body and the environment is to analyze how safe these chemicals really are. A great, free web site for this is Skin Deep, brought to you by the folks at Environmental Working Group. They’ve done the work to analyze the safety of more than 50,000 personal care products so you don’t have to. Check out the products you use every day; you might be reassured or you might want to swap for new products that are healthier for you and the earth. Regardless, you’ll love the amount of information available from Skin Deep.
2. Simplify
To take a big step toward greening your beauty routine, simplify the products you use on a daily basis. Choose products with shorter ingredient lists and fewer or no synthetic chemicals. Also try using more two-in-one products such as shampoo plus conditioner. Not only will you cut down on the number of products on your counter, you’ll also reduce waste and the amount of money you spend on those products.
3. Conserve
The next time you’re washing your face or brushing your teeth, shut the water off unless it’s absolutely necessary. For every minute that water is running, up to two gallons of water drain into the sink and back into water treatment facilities. Also, try to conserve water when bathing. Instead of taking a nightly bath, which can use 50-75 gallons of water, opt for a foot soak in a small pan instead. Conserving also applies when it comes to your hair. Try allowing hair to dry 50% of the way before using a blow dryer. You’ll use less electricity and your hair will be healthier for the reduced exposure to heat. That’s a win-win.
4. Re-tool
The next time you’re set to replace your beauty implements, purchase re-usable ones. Instead of disposable sponges or pads, opt for re-usable brushes or tools. For bonus points, upgrade to eco-friendly tools, which are made from recycled and renewable materials such as bamboo. Your wallet and the environment will thank you.
5. Maximize
Most people throw their beauty products out when they’re low but not completely out. Maximize your products and use them to the last drop. To get more out of your toothpaste, cut the tube in half and squeeze out the remaining product through the cut area. Swish your shampoo bottle with a small amount of water and extend its life. If your lotion won’t pump any more, swab the inside of the bottle with a Q-tip.
It’s easy and fun to go green with your beauty routine. Use your imagination; the sky is the limit. Just remember, it’s not only good for the environment. It’s good for your health and your wallet too.