EVEN in the early 2000s, I have been aware that the use of cotton and tissues and, basically, the amount of beauty products we buy would someday come back to haunt us environmentally. I’m not perfect in terms of sustainability but I have been trying my best.
Recent events, such as the bushfires in Australia, have highlighted the effects of climate change.
“To the world leaders and those in power, I would like to say that you have not seen anything, yet. You have not seen the last of us, we can assure you that,” said environmental activist Greta Thunberg in a protest held in Switzerland last week.
I wish I had Thunberg’s foresight and vision for the environment when I was her age (17). Because I am in an industry that promotes consumerism, I am guilty of so many things that have not helped reduce my carbon footprint. But awareness has helped changed that.
As someone who loves skin care and makeup, I have made several changes to my beauty-related habits and practices, and they include:
- Use more products that don’t rely on plastic packaging. Lately, I’ve been using a shampoo bar from Lush called Soak and Float. I’ve also purchased a solid conditioner called American Cream. According to the Lush web site, a solid shampoo bar “lasts for about 80 washes—the equivalent of two or three 8-ounce bottles of liquid shampoo!” Imagine the amount of plastic and sachet packaging you’re not using if you’re shampooing and conditioning with these bars. I’m also interested in Lush’s henna bars, which I hope to try soon.
- Using reusable cotton rounds. I’ve been using cotton rounds soaked in micellar water to remove my makeup but I’m looking into reusable ones. Meanwhile, I’ve been using cleansing oils and balms. If you use two cotton rounds everyday, imagine how much cotton you would not be using if you switch to reusables. The World Wildlife Fund said 20,000 liters of water are required to make just 1 kilogram of cotton. I mean, we’re having a water shortage right now in the Philippines so this is very important. Check out @arugaessentials or the hashtag #reusablecottonroundsph on Instagram if you’re interested in making the switch.
- Using a menstrual cup. So many of my friends have switched to menstrual cups because, like disposable diapers, sanitary napkins are nonbiodegradable. A menstrual cup is a small cup made of silicone or latex rubber (so it is flexible). It catches and collects menstrual discharge instead of absorbing it like a sanitary napkin. Putting it on has been compared to inserting a diaphragm inside your vagina. Once inserted, the cup will spring open and rest against the walls of your vagina forming a seal to prevent leaks, with the discharge dripping into the cup. There are disposable menstrual cups and then there are reusable ones that you can wash with soap and water, and sterilize. If you want to know more about menstrual cups, you can search on the Internet to read about pros and cons.
- Give away makeup you don’t use. I hate waste. I keep things that I love for years and that includes makeup and the packaging it comes in. My friends also know how generous I am. I don’t just give away lipsticks or moisturizers, I give away beauty packages that include foundation, blush, lipstick, powder and other makeup. If it’s skin care, that would include stuff like cleansers, toners and moisturizers. And there are many takers. There are lipsticks that I have only used once or twice and I ask my friends if they’re willing to get and use them. I also receive beauty hand-me-down from friends. I don’t mind, really. I know some people are squeamish about using makeup that’s been used by others but I have not once been infected, and not once have I infected others because you can always sanitize them.
- Buy less. I used to be a hoarder. If I liked a certain product, I’d buy backups of backups. Not anymore. In the past few years, I have purchased less. In fact, last year I didn’t buy a lot. My friends and I exchange makeup we don’t like or use anymore. Or I use what I already have. Sometimes, I combine two lipsticks to get a new shade and that satisfies my need to shop for new stuff. Last year, I promised myself that I’d be a more mindful consumer. By that I mean thinking before buying, and I have so far been mildly successful in doing so. My buying habits can still be improved though, not going to lie, and this is probably the year for that.