Use a waterless concentrate bar for cleansing, not a liquid soap packaged in plastic.
The Bar-Raising Cleanse
My shower used to be cluttered with plastic bottles of body wash. I felt so guilty about the waste. Then I discovered concentrated cleanser bars. These solid bars are not soap; they are a super-concentrated, waterless version of a gentle cleanser. They are pH-balanced and packed with nourishing ingredients. One small bar lasts as long as three bottles of liquid soap, and it comes wrapped in paper, not plastic. It’s a simple swap that dramatically reduced my bathroom waste and left my skin feeling just as clean and soft.
Stop throwing away your product empties; learn about brand-specific recycling programs like Terracycle instead.
The Empty’s Next Life
I used to finish a product and toss the “empty” container into the recycling bin, hoping for the best. I learned that many complex beauty components, like pumps and mixed-material tubes, can’t be recycled by most municipal programs. I felt defeated. Then I discovered that many of my favorite brands have partnerships with recycling companies like Terracycle. I can now collect my empties and send them back to be properly recycled into new things. It’s a small extra step that ensures my waste doesn’t end up in a landfill.
Stop buying new products; do a “shelf audit” and use up what you already own instead.
The Shelf Audit
I had a habit of buying a new serum or face mask whenever I felt bored or stressed, even though my bathroom shelf was already overflowing with half-used products. I decided to put myself on a “no-buy” and do a shelf audit. I took inventory of everything I owned and made a commitment to use things up before buying anything new. I rediscovered so many wonderful products I had forgotten about. It curbed my impulse spending and fostered a sense of gratitude for the abundance I already had.
The #1 secret for a truly zero-waste routine that gurus don’t want you to know is to simply buy and use less stuff.
The “Less is More” Law
I was so inspired by the zero-waste movement. I went out and bought all the “sustainable swaps”—the reusable cotton rounds, the bamboo toothbrush, the stainless steel razor. My bathroom was full of eco-friendly stuff. The secret that nobody was talking about is that the most zero-waste practice is not to buy more sustainable things, but to simply buy and use less stuff, period. A minimalist routine with a few multi-purpose products will always have a smaller footprint than a 10-step routine, no matter how sustainable the packaging is.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “recyclable” beauty packaging is that it actually gets recycled.
The Recycling Myth
I used to feel so good about buying products in “recyclable” plastic containers. I would diligently clean them and put them in my recycling bin, thinking I was doing my part. The biggest lie is that all this plastic is actually being recycled. The reality is that a very small percentage of plastic waste is ever turned into new products. The system is broken. This realization pushed me to focus on reducing and reusing first, by choosing packaging like glass and aluminum which have much higher recycling rates, or by opting for package-free products altogether.
I wish I knew this about the massive water footprint of sheet masks when I was using one every night.
The Sheet Mask Shock
I was obsessed with single-use sheet masks. A nightly mask was my favorite self-care ritual. I wish I had known about their hidden environmental cost. It’s not just the plastic-lined, non-recyclable packet. The fabric of the mask itself, usually cotton, requires a huge amount of water to produce. I was essentially using a product with a massive water footprint for a 15-minute treatment and then just throwing it away. Switching to a traditional mask that comes in a recyclable jar was a much more sustainable way to indulge.
I’m just going to say it: Your 15-product routine is an environmental disaster, no matter how “clean” the ingredients are.
The Routine’s Footprint
I had a friend who was very into “clean” beauty. She had a 15-step routine with all-natural, organic products. She thought she was being sustainable. I’m just going to say it: her routine was still an environmental nightmare. The resources required to produce, package, and ship 15 separate products—even “clean” ones—is immense. True sustainability is about minimalism. A simple, 3-step routine using multi-purpose products will always have a smaller environmental footprint than a complex routine, regardless of the ingredients. Overconsumption is the real problem.
99% of eco-conscious consumers make this one mistake when buying “natural” products.
The Natural Nuance
When I first started my sustainable journey, I made the mistake of assuming that “natural” and “sustainable” were the same thing. I would choose a product with natural botanical ingredients over a synthetic one, thinking it was the better choice for the planet. But this isn’t always true. Some natural ingredients are unsustainably harvested, contributing to deforestation, or require huge amounts of water and land to grow. Sometimes, a safe, lab-created, bio-identical ingredient can have a much smaller environmental footprint. The two are not always synonymous.
This one small habit of switching to refillable product systems will change the amount of waste you produce forever.
The Refill Revolution
I was feeling so guilty about the number of empty plastic bottles and jars I was throwing away each month. The small habit that has made the biggest impact on my personal waste is to actively seek out and switch to brands that offer refillable systems. Whether it’s a deodorant, a hand soap, or a face cream, being able to keep the beautiful, durable primary container and just purchase a lower-waste refill pouch has drastically cut down on my packaging consumption. It’s a simple, brilliant way to be a more sustainable consumer.
If you’re still using makeup wipes, you’re losing your contribution to the 20 million pounds of wipes that end up in landfills daily.
The Wipe Waste
Makeup remover wipes used to be my go-to for lazy nights. They were so quick and easy. I had no idea about their devastating environmental impact. Most wipes are made of non-biodegradable plastic fibers, and it’s estimated that 20 million pounds of them end up in landfills every single day. That statistic was horrifying to me. I immediately switched to using a simple cleansing oil and a reusable microfiber cloth. It gets my face cleaner, is better for my skin, and doesn’t contribute to that mountain of daily waste.
Use a shampoo and conditioner bar, not plastic bottles.
The Bar-Raising Swap
My shower used to be a graveyard of half-empty plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles. I felt so guilty about the plastic waste. The switch that completely changed my bathroom’s footprint was moving to solid shampoo and conditioner bars. These concentrated bars are packed with great ingredients, work just as well as their liquid counterparts, and come with zero plastic packaging. One small shampoo bar can last as long as two to three full bottles of liquid shampoo. It’s one of the easiest and most impactful sustainable swaps you can make.
Stop buying products with non-biodegradable glitter; opt for mica-based or cellulose glitters instead.
The Glitter Guilt
I love the fun and sparkle of glitter. But then I learned a horrifying fact: traditional glitter is just tiny pieces of microplastic. Every time I washed my glittery makeup off, I was sending those tiny plastic particles into our water systems, where they harm marine life and never, ever go away. I had a huge case of “glitter guilt.” I stopped buying plastic glitter and now only use products that contain biodegradable alternatives made from cellulose, or natural mineral shimmers like mica. I can still sparkle, but without polluting the planet.
