9 Eco-Minded Creatives on How They Think About Sustainability and Beauty

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Even as earth month has come to a close, many of us are reflecting on ways we can implement more sustainable practices into our daily lives. For a lot of people, the environmentally conscious journey might feel like an overwhelming one to embark on, with so many avenues to take.

Rethinking the way we approach our beauty, wellness, and self-care routines is one place to start, especially considering the industry’s waste problem when it comes to packaging and ingredients.

To help inspire your sustainable beauty and wellness practices, here 9 creative women in the environmental space share their advice to help you go green.

Rae Wynn-Grant, wildlife ecologist and author

Photo: Courtesy of Tsalani Lassiter

Favorite eco-conscious beauty and wellness brands: "Piperwai activated charcoal deodorant. In my work, artificial scents from mainstream deodorants can be unhealthy for the wild animals I study. It took me years to find a natural deodorant that actually worked and had environmentally sustainable ingredients. Piperwai's tubes are made with recyclable plastic and the product itself is made from sustainably-sourced ingredients. Plus, it works as well as all the mainstream contenders!

I'm outdoors all the time, and although I have plenty of melanin, SPF is still very important to keep my skin safe. I love Supergoop sunscreen because it is made of high-quality ingredients that don't clog my pores, and it's also reef-safe, meaning the ingredients don't contribute to coral reef bleaching. A lot of people are still learning that when your sunscreen comes off during your beach adventure, it can cause serious harm to coral reef health, which is why it's critical to support a reef-safe brand.

I've tried a few electric toothbrushes and Quip is by far my favorite. Not only is it chic with fun color choices, but they are designed specifically so you are only disposing of the brush head every few months, instead of the entire body of the toothbrush. This majorly cuts down on waste. Also, they are big on recycling everything that's possible to recycle, so I love knowing they're dedicated to environmental health as well as dental health!

As much as I love my daily caffeine, I also try to drink something each day that can nourish, beautify, and calm my body. I've found that my digestion, skin, metabolism, and joints are happier and healthier when I incorporate more turmeric into my diet. I love turmeric lattes from Golde. They use all organic and sustainably-sourced ingredients, and are Black woman-owned!"

How the industry can do better: “Packaging is an important place to focus. Many of us (myself included!) are suckers for cute packaging, but it can often come at the expense of environmental health. Glitter in particular is harmful, as are many microplastics that are in all kinds of beauty products. Similarly, many ingredients that are plant-based require lots of water-intensive agriculture, which isn't good! I believe beauty companies can still profit while committing to practices that help, rather than hurt, the environment.”

Advice to sustainability newbies: “Let's start with water! Many of us know that beauty and wellness often starts on the inside, and being well hydrated is crucial to a balanced body. I'm a strong advocate for drinking tap water (rather than bottled water) in places where it's safe. With that said, I'm also a strong proponent of policy makers creating immediate change to make sure clean, safe tap water is available to all people. I also encourage newbies to reconsider shopping in the traditional way. I spend lots of time in outdoor gear, but most days I need to do at least one professional meeting or event. I love renting my clothes and have a Rent the Runway membership that has made my need to shop for clothes nonexistent. This is good for your wallet and EXTREMELY good for the planet, since garment production is incredibly environmentally degrading, but garment sharing or renting is ultra-sustainable!”

Pashon Murray, co-founder of Detroit Dirt

Photo: Courtesy of Pashon Murray

Favorite eco-conscious beauty and wellness brands: “I love the brands who have made a concerted effort to sign agreements and commitments aligning with Mother Nature. Climate change is our global crisis and it's time to support brands that care about our future and generations to come. Equity, inclusion and climate action should be one and the same; the ecosystem is diverse and harmonious yet we're fighting racism and antiquated practices. Support brands that are taking the initiative to invest in the planet and your wellbeing. Some favorites are Lime Crime, the Lip Bar by Melissa Butler, Fenty—I love the diversity and inclusion mission, including all women, women's rights, and inclusive marketing—Westman Atelier, Klorane, Carol’s Daughter, and Shea Moisture.”

