If you're dedicated to decreasing the size of your
eco-footprint, establishing your paperless kitchen is a great first step. You
can also turn your attention to greening other products that you use every day.
When you stop and think about personal care and beauty products, you'll quickly
see that many of the materials that they are made from are anything but
eco-friendly.
Fortunately, there are green alternatives available that can help you look and feel your best while being better for the planet. Here are some great places to start:
- Toothbrushes are made of plastic, meaning their manufacturing uses up petrochemical supplies. Preserve offers a recycled plastic toothbrush for both adults and children that is completely free of toxins. The toothbrushes also come with envelopes that allow you to return them to Preserve for recycling.
- Hairbrushes are usually made from plastic, though some are crafted from nonrenewable metals or wood. Olivia Garden offers a collection of round and paddle brushes made from sustainable bamboo instead of aluminum, wood or plastic.
- Makeup brushes, like hairbrushes, often have plastic or metal handles. Designer lines may have animal hair bristles, while others feature synthetic bristles that may contain toxic additives. Eco Nvey has recently introduced the world's first completely compostable makeup brush collection with nontoxic, synthetic bristles.
- Blow dryers can use a tremendous amount of energy and also emit radiation that some studies suggest could pose health risks. BARBAR makes an eco-friendly alternative, the BARBAR Ceramic ECO 8000 Blow Dryer, which uses a ceramic heating element. The model saves 40 percent more energy than ordinary blow dryers and reduces radiation by 98 percent.
- Curling irons are traditionally made from nonrenewable and non-biodegradable metals. The Pure Heat 3-in-1 curling iron is crafted from biodegradable ceramic tourmaline and contains 14 percent recycled components. The packaging also is made of at least 50 percent post-consumer recycled content.
Do you have a favorite green personal care or beauty product that we didn't mention? Share it with us in the comments!