It’s the priority we long should have had—our planet. From the devastation of natural habitats to increasingly severe weather, the environment’s alarms are blaring. Saving the planet is a huge task though. Is there really anything one person can do? Actually, there is. It starts with your hair.
Hair products are among the largest contributors to waste. In the U.S. alone, about 552 million shampoo bottles end up in landfills each year. The ingredients in traditional hair products—many of which contain caustic alcohols and synthetics—flow down during washes, impacting marine life and even polluting our drinking water. And, recent studies indicate that a major source of urban pollution is actually our beauty products; as compounds in hair gels and similar products evaporate from our bodies, they infiltrate our atmosphere, undermining our air quality. However, small changes in our daily habits—namely, our hair care—can reverse the damage.
Here are three ways to minimize waste with your hair care:
·Stop using shampoo: Aside from how shampoos can dry out and damage your hair, we’ve already seen how much waste shampoos produce. You want to rely on co-washes and all-in-one conditioning rinses, such as LeLix, instead. These products give your hair the long-lasting moisture and nourishment it needs, without the waste.
·Stretch out your products: A little does go a long way. With quality, organic products you don’t need to use much to get the shine and vibrancy you need. Think about one application after a wash, or while styling, rather than two or three. A lot of product also weighs your hair down, and can interfere with growth. Of course, the less you use, the less waste is produced. Your hair, and the planet, will thank you.
·Only use products contained in recyclable material: When shopping for beauty products, don’t just look at the promised benefits or the ingredients, check out the container. Through packaging, the global cosmetics industry facilitates the destruction of 18 million acres of forest each year. Only buy products that are contained in recyclable material and minimize waste. Products like LeLix are contained in biodegradable, wheat-straw plastic. Other forward-looking brands are now packaging products in paper bottles or compostable content, upcycled from food products, as well. Using powdered conditioners or conditioners bars will also reduce your carbon footprint. We all need to be locklicked and planet-powered. These are just a few ways you can protect the environment through your hair care.
Seminal Wellness will be doing its part too. You can send in your empty hair and skincare products, with purchase, for discounts. Please contact us at [email protected] to learn more.
Saving our environment won’t be as daunting, if we all do our part. Let’s work toward a greener world, one wash at a time.
References
Allen, M. (2021). This is the real difference between co-wash and conditioning, according to natural hair experts.https://www.byrdie.com/co-washing-natural-hair
Brebner, A. (2021). How shampoo impacts the environment. https://www.hairstory.com/blog/how-shampoo-impacts-the-environment/
Coggon, M. (2018). Your shampoo, hair spray and skin lotion may be polluting the air. https://theconversation.com/your-shampoo-hair-spray-and-skin-lotion-may-be-polluting-the-air-96088
Garcia, N. (n.d.). You should not use shampoo to wash your hair! Here’s what to do instead…https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/you-should-not-use-shampoo-wash-your-hair-heres-what-instead.html
Living Circular. (2020). Zero waste shampoo: Single use and maxi effect. https://www.livingcircular.veolia.com/en/inspirations/zero-waste-shampoo-single-use-and-maxi-effect
Martinko, K. (2021). 7 ideas for a low-waste hair care routine. https://www.treehugger.com/ideas-low-waste-hair-care-routine-5188690
Pokovba, A. (2020). How to correctly recycle your empty beauty products. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/how-to-recycle-beauty-products
Slator, W. (2021). 4 steps to get rid of clogged and blocked hair follicles. https://www.hairguard.com/clogged-blocked-hair-follicles/
In the U.S. alone, about 552 million shampoo bottles end up in landfills each year.