1. Multi-purpose products
Surprisingly enough, many products can be used for several purposes. That means less waste, less money spent and a more minimalist lifestyle! For example, You don’t need different creams for your body and your hands, you can use the same products! You can even make it yourself, and actually, Immy’s hair mask recipe also works great as a body/hand moisturizer.
The same goes for makeup. You can use the same brown shade for contouring, as eyeshadow and for your brows!
2. Make your own products
I have a ton of videos to make your own products, from my #LOWTOBER campaign! I have recipes for lip balm, face toner, deodorant and even dry shampoo. Click here to access the playlist!
3. Research the brands you give your money to
For anything you cannot or do not want to make yourself, do your research and find ethical brands. This is very important because it is all a matter of supply and demand, and you vote with your money. When companies see that we support ethical products more than others, that’s what they start investing in.
4. Make sure you only use what you need (less is more)
It is not because you see an ad or someone using a product, that you need it too. Chances are, if you never thought of using that type of product by yourself, you probably don’t need it! Reducing the amount of products we possess is a great way to reduce our waste.
5. Soap bars/shampoo bars
It is very easy nowadays to find soaps without packaging or wrapped in paper. Paper isn’t ideal, as it destroys forests, but it is definitely better than plastic. The same goes for shampoo bar, they are becoming very popular! You might have to try a bunch of different ones before finding one that suits you, I know it was my case, but I finally found a local Belgian brand that I absolutely love! I have heard of 2 zero waste shampoo brands that are supposed to be good but haven’t tried them myself. It is J.R. Liggett and Ethique. Just try and you will see 😊 also, reducing how often you wash your hair helps save the environment, so consider that too!
6. Finish all your products
How often do we stop using products before they’re finished and replace them with new ones? I don’t know, but I have definitely been guilty of that one! If you don’t like a product, either try to use it differently (a face cream that you don’t like can always be used as a hand moisturizer) or give it to someone who might like it. Also, when a product’s expiration date is passed, you can still see if it looks right to you, cause pretty often, these dates don’t mean anything, they’re just here because the companies want you to consume more. But make sure the product does not look or smell weird, don’t take risks.
The same goes for makeup. I honestly don’t know anyone who has ever finished a whole palette, however we keep buying new ones…
7. Make your own palette
That’s one of my favorite travel tips! Most makeup palettes are actually magnetic! So I cut out the inside of a cardboard one and picked and chose my favorite items from a bunch of different palettes! I used to be a real makeup hoarder, and this is all I’ve used for over a year and I love it!
8. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a dream for its versatility! I use it for cooking, but also for oil pulling, as a makeup remover and as a body moisturizer. You could also use it as a face moisturizer or lip balm, depending on your skin type (it doesn’t work for me but I know it does for some people). I even add it to my deodorant and toothpaste recipes!
9. Short showers
Try and take short showers to save water and turn off the water while you’re applying soap to yourself. Also prefer showers over baths, as they tend to use less water (however, a long shower can use more water than a bath!). I have to admit that I love baths and still take them once in a while, but usually not more than once a month or every other month. See them as a rare treat!
10. Bamboo toothbrush/homemade toothpaste
We use many tooth brushes within our lives. Try using a bamboo toothbrush (preferably with compostable bristles, but they’re harder to find.) However, do not throw them in the regular bin, or they will go to landfill where they cannot break down. Throw them in your compost if you do compost, but if the bristles aren’t compostable, break the head of your toothbrush and throw it with your regular trash. Also, try making your own toothpaste! I also have a recipe on my channel 😊
PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
Bamboo Toothbrush: https://amzn.to/2yZbix1
Coconut Oil in glass jar: https://amzn.to/2QiJieh
J.R. Liggett Shampoo bars: https://amzn.to/2CZjv78
Ethique Shampoo bars: https://amzn.to/2QiURlB