Stop thinking “vegan” automatically means “ethical”; investigate the brand’s labor practices instead.
The Vegan Veil
When I first started shopping more consciously, I would look for the “vegan” label and assume that meant the product was fully “ethical.” But “vegan” only tells you that the product doesn’t contain animal-derived ingredients. It tells you nothing about the humans who made the product. A brand can be vegan but still use ingredients that are harvested with child labor or have terrible working conditions in their factories. A truly ethical brand is not just concerned with animal welfare, but with human welfare as well. You have to look deeper.
The #1 secret about “ethical mica” is that the supply chain is incredibly difficult to trace and child labor is a rampant problem.
The Mica Maze
I love a shimmery highlighter, and I was trying to buy from brands that used “ethically sourced” mica. The secret I learned is that this is an incredibly complex and heartbreaking issue. A huge portion of the world’s natural mica comes from mines in India that are notorious for using illegal child labor in dangerous, life-threatening conditions. The supply chain is so convoluted that it can be very difficult for a brand to be 100% certain their mica is “clean.” The best choice is often to look for brands that use synthetic, lab-created mica instead.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “bioplastics” is that they can be composted in your backyard.
The Bioplastic Blunder
I was so excited when I saw products packaged in “bioplastic” or “compostable plastic.” I thought I could just toss them in my backyard compost bin and they would disappear. The lie is that they are that simple. Most bioplastics can only be broken down in a high-heat, industrial composting facility. They will not break down in a landfill or a home compost pile. And if you put them in the recycling bin, they can actually contaminate the entire stream of regular plastic recycling. They are a well-intentioned but very problematic solution.
I wish I knew this about the environmental impact of shipping heavy, water-based products around the world.
The Water Weight
I used to order liquid shampoos and body washes from brands all over the world, without ever thinking about the environmental cost. I wish I had known about the impact of shipping water. Most liquid beauty products are 70-80% water. This makes them heavy, which means it takes a lot more fuel and creates a much larger carbon footprint to transport them. This realization is what pushed me towards waterless, concentrated products like solid bars. They are so much lighter and more efficient to ship, which is a huge win for the planet.
I’m just going to say it: Buying from a local soap maker is more sustainable than ordering a “clean” product from across the country.
The Local Love
I used to get caught up in ordering the trendiest “clean” and “sustainable” products from brands I saw on social media, which were often based hundreds or thousands of miles away. I’m just going to say it: a much more sustainable choice is often to just go to your local farmers’ market. Buying a beautiful, handmade bar of soap from a local artisan supports your community’s economy and has a tiny fraction of the carbon footprint associated with shipping a product across the country. Local is often the most eco-friendly choice.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying to recycle their bathroom products.
The Rinsing Rule
I was so proud of myself for diligently recycling my bathroom empties. The mistake I was making was not cleaning them out properly. A container that is still full of product residue can contaminate an entire batch of recycling, causing it all to be sent to the landfill. You have to make sure your containers are completely empty and rinsed out before you put them in the bin. That extra minute it takes to clean your empties can be the difference between your recycling actually getting recycled or just becoming trash.
This one small action of looking for a brand’s B Corp certification will change the way you identify truly ethical companies forever.
The B Corp Badge
It can be so hard to know which companies are genuinely committed to being ethical and sustainable, and which ones are just “greenwashing.” The small action that has become my North Star is to look for the B Corp certification. This is a rigorous, third-party certification that assesses a company’s entire social and environmental performance, from their supply chain and labor practices to their carbon footprint. It is the gold standard for identifying businesses that are truly committed to balancing profit and purpose. It’s a shortcut to finding the good guys.
If you’re still buying products with palm oil, you’re losing your vote against deforestation and habitat destruction.
The Palm Oil Problem
I used to see “palm oil” on an ingredients list and not think anything of it. I had no idea about its devastating environmental impact. The unsustainable production of palm oil is one of the leading causes of deforestation in places like Indonesia and Malaysia, destroying the habitats of endangered species like orangutans. If you are still buying products with uncertified palm oil, you are contributing to this crisis. I learned to look for products that are either palm-oil-free or use only “RSPO Certified Sustainable Palm Oil.”
Use upcycled ingredients in your skincare, not just virgin materials.
The Upcycled Upgrade
I started to think about the waste created not just by packaging, but by the creation of the ingredients themselves. I discovered a fascinating trend in sustainable beauty: upcycled ingredients. These are ingredients that are made from the byproducts of other industries, particularly the food industry. For example, using the oil from discarded apricot pits or the antioxidant-rich extracts from leftover fruit peels. Choosing products with upcycled ingredients is a fantastic way to support a more circular economy and to reduce food waste.
Stop chasing limited edition holiday sets; it encourages overconsumption and waste.
The Holiday Hype
Every holiday season, I used to get so excited by all the limited edition gift sets. They seemed like such a great value, with so many products in one beautiful box. But this culture of limited edition drops is designed to create a sense of false urgency and to encourage massive overconsumption. More often than not, I would only use a few of the items in the set, and the rest would go to waste. And the excessive, often non-recyclable packaging is a huge environmental problem. It’s a cycle of hype and waste.
Stop rinsing your recyclables with hot water; use leftover dishwater instead to conserve water.
The Water-Wise Wash
I was being a good citizen and thoroughly rinsing out my recyclable beauty containers before putting them in the bin. But I was using fresh, hot water from the tap to do it. I realized that this was a waste of both water and the energy used to heat it. A much more sustainable habit is to use my “dirty” dishwater. After washing the dishes, I use the leftover warm, soapy water in the sink to give my recyclables a quick rinse before I drain it. It gets them just as clean and conserves precious water.
The #1 secret about waterless beauty is that it reduces the need for preservatives and shrinks the carbon footprint of shipping.
The Waterless Win
The most obvious benefit of waterless beauty products, like solid shampoo bars, is the lack of plastic packaging. But there are two other huge, hidden benefits. First, because there is no water in the formula, there is very little risk of bacterial growth, which means these products require far fewer preservatives. Second, they are incredibly lightweight and compact. This dramatically reduces their carbon footprint when it comes to shipping. It’s not just about the plastic; it’s about a smarter, more efficient formulation.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “ocean-safe” sunscreen is that the term is regulated.
