As creators of the only zero-waste, plastic-free compostable lip balm, we're all about banishing plastic from our planet, one package at a time. So far, we've diverted over 85,000 plastic lip balm tubes from the landfill with our zero-waste alternative, all thanks to you!
In honor of Plastic Free July, we're sharing all our top tips for reducing and eliminating plastic in your beauty routine and throughout your home. Keep reading for:
- Why does Plastic Free July matter?
- How to reduce plastic in your beauty and skincare routine
- How to reduce plastic throughout your home - kitchen, laundry, on the go
- How we do plastic-free at Blue Heron
Why does Plastic Free July matter?
The truth is, plastic is destroying our planet. We've created 8 billion tons of plastic so far and we're adding about 350 million tons every single year. And 80% of this plastic is either sitting in landfills, leaching toxic chemicals into the soils and waterways, and floating in the ocean - harming or killing innocent fish and marine animals.
But while this seems overwhelming and insurmountable, there is so much we can do to turn it around. Major efforts are being made to clean up the existing plastic in the oceans and those measures can succeed if we stop contributing more and more waste to the pile.
By taking the Plastic Free July Pledge, we can stop a massive amount of plastic from entering landfills and let the clean-up initiatives make a dent in the existing plastic waste. And hopefully, with a full month of no plastic usage (or reduced usage), we'll have created new plastic-less habits that carry forward into the rest of the year.
Because while plastic feels essential, the truth is, it's just habit. And when consumers stop buying plastic, companies will stop producing it. No company will produce what isn't being bought. We can leverage our power as consumers to turn this plastic ship around.
So, if you're in, keep reading for all the ways to reduce your plastic usage in your beauty and skincare routine, in your bathroom, and all throughout the house. Take the Plastic Free July Pledge with us here!
How to reduce plastic in your beauty routine and skincare routine
No more impulse buys
Let's get really intentional about our purchases and focus only on those holy grail products. #Justsayno to impulse buys and Instagram ads that never end up panning out anyways. You'll save so much money and so.much.plastic.
Get creative and find ways for your products to multitask!
That brow pencil can double as an eyeliner (and a freckle-creator), those Plastic Free Color Sticks work as a lipstick, eyeshadow, AND blush, and our handcrafted Lip Balms work amazingly as an eye cream (have you seen that viral hack using lip balm under concealer for the smoothest undereyes of life?) Oh, and don't forget your cuticles - our Lip Balms are the super hydrating, softening answer to all your cuticle qualms. Simplify your makeup routine, reign in the clutter, and save money by buying less products that do more, friends.
Buy products with sustainable packaging from clean makeup brands
There are so many great zero waste makeup brands out there, of which we are a proud member! Our Lip Balms, Wound Warrior Balm, and Tattoo Aftercare Balm are 100% zero-waste, plastic-free, and completely home compostable. And it doesn't stop there - we stock a whole selection of our favorite plastic free beauty and skincare brands that you can shop here.
And it's not just the packaging - many cosmetics contain microplastics that are almost impossible to remove from oceans, and ultimately end up in our own drinking water. Shop clean, ocean-friendly, cruelty free cosmetics for a healthier planet and a healthier you.
Take your used plastic beauty packaging to stores that accept empties
Most beauty packaging is completely unrecyclable at home, but can be repurposed through companies like Pact and Terracycle which Blue Heron and a few other beauty retailers partner with. If you're in the Blue Lake area, you can drop off your empties at our brick and mortar store, and if not, stop by your local Sephora or Wal-Mart to drop off your used containers.
Make your own makeup remover
A simple solution of 1/4 cup witch hazel and 1/4 cup coconut oil or avocado oil or olive oil makes a super effective, plastic-free, deliciously skin-nourishing DIY makeup remover.
Think about which single use products can be replaced with reusable alternatives.
Throwaway products are so out, and their luxe, reusable, earth-friendly counterparts are in. Browse some of our favorite plastic-free skincare and hygiene swaps like Reusable Cotton Rounds, a Plastic-Free Loofah, and Eco Dental Floss.
Get more ideas for zero-waste beauty in our blog.
How to reduce plastic throughout your home
In the kitchen
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The best way to reduce plastic in the kitchen - befriend the bulk store! So many items can be purchased in bulk - you bring your own glass containers, fill em up, and voila - you have aesthetic, plastic-free foods that cost you much less than their packaged counterparts.
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Visit Farmers Markets for fruits and veggies - not only will you get fresher produce, you're supporting local farmers and skipping the plastic packaging on your favorite strawberries, organic peppers, cucumbers, and so many items with unnecessary plastic wrapping. Or better yet, grow your own fruits and veggies! Or if you're new to gardening, start with herbs - you can grow them on a windowsill and they taste so delicious and fresh.
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Instead of those plastic produce bags, opt for Cotton Mesh Produce Bags which are much more sustainable and will keep your fruits and veggies fresher longer.
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Fill up your empty dishsoap container at the bulk store and reuse it infinitely! Or better yet, opt for Solid Dish Soap and nix the plastic containers altogether.
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Make your own household cleaners! Not only will you save the packaging, but you'll have a super effective non-toxic cleaner that costs next to nothing. Our favorite all-purpose solution is made with 1.5 cups water, 1.5 cups vinegar, and a mixture of our favorite essential oils - try 10 drops each of grapefruit essential oil, lavender essential oil, and lemon essential oils together for a fresh, relaxing scent you'll love.
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Swap paper towels for Swedish Dish Cloths which can replace over 17 rolls of traditional paper towel and come in super cute and aesthetic patterns that add a little dose of joy to your kitchen.
Read more about our favorite zero waste kitchen swaps here.
Laundry
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Fill up your empty laundry detergent container (or any other container) at the bulk store and reuse again and again!
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Replace the single-use plastic-laden dryer sheets with Eco Dryer Balls - shop adorable patterns like stars, ladybugs, lavender fields, earths and hearts, and rainbows.
On the go
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Leave reusable bags in your car and tote so you never have to opt for plastic bags.
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Bring your own Insulated Water Bottle everywhere you go - plastic water bottles are so incredibly wasteful and just unnecessary.
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Bring a thermos for hot drinks and iced cup for cold drinks - most coffee shops will even give you a discount for bringing your own cup. Save the planet and money while you're at it!
How we do Plastic Free at Blue Heron Botanicals
Zero-waste, biodegradable packaging
Our lip balms are made with 100% biodegradable and compostable recycled paper that will break down right in your backyard (or your city composting bin if you're lucky enough to have one!) Even our labels are derived from sugar cane fiber and are 100% home-compostable.
Every plastic-free purchase helps remove plastic from sea turtle nesting beaches
Not only are our products 100% Plastic Free, but we also strive to help protect creatures most impacted by plastic pollution. With every product purchased, we save a baby sea turtle hatchling and eliminate plastic waste from vital nesting beaches.
So far, we've saved 85,000 sea turtles and diverted over 100,000 units of plastic from the landfill.
Plastic-free, ocean-friendly formulas
Our 100% natural and mostly organic formulas are crafted with the Earth in mind. We use only sustainably harvested, local sourced natural ingredients - many of which are handpicked from our Founder, Theora's off-grid property in California.
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Thanks for taking part in the zero waste movement and helping create a cleaner, more balanced Earth! If we all made a few small changes to our habits, the impact would be incredible. Want to spread the word? Send this blog to a friend who's looking to use less plastic but isn't sure where to start!
