Wednesday

"I care for myself and the planet at the same time."

Welcome to Wednesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Is your beauty routine hurting the planet?

• Beauty products you didn’t know could be eco-friendly

• Could your toilet paper save the world?

• DIY: Repurposing beauty product packaging

How Your Beauty Routine Impacts the Planet

The beauty industry is booming, but it comes with a hefty environmental cost. From plastic packaging waste to resource-draining ingredients, the environmental footprint of beauty products is larger than many realize.

In fact, beauty packaging alone creates 120 billion units of waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills.

What sets beauty apart from other industries is its complex supply chain, which often relies on natural resources like palm oil, soy, and mica. Mica, used for its shiny effect in cosmetics, is often mined under unethical conditions. The demand for these ingredients, unfortunately, leads to soil erosion, water contamination, and destruction of natural habitats.

The good news? Consumers have the power to make a difference. By choosing products with sustainable packaging, like glass or biodegradable alternatives, and supporting brands that are transparent about their ingredient sourcing, you can help mitigate these impacts.

Eco-friendly certifications such as Ecocert or Leaping Bunny provide a way to make more informed choices, ensuring that your beauty products are as kind to the planet as they are to your skin.

Beauty Products That Are Changing the Eco-Friendly Game

The beauty industry is increasingly embracing sustainability with eco-friendly products that are good for both your skin and the environment. Some innovative options include biodegradable glitter made from plant-based materials. Unlike traditional glitter, this version is compostable and won’t harm wildlife or pollute our oceans when washed off.

Shampoo bars are another sustainable alternative, offering a plastic-free, long-lasting way to clean your hair. These bars reduce waste and are gentle on both your hair and the planet. Similarly, bamboo toothbrushes, a popular eco-conscious option, are 100% biodegradable and come with recyclable packaging, helping cut down on plastic pollution.

Perhaps surprisingly, bamboo toilet paper is also gaining popularity as a more sustainable alternative to traditional toilet paper. Made from bamboo, it’s biodegradable, doesn’t require chemicals for production, and has a minimal environmental footprint.

Lastly, vegan makeup brushes made from synthetic fibers are a cruelty-free option that’s kind to animals and the planet. These brushes offer a high-quality alternative to traditional brushes, which often use animal hair.

These eco-friendly products help reduce waste, promote sustainability, and support a cleaner planet without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

This New Toilet Paper Just Might Save the Planet

Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down to make toilet paper. To us, that feels like way too many — and Honeycomb agrees. That’s why this small, female-founded brand created luxury, three-ply toilet tissue made from bamboo. It feels just like regular high-end toilet paper, but doesn’t harm trees.

So why bamboo? It’s the fastest-growing plant in the world — growing 100 times faster than the average tree — which means thousands of rolls can be produced in the time it takes for a single tree to grow back.

Even better? Code NTS30 will give new customers 30% off their first order for the next 24 hours.

Get started here.

Thank you to Honeycomb for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Clever Ways to Repurpose Beauty Packaging

Upcycling beauty product packaging is a simple yet effective way to reduce waste and get creative with what you already own. Rather than tossing empty containers, consider transforming them into useful and beautiful items around your home.

For example, perfume bottles can easily be turned into elegant vases or decor pieces. Their intricate designs make them perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your vanity or bookshelf. Similarly, compact powder cases can be repurposed to store small jewelry, hairpins, or even buttons. A quick DIY project can make these items stylish and functional.

Another fun idea is to use empty candle jars for storage in the bathroom or kitchen. After cleaning out the wax, these glass containers are great for holding cotton balls or makeup brushes. If you're feeling crafty, lipstick tubes can become small planters for succulents or herbs, making them perfect for a desk or windowsill.

Repurposing packaging not only gives these items a new purpose but it also helps reduce waste. By upcycling beauty product containers, you're contributing to a more sustainable and creative lifestyle. So, next time you finish a beauty product, think twice before tossing that container—it could be your next DIY project.

A Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Choosing multi-use products supports simplicity and sustainable beauty goals.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: You don’t have to swap everything overnight. One refillable product, one less bottle, one mindful brand—it all counts.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!