The Reef-Safe Ruse
I was trying to be a responsible tourist, so I would always buy sunscreens that were labeled “ocean-safe” or “reef-safe.” I thought this was a guarantee that the product was not harmful to marine life. The lie is that this term is regulated. It’s not. A brand can put this on their label without any oversight. The ingredients to truly avoid are oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to cause coral bleaching. The only way to be sure is to ignore the marketing on the front and to read the active ingredients list on the back.
I wish I knew this about the carbon footprint of my aerosol hairspray and dry shampoo cans.
The Aerosol Agony
I used to love the convenience of aerosol hairspray and dry shampoo. The fine mist was so easy to apply. I wish I had known about their hidden environmental cost. Aerosol cans contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that act as propellants. These contribute to air pollution and have a significant carbon footprint. And the cans themselves are often difficult to recycle. Switching to non-aerosol, pump-spray versions of these products was a simple way for me to reduce my daily contribution to air pollution.
I’m just going to say it: The most sustainable beauty product is the one you don’t buy.
The Un-Bought Beauty
I got so wrapped up in trying to be a “sustainable consumer.” I was buying all the zero-waste, eco-friendly, refillable products. My bathroom was full of sustainable stuff. I’m just going to say it: the most sustainable beauty practice has nothing to do with what you buy. It’s about what you don’t buy. The most sustainable product is the one that was never created, packaged, or shipped in the first place. Practicing minimalism, using up what you have, and resisting the urge to consume is the most powerful environmental statement you can make.
99% of people who want to be sustainable make this one mistake with their online orders.
The Shipping Snafu
I was trying to shop more sustainably by supporting eco-friendly brands online. The mistake I was making was placing multiple, small orders from different places. I wasn’t thinking about the “last mile” of shipping. Every single one of those orders had to be individually packaged and sent out on a separate truck. A much more sustainable approach is to consolidate your purchases. Either buy multiple things from one brand at a time, or look for online retailers that allow you to bundle items from different brands into a single shipment.
This one small habit of using a reusable cotton round or muslin cloth will change the way you reduce daily waste forever.
The Reusable Round
My daily beauty routine used to start and end with a disposable cotton round. I used them to apply toner and to remove my eye makeup. I was throwing away at least two a day, which adds up to over 700 a year. The small habit that completely eliminated this waste was switching to reusable cotton or bamboo rounds. They are just as soft and effective, and I can just toss them in a mesh bag and put them in the laundry. It’s such a simple, affordable swap that has a huge impact on your daily trash output.
If you’re still buying single-use sample packets, you’re losing money and creating tiny, unrecyclable garbage.
The Sample Sabotage
I used to love getting those little foil and plastic sample packets of skincare. They seemed like a great way to try a product. But I realized they are a sustainability nightmare. The mixed-material packaging makes them completely unrecyclable. And they only give you enough product for one or two uses, which is not enough to know if a product actually works for you. If you’re still relying on these, you’re just creating tiny pieces of trash. It’s much better to ask for a small sample in a reusable pot at a beauty counter.
Use a bamboo toothbrush, not a plastic one.
The Bamboo Brush-Up
I never really thought about the waste my toothbrush created until I had a horrifying realization: every single plastic toothbrush I had ever used in my entire life still exists somewhere on this planet. They do not biodegrade. That thought alone was enough to make me switch. I now use a bamboo toothbrush. The handle is made from a fast-growing, sustainable plant and is completely biodegradable. It’s such a simple, affordable swap that can prevent hundreds of pieces of plastic from ending up in landfills or the ocean over your lifetime.
Stop thinking that because a product is “organic,” its farming practices are inherently sustainable.
The Organic Myth
I used to see the “USDA Organic” seal on a product and assume that it was the most sustainable choice. But “organic” only refers to the lack of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It doesn’t tell you anything about the other aspects of sustainability. An organic ingredient could still be grown in a massive monoculture farm that requires huge amounts of water and is shipped from halfway across the world. It’s important to look beyond just the organic label and to consider a brand’s water usage, land management, and carbon footprint.
Stop putting your Q-tips and cotton balls in the recycling bin; they are contaminants.
The Contamination Culprit
I was trying to be a diligent recycler, and I would sometimes toss my used cotton balls and Q-tips into the recycling bin, thinking they were made of paper and could be recycled. This is a common mistake that can actually do more harm than good. These items are considered “contaminants” in the recycling stream. They are too small to be properly sorted, and their fibers can clog up the machinery. They belong in the compost (if they are 100% cotton) or in the trash.
The #1 secret about solid perfume is that it eliminates the waste and shipping impact of a heavy glass bottle.
The Solid Scent
I love perfume, but I was always aware of the heavy glass bottles and the packaging waste. The best sustainable secret I found was solid perfume. These come in a small, reusable metal tin and are made from a base of wax and oils. They completely eliminate the need for a glass bottle and a box. They are also waterless and incredibly lightweight, which dramatically reduces their carbon footprint during shipping. It’s a beautiful, portable, and much more eco-friendly way to enjoy fragrance.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “clean beauty” is that it’s automatically good for the planet.
The “Clean” vs. “Green”
I used to think that “clean beauty”—products made without certain controversial chemicals—was the same thing as “sustainable beauty.” The lie is that these two are interchangeable. A product can have the “cleanest,” most non-toxic ingredient list but still be terrible for the planet. It could be packaged in virgin plastic, use unsustainably harvested ingredients, and be shipped from across the world. “Clean” is about personal health. “Green” or “sustainable” is about planetary health. They are two different, though sometimes overlapping, goals.
I wish I knew this about how to properly dispose of my nail polish bottles when I was younger.
The Polish Problem
When I would finish a bottle of nail polish, I would just toss the empty glass bottle in the recycling bin. I had no idea that this was wrong. Nail polish is considered household hazardous waste because of the solvents and chemicals in the formula. The glass bottles cannot be recycled with your regular glass because they are contaminated with this waste. I wish I had known that the proper way to dispose of them is to take them to a local hazardous waste collection facility.
I’m just going to say it: Your beauty subscription box is a monthly delivery of stuff you don’t need in an extra layer of packaging.
The Subscription Box Trap
I was so tempted by the idea of a beauty subscription box. A monthly surprise of new products delivered to my door sounded so fun. I’m just going to say it: for most people, it’s a monthly delivery of overconsumption and waste. You end up with a huge collection of sample-sized products you will never use, all housed in an extra cardboard box with lots of filler material. It encourages a culture of constant newness and generates a huge amount of unnecessary waste.
