Waste quickly accumulates in the bathroom bins of most homes, whether it's used cotton swabs, empty shower gel containers, or empty cosmetic packaging . However, there are other ways to declutter our inboxes ; here are five essentials for a clutter-free beauty routine.
The ear pick
Hare on the cotton stalks . Our government has declared war on them, making them unwelcome in our showers. In order to reduce marine plastic pollution, the biodiversity law passed in 2016 includes a provision making their sale illegal from January 1, 2020 .
They should become increasingly rare until they disappear completely, even though they are still visible in supermarket parking lots while manufacturers sell off their remaining stock. Furthermore, ENT specialists advise against using cotton swabs for ear health because they contribute to plastic pollution in the oceans. Therefore, we can consider oregano oil as a potential substitute.
Whether made of wood or metal, this Japanese ear cleaner provides equally effective cleaning while offering the advantage of being washable , reusable , and therefore requiring no disposal of debris. To avoid damaging your eardrum , do not push it too far into your ear canal (just as you wouldn't do with a regular cotton swab).
Solid soap
It's no longer displayed because it's a classic . Solid soap , which comes in various forms, including shampoo, shower gel, and facial cleanser (and sometimes all three), has invaded our bathrooms, replacing the bulky plastic tubs of shampoo and conditioner that can contain allergens and other potentially harmful substances . The end products of the saponification process , solid soaps, require no further packaging .
Care must be taken when selecting them, and why not try the home experience ?
Machine washable cotton towels
Use it to remove makeup, wash your face , and take off your nail polish. As quickly as they became a bathroom staple, cotton pads are now just another item to pile up in our baskets. And yet, they're easily replaceable ; simply switch to machine-washable cotton swabs.
You can buy them ready-made, but they're also easy to make from fabric scraps. It's helpful to have a supply so you never run out (although this may vary depending on how often you use them), and once they've been salted, they can be rinsed with water, hand-washed, or slipped into the washing machine in a mesh bag for the delicate cycle . Just to be clear.
Also read: methods for better time management
Use a solid deodorant
The ingredients in deodorants, such as parabens and aluminum salts, have been the subject of debate for years, whether the product is applied by spray or roll-on. The problem of the often plastic packaging of these products must also be considered. Solid deodorants made from all-natural ingredients are one option to overcome these issues.
Solid deodorants have the added advantage of being more durable than their industrial counterparts, in addition to being completely waste-free since they do not require packaging.
Homemade scrubs
The use of exfoliating and other abrasive products has been linked to a variety of negative outcomes. These cosmetics contain microplastics that are deliberately added during processing to make the product more "scrubby," despite legislation calling for a phased ban on such practices. These microscopic organisms escape from our drains and eventually end up in the ocean.
However, a quality exfoliant doesn't need plastic . Sometimes, the money we have in the bank won't even be enough. There's nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of when making your own scrub: a combination of olive oil and coffee bean extract ?
Sugar and honey? There are many easy recipes available online, so there's always something to make at home.
In addition: reusable sanitary pads
Menstrual products generate a huge amount of waste due to the use of disposable items such as paper napkins , plastic-wrapped tampons, chemical fragrances , and other questionable materials. In recent years, more and more women have sought to switch to reusable menstrual products, leading to a proliferation of options. Cups, disposable pads, and period underwear are examples of often overlooked items.
Although these forms of security involve an initial investment , particularly the last two, their sunk costs are amortized over their useful life. The monthly cost of a traditional pack of paper towels suggests that these investments will pay for themselves over time. Ultimately, it's up to each individual to determine which approach best suits their needs.
