Your Hygiene Routine but Better — For You and the Planet
In 2019, a popular shampoo brand in the Philippines gave “BYOB” a new meaning. From “Bring Your Own Bag,” the brand changed the acronym to “Bring Your Own Bottle” as they set up kiosks where you can refill empty bottles with your favorite shampoo and conditioner.
The shampoo refillery station offered customers an eco-friendly alternative to haircare without the stress. Just bring a clean, empty bottle and top up. Customers only had to pay for the weight of the product they restocked on. They could also bring other plastic bottles and sachets to the refillery for upcycling. It was a simple and creative effort to love your hair and Mother Nature at the same time.
Albeit it only lasted for a month, it showed that small changes to your hygiene routine can have a big impact on the environment. After all, less plastic means less waste.
Refilling your shampoo bottles is one way to do your part for the Earth and still promote personal hygiene. Fortunately, there are many ways to incorporate eco-friendly hygiene habits into your routine!
Importance of Sustainable Personal Hygiene Practices
As people who form the basis of communities, we are accountable for the impact our actions have on the planet. Consider the facts:
- Consumption of the Earth’s natural resources has tripled in 40 years
- Depletion of oxygen and clean drinking water is on the rise
- 01 billion tons of municipal solid waste are produced in the world annually. Thirty-three percent of that waste is not managed in an environmentally safe manner.
Hygiene routines like brushing our teeth or washing our faces leave environmental footprints that contribute to these numbers. For these reasons, it pays to be mindful of the habits that we have complete control over.
Simple eco-friendly switches can clean up your hygiene routine and ensure your washing and scrubbing causes no harm to the Earth.
Top Ways to Make Personal Hygiene More Sustainable
Consider Using Reusable Wipes and Makeup Remover Cloths
Most disposable makeup wipes and cotton balls, which you use to clean your face, are not compostable. They take up space in our crowded landfills. If they end up in your plumbing (we’re looking at you, flushers!), they can cause harm to the drainage system and the environment ultimately.
Washcloths are great alternatives for washing your face, removing makeup, and freshening up. Unlike disposable wipes, you can use these again just by washing them. You get a few uses more whenever you rinse the cloth properly, too, so you don’t have to worry about a growing mountain of laundry. Plus, you’ll save more money in the long run.
If you don’t have the time to wash, go for a biodegradable option when it comes to your wipes. Sanicare Bamboo Natural Wipes is your next best choice. Made from 100% natural bamboo fiber, these biodegradable wipes are friendlier to the environment compared to other wipes. Plus, these are dermatologist-tested and safe for all skin types. You get to love your skin and Mother Earth at the same time.
Go Eco-Friendly with Your Oral Hygiene
How can you be sustainable with your toothbrushing routine? Use products that are biodegradable and non-toxic.
Start with your toothbrush! Make the switch to biodegradable bamboo brushes. These natural toothbrushes are compostable, which means they disintegrate into non-toxic, natural elements. One less worry for the landfills! Cap it off by using a natural toothpaste made from essential oils and baking soda.
Reduce Plastic Disposables
Practicing sustainability in your hygiene routine can be as simple as cutting back on plastic disposables, such as razors. These are always more affordable, but they don’t last long and often end up in landfills, which means you’ll buy another one and generate more waste. Instead of filling up on plastic, why not use a double-edged razor? You’ll still enjoy a great shave and care for the planet at the same time.
If using traditional personal hygiene items can’t be helped, look for eco-friendly versions of them. For example, instead of using plastic-stemmed buds, use those with paper stems.
Minimize Water Use
Regular use of water completes our hygiene routines. But many of us use too much water. Plus, our showers can contribute to the contamination of vital water bodies. Practicing a few water-conserving methods can help you minimize your water use and still do your regular hygiene regimen. Consider the following:
- Turn off the water while lathering soap onto your body and hair.
- Use your hand or a cup when brushing your teeth.
- Install a water-conserving showerhead and water aerators.
While a long, hot shower is the best after a day’s work, it can consume a lot of water. So, consider your short showers as mini sacrifices for the sake of Mother Nature.
Switch to Eco-Friendly Hygiene Products
Another product that has an eco-friendly alternative is our trusty cotton buds. Most cotton buds are made with plastic stems. Sanicare’s Paper Stem Cotton Buds are the ideal alternatives for your ear cleaning routine.
DIY Your Hygiene Products
Do-it-yourself cleaning and wellness products are much better for the environment than commercially produced products. Your pantry is probably stocked with natural ingredients that can be used to create skincare and hygiene essentials.
For example, if you’re a religious user of body scrub, consider making your own instead of buying one. Many body scrub brands use microbeads, which often end up in lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans – even after undergoing wastewater treatment. A DIY hack for this skincare favorite involves mixing coffee grounds, avocado oil, coconut oil, and brown sugar for a natural coffee scrub.
Take your sustainability to the next level by making your deodorant, too. Here’s a good recipe:
- Mix half a cup of arrowroot flour with 1.5 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Blend 2.5 tablespoons of coconut oil first before adding shea butter. Slowly heat the mixture while you’re at it.
- Add up to 10 drops of your favorite essential oils. Popular scents include grapefruit, lavender, and tea tree.
- Pour the paste into a glass jar to cool.
- Warm a small amount between your fingers before use.
Choose Your Brands Wisely
Always check the label! Some products and brands claim they are 100% sustainable or organic. But when you check their ingredients list, you’ll see chemicals that are harmful to the environment. To avoid this, do some research on your favorite brands and their green efforts. Some brands are guilty of greenwashing, which is a practice that deceives customers into thinking that they are eco-friendly.
Instead, stick to brands that are transparent in their sustainability practices. Online research can confirm if a brand practices what it preaches.
Small Wins for a Healthier Planet
The habits above, when practiced, can make a significant difference – not just to your hygiene routine – but to the planet. However, it’s not enough to keep them to yourself. It is best to encourage others to do the same! Imagine if most of us switched to eco-friendly products, conserved water, and reduced our plastic use. We’d minimize pollution, reduce our waste, and live on a healthier planet!
Let’s all make small changes to our hygiene routines today!
If you’re looking for brands with sustainable hygiene essentials, ShopHygiene is here for you. Shop for eco-friendly must-haves at our online store.