99% of people make this one mistake when they see a “100% recycled” plastic bottle.
The Recycled vs. Recyclable
I would see a product in a bottle made from “100% recycled plastic” and think, “Great, this is a perfect, circular solution!” The mistake is assuming that this bottle can then be recycled again and again. Most plastic can only be “downcycled” once or twice. It loses its quality each time it’s reprocessed. So, while a recycled bottle is better than a virgin plastic one, it’s not a true, closed-loop solution like glass or aluminum, which are infinitely recyclable without a loss in quality.
This one small action of choosing products in glass or aluminum packaging will change the way you contribute to a circular economy forever.
The Circular Choice
I used to just buy products without thinking about the packaging. The small action that has had the biggest impact on my sustainable journey is to prioritize products that come in glass or aluminum. Unlike plastic, which is difficult to recycle and loses its quality each time, glass and aluminum are infinitely recyclable. They can be melted down and turned into new bottles and cans over and over again, without any loss in purity. Choosing these materials is a powerful vote for a more circular, less wasteful economy.
If you’re still using liquid eyeliner pens, you’re losing out on the zero-waste potential of a potted gel liner and a brush.
The Pen’s Problem
I loved the convenience of a liquid eyeliner pen. It was so easy to use. But I realized that I was throwing away an entire plastic pen every few months. I was looking for a more sustainable alternative and found it in a simple pot of gel eyeliner. I can use the same pot for a very long time, and I apply it with a reusable eyeliner brush. It gives me the same sharp, long-lasting line, but with a tiny fraction of the plastic waste over time.
Use a brand that offers carbon-neutral shipping, not just free shipping.
The Shipping Shift
I used to be so excited by the offer of “free shipping.” But I learned that shipping is never truly free; the environment is paying the price. The transportation of goods is a huge contributor to carbon emissions. I started to look for brands that go a step further and offer carbon-neutral shipping. This means that the brand invests in projects, like reforestation, that offset the carbon emissions created by shipping your order. It’s a way for a company to take responsibility for its environmental impact.
Stop buying from brands that are not transparent about their ingredient sourcing and labor ethics.
The Transparency Test
I used to just buy products based on their marketing claims. I never thought to ask where the ingredients came from or who was harvesting them. I learned that a truly ethical and sustainable brand is a transparent one. They should be willing to tell you about their supply chain. If a brand is cagey about where their mica or their shea butter comes from, that’s a major red flag. I now only buy from brands that are open and honest about their sourcing and their commitment to fair labor practices.
Stop thinking that you need a separate product for every body part; a single good oil or balm can be used for lips, cuticles, and dry patches.
The Multi-Use Marvel
My bathroom cabinet used to be overflowing with specialized products: a lip balm, a cuticle oil, a hand cream, a foot cream. I realized that this was a marketing-driven illusion of need. In reality, a single, high-quality, multi-purpose product can do all of those jobs. A simple, nourishing balm or a bottle of a good carrier oil, like jojoba, can be used to moisturize your lips, your cuticles, your dry elbows, and even to tame flyaway hairs. It’s a minimalist, sustainable, and incredibly effective approach.
The #1 secret about sustainable packaging is that the simplest option (like a paper-wrapped bar) is often the best.
The Simple Solution
The world of sustainable packaging can be confusing. There are bioplastics, recycled plastics, and complex mixed materials. The secret I’ve learned is that often, the most sustainable choice is the simplest one. A solid product, like a bar of soap or a shampoo bar, that is wrapped in a simple, uncoated, recyclable piece of paper is often the most low-impact option of all. It eliminates the need for a bottle, it’s lightweight to ship, and the packaging is easily recycled or composted. Simplicity is often the greenest path.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “zero-waste” is that it’s an all-or-nothing lifestyle.
The Zero-Waste Myth
I was so inspired by the “zero-waste” bloggers who could fit a year’s worth of trash into a single mason jar. But it also made me feel like a complete failure. My own life felt so far from that ideal. The lie is that you have to be perfect. The goal is not for a handful of people to practice zero-waste perfectly. The goal is for millions of people to practice it imperfectly. Making one or two small, sustainable swaps in your routine is a fantastic achievement and is so much better than doing nothing at all.
I wish I knew this about the environmental cost of essential oil production; it takes thousands of pounds of plant matter for one small bottle.
The Essential Oil Equation
I love essential oils and used to use them lavishly, without thinking about where they came from. I wish I had known about the incredible amount of natural resources required to produce them. For example, it can take over 2,000 pounds of rose petals to produce just one pound of rose essential oil. This has a huge environmental impact in terms of land use, water, and energy. This knowledge hasn’t stopped me from using essential oils, but it has made me treat them as the precious, potent, and resource-intensive materials that they are.
I’m just going to say it: The most ethical thing you can do is use up the “problematic” products you already own instead of throwing them away.
The “Use-It-Up” Ethic
When I first started my journey into “clean” and “sustainable” beauty, I was tempted to do a massive purge. I wanted to throw out all my old, “problematic” products and start fresh. I’m just going to say it: the most ethical and sustainable thing you can do is to use up what you already have. Throwing away a perfectly good, half-used product just creates more waste. It’s much better to use it up, and then, when it’s empty, replace it with a more conscious choice. Don’t create waste in the name of being sustainable.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying to DIY a “sustainable” beauty product.
The DIY Dilemma
I was trying to be more sustainable, so I decided to make my own face cream. I ordered a dozen different exotic butters, oils, and extracts from all over the world. The mistake I was making was not considering the carbon footprint of my ingredients. A truly sustainable DIY project should use simple, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Making a simple scrub from sugar and the olive oil from my local farm is far more sustainable than creating a complex cream with ingredients that have been shipped from five different continents.
This one small habit of carrying a reusable tote bag will change the way you avoid unnecessary shopping bags from beauty stores forever.
The Tote Bag Triumph
I used to always forget my reusable bags when I went grocery shopping, but I never even thought about it when I went to a beauty store like Sephora or Ulta. I would always end up with a small, glossy, unnecessary shopping bag for my one or two items. The small habit I adopted was to always keep a small, foldable tote bag in my purse. Now, no matter where I am shopping, I can always politely refuse the single-use bag. It’s a simple habit that has saved hundreds of bags from ending up in the trash.
If you’re still chasing novelty and newness, you’re losing the sustainable mindset of “buy well, buy less.”
