A Makeup Lover’s Guide to Reducing Plastic Waste

Did you know that the beauty industry cranks out over 120 billion pieces of plastic packaging every year? Think about all those pumps, bottles, lids, and palettes—most of them don’t get recycled, and a lot can’t even be recycled to begin with. Fast forward to today, and we’re dealing with an even bigger problem.

Why We Need to Rethink Plastic

We’ve all heard that plastic is taking a toll on the planet, but the details are pretty shocking. Around eight million tonnes of plastic make their way into our oceans every year. It all eventually breaks down into microplastics—tiny particles that end up in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. There are so many microplastics in the ocean now that they outnumber stars in our galaxy by 500:1 (Source: WWF-NewZealand). If we keep this up, scientists think it could triple by 2040, leading to around 600 million metric tons in our oceans (Source: National Geographic).

So, What Can You Do?

If you love makeup but don’t love the waste that comes with it, don’t worry—there are some easy ways to make a positive impact!

1. Use Up What You Already Have
   The most sustainable choice? Finish what you’ve got! Trade with friends if you’re tired of certain products or think about creative ways to use them up. The goal is to keep every product out of the trash.

2. Recycle Responsibly
   Done with a product? Look into recycling options like TerraCycle or brand-specific programs that will actually recycle your beauty packaging. It’s an easy way to make sure your empties don’t end up in a landfill.

3. Look for Refillable Products
   A lot of brands now offer refills for staples like powders and lipsticks. This helps cut down on single-use plastic, and the quality of refillable options has come a long way!

4. Say No to New Plastic
   Every bit counts. If you can, choose products that come in glass, metal, or paper instead of plastic. These materials are easier to recycle and don’t contribute to the plastic problem.

Flavedo's Plastic-Free Commitment

At Flavedo, we’ve gone all-in on eliminating plastics in our packaging and supply chain. Our products come in glass, aluminum, sustainable timber, and FSC-certified paper stock—materials that are all recycled and recyclable.

Remember, our small choices make a big difference. By being mindful about what we buy and how we dispose of it, we’re helping to keep plastic out of our oceans and doing our part for a cleaner, healthier planet.