Dear Eartha, I love my daily beauty routine, but I’m concerned about the waste and chemicals it produces. What steps can I take to make my skincare and makeup regimen more eco-friendly without compromising effectiveness? 

You’ve got that eco-chic spirit, and I love it! Who says you can’t save the planet while looking fabulous? With a few savvy choices, you can transform your routine into an eco-friendly one that even Mother Earth would approve of. Let’s focus on three key areas: sustainable brands, minimal packaging, and supporting local businesses.

Choose Sustainable Brands

Let’s dive into the fabulous world of beauty brands that are as committed to the planet as you are to your skincare routine. When picking out your next beauty must-have, choose brands that champion fair labor practices, source responsible ingredients and eliminate animal testing.

Certifications like USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free) are like VIP passes to the sustainable beauty club. These certifications require brands to meet detailed sustainability standards on a regular basis – they are your ticket to feeling good about your products, knowing they align with your values and don’t cost the Earth.

Brands like RMS Beauty and ILIA are the crème de la crème in this eco-friendly beauty revolution. RMS Beauty dazzles with its natural and organic ingredients, while ILIA shines with clean formulations and planet-friendly packaging. These brands not only ace the sustainability test but also deliver top-notch products, so you can glow with a clear conscience.

Opt for Minimal Packaging

Next on our eco-glam checklist: packaging. Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging, and if you’re really going for gold, pick brands with refillable options.

Brands like Lush and Kjaer Weis are nailing the packaging game. Lush offers package-free goodies like solid shampoos and conditioners—because why should your beauty routine be a wasteful affair? Kjaer Weis takes it up a notch with refillable makeup that makes single-use plastic look so last season. And don’t forget Ethique, who’s hair, face and body bars ditch plastic altogether.

When shopping for beauty products, consider what happens to all that packaging. Can it be recycled or repurposed (like a small glass jar)? Is the packaging made from recycled paper? If you’re unsure about what can be recycled in Summit County, visit highcountryconservation.org for guidelines.

Support Summit County Businesses

Let’s take a moment to celebrate our local entrepreneurs. Buying from Summit County businesses not only reduces the carbon footprint from transportation but also strengthens our community. Local shops often have a smaller environmental impact than big-name brands.

When it comes to sustainable beauty products, Summit County has some incredible options. The Minimal Impact Store in Silverthorne is a go-to for zero-waste and eco-friendly beauty items. Fresh Soap Company in Breckenridge offers handcrafted soaps and skincare made with natural ingredients. Meanwhile, the Rocky Mountain Soap Market in Dillon provides a variety of locally made, sustainable beauty products.

By supporting these local businesses, you’re making a positive impact on both the environment and the local economy. After all, when you shop locally, more than two thirds of every dollar you spend stays in the community (compared to roughly one third of every dollar when shopping at national retailers).

Remember: by choosing sustainable brands, opting for minimal packaging, and supporting local businesses you’ll contribute to a healthier planet—and a more gorgeous you.

Ask Eartha Steward is written by the staff at High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation. Submit questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.