The Novelty Trap
The beauty industry thrives on the constant churn of new product launches. I used to get so excited by the novelty of it all. I was always chasing the next big thing. If you are still caught in this cycle, you are missing out on a more sustainable and fulfilling mindset: “buy well, buy less.” Instead of buying a dozen trendy, mediocre products, the goal is to invest in a few high-quality, timeless, and effective products that you will love and use to the very last drop. It’s about curation, not collection.
Use a menstrual cup or period underwear, not disposable tampons and pads.
The Period Plastic
For decades, my only option for managing my period was disposable tampons and pads. I never thought about the incredible amount of waste I was creating every single month. A single person can use over 10,000 disposable period products in their lifetime. I switched to a menstrual cup, a small, flexible, medical-grade silicone cup that can be reused for up to ten years. It was a complete game-changer. It’s more comfortable, more affordable in the long run, and it has eliminated a huge source of waste from my life.
Stop being fooled by “greenwashing” tactics like nature-inspired imagery and buzzwords.
The Greenwash Glare
I used to see a product with a green leaf on the label and the word “natural” and immediately assume it was an eco-friendly choice. I was being fooled by “greenwashing.” This is a marketing tactic where a company uses imagery and buzzwords to make their product appear more environmentally friendly than it actually is. You have to learn to look past the pretty pictures and the vague claims. Look for specific details, third-party certifications, and transparency from the brand to know if their commitment to sustainability is real.
Stop thinking you have to sacrifice luxury for sustainability; many brands now offer both.
The Sustainable Luxury
When I first started to think about sustainable beauty, I had an image in my mind of very simple, rustic, “crunchy” products. I thought I would have to give up the feeling of luxury and elegance in my routine. This is no longer the case. The beauty industry has evolved so much, and there are now so many incredible brands that are deeply committed to sustainability while also creating beautifully formulated, high-performance, and luxurious-feeling products in stunning, eco-conscious packaging. You don’t have to choose between your values and a beautiful experience.
The #1 secret for a sustainable routine is focusing on multi-use products.
The Multi-Use Magic
My bathroom counter used to be cluttered with a dozen different products, each for a single, specific purpose. The number one secret for creating a more sustainable and minimalist routine was to embrace multi-use products. I found a tinted balm that I could use on my lips, cheeks, and even my eyelids. I used a single, beautiful oil for my face, my body, and the ends of my hair. By choosing products that can do more than one job, you drastically cut down on the amount of packaging, waste, and clutter in your life.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about recycling symbols is that they mean a product is recyclable everywhere.
The Symbol’s Story
I used to see the little chasing arrows recycling symbol on a piece of plastic and assume that meant I could toss it in my recycling bin. The lie is that this symbol is a guarantee of recyclability. It’s not. That number inside the arrows just identifies the type of plastic resin. Whether or not that specific type of plastic is actually accepted for recycling depends entirely on the capabilities of your local municipal recycling facility. You have to check with your local program to know what is truly recyclable in your area.
I wish I knew this about the water pollution caused by microbeads in scrubs before they were banned.
The Microbead Menace
I used to love those face and body scrubs that were full of tiny, colorful plastic microbeads. They felt so effective. I wish I had known that I was literally washing tiny pieces of plastic down the drain and into our oceans. These microbeads were too small to be filtered out by water treatment plants, and they were ending up in our lakes and oceans, where they were being eaten by marine life and causing devastating pollution. Thankfully, they have now been banned in many countries, but it’s a powerful lesson in the hidden environmental costs of our products.
I’m just going to say it: Influencer “haul” videos are a driving force of unsustainable overconsumption.
The Haul’s Harm
I used to love watching massive “haul” videos on YouTube, where an influencer would show off a huge pile of new clothes or makeup. It was entertaining. I’m just going to say it: this type of content is a major engine of unsustainable overconsumption. These videos normalize and glorify buying a huge amount of stuff, often from fast-fashion or disposable brands. They create a culture of constant newness and make viewers feel like they need to be constantly shopping to keep up. It’s a deeply unsustainable mindset.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying to go “plastic-free.”
The All-or-Nothing Attitude
When I first decided to try and reduce my plastic consumption, I made the mistake of trying to be perfect overnight. I felt like a failure if I forgot my reusable coffee cup or had to buy something that came in a plastic wrapper. This “all or nothing” attitude is what makes most people give up. A much healthier and more sustainable approach is to focus on making small, incremental changes. Start with one thing, like a shampoo bar, and once that becomes a habit, move on to the next. It’s about progress, not perfection.
This one small action of asking brands tough questions about their sustainability practices will change the industry for the better forever.
The Power of the Question
I used to just accept a brand’s vague “eco-friendly” claims at face value. The small action that made me feel so much more empowered was to start asking tough questions. I would send emails or direct messages to brands, asking them for specifics about their packaging, their ingredient sourcing, or their labor ethics. The more consumers who demand this kind of transparency, the more brands will be forced to be accountable. Our collective curiosity and our demand for real answers is a powerful force for changing the industry for the better.
If you’re still using conventional cotton pads, you’re losing your vote against the pesticide-heavy cotton industry.
The Cotton Conundrum
I used disposable cotton pads in my beauty routine for years, without ever thinking about where they came from. I learned that conventional cotton is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops in the world. These pesticides can be harmful to the farmers, the environment, and can end up as residue in the final product. By switching to reusable cloth rounds, or by choosing to buy pads made from certified organic cotton, I am casting a small vote against this pesticide-heavy industry and for a healthier agricultural system.
Use a razor with replaceable blades, not a disposable plastic one.
The Razor’s Edge
I used to use disposable plastic razors. They were convenient, but I felt so guilty throwing away an entire piece of plastic after just a few uses. I switched to using a beautiful, durable safety razor with replaceable blades. Not only has this drastically reduced my plastic waste, but it has also given me a much closer, more irritation-free shave. The initial investment in the razor handle pays for itself over time, as the replacement blades are incredibly cheap. It’s a win for my wallet and a huge win for the planet.
Stop buying from brands that are not transparent about their ingredient sourcing and labor ethics.
The Transparency Test
A brand can have beautiful packaging and “clean” ingredients, but if they are not transparent about where those ingredients come from and who is making their products, it’s a major red flag. I learned to look for brands that are open and honest about their entire supply chain. Do they talk about their fair-trade partnerships? Do they trace their mica back to the source? Do they share information about their factory conditions? Supporting brands that value transparency is crucial for building a more ethical and accountable beauty industry.
