5. You just can't say nope, to this soap
So, if you think buying a soap with recycled packaging was good enough, think again!
Lush Squeaky Green Shampoo Bars contain no packaging at all, so they’ve pretty much got everyone else beat in that regard.
The bars are not only environmentally friendly, but also economical as each one lasts as long as three medium sized bottles of liquid shampoo.
(Image: www.lush.ca)
Lush can pretty much rename itself to the 'eco-warrior', as it also donates to charities that promote environmental initiatives, and work to fight against animal testing.
Lush Squeaky Green Solid Shampoo - $11.95 CA, www.lush.ca
THE HOT LIST: Eight 'reasons for concern' about global warming
6. From dry and scaly, to soft skin daily
Even though winter is technically over (those in the Prairies might argue otherwise), your skin still needs plenty of moisturizing. This is especially true if you plan on hanging at the beach or pool this summer!
(Image: www.mscskincare.com)
msc skin care Vanilla Shea Butter Cream is made from only five natural ingredients (shea butter, coconut oil, tapioca starch, vanilla absolute, vitamin E), proving you don't always need a truckload of extra chemicals to pack some serious hydration power.
msc skin care Vanilla Shea Butter Cream - $22, www.mscskincare.com
7. Nails that can't fail
According to the David Suzuki Foundation 2010 report What's Inside, That Counts, 80 per cent of cosmetics contain at least one ingredient linked with health and environmental concerns, including cancer, reproductive disorders, asthma and severe allergies.
Your bottle of nail polish alone has at least three: Dibutyl phthalate, Formaldehyde, and Toluene.
SEE ALSO: Going solar - How Ontarians are turning to the sun to meet their energy needs
(Image: www.eyeslipsface.com)
e.l.f Essential Nail Polish is not one of them. These polishes contain key nutrients and are infused with Vitamin E for stronger, healthier nails. e.l.f. polishes are also '3 free', meaning they don't contain toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
e.l.f. Essential Nail Polish - $2.00 US, www.eyeslipsface.com
8. Make second-hand, your only brand
When it comes to eco-friendly gear, you don't have to look too far. Simply buying second-hand can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
According to WRAP figures, extending the life cycle of clothing by just three months reduces the carbon footprint by 8%, water consumption by 10% and waste by 9%. That number jumps nearly three times once extended by nine months.
So whether its a specialty vintage shop or a major thrift store chain, get ready to roll up those sleeves and start digging this summer -- and who knows, you may even come across a rare designer piece at ridiculously low cost!
Intimidated by the idea? Check out the video below to learn five quick tips for vintage shopping with stylist and designer Bobette Cohn, Chriselle, and Jessica at Screaming Mimi's, a vintage shop in New York City:
To find a local thrift shop near you, click here.
9. The wax that doesn't pollute to the max
No eco-friendly spa day is complete without a candle!
Aveda's Light The Way Candles are made from natural soy wax and 100% organic essential oils for a soothing, slightly spicy scent.
(Image: www.aveda.com)
The best part? All the proceeds from the limited-edition candle go to the Global Greengrants Fund, which gives grants to environmental groups across the globe
Light The Way Candle - $12 US, www.aveda.com
10. The footwear that's environmentally fair
Putting your greenest foot forward (while still looking stylish) has never been easier than it is now, thanks to the California-based company, The People's Movement (MOVMT).
MOVMT creates stylish, eco-conscious footwear and accessories that stand for the fight against SINGLE-USE PLASTICS. They use organic, eco-conscious materials and up-cycled plastic bags cleaned from Bali and California.
And if that wasn't enough, a portion of sales is contributed to 5 Gyres, a non-profit that enables systematic reduction of plastics through oceanic research, collaboration and action.
Learn more about the MOMVT here.
Greenifying your beauty regimen can be an overwhelming task. To help you get started, be sure to visit the EWG's Skin Deep database for a comprehensive overview of thousands of beauty products currently on the market.
Be sure to share some of your favourite all-natural products with us in the comments below!
