Around the world, the month of April is known as Earth Month. A time to increase awareness and discuss the impacts that we have on our planet, as well as brainstorm ways to be better. While we as individuals are not necessarily the largest culprits contributing to climate change and environmental issues, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to help create a healthier, eco-friendly future. There are endless ways that we as consumers can honor Mother Earth, and our beauty routines are a great place to start.

Clean beauty brands and eco-friendly products have been on the rise for quite some time. It’s no secret nor surprise that more and more consumers are moving toward a cleaner routine. However, the idea of completely transforming your routine can be a bit daunting. Don’t let change scare you! Being a responsible consumer doesn’t mean you have to drop everything you know. Instead, start small by following our tips on turning your hair and beauty routine into an eco-friendly one.

There is no need for you to jump up, run out, and buy up every “green” item on the shelf. In fact, that in itself will contribute to more packaging production, processing, and likely means you won’t use up the beauty products you already own. The most eco-friendly route to take is to finish the items you already have. Once you run out of your favorite shampoo or styling cream, move on to a new, cleaner brand as a replacement.

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With so many beauty brands claiming to be “clean and green,” it’s important to do your research. Sadly, we live in a world where “greenwashing” is a reality. Greenwashing is when a brand intentionally uses misleading imagery or verbiage to make you think their product is eco-friendly when it actually isn’t. This marketing technique was developed purely for profit and is very common across the beauty industry.

But don’t fret! There are plenty of reputable, sustainable brands out there who can back up the back of their bottles. Take Rahua for example. Rahua is a haircare brand that is committed to helping the environment and can back its claims. Not only do they create products that are natural, vegan, and cruelty-free, but they also preserve acres of rainforest with their Beauty is Power Program. With a little bit of online research, you will find many brands like Rahua doing great things for our planet.

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There are more ways to honor Mother Earth beyond choosing sustainable haircare brands. The tools and accessories we use on a daily basis to style our manes can also be produced in a responsible, earth-friendly manner. One of the most popular shifts in eco-friendly styling tools is the hairbrush. Bamboo and wooden hair brushes have been around for a while, but in recent years the companies producing these tools have taken things in an even more sustainable direction.

Plantish, for example, makes an all bamboo brush that is actually recyclable and compostable. Brush With Bamboo makes also makes a very popular brush that boasts a zero-waste certification. Opting for bamboo tools is an environmentally sound choice as bamboo is one of the fastest-growing, sustainable plants. It is self-replenishing, uses very little water to grow, and is more economical than other woods. Bamboo also requires no pesticides or fertilizers, offering additional benefits to our planet.

Beyond brushes and combs, consider using eco-friendly hair towels, aerosol-free dry shampoos to lessen your water consumption, and plant-based, plastic-free jumbo claw clips when styling.

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One of the best things we can do as beauty consumers is to put as little packaging into the ground as possible. Thankfully, many haircare brands are now offering refills for your favorite products, Ouai being one of them. Ouai’s Refill Program offers extra-large 32oz bags of their best shampoos, conditioners, and body care products. Brands with refill options keep plastic waste out of the ground and in your bathroom where it belongs.

Another way to be more packaging conscious is to buy products in glass jars, bottles, or durable containers. You can reuse these for anything from organization to storage to additional travel containers. I actually practice this when I buy groceries as well, think of it like free Tupperware! In general, the goal is to think about the packaging you are purchasing, before you actually purchase it.

Being an environmentally-conscious consumer can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Try making small shifts to start, get in the habit of researching brands and products you want to buy, and remember to keep the idea of “reuse” in the front of your mind when switching to an eco-friendly hair routine. There are a lot of ways to honor Mother Earth, and our beauty routines can easily be one of them.

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Mane: (n.) A head of distinctly long,  thick hair.  Addicts:  (tr.v) To occupy or involve  oneself in something habitually or compulsively.