Stop thinking that sustainability is just about packaging; it’s about the entire life cycle of a product.
The Life Cycle Logic
My early efforts in sustainable beauty were focused solely on the packaging. I was looking for glass jars and paper wrapping. But I learned that sustainability is a much bigger picture. You have to consider the entire life cycle of a product. Where did the raw ingredients come from, and were they farmed sustainably? How much energy and water was used to manufacture the product? What is the carbon footprint of shipping it to you? And what happens to it at the end of its life? It’s a complex system, and packaging is just one small piece.
The #1 secret that truly sustainable brands know is that they need to consider their “end-of-life” plan for every product.
The End Game
Most companies only think about getting their product into your hands. The secret that truly innovative and sustainable brands understand is that they have to think about what happens to their product and its packaging at the end of its life. Do they have a take-back program for their empties? Is the packaging designed to be easily composted or recycled? Are the ingredients biodegradable? A brand that has a thoughtful “end-of-life” plan is a brand that is taking true responsibility for its impact on the planet.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “water-saving” beauty is that it’s only about the product’s formula.
The Water-Wise lie
The “waterless” beauty trend is fantastic, but the lie is that the water saved is only in the product’s formulation. A huge portion of the beauty industry’s water footprint comes from the agricultural side—the massive amount of water it takes to grow the botanical ingredients. A brand can have a waterless formula but still use ingredients that have a huge water footprint. True water-saving beauty requires a brand to consider water conservation at every single stage of their supply chain, from the farm to the factory to the final formula.
I wish I knew this about the social and environmental issues surrounding the harvesting of ingredients like sandalwood and frankincense.
The Sourcing Story
I love the beautiful, woody scents of sandalwood and frankincense. I used to buy products with these essential oils without knowing their story. I wish I had known about the serious ethical and environmental issues surrounding them. Many species of sandalwood are now endangered due to over-harvesting, and the trade is often linked to illegal activity. The harvesting of frankincense can be exploitative for local communities. Learning this has pushed me to only buy from brands that are completely transparent about their sustainable and ethical sourcing of these precious, ancient ingredients.
I’m just going to say it: The most beautiful look is leaving a smaller footprint on the planet.
The Ultimate Beauty
We spend so much time and effort trying to achieve a certain look. We chase trends and buy endless products. I’m just going to say it: true, lasting beauty is not about the perfect lipstick or the smoothest skin. The most beautiful thing we can do is to live in a way that is kind to our planet. Making conscious choices, reducing our consumption, and leaving a smaller footprint is a form of beauty that radiates from within and has a positive impact that will last far longer than any makeup look.
99% of people make this one mistake when storing their solid shampoo and conditioner bars.
The Puddle Problem
I was so excited to switch to shampoo and conditioner bars to reduce my plastic waste. The mistake I made at first was leaving them in a soap dish that didn’t drain properly. They would sit in a puddle of water, turning into a goopy, mushy mess and dissolving much faster than they should have. The key to making your bars last is to keep them dry between uses. A draining soap dish or a spot in the shower away from the direct stream of water is essential for preserving their shape and their lifespan.
This one small habit of looking for the Leaping Bunny logo will change the way you ensure a product is truly cruelty-free forever.
The Leaping Bunny Benchmark
I was trying to shop cruelty-free, but I was so confused by all the different “not tested on animals” claims and bunny logos. The small habit that made it so much easier was to look for one specific symbol: the Leaping Bunny logo. This is the internationally recognized gold standard for cruelty-free certification. It means that the brand, its labs, and its ingredient suppliers do not conduct or commission any new animal testing. It’s a trustworthy, third-party verification that takes all the guesswork out of shopping compassionately.
If you’re still buying travel-sized minis in plastic, you’re losing the opportunity to use refillable travel containers.
The Mini Menace
The aisle of travel-sized “minis” at the drugstore used to be my go-to before a trip. They were so cute and convenient. But I realized that I was buying a tiny amount of product in a huge amount of disposable plastic packaging. It’s an incredibly wasteful practice. I invested in a set of high-quality, reusable travel containers. Now, I can just decant my favorite products from my full-sized bottles at home. It saves me money in the long run and has completely eliminated that source of plastic waste from my travels.
Use a biodegradable dental floss, not a conventional nylon one.
The Floss Fix
I flossed my teeth every day, thinking I was doing something great for my health. I never thought about the floss itself. Conventional dental floss is made of nylon and comes in a plastic container. It’s essentially a disposable piece of plastic that you use every single day. I switched to a biodegradable dental floss made from silk or corn fiber, which often comes in a refillable glass container. It’s a small, simple swap that has a surprisingly large impact on the amount of daily plastic waste I produce.
Stop throwing your electronics (like old cleansing brushes) in the trash; find a proper e-waste recycling center.
The E-Waste Equation
My old facial cleansing brush finally died. My first instinct was to just toss it in the garbage. But I learned that beauty electronics, like any electronic device, are considered “e-waste.” They contain batteries and other components that can be toxic if they end up in a landfill. The proper way to dispose of them is to take them to a designated e-waste recycling center. Many electronics stores, like Best Buy, have free take-back programs for these kinds of items. It’s an important step to keep these hazardous materials out of our environment.
Stop thinking you need to be perfect to be sustainable; start with one small swap.
The Perfection Paralysis
When I first learned about the environmental issues in the beauty industry, I felt so overwhelmed. I felt like I had to change everything overnight and become a perfect, zero-waste, plastic-free saint. This “perfection paralysis” stopped me from doing anything at all. The key is to start small. You don’t have to be perfect. Just choose one single, manageable swap. Maybe it’s a bamboo toothbrush. Maybe it’s a shampoo bar. Starting with one small change is so much more effective than getting overwhelmed and doing nothing.
The #1 secret about shopping sales is to only buy sustainable refills of products you already love.
The Sale Strategy
I used to see a big beauty sale as an opportunity to buy a bunch of new, trendy products at a discount. It just led to more clutter and waste. I now have a new, more sustainable strategy for sales. I use them as an opportunity to stock up on the things I already know I love and use consistently. The best use of a sale is to buy the lower-waste, refill pouch of your favorite moisturizer or to get a backup of the shampoo bar you use every day. It’s about smart, conscious consumption, not just impulse buying.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about conscious consumerism is that you can buy your way into sustainability.