How the industry can do better: “I think our beauty industries have to invest in sustainability. It's a difficult task but water and soil are our most precious resources. If beauty industries aren't willing to learn how to align with sustainable and ethical practices, they should hire researchers and experts who will assist them. Everything matters: Packaging, footprint, materials, etc. It's about investing in your company and customers. It's really about understanding the purpose and education awareness.”

Advice to sustainability newbies: “It's imperative that we understand climate change by researching and educating ourselves. It starts with a self-audit. With an audit you'll understand if you’re wasting or conserving. If you can take public transportation, ride your bike, or walk, please do so; if you can, watch your budget for food without creating a pattern of waste. [Think]: how much water are you using? The bottom line is understanding your habits so you can incorporate a healthier lifestyle. Research products and understand their purpose: you are what you eat and your decisions matter when it comes to your children and generations to come.”

Sophia Li, eco-conscious journalist and filmmaker

Photo: Courtesy of Sophia Li

Favorite eco-conscious beauty and wellness brands: Circumference creates the most luxurious skincare (toner, face oil and face cream) by “waste-sourcing” or essentially upcycling discarded grape leaves by partnering with wineries. They’re truly sustainable in essence and the products feel so luxe on my skin. Cocokind has recently adopted a 'sustainability label' much like a nutritional label, making each product as transparent as possible. Also everything from their turmeric and matcha sticks to their sunscreen is target-focused and works in all climate conditions/seasons. My boyfriend uses their products as much as I do!

Ceremonia is one of the first in clean haircare that's also rooted in the deep culture of Latin heritage and their sacred haircare routines. Plus the scent of each product is soo addicting, I've also haven't seen my hair so strong and shiny from 'clean ingredients' in years. Olio e Osso multi-functional balms are incredible, they come in a variety of different colors and tones and I use the same balm for lipstick, blush and a slight tint above the eyelids. They glide on so smooth and give that perfect natural glow with a slight hue.”

How the industry can do better: “There's so much greenwashing and vagueness happening in the 'clean beauty' space. Consumers shouldn't have to look through pages of a sustainability report to understand the product; people in the beauty industry need to break down all of this info in digestible and accessible ways without simply stating it's 'sustainable' or 'clean' but by showing us. Also planting a tree or having 'recycled packaging' does not mean you're a sustainable brand—so show the consumers what else you're doing for the climate movement besides the bare minimum.”

Advice to sustainability newbies: “Sustainability is a lifelong journey and practice! When it comes to beauty/wellness, it won't happen overnight, but pick something that you're already passionate about like food, makeup, or working out and start there. If it's food, then perhaps it's composting or buying local and seasonal from a farmer's market, if it's makeup then it can be understanding what you're putting on your face, if it's working out then it can be biking or walking more frequently vs. using a car. These are all micro levels of action that can help you feel more empowered by the sustainability movement and that in turn end up being fun too! The more in touch we are with these actions and the movement, the more we'll start to incorporate other actions in this vein in our lives as well, with eventually sustainability becoming the norm.”

Amber Tamm, floral designer, horticulturalist, and farmer

Photo: Courtesy of Amber Tamm

Favorite eco-conscious beauty and wellness brands: “Linne Botanicals, Crude, Golde, and Sixth Scent Oils are my favorites right now. In general, coconut oil is my staple. Coconut oil truly just does it for me! Coconut for my oral health, for hair growth, for body moisturizer. Side note: I do not put coconut oil on face! It makes me break out even more.”

How the industry can do better: “I would encourage the beauty industry to think very deeply about where they are sourcing their resources for their products. I would encourage them to formulate relationships with farmers all across the globe that are oriented in fair trade and farm workers rights."

Advice to sustainability newbies: “I would urge young people to let the quality of their wellness and beauty prices grow as their income does. Meaning, price your beauty products based on your income. Wellness products are very expensive but start with the ones you can afford when you can afford it."

