Plastic-Free Self Care
This installment of Pitching Plastics is all about taking care of you and the environment. We have discovered new, plastic-free ideas for your self-care and beauty routines. Even when plastic is unavoidable, we have found ways to responsibly deal with hard-to-recycle items.
The column’s authors have either tried the products mentioned in this column ourselves or have had friends and family recommend items from these companies. While we are not promoting individual products or companies, we are excited to introduce you to innovators out there that are focused on Pitching Plastic.
First, we want to introduce you to three companies that are innovating in the toiletries industry: Bite, Ethique, and Peach Not Plastic (available through Amazon and Grove Collaborative). These companies are changing the way we brush our teeth, wash our hair and apply lotion and deodorant. While these companies are not the only innovators out there, they are the only ones we have tried so far.
Hundreds of millions of non-recyclable toothpaste tubes go to landfills each year. Enter Bite and their Toothpaste Bits, which are chewable mint-size tablets packaged in glass jars. Simply chew the tablet and brush with water! They also have Mouthwash Bits, floss and bamboo toothbrushes to round out your plastic-free dental hygiene routine.
Bite also has a plastic-free deodorant solution. Their starter kit comes with a metal case and two refills; more can be reordered as needed. Ethique’s deodorant comes in colorful, compostable tubes. You can also match your deodorant scent to their lotions and shampoos.
Speaking of lotions and shampoos, we want to raise the bar, so to speak. We all know about bar soaps, but Ethique and Peach not Plastic have formulated shampoo, conditioner and lotions into bars. No more plastic containers full of water. And the products come in multiple fragrances and formulas to match your hair and skin care needs. Cool, right?
Are you a contact lens wearer? Bausch + Lomb has teamed up with TerraCycle to provide eye care locations that will take back your used lenses and packaging. Use the search function to find a participating location and drop off at your convenience!
Additionally, most of us have a few used beauty or cosmetic items that most curbside recycling programs will not take, as they are either too small or are impossible to clean out. Nordstrom will take back ALL brands of beauty and cosmetic packaging, empty or not. Just bring in your items to the cosmetics department and ask for the drop off box. If you are loyal to a specific brand and want points or perks, ask your favorite brand if they have a recycling program. For instance, M•A•C cosmetics has Back 2 M•A•C, which gives you free lipstick or eye shadow for every six items you recycle.
And what about all those expired medications taking up space in your medicine cabinet? Walgreens and CVS have recycling drop-offs for all your leftover and expired medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Ask at your local store for the drop-off location nearest you.
Are you having fun trying new ideas you read about in these columns? Please let us know what tips and products are working for you and send YOUR discoveries of new ways to Pitch Plastic to environment@lwvchicago.org so we can include them in future columns.
If you want to get more involved in solutions to Pitching Plastic, please join us for our Environmental Action Committee meetings held on Zoom at 4 pm on the first and third Mondays of each month.
Lastly, Chicago’s Single Use Foodware Ordinance went into effect January 18th. The new Chicago ordinance instructs restaurants to STOP including single-use plastic items (e.g., plastic utensils, condiment packets, etc.) with takeout orders unless you request them. So speak up if you find any of that in your take out bags. Call the restaurant and remind them to stop it. It is time for everyone to be Pitching Plastic!