Working toward a healthier and happier planet need not be too difficult. Along with minimizing the use of your car and switching off unused lights, you can also swap for more sustainable self-care products to reduce your impact on the environment.

Sustainable, zero-waste self-care routines have recently become one of the biggest trends in the beauty industry. People are looking for skin care and makeup products that hit two goals at once: care for their skin and bring their makeup looks to life without harming Mother Nature. From lipsticks and blush to face masks and shampoo for hair fall, almost everything is eco-friendly now.

If you’ve been meaning to make some changes to your skincare and beauty routine, there are simple ways to do so. Lay your head on a special mattress with a lighter heart by considering the following suggestions.

Recycle Containers and Jars

Recycling contributes greatly to the success of sustainability. So, make sure the containers of your favorite moisturizers, facial cleansers and face serums don’t have to go to waste. Instead, recycle them so they can be repurposed. You can also upcycle certain jars and containers for a little arts and crafts project. Why not use an old bottle or jar as a makeup brush holder?

Look for Sustainable Packaging

Did you know that the beauty industry accounts for more than 120 billion units of packaging every year? While the industry still has a long way to go, more brands are doing their part by decreasing their carbon footprint and stopping the waste.

So as the shopper, how can you partake in the change? Start by supporting brands that use sustainable packaging. Products with recyclable packaging come in tin or cardboard packaging. But if the product is wrapped in plastic (like so many skincare products and cosmetics), look for a more eco-friendly option. Brands like Kevin.Murphy, Davines and Garnier Organics use sustainable packaging.

Make the Switch to Reusable Makeup Wipes

Makeup wipes may seem like the easiest way to remove your makeup, but it’s not good for your skin or the environment. Apart from stripping your skin of its natural oils (which cause an imbalance in your pH levels), these wipes are non-biodegradable and clog up landfills.

Instead of contributing to waste, ditch the disposable face wipes and go for the reusable makeup wipes. Most reusable skin wipes are easy to use; all you have to do is wet them and scrub on your skin. The biodegradable wipe will remove all of your makeup and exfoliate your skin.

If you want totally remove skin wipes from your routine, go for microfiber cloths. You can also use the cloth to wash or exfoliate your face. Just make sure to wash the cloth regularly to avoid transferring bacteria and dirt onto your skin.

Switch to Coral Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Beyond other personal care products, sunscreen has a massive negative effect on marine life, particularly coral reefs. With 14,000 tons of sunscreen ending up in the oceans every year, most of the world’s coral life suffers from bleaching, which damages their DNA. As a result, many corals experience growth anomalies.

Make the switch to reef-friendly sunscreen. Check the label of your sunscreen and see if it’s free from oxybenzone (the damaging chemical). If it is, use it liberally to enjoy the summer without guilt.

Choose a Bamboo Toothbrush

Regular toothbrushes are single-use plastic that ends up in landfills. Time to switch to bamboo! Unlike its synthetic and man-made cousin, bamboo toothbrushes use a natural ingredient (bamboo) that comes straight from a plant. Bamboo is 100 percent biodegradable, which makes it a favorite sustainable material for toothbrushes and other products.

Shop Smarter

Purchase skincare and beauty products that have a longer shelf life and/or come with refillable options. Doing so eliminates the need for single-use plastics. From makeup and skincare to hair care and perfume, there are many brands determined to make their products more sustainable. For example, beauty brands like Kjaer Weis, OUAI, L’Occitane and Le Labo offer refillable products.

Use a Metal Safety Razor

Say goodbye to disposable razors! Every year, billions of disposable razors end up in landfills. So, instead of contributing to Mother Nature’s waste problem, ditch the plastic and go for metal safety razors. These razors use no plastic bumpers, plastic handles or no guards. Instead, the blade is replaceable so you don’t have to throw the whole head away.

Support Brands that Participate in Recycling Programs

Just because you finished your favorite lipstick or mascara, it doesn’t mean the tube has to go to the waste bin. When shopping for beauty products, shop from brands that join recycling programs.

You can take care of yourself and Mother Earth at the same time. Incorporate sustainability in your self-care routine for a better you and a better planet.