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We’ve probably all heard by now just how much plastic is filling up our landfills and getting into our oceans and eco systems. We may be getting better at recycling and thinking about ways to reduce single use plastic. But what about our beauty routine? Have a quick look around your bathroom and make up bag and you will quickly realise just how much of your fave products are in a plastic case. Plus they often come in that thick, plastic packaging that you have to hack at with scissors just to get into (think razors, toothbrushes, lid pots to cotton buds etc). But thankfully its easier than you think to make some quick changes. Now in its second year, Plastic Free Beauty Day on 17th June is helping consumers and challenging brands to rethink plastic use in the beauty category. So here’s our top tips and remember, even small steps will help so don’t worry if you can’t change everything at once.
It’s all about bamboo
- Cotton buds: Switching to bamboo cotton buds is an easy swap. Most are biodegradable and come in cardboard packaging.
- Toothbrush: We change our toothbrush every 3 months. So you know those fun plastic ones you had as a kid? Yup, they’re still in landfill somewhere! You can get bamboo handles with natural bristles and some brands come with head refills so even less waste.
- Face cloths: Bamboo cotton is an amazing material for reusable muslin cloths and face pads for removing make up and cleansing. They’re super soft and gentle on your skin and you’ll find you will need less product for great results.
- Breastfeeding: For breastfeeding mums, give bamboo cotton breast pads a try for catching leaks. Plastic free and they’ll be gentle against sore nipples.
- Razors – look for bamboo handles where you only change the blade. You can even get them on subscription so they’re posted through your door just when you need them
Top tip: Wash cloths and pads in a little wash bag in the washing machine but avoid using fabric softener as that decreases their absorbency.
Try:
Biodegradable wipes
It’s not just baby wipes that are getting into our sewers and landfill. Wipes are used across lots of places in your home, from cleaning surfaces to removing make up. Thankfully more brands are making biodegradable options. Our baby wipes contain zero plastic and the soft plant based fibres are 100% biodegradable*. Plus our packaging is recyclable too. And they’re handy for wiping your own face as well as little one’s bottom! Just remember, never flush wipes down the toilet, even biodegradable ones, as they clog our sewers.
Try:
Mum and You biodegradable baby wipes
or for a safe to flush moist toilet tissue alternative, try:
Mum & You Floosh! moist toilet tissues
Bodywash, shampoo and conditioner
Choose glass and aluminium bottles which are easy to recycle and look great in the bathroom. Or you could buy an empty bottle once and refill it with product bought in bulk to cut down on plastic.
Or why not give some of the uber cool soap bars and cubes for body, shampoo and conditioner a go. These innovative products lather up and can be reused over and over until they run out and the only thing left is the cardboard box they came in.
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Skincare
How could we not talk about our new skincare for mums! We spent over a year researching and developing not only amazing products to take care of precious pregnant and post bump skin. But we also spent time finding the best recyclable packaging that’s eco friendly, looks great and protects your product. The range is all midwife approved, vegan, cruelty free and suitable for sensitive skin.
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Make up
There’s lots of new brands that use recyclable and refillable packaging. So you buy the outer case once, like a mascara or a lipstick, and then you only buy the inner refill product after, at a reduced price. And don’t forget your make up brushes. Look for bamboo handles and plastic free, natural bristles.
Try:
Terracycle
Terracycle is the world leader for collecting and recycling difficult plastic that your local council can’t. Their schemes cover a wide range of beauty products from make up, moisturiser, roll on deodorant, contact lenses and cases, toothbrushes and toothpaste and many more. Plus lots of other things around the home like baby pouches, coffee pods, food packs (bread, crisps, confectionery, biscuits), dishwasher tablet pouches. The list is endless! There’s a few ways you can do it:
- Take it to a public drop off location
- Set up a public drop off to help serve your community
- Or send off for a bag and they will collect from your home
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We’d love to hear your own tips and favourite products below.
*Wipes are compostable according to European Standards EN13432 and are certified by TÜV Austria as OK compost Home.
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