The Consumption Con
The sustainable lifestyle movement is now a huge market. There are endless “eco-friendly” products to buy. The biggest lie is that you can consume your way to a more sustainable life. Buying a new set of reusable straws, a fancy compost bin, or a whole wardrobe of ethically made clothes is still, at its core, consumption. The most truly sustainable practice is to slow down, buy less, use what you already have, and repair what is broken. You cannot buy your way out of a problem that is caused by buying.
I wish I knew this about how to properly compost my organic beauty waste when I was just throwing it in the trash.
The Compostable Beauty
I used to throw my cotton balls, my hair from my brush, and my nail clippings in the trash, where they would end up in a landfill. I wish I had known that all of these organic materials can be composted. I started a small compost bin for my bathroom waste. Now, my 100% cotton rounds, my Q-tips with paper sticks, and even my old bamboo toothbrush handles can be returned to the earth instead of being entombed in a plastic bag. It’s a simple way to close the loop on my natural beauty waste.
I’m just going to say it: True sustainability means breaking up with consumer culture.
The Breakup
I was trying so hard to be a “sustainable consumer.” I was buying all the “right” things. But I was still caught in the cycle of wanting and buying. I’m just going to say it: true, deep sustainability is not about being a better consumer. It’s about breaking up with consumer culture altogether. It’s about finding joy, validation, and entertainment in things other than shopping. It’s a profound mental shift from “what can I buy?” to “what can I do, create, or experience?”
99% of people make this one mistake when looking at a brand’s “sustainability report.”
The Report Ruse
I was impressed when I saw that a big corporation had published a glossy, 50-page “sustainability report.” I thought it was a sign of true commitment. The mistake I was making was not looking at what was missing. These reports are often carefully crafted marketing documents that highlight the company’s successes while conveniently omitting their failures. They might talk about their recycled packaging but ignore the carbon footprint of their shipping or the poor labor practices in their supply chain. You have to read between the lines and look for what they are not saying.
This one small action of calculating your own beauty routine’s plastic waste will change your habits forever.
The Plastic Audit
I didn’t think my personal beauty routine was that wasteful. The small action that completely opened my eyes was to do a plastic audit. For one month, I saved every single piece of plastic waste that my routine generated—the empty bottles, the plastic wrapping, the sample packets. At the end of the month, I was horrified by the size of the pile. This tangible, visual evidence of my own impact was so much more powerful than any abstract statistic. It was the motivation I needed to make serious, lasting changes.
If you’re still using aerosols, you’re losing out on innovative and eco-friendly non-aerosol sprays.
The Non-Aerosol Advantage
My favorite hairspray and dry shampoo always came in an aerosol can. I didn’t think there was another option. But aerosol cans contain VOCs that contribute to air pollution and are difficult to recycle. If you’re still using them, you’re missing out on the fantastic non-aerosol alternatives that are now available. There are so many great products that now come in a simple pump spray or as a powder that you can puff on. They work just as well, without the negative environmental impact of the aerosol propellant.
Use brands that support 1% for the Planet, not just ones with vague “eco” claims.
The 1% Pledge
It can be so hard to know which brands are genuinely committed to environmental causes. A simple, trustworthy indicator I learned to look for is the “1% for the Planet” logo. This is a global movement of companies that have committed to donating at least 1% of their annual sales to environmental non-profits. It’s a clear, tangible, and audited commitment. Choosing to support these brands is a way to ensure that a portion of my purchase is directly funding a healthier planet.
Stop buying gift sets with excessive, non-recyclable packaging.
The Gift Set Guilt
The holiday season is a minefield of wasteful packaging, and beauty gift sets are often the worst offenders. They come in a huge box with a plastic window, a molded plastic tray, and lots of filler material, most of which is not recyclable. I stopped buying these sets. Instead, I now create my own gifts. I buy a few individual products that I know the person will love, and I present them in a reusable cloth bag or a simple, recyclable gift box. It’s a more personal and so much more sustainable gift.
Stop being overwhelmed by the idea of sustainability; focus on progress, not perfection.
The Progress Principle
When I first started learning about the environmental crisis and the waste in the beauty industry, I felt completely overwhelmed. The problem seemed so big that my small actions felt meaningless. It’s easy to get paralyzed by the need to be perfect. The key is to let go of perfection and to just focus on progress. Making one small change, and then another, and then another, is how real, lasting change happens. Don’t let the scale of the problem stop you from taking your first, small step.
The #1 secret for a low-waste hair routine is a simple ACV rinse and a good quality wooden comb.
The Low-Waste Locks
I wanted to simplify my hair routine and reduce my waste. The best low-waste secret I found was to go back to basics. I use a simple shampoo bar to wash my hair. For my conditioner, I use a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse, which helps to detangle and add shine. And instead of a plastic brush, I use a beautiful, durable wooden comb. This simple, three-part routine leaves my hair healthy and shiny, and it produces almost zero waste. It’s a beautiful, minimalist approach to hair care.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about natural ingredients is that they are always sustainably harvested.
The Harvesting Hazard
I used to assume that if an ingredient was “natural,” it was also “sustainable.” The lie is that this is always the case. Some of our most beloved natural ingredients are being threatened by over-harvesting and deforestation. Precious woods like sandalwood and rosewood are now endangered because of their use in essential oils. The demand for these ingredients can have a devastating impact on ecosystems and local communities. A truly sustainable brand is one that is transparent about its responsible and ethical harvesting practices.
I wish I knew this about the energy consumption of my heated styling tools when I was leaving them plugged in.
The Phantom Power
I used to leave my hairdryer and my flat iron plugged in all the time. I wasn’t thinking about the “phantom” or “vampire” power they were using, even when they were turned off. I wish I had known that many electronics continue to draw a small amount of power as long as they are plugged into the wall. I started a simple habit of unplugging my styling tools after each use. It’s a small action that helps to conserve energy and to lower my electricity bill.
I’m just going to say it: The ultimate sustainable beauty hack is self-acceptance.
The Acceptance Advantage
I was buying all the sustainable products, but I was still caught in a cycle of wanting more—to fix my flaws, to look like someone else. I’m just going to say it: the most powerful, most radical, and most truly sustainable beauty practice is self-acceptance. When you genuinely love and accept yourself as you are, your desire to consume more products to “fix” yourself dramatically decreases. You stop chasing an impossible ideal and start nourishing the beautiful reality you already inhabit. It’s the ultimate act of sustainability for your soul and for the planet.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying to influence their friends and family to be more sustainable.
