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{bikini is 5 year old H&M}
The woody amber vegan scent of dreams🤍 {kindly The woody amber vegan scent of dreams🤍

{kindly gifted by @fragranceshopuk }
A photo dump from my camera roll🪴 A photo dump from my camera roll🪴
WHERE DO OUR RETURNED CLOTHES GO? — After a few WHERE DO OUR RETURNED CLOTHES GO? —
After a few conversations I’ve had over the last couple of days, I’m realising that a lot of people don’t know what really happens to our clothes if we return them. If they’re tagged and in good condition then surely they’ll be resold right??

Not quite.

A lot of the time these clothes are sent to landfill or incineration as it’s the cheaper option for brands. Around 17% of our purchases are returned, creating a massive carbon footprint and around 5 billion pounds of waste, fuelling around 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

So - what can we do?

There are many reasons we need to return clothes, and shouldn’t feel guilty because something didn’t fit right or is faulty. But if you can, shop less and shop well. Maybe look into renting or swapping if you can (however I realise this is a big privilege!!). And speak to your favourite brands, let them know your concerns and put pressure on them for transparency around these things! We also need system change to stop big brands creating so much waste, so if I find any movements around this, I will share them as well.

{Sources: BBC Earth, Quartz & Aequem)
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{Contains PR samples} Sustainable period products have always seemed a little daunting to me. I’ve never really known where to start but it was one change I really wanted to make this year. Enter: @meetdaye - I especially loved the CBD infused tampons which are a godsend with cramps. The cotton is organic and unbleached and they use sustainable packaging. Their applicators are bio-based sugarcane, the wrappers are water soluble and it comes in recyclable materials. They are a great place to start if you’re looking to be a little bit more sustainable this coming year🌍🤍
Good morning campers🏕 coming out the other end Good morning campers🏕 coming out the other end of those funny few weeks where you’re not sure what day it is exactly and it is acceptable to crack open the Baileys at 12 has certainly been weird and my sleeping pattern isn’t quite back on track, but I hope you all had a lovely time nonetheless and feel somewhat more refreshed and ready to head into 2021 despite lockdown 3🤍
This is basically a @annalouoflondon fan account, This is basically a @annalouoflondon fan account, the most BEAUTIFUL handmade jewellery. At the big old age of 22 I finally got my ears pierced (I know, I know) and I couldn’t be more excited to start my earring collection off with these beauts🤍

(Ring and necklace are also from Anna Lou - the ring was kindly gifted a few months ago and I bought the necklace last year, like I said, this is a fan account now)

{pr sample}
I miss being by the coast and going on long hikes. I miss being by the coast and going on long hikes. I’ve already started planning where I want to explore in the new year (Covid permitting of course), anyone else?🥾
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EmilyBecca

ESSENTIALS FOR A ZERO WASTE BEAUTY ROUTINE

07/03/2019

/ beautysustainability

zero waste beauty

If you’ve been keeping up with the old blog for the last few months, you’ll know I’ve been trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s all still in the works and I’ve got a long way to go. But we’re getting there. And one thing I’ve been trying to change out more recently is my beauty routine. There’s over 300 million tons of plastic produced each year, and only 90% of that is recycled. And our bathrooms and wash bags are filled with so many unnecessary single use plastic waste. But there’s so many plastic-free swaps you can make to have more of a zero waste beauty routine. So here are a few easy swaps you can make to minimize waste that actually work really well and won’t break the bank.

zero waste beauty

SHAMPOO BARS

I was always unsure as to whether shampoo bars would be for me. Having high-maintenance hair, I wasn’t sure if they were going to do the trick. But, it’s a game changer. I’ve been using the Procoal Revitalising Rose Shampoo Bar and it makes my hair feel so healthy and nourished. And it’s also become a great way to ditch the bottle and plastic free essential in my shower now, and outlasts bottled shampoos by a long shot. I would recommend buying the first one in a tin, having a little tin to put them in just keeps them fresh and mess free.

SUGAR SCRUBS

Plastic microbeads can be some of the most harmful forms of plastic pollution in our oceans. So switch out the regular body scrub or face scrubs for sugar/coffee scrubs. Even better, get one in a bar form or in a tin to save the plastic tubs. I love the Harper & Ari coffee exfoliating cubes. They’re great for leaving your skin feeling brand new, plus they smell great!

zero waste beauty

REUSABLE MAKEUP REMOVERS

Looking back at it, removing my makeup or cleansing my face would entail a lot of product out of a plastic bottle, onto at least 2 cotton wool pads a day. Cotton is another big criminal in polluting the planet, and also taking away lives and homes of many people. But buying a reusable makeup removing cloth does the world of good. I picked mine up in Primark for £1.50 and I’ve not stopped using it. It doesn’t give you that deep clean, but for taking your makeup off it gets the job done and when it’s dirty just stick it in the wash. And to think you pay nearly the same amount each time you buy makeup wipes, its going to save a lot of money too.

