It’s 2021, It’s time to start looking after the planet while also looking after yourself! There doesn’t need to be a compromise, the market is changing.
When trialing a greener approach to self-care, there are a few things we need to consider. What is the container made of? Is it recyclable or reusable? Is the company an “eco-friendly” organization? Are micro-plastics present? I am here to do that part of the research for you!
What’s the first thing we do when we get out of bed, and last thing we do before bed? Ok, so this answer may vary but we were going for brushing our teeth! How many toothbrushes have you gone through in your life? How often do you change yours? Dentists recommend that you change brushes once a month... now as a 24-year-old this means I will have been through approximately 200 brushes already! Multiply that by the 66 million people living in the UK… That’s a whole lot of plastic.
📷 The Humble Co
Now that I’ve got you thinking, I introduce to you the “Humble Brush”.
The Humble Co. has worked with professionals within the dental industry to perfect oral hygiene products that are both fully functional and eco-friendly. “Humble brush has a handle made from 100% biodegradable, sustainably grown bamboo” and “the packaging is eco-friendly, the box and inside wrapper are made from recycled materials”. Humble brushes are available to buy from Boots, Waitrose, and Holland and Barrett at an average price of £4. These have been reportedly found significantly cheaper at shops such as Home bargains but this is fully dependant on the stock available. Keep your eyes peeled!
Next, Toothpaste!
📷 Boca
Boca is a new subscription-based service, who work with dentistry professionals to create effective and unique toothpaste. Their mission statement states that their “revolutionary refill and reuse tube is a world’s first” and are working towards helping the global fight against single use plastic. “Tube refill and reuse” is currently being trialled in the UK, and is available to buy with or without a bamboo toothbrush. Toothpaste needs to be replaced every 8 weeks on average, but whenever the time arises, you can refill the original tubes using the compostable refill sachets. Once these sachets are empty, they can be placed in the compost bin with other organic waste where they will decompose naturally. Subscription starts at £9.99, with or without a bamboo toothbrush, find them online at boca.co.uk.
Now our mouth is nice and clean, let’s move to the body!
📷 Original Source
Starting with an all-time favourite for many, Original Source. Original Source makes soaps/shower gels from all-natural ingredients, which are sustainably sourced, and all products are vegan. Original source pride themselves on their fully recyclable packaging, and their leaping bunny certification – if unfamiliar with this term, this means the products are cruelty free, meaning no testing on animals. Most popular supermarkets stock their products, and other chains such as Superdrug and Boots, commonly costing around £1-£2 for a 250ml bottle.
Once we’ve showered, and brushed our teeth, next on our lists is deodorant.
📷 Lush
LUSH cosmetics is an ultimate go to when it comes to solid deodorant bars. They have a range of fragrances to suit your personal preferences, and are moderately priced at around £6.50 a bar – which may seem more expensive than your current go to deodorant, but these will last a lot longer. All products are vegetarian friendly, while most are vegan, it’s important to look out for ingredients such as honey and beeswax if vegan is your preference. As these are solid bars, there is no packaging, meaning zero waste! To keep your deodorant fresh, there are tins available on sale at LUSH as an add on purchase.
Now we’re clean, smelling fresh and ready to go about our day!
These are just four ideas to incorporate a greener way of life into your own, there are of course plenty more options to choose from! If for whatever reason these items don’t work for you, then I guarantee there is an option out there somewhere. Keep checking in for more suggestions on eco-friendly self-care.