Beauty Waste: The Environmental Impact and Sustainable Solutions

Just as it is in fashion, waste is built into beauty’s business model.

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In our fast-paced world, beauty products are an integral part of our daily routines. From skincare to makeup we rely on these items to look and feel our best. However, have you ever stopped to think about the environmental cost of your beauty regime? In this blog post we will delve into the alarming issue of beauty waste and explore the sustainable solutions that are emerging to address this pressing concern.

The beauty industry is undoubtedly booming, with countless new products hitting the shelves every day. But, with this growth, there comes an alarming amount of waste. According to a recent BBC investigation, an astonishing 120 billion units of packaging are produced by the beauty industry every year. This includes plastic bottles, jars and tubes as well as outer packaging such as cardboard boxes and plastic wraps. Much of this packaging ends up in landfills and worse, in our oceans, where it poses a severe threat to marine life. Plastic pollution is a global crisis and the beauty industry is a significant contributor to this problem.

One way to fight against beauty waste is enhanced personalization. Fortunately, numerous brands, like Revieve and Ellure, have already introduced digital testing applications and websites, that enable users to upload a selfie to assess how a specific lipstick or eyeshadow shade complements them, or receive AI-driven recommendations for skincare or haircare products following analysis of their photo.

Another way to fight beauty waste is by using eco-friendly packaging materials. Biodegradable containers, recyclable glass bottles and minimalistic packaging designs are becoming their hallmark. By reducing the use of plastic, and opting for materials that have less impact on the environment, brands like the Selena Gomez founded Rare Beauty are setting inspiring examples for the beauty industry.

Additionally, if you want to recoup the costs, Facebook Marketplace and eBay both allow the selling of new and partially used products. There are also numerous charities that accept product donations, still within their expiration period, that are passed on to people in need.

As consumers, we play a vital role in addressing the issue of beauty waste. It is essential that we make informed choices and support companies that prioritize sustainability as well as encourage all brands, through how we spend to change their ways. Here are some steps we can take to reduce our beauty-related waste.

Choose products with minimal packaging: Opt for items with eco-friendly packaging or those that use refillable containers.

Recycle responsibly: Ensure that you properly recycle your beauty product containers according to local guidelines.

Refill instead of replacing: Many brands now offer refill options for their products thus reducing the need for new packaging.

Educate yourself and others: Spread awareness about the environmental impact of beauty waste and encourage friends and family to make sustainable choices.

If we are willing to change our relationship with clothing for the good of the planet it’s possible to do the same with our toiletries. By making conscious choices and supporting companies that are truly committed to sustainability we can collectively make a significant difference.