Sustainable Self-Care

Regardless of your political beliefs, we all can make small changes that can help make our routine just a bit more sustainable and eco-friendly. The added benefit of it being more cost-effective just makes it that much better! So, here are some easy swaps you can make to make your routine a bit greener.

Makeup towel instead of makeup wipes

While makeup wipes are super convenient when traveling or at the gym, makeup towels can quickly add up and end up in landfills. A microfiber towel (I use the MakeUp Eraser) is an easy way to get even the most stubborn and waterproof makeup off your face and have your cleanser work on cleaning your skin, instead of trying to get makeup off.

Cotton rounds instead of cotton pads

If you have toner or eye makeup remover in your routine, you may go through a fair amount of cotton balls. A reusable cotton rounds is an easy way to still get these steps in your routine but without the damage that comes from growing, bleaching and throwing away cotton balls.

Consider compostable ingredients

I don't know about you but I do not floss as often as I should. That being said, I am way more likely to floss with those little floss picks than traditional floss but all that microplastic eventually ended up in the ocean doesn't sit right with me. Recently I discovered bamboo floss picks. They work just the same but decompose instead of ending up in the belly of a fish. Vote with your dollar as to which products you support and buy!

Swap out tampons/pads for sustainable (and more comfortable) alternatives

If you have periods, chances are you have period panties. Back in my younger days, I just thought this was a hapless pair that was already ruined and would be worn to keep the cuter panties safe. But apparently there are period panties! Whether you chose to free bleed or wear them as an additional protection, these things are mind-blowing. Thinx is the brand that I first heard off but I like Bambody for a cheaper version. 

Another option are menstrual cups. At first, the entire premise made me squeamish but the fact that menstrual blood doesn't smell until it interacts with oxygen meant that I wasn't dealing with old blood. Plus, a scare with Toxic Shock Syndrome in college has made me really cautious of leaving tampons in while menstrual cups can be left in for upwards of 12 hours.