The best hygiene professionals (in our books) recommend using sustainable alternatives
We’re halfway through 2020 and while we’re still battling the coronavirus pandemic, hygiene just made to #1 on our priority list. Let’s be honest. We’re all a little paranoid now. We’re afraid of shaking our own friends’ hands, we think twice before we go out, and it’s petrifying (apart from being illegal) to walk out of our house without a mask on! This isn’t a fictional universe, this is happening right here, right now.
Amongst all the mayhem caused by COVID-19, we are facing another monster problem. The steady rise of plastic and unsustainable consumption – just think about all the plastic waste that was produced during this pandemic. Manufacturing masks, sanitizer containers, personal protective equipment.
This then raises the question of what should we be doing today that can ensure a cleaner and safer future, while maintaining that our hygiene is not compromised?
The answer is sustainable hygiene.
Before we tell you how you can make the switch to sustainable hygiene, let us talk about why it’s important in the first place.
Ever since the plastic production took off in the 1950s, we have used almost 9,200,000,000 tonnes of plastic. That’s 9.2 billion with a ‘B’. And do you know how much of it was recycled? A mere 9%. The rest of it makes it to our oceans and landfills. A lot of this plastic waste is generated as a direct result of our personal care products. Disposable razors, sanitary pads, tubes and containers, even wet towels contribute to the plastic waste. Of course, these items are essential to our lifestyle, but what most people don’t know is that you can actually improve your lifestyle if you buy eco-friendly products in the personal care domain than non-biodegradable ones. These products are free from carcinogens and toxins found in plastic and are affordable too!
We, as individuals, can create a meaningful impact on this world we inhabit, simply by making a different choice. A choice to ditch the plastic and use sustainable products instead. But let’s see where the plastic is coming from.
Apart from the very packaging that some of our hygiene products come in, some of them have tiny non-biodegradable materials in the composition of the product itself. As sneaky as that is, our hygiene products are full of them!
Personal care, a plastic problem
From facewash gels to innocent-sounding ‘organic’ scrubs and even toothpaste – all have nasty chemicals like triclosan and sneaky plastic micro-beads that give our marine friends the blues. The micro-beads aren’t biodegradable and travel directly to our seas while being a threat to marine life, and attracting and absorbing harmful chemicals on its way. Products like wet wipes also contain plastic and when flushed, end up straight in the sea. It’s true! Our personal hygiene is a public plastic problem!
One can easily avoid the damage that these products do by switching to sustainable products or using homemade alternatives. For example, a store-bought exfoliator can be replaced with ubtan, coffee and other ingredients easily available in the kitchen. Replacing toothpaste with powder also helps reduce the microbead count.
Aunt Flow needs a biodegradable glow
Periods are painful for mother earth with the amount of plastic waste that is generated by menstrual products like pads and tampons. In the life of a woman, she consumes about 11000 menstrual hygiene products that aren’t biodegradable and end up in a landfill somewhere. The bloody problem is real.
These products don’t just harm the environment but also contain carcinogens that harm our body. Buying eco-friendly products like the menstrual cup or washable period panties keep your carbon footprint in check while making your period bloody green!
Break up with toxic products, friends, exes
Most of our daily use products are made in a plastic body for the convenience of manufacturers and the business advantage of repeat purchases. Daily objects like razors, toothbrushes, plastic bottles, etc contribute greatly to the plastic consumption of the planet. Converting these disposable products with long-use, biodegradable material alternatives is the way to go! Steel razors, wooden or bamboo toothbrushes, reusable flasks are sustainable products that last longer and consume lesser plastic per purchase.
In a world where we can’t imagine not wearing a mask anymore, on the flip side, there is an unimaginable amount of plastic that is not being disposed of with proper precaution. This plastic is present in our masks! Switching out disposable masks with reusable masks (we want to say Rusabl face masks) can save tonnes of plastic from being used. Rusabl Face Masks are triple-layered, washable, and durable. They ensure that you’re protected from infections while making sure that our environment is protected from pollution. It’s a win-win for everyone!
As individuals, it is our responsibility to care for our planet and leave it a better place for future generations. All you have to do is take one step at a time as you transition to plastic-free living and Rusabl makes it easier for you! Our products range all the way from the eco-friendly cutlery set to shopping tote bags and with us, you can even buy a cool Rusabl bamboo bottle online.
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