The Preaching Problem
When I first became passionate about sustainability, I made the mistake of becoming preachy and judgmental with my friends and family. I would point out all the “wrong” things they were doing, which only made them feel defensive and annoyed. Nobody responds well to being shamed. I learned that the best way to influence others is to lead by example, to share your own journey with joy and passion, and to be a helpful, non-judgmental resource if they ask questions. It’s about inspiration, not indictment.
This one small habit of mending, not ending, your relationship with your belongings (like cleaning your brushes) will change your mindset forever.
The Mending Mindset
Our culture is a disposable one. When something gets a little bit old or dirty, our first instinct is often to just throw it away and buy a new one. This applies to our beauty tools as well. The small habit I adopted was to “mend, not end.” Instead of tossing my makeup brushes when they got grimy, I learned how to deep clean and condition them. This mindset of caring for and maintaining the things I own, instead of just replacing them, has been a powerful shift away from a disposable culture.
If you’re still thinking your individual actions don’t matter, you’re losing your power to create collective change.
The Ripple Effect
It’s easy to feel like your one small, sustainable choice doesn’t make a difference in the face of massive global problems. But this is a disempowering belief. Every single time you choose a shampoo bar over a plastic bottle, or support a small, ethical brand, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. These individual actions create a ripple effect. They influence your friends and family, and they send a powerful message to the industry about what consumers are demanding. Your choices have power.
Use a toothpaste tablet, not a plastic tube of toothpaste.
The Tablet Transformation
I was trying to eliminate plastic from my bathroom, but I was stuck on toothpaste. The plastic tubes are not recyclable. Then I discovered toothpaste tablets. These are little, dry tablets of toothpaste that you just pop in your mouth, chew a few times to create a paste, and then brush as normal. They work just as well as traditional toothpaste, they are fantastic for travel, and they come in a refillable glass jar. It was the final, brilliant solution for a truly plastic-free oral care routine.
Stop buying from fast-fashion-adjacent makeup brands that churn out new, trendy palettes every week.
The Fast-Fashion Face
The fast-fashion model of rapid trends and cheap, disposable products has now come to the beauty industry. There are brands that are churning out dozens of new, trendy eyeshadow palettes every single month. This business model is designed to encourage massive overconsumption and to make you feel like your current collection is already outdated. I stopped buying from these brands. I now choose to support companies that focus on creating a curated, timeless collection of high-quality products, not just a constant stream of disposable trends.
Stop thinking that ethical beauty is just about animal testing; it’s about human rights, too.
The Human Element
When I first started to think about “ethical beauty,” my focus was entirely on whether a product was cruelty-free and not tested on animals. This is incredibly important, but it’s only half the story. A truly ethical brand must also be concerned with human rights. Are the people who are harvesting the raw ingredients being paid a fair wage? Are the workers in the factory being treated with dignity and respect? A product is not truly “ethical” if it was made with the exploitation of human beings.
The #1 secret for a truly eco-friendly gift is an experience or a consumable from a local maker.
The Gift of Experience
Gift-giving occasions used to stress me out because they often involved so much consumption and waste. The most sustainable gift-giving secret I learned is to shift away from buying “stuff.” Instead, I now try to give experiences—like tickets to a concert, a gift certificate for a class, or just the gift of my time. And if I do want to give a physical gift, I choose a consumable product, like a beautiful bar of soap or a jar of jam, from a local artisan. It’s a gift that will be enjoyed and used up, not one that will just become more clutter.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about sustainability is that it’s a sacrifice.
The Sustainability Joy
When people think about living a more sustainable lifestyle, they often imagine it as a life of sacrifice and deprivation. They think they have to give up all their comforts and conveniences. The biggest lie is that it’s a sacrifice. For me, living more sustainably has actually brought more joy and intention into my life. Using a beautiful, handmade shampoo bar is a more pleasant sensory experience than a plastic bottle. Shopping at the farmers’ market connects me to my community. It’s not about loss; it’s about gaining a more mindful and beautiful way of life.
I wish I knew this about the concept of a “circular economy” when I first started my low-waste journey.
The Circular System
When I started my low-waste journey, I was focused on recycling. I thought that was the answer. I wish I had known about the much more powerful concept of a “circular economy.” Our current system is linear: we take resources, make a product, use it, and then throw it away. A circular economy is one where there is no “away.” Products are designed to be reused, repaired, or to have their materials safely returned to the earth. Understanding this concept shifted my focus from just recycling to supporting brands with innovative, circular models like refillable packaging.
I’m just going to say it: You don’t need to own every shade of blush.
The Blush Burden
I used to have a drawer full of blushes—pinks, corals, berries, reds. I thought I needed a different shade for every possible mood and outfit. I’m just going to say it: you don’t. I decluttered my collection and kept only two or three versatile shades that I knew looked great on me. I realized that a beautiful peachy-pink and a warm nude were all I really needed to create any look I wanted. Owning less has made me more creative and has taken the stress out of choosing.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying to shop “ethically” on a budget.
The Fast-Fashion Fallacy
When you are trying to shop ethically on a tight budget, it’s tempting to just buy the cheapest “eco-friendly” product you can find, which is often from a huge, fast-fashion-like corporation that has jumped on the greenwashing bandwagon. The mistake is thinking that this is your only option. A much more truly ethical and sustainable approach is to buy secondhand. You can find high-quality, pre-loved items for a fraction of their original price. Or, save up and buy one single, well-made item from a truly ethical small brand that will last for years.
This one small action of fixing a broken powder compact with rubbing alcohol will change your view on disposability forever.
The Powder Press
I used to be so clumsy. I would drop my favorite powder blush or eyeshadow, and it would shatter into a million pieces. My first instinct was always to just throw the whole thing away. The small action that changed my mindset was learning how to fix it. You just crush the remaining powder up completely, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to create a paste, press it back into the pan with a paper towel, and let it dry. It’s like magic. This simple act of repairing something broken was a powerful lesson in fighting our disposable culture.
If you’re still waiting for brands to be perfect, you’re losing the chance to support the ones that are making a genuine effort to be better.
The Imperfect Progress
The world of sustainability and ethics is incredibly complex, and no brand is perfect. It’s easy to become cynical and to decide that no one is good enough. If you are waiting for a perfect brand to appear, you will be waiting forever. A much more productive approach is to support the brands that are genuinely trying to be better, even if they are imperfect. Supporting a brand that is transparent about its challenges and is actively working to improve is how we encourage and fund the transition to a better beauty industry.