The Solution to Plastic Pollution
From International Joke Day to National Wine and Cheese Day, July is already a month to be celebrated. However, July is more than a glass of cab sav and a bad dad joke. In fact, it's the month that encourages us to stop and reflect on our choices towards the environment. Introducing Plastic Free July.
Plastic Free July is the global movement empowering millions of people to reduce their plastic usage. Furthermore, it's a challenge getting those creative juices flowing. From changing habits to making small changes, the month inspires a shift towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
How HQ Is Doing Plastic Free July
Whether it be at work or home, our team here at Activeskin HQ are taking steps towards being more environmentally conscious. Observe Taylor with her Vida Glow coffee in her keep cup every morning. Look over at Lilly with her produce bags picking up some fruit and veggies after work. Watch as the women of the warehouse wrap your orders in paper and cardboard.
After another sneak peek into how we do plastic-free? If you know us, you'll know we love a sneaky trip over to the grocery store during our lunch break. Rather than buying a plastic bag to put our lunch in, HQ put our shopping in a tote bag we already have with us. Although a simple hack, it's the small decisions that make the most sustainable impact.
How You Can Use Less Plastic in Your Beauty Routine
We've talked about lifestyle and work life. Now it's beauty talk time. Generating trillions of pieces of plastic, the beauty industry is one of the biggest contributors to damaging the environment. Furthermore, ending up in oceans and contaminating food supply chains, it's an issue that is successfully harming marine life. However, we as the avid beauty buyers we are, can make decisions to minimise our footprint. Therefore, as Plastic Free July approaches, now is the time to start making changes. Here are 8 ways you can use less plastic in your beauty routine.
1. Face Washcloth
Let’s start small. Most days, we end them by removing our makeup. It's honestly the most exciting part of the day. Marking the end of the night, after which I can tuck into bed with a hot cup of tea. However, did you know that many face wipes negatively impact the environment? As a single-use product, their existence is over in a matter of minutes, only to be thrown away covered in foundation. Therefore, that minuscule part of your routine needs to change.
Introducing the Face Halo makeup wipes. It's the modern makeup remover we all need to get around. I've had mine for about 3 months now and to say my life has changed is an understatement. When I think she's gone through enough I simply throw her into the washing machine to then use her the next day. Simple yet effective. Furthermore, made from unique Halo Tech Fibres, it gently removes makeup and excess grime from the skin. It's a game-changer.
Shop This2. Refillable Products
Shopping is a dangerous activity. Whether it be online or in-person, scrolling over fresh new cosmetics makes my body weak. Usually, I end up caving into buying that new product with the glistening packaging. However, changing this habit is an absolute essential during Plastic Free July. Furthermore, it's made so accessible to us that the shift is so simple.
Introducing the Jane Iredale Silver Refillable Compact. Designed to minimise plastic within the beauty industry, their refillable products are changing the game of beauty. Furthermore, it has been created to house a range of staple products including the Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Refills, Pure Matte or Beyond Matte powders. What's even better? Their sleek and compact design fits into your handbag like a glove. Therefore, no more cravings for new and fresh cosmetic packaging.
Shop This3. Bamboo Toothbrush
Most commonly, I'm half asleep as I brush my teeth in the morning. It's a mindless activity I do every day (twice a day). However, it's time to switch on our creative juices and make what once was a dull activity a thoughtful one. What if switching out your oral care could be your Plastic Free July change?
Lovebyt is paving the future of oral care. Made from 100% biodegradable and sustainable bamboo, their eco-friendly Bamboo Toothbrush Set helps you achieve a whiter smile with ease. Additionally, the medium bristles are made from black BPA-free nylon as well as charcoal to help absorb those mouth odours. Therefore, brush your pearly whites with this plastic-free switch this July.
Shop This4. Soap Bar
Soap. It's the bubbly stuff we pump onto our hands while we wash them. However, this Plastic Free July it's time to shift from pumping to lathering. In other words, instead of a plastic bottle of soap, let's try using a bar of soap, free from any damaging packaging.
The L'Occitane Shea Soap Verbena is the fresh start we need. Wrapped in paper packaging, the 100% vegetable base soap formulation offers a gentle cleanse to the skin. Furthermore, heighten your skin's natural moisture while doing your part for the environment.
Shop This5. Beauty Brands on the Road to Sustainability
Inika Organics is one of those brands you go, "oooft." Differentiating themselves by their sustainable packaging, the skincare brand is overtaking the industry. Understanding that most plastics don't break down their change to sugarcane packaging is used for all their products. The benefits? The completely renewable resource replenishes 100%. Furthermore, sugarcane is biodegradable (aka decomposes without leaving any hints of its existence). Reduce your carbon footprint by choosing sustainable brands just like Inika Organics. Feel good about your choices this Plastic Free July.
Shop This6. Buy in Bulk
Although buying in bulk isn't specifically a plastic-free switch, it ultimately slows down the intake. Plastic Free July shouldn't end on August 1st. Therefore, making changes that are sustainable for the long term are important. Furthermore, invest in larger bottles of your products. For instance, your shampoo and conditioner bottles usually come in multiple sizes. Next time, go for the larger one to reduce your carbon footprint. It's a really easy choice we never have to give up.
7. Stick on Your Deodorant
Our deodorant usually comes in plastic packaging. A quick spray or roll of the fresh scent under the pits picks us up for the day. However, this is another mindless ritual we (hopefully) take part in every day that we can change for the better of our environment.
It's time to make a plastic-free switch. The Black Chicken Axilla Deodorant Paste Barrier Booster is a super switch this July. Furthermore containing only natural ingredients, the cruelty-free deodorant is therefore safe for sensitive skin. Smell good while feeling good about your choices.
Shop This8. Switch Out Your Makeup Brushes
I'm going to be transparent with you and say that spending money on makeup brushes hurts my soul a little bit. In the past, I've gone for the cheapest and easiest ones to buy. However, little did I acknowledge that this decision was contributing to the negative effects of the beauty industry on the environment.
Therefore, the Jane Iredale Makeup Brushes are the perfect switch for me. Known for their sustainable and ethical processes, applying makeup with their plastic-free brushes are a sustainable and accessible option.
Shop ThisPlastic Free July doesn't stop on August 1st. By making these environmentally friendly switches, you can create sustainable and long term changes to your beauty routine.

With fresh Marketing eyes, Mia shares her beauty and skincare knowledge into every blog she writes! Up-to-date with the current trends, fads and must-have products, Mia shares her passion for beauty through her articulate words.