Wednesday

“You define your own life. Don't let other people write your script.”

-Oprah Winfrey

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

• Would you try these eco-friendly swaps?

• The toilet paper made from bamboo

• Skincare straight from your kitchen

• How to shop for greener beauty products

• Start building healthier habits

Sustainable Self-Care: Would You Try these Eco-Friendly Swaps?

Sponsored by Honeycomb

Making your self-care routine more eco-friendly doesn’t mean throwing everything out and starting from scratch. You can make small, satisfying swaps that feel just as good as they do green. Think: reusable face rounds instead of disposable wipes, or switching to a shampoo bar to cut down on plastic.

Swapping out single-use items is one of the easiest ways to make an impact. Face masks? Look for compostable versions, or try a DIY one with ingredients from your kitchen. Even items like razors or cotton swabs now come in reusable or biodegradable versions.

Packaging also matters. Products in glass or paperboard are easier to recycle than those in mixed plastics. And don’t underestimate the power of a refillable jar—it might just become your new favorite thing in the cabinet.

You don’t need to overhaul your whole routine overnight. Try one change, see how it feels, and go from there. Sustainability isn’t all-or-nothing—it’s a practice, just like self-care.

Luxury Toilet Paper Made From Bamboo

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 — making it a practical and sustainable option to save forests.

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.

Your Kitchen Called—It’s Full of Skincare

No need to book a facial—some of the best skin-soothing ingredients are already in your pantry. Think honey, oats, yogurt, even cocoa powder. They’re not just breakfast staples—they’re packed with gentle, natural properties your skin loves.

Oats are a classic for calming irritation (especially when blended with a bit of honey). Cocoa powder? Full of antioxidants that help fight dullness. You can even give your scalp some attention with a simple sugar and oil scrub to slough off buildup and boost circulation.

One of the most underrated DIY moments? A coconut oil hand wrap. Just warm some up, rub it into your hands and cuticles, wrap them in a towel, and let it work its magic. Ten minutes later, your hands feel like they’ve been on vacation.

Of course, not every homemade mix is miracle-worthy, but these are tried-and-true basics. Sometimes, self-care is less about luxury and more about slowing down.

Make Your Beauty Routine More Thoughtful

“Natural” doesn’t always mean safe. And “eco-friendly” doesn’t mean much if there’s no proof behind it. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in the beauty aisle while trying to shop more sustainably, you're not alone.

Here’s one simple trick: look for third-party certifications. Labels like Made Safe, EWG Verified, Ecocert, and Leaping Bunny mean someone has actually vetted the product. Without those, green claims are often just marketing. Also, not all natural ingredients are safe and not all synthetic ones are bad, so it’s worth checking a source like Health Canada’s cosmetic safety list if you’re unsure.

The people and processes behind the product matter, too. Ethical labor practices, sustainable ingredient sourcing (like plant-based squalane instead of shark liver oil), and even local manufacturing all reduce environmental and social harm.

And then there’s packaging, which is another big piece of the puzzle. Refillable containers, closed-loop recycling, or even skipping the packaging altogether can go a long way. Being curious is the most sustainable habit of all.

Ready To Build Healthier Habits?

Noom blends cutting-edge technology with expert coaching to drive lasting behavior change and sustainable weight loss. Take a 5-minute quiz to unlock a personalized weight loss plan tailored to your needs, helping you manage your health and build habits that stick.

Start Your Free Trial.

Thanks to Noom for sponsoring Note To Self.

Wellness Round-Up:

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False? False. Overwatering is one of the biggest causes of plant problems! Most houseplants prefer a little drying out between waterings. Always check the soil first.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Take a moment to pause and question what you're consuming—your products, your media, and your thoughts. Small choices add up, and curiosity is a form of care, too.

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]!