Leah Thomas, founder of Intersectional Environmentalist 

Photo: Courtesy of Leah Thomas

Favorite eco-conscious beauty and wellness brands: “I love Youth to the People: their skin care is some of the best, and they’re currently doing a series on intersectional environmentalism. I like that they use their platform to raise awareness about the climate justice crisis, but also the ingredients are eco-friendly and the products actually work! I try so many eco-friendly skin care brands and they’re on of the best. I love my Tula eye masks because they refresh my eyes and make me look awake!”

How the industry can do better: “They can utilize refillable packaging options and also make sure ingredients are cruelty free and vegan!”

Advice to sustainability newbies: “Progress is better than perfection and every step in the right direction is progress, so be easy on yourself. Also know sustainability includes how we care for ourselves and sustain ourselves, and self-care is a part of that.”

Sade Mims, founder of sustainable accessories brand, EDAS

Photo: Courtesy of Sade Mims

Favorite eco-conscious beauty and wellness brands: “I really love Cocokind and NOTO. Each of these brands have made their way into my routine for their own unique qualities. I think what attracts me to these brands, outside of the killer product results, is their commitment to clean beauty and using ingredients that I can recognize. I also love Sogo. They create Shea butters infused with essential oils from Guinea. Lastly, I love Comfort Zone’s Cleansing Balm. My twin sister, Samantha Mims, is a skin therapist and she introduced me to this product and I’m a huge fan. It’s super hydrating and doesn’t leave my skin with excessive oil, like many balms tend to.”

How the industry can do better: “I think awareness is key. Get familiar with what is out there and back the brands that have ethics and true skin healing at the core of what they do. I also think that we should really look at our lifestyles as an ecosystem, so that all of the decisions we are making are tied to the next decision. It isn’t linear by any means and it takes a lot of unlearning and dismantling to practice a sustainable lifestyle, but it also is tangible and shouldn’t seem so polished. Find what works for you and stick with it. Don’t over consume, and whatever isn’t working, gift it to your friends. It starts with the little things, truly.”

Advice to sustainability newbies: “I am such a minimal beauty person. I find what I like and I indulge with the product for as long as it serves me. So I think consumerism is one important thing to look at. Ask yourself, how much is too much? Is this needed right now? Does this product align with my other lifestyle choices?

I also think wellness as it relates to sustainability can’t just be about what’s in the products, it has to be looked at from a bird’s eye view. What you consume, how you treat others, how you pour into yourself, are all part of the practice to living a more sustainable life. The choices we make are all interconnected. I’m still working on this myself though, so my last and I think most important advice is to be graceful with yourself, as that makes the practice much more real and life changing. You got this!”

Christina Tung, founder of sustainable jewelry and silks brand, SVNR Shop

Photo: Courtesy of Katie Borrazzo

Favorite eco-conscious beauty and wellness brands: “I love Lesse face cleanser and ritual serum improve the texture and quality of my skin. I also love the Wonder Valley Face Oil. They started by making olive oil and now have face and body oils that smell divine. Prose has a customized program for your hair type, including a scalp mask! Redoux is BIPOC owned, made locally and smells incredible. I can't live without Routine CBD, from Brooklyn-based integrative nutritionist Selena Ayala.  The CBD calms the nervous system, which is just what we need at a time when we're all feeling a bit heightened.”

How the industry can do better: “Packaging and over-packaging seem to be major opportunities for sustainability in the beauty industry.”

Advice to sustainability newbies: “There is so much to think about in terms of sustainability—not just the ingredients, but the packaging, carbon footprint from production, etc.  It can be overwhelming. Learning more about the company and its ethics before purchasing, buying only what you need, and consuming less are easy ways to start.” 

Dominique Drakeford, founder of Sustainable Brooklyn and Melanin & Sustainable Style, and co-host of Kale & Cognac Podcast

Photo: Courtesy of Zachary Gray

Favorite eco-conscious beauty and wellness brands: Terra Tory, Black Girl Sun Screen, Glammed Naturally, Ranavat, Hanahana Beauty, PUR