Climate anxiety is not just a buzzword; it’s a legitimate concern for many women who are increasingly aware of the global climate crisis. As more of us become conscious of the environmental footprint we leave behind, the beauty industry’s contribution to waste and pollution has come under intense scrutiny. From the use of non-recyclable plastics to the microplastics washing into our oceans, the beauty industry’s role in the climate crisis is significant.

Beauty Industry Waste: A Growing Problem

The beauty industry is notorious for its wasteful practices. With packaging being a key part of the appeal, many beauty products come in layers of plastic, cardboard, and non-recyclable materials. In fact, the beauty industry produces 120 billion units of packaging every year, much of which ends up in landfills or, worse, our oceans.

One of the biggest culprits is single-use plastics. Most beauty products—think shampoo bottles, makeup compacts, and skincare tubes—are packaged in plastic that is either not recyclable or difficult to recycle due to its size and material composition. Add to this the growing trend of "unboxing" videos on social media, where influencers showcase elaborate packaging as part of the consumer experience, and it becomes clear how much waste is generated in the name of aesthetics and marketing.

Microplastics in Our Oceans

Beyond the packaging, microplastics are another hidden environmental hazard in the beauty industry. These tiny plastic particles, often found in exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and certain types of makeup, don’t break down in water. Once they enter the water systems, they flow into our oceans, where they accumulate, damaging marine ecosystems. Microplastics have been found in everything from fish to sea salt, meaning they end up back in our food chain.

According to a 2018 report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 35% of microplastics in the world’s oceans come from synthetic textiles and other consumer products, including beauty. These particles not only harm marine life but also contribute to broader ecological damage that’s difficult to reverse.

The Social Media Craze and Packaging Waste

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified the culture of consumption through trends like unboxing and PR haul videos. These viral content trends are often centered around beautifully packaged products, with excessive packaging being seen as part of the luxury experience. The focus is on visually appealing, shareable moments rather than sustainability.

The problem? All that packaging—fancy boxes, tissue paper, ribbons, and plastic components—are often discarded immediately after the product is opened, contributing to unnecessary waste. Many of these materials are not biodegradable and take hundreds of years to break down.

Moving Towards Sustainable Beauty

As consumers become more environmentally aware, beauty brands are starting to make shifts toward sustainability. Here are some ways we can reduce the beauty industry's carbon footprint:

Glass Containers: Glass is infinitely recyclable, unlike plastic, which can only be recycled a limited number of times before it degrades. Opting for products packaged in glass reduces plastic waste and supports a circular economy. Glass also helps preserve the integrity of products, especially those that contain natural ingredients sensitive to light and air exposure.

Refillable Products: Our local skincare partner, Petals & Clay offers a refill program in Austin, Texas. This approach cuts down significantly on waste and encourages long-term use of higher-quality materials for the base product.

Water-Free Products: Water-free beauty is an innovative way to reduce waste and the carbon footprint associated with shipping and manufacturing. Products like shampoo bars, solid cleansers, and concentrated formulas eliminate the need for water in the formulation, reducing product size and packaging needs. These products also last longer, which means fewer repurchases and less waste over time.

Biodegradable Packaging: Some beauty brands are transitioning to packaging made from materials like cornstarch or bamboo, which are biodegradable and compostable. While these aren’t as widely available yet, they represent a future direction for sustainable packaging.

Minimalist Packaging: Encouraging brands to reduce packaging altogether is another step toward a more eco-friendly beauty industry. Some companies are already stripping down to simple, functional packaging that gets the job done without the unnecessary extras.

Support Brands with Sustainable Certifications: Certifications like B Corp, Cradle to Cradle, and Leaping Bunny signal that a brand has taken meaningful steps towards sustainability, whether it’s reducing waste, using ethical sourcing, or eliminating harmful chemicals. When possible, support these brands over those prioritizing aesthetics over ethics.

Moving Forward with Conscious Beauty Choices

The beauty industry’s carbon footprint may be large, but consumers have the power to drive change. By making conscious choices, supporting sustainable brands, and pushing for more eco-friendly practices, we can all play a role in reducing waste and protecting our planet. Whether it’s opting for refillable products, avoiding microplastics, or simply being mindful of packaging, every small change adds up.

Beauty shouldn’t come at the cost of the environment. As more of us adopt sustainable practices and demand the same from the brands we love, we can create a more eco-conscious future in the beauty world. It’s time to look beyond the packaging and think critically about how our consumption impacts the planet.