Likewise with reusable cotton pads. A pack of 10 reusable pads on Amazon is around £8.99, which may seem steep but to think they’ll last you a long time you’ll save over double that in not buying bags and bags off cotton wool pads.

ORAL CARE

Although for day to day I do use my electric toothbrush, bamboo toothbrushes are great travel toothbrushes and give a really good clean. They come in a cardboard box so even the packaging biodegrades and can be recycled easily. You can also buy recycled toothbrushes if bamboo isn’t your thing. Definitely check out the Preserve ones as I’ve heard good things about their toothbrushes. But neither will cost you much at all! You can also get organic silk floss which is biodegradable, you can get your regular minty kind or activated charcoal, so there’s plenty of choice!

MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS

Ladies, I know we can’t prevent mother nature doing it’s thing. But it is scary how much plastic waste we have to use up when that time comes around each month. This could easily be eliminated by using a menstrual cup or some reusable sanitary towels, whichever works best for you. I won’t lie, both take some getting used to, but the difference they’ll make is incredible!

zero waste beauty

GO MULTIPURPOSE

You’ll be amazed what multipurpose products are out there. From multipurpose makeup, which is perfect for me who a. is so lazy with makeup and b. has no space for mountains of makeup products. To multipurpose cleansers – I’ve been using this Body Shop Shea Butter cleansing bar for face, body & hair and it’s fab! And also products you never knew could be used for your skin as well. An obvious one, but take coconut oil for example. A great and healthy way to cook your food, but also great to moisturise your skin, nourish the ends of your hair and treat dry lips. And there are so many more, you could even make a homemade facemask for your next pamper evening.

SHOP THE POST

There’s quite a few more I could talk about, but I think that’s enough for now. If you have any other products you use to promote a zero waste beauty routine let me know!

E x

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Categories: Beauty, Sustainability Tags: Beauty, Eco friendly, makeup, Plastic free, skincare, sustainability, sustainable beauty, waste free, Zero waste

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Comments

  1. allthingsalexx says

    07/03/2019 at 8:57 pm

    What an awesome post Emily! I’m trying to do the same thing and I’ve also made some of the changes you have. For example I regularly use shampoo bars as well as reusable sanitary towels. I feel like they’re great makes a reall difference to my plastic intake. I have just ordered the Face Halos which are reusable makeup remover cloths so I can’t wait to add that to my sustainable parts of life. I also loved that you included different products which you use and love so other people know where they can start. I can’t wait to see more similar posts from you!
    Alex x
    http://allthingsalexx.wordpress.com

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      10/03/2019 at 6:40 pm

      Thank you so so much! That’s so good to hear – it does make such a difference for such a small change. Ahh thank you! xx

      Reply
  2. Gemma Etc. ❥ (@GemmaEtc) says

    08/03/2019 at 10:57 am

    I really want to try a shampoo bar, such a clever way to minimise waste xx

    GemmaEtc.com

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      10/03/2019 at 6:41 pm

      They’re so good – gets a bit of getting used to as it lathers up a bit differently but I love them now! xx

      Reply
  3. laurencanteven.blog says

    08/03/2019 at 12:29 pm

    This is such a good post! I’m currently using all my plastic bottles and going into a wasteless beauty/skincare routine, you’ve done so well! xx

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      10/03/2019 at 6:43 pm

      Ahh thank you! Aww that’s so good go you! xx

      Reply
  4. Natalya Amour says

    09/03/2019 at 6:31 am

    Actually never knew that they made shampoo bars – super interesting!

    Candice xx

    natalyaamour.com

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      10/03/2019 at 6:44 pm

      Definitely check them out they are uh-mazingggg xx

      Reply
  5. Amanda - Activated Living says

    10/03/2019 at 9:26 pm

    This was such a well thought out post. Very well written! I’ve been working on ways to make my home zero-waste and I love all the products you mentioned in this post! It’s a slow process and it’s definitely a big change but I’m super happy more people are talking about this!

    xoxox
    Amanda – Activated Living

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      10/03/2019 at 10:17 pm

      Ahh thank you! Aww I’m so glad, it’s all about the small changes so that’s great! Yesss me too xx

      Reply
  6. Foodandbaker says

    10/03/2019 at 9:28 pm

    Shampoo bar!?!? I am honestly intrigued, must try that! Love that you’re using less plastic, we’re on a slow journey but we’re getting there!

    Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      10/03/2019 at 10:18 pm

      Yesss you need to try it – takes a bit of getting used to with how it lathers up, but they’re so great, last ages and are perfect for travelling! Thank you, I’m still working on it too but it’s all about those small changes!

      Reply
  7. Lindsey says

    10/03/2019 at 9:57 pm

    This is a great post! I’m ashamed to admit that I never really thought about the impact of cotton wool – I’m definitely going to look into a reusable wipe. That would be five cotton pads a week just from taking make up off, let alone anything else. I’ve never really come across shampoo bars before – I’m intrigued! Love this!

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      10/03/2019 at 10:20 pm

      Ahh thank you! Don’t be ashamed at all lovely, the reusable cloths are fab!! And just by changing that out you’d be doing so much for the planet – that’s amazing!! Shampoo bars do take some getting used to but I love them now xx

      Reply
      • Lindsey says

        10/03/2019 at 10:32 pm

        I’ve just been looking up the reusable cloths – definitely going to get some, that’s about 12 cotton pads a week saved! Thank you!!

        Reply
  8. glowsteady says

    10/03/2019 at 10:15 pm

    This was really interesting. I often think about reducing plastic waste and beauty is an area I struggle with. I’ve heard a lot about bar shampoos but I haven’t tried it yet. It’s quite a weird concept isn’t it? Sadly one of those reusable cloths took out a chunk of my eyelashes so it’s still cotton pads for me there. I love more eco friendly sanitary products! x

    Sophie
    http://www.glowsteady.co.uk

    Reply
  9. lucymarytaylor says

    10/03/2019 at 10:17 pm

    I’ve got a confession to make – I have never heard of shampoo bars until I read this post! It does sound really good and I am all for saving on plastic! x

    Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk

    Reply
  10. Megan @ Ginger Mom and Company says

    10/03/2019 at 10:35 pm

    I’ve seen quite a few sugar scrub recipes out there I really want to try. And it’s amazing how much plastic is produced each year! That’s an insane number. Great post 🙂

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      11/03/2019 at 9:17 am

      I’d love to give some recipes a go too! It’s crazy isn’t it. Thanks lovely! xx

      Reply
  11. Bukola Veronica says

    10/03/2019 at 11:00 pm

    I love love LOVE this post! It’s given me so many idea on how to be as sustainable as I can. Personally, I’m looking to invest in a meustral cup and I’ve actually been using a reusable washcloth to remove my makeup and cleanse. Tbh, any little thing I can do to be more sustainable sounds good to me and this post has given me more ideas!

    Bukola Veronica
    http://www.bukolaveronica.com

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      11/03/2019 at 9:22 am

      Ahh thank you lovely! Ahh that’s so good, I love my reusable cloth such a good buy! xx

      Reply
  12. Nancy says

    11/03/2019 at 3:25 am

    I love that you’re trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle and advocating others to do the same. There are so many alternatives where we don’t need to really go out of the way for. I love that there are reusable makeup removers. Forget having to always use cotton. Thanks for sharing some of these suggestions!

    Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      11/03/2019 at 9:26 am

      Ahh thank you! It’s crazy what small changes we can make to make a huge difference! xx

      Reply
  13. Isobel says

    18/03/2019 at 10:08 pm

    I’ve seen those bamboo toothbrushes and love the idea and look of them! But I love my electric toothbrush! I like the idea of shampoo bars though! Never heard of that before!

    Isobel x

    New post: http://www.fashionistachic.co.uk/2019/03/fashion-colour-ill-be-wearing-most-this.html?m=0
    Insta: https://www.instagram.com/isobelceline/
    New video: https://youtu.be/V5XM2g1NoyA

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      19/03/2019 at 7:19 pm

      I still use my electric toothbrush, as it is somewhat more sustainable than manual ones. I also think you can get eco friendly toothbrush heads for electric toothbrushes now as well! Shampoo bars are greaaat, I love them xx

      Reply
  14. Nahid Akhter says

    28/03/2019 at 8:54 am

    Great article, Glad to read the article. It is very informative for us. Thanks for posting. Cheers!

    Nahid | https://bestclicknow.com/conditioners-dry-damaged-hair/

    Reply
    • Emilybecca says

      01/04/2019 at 11:40 am

      Ahh thank you! x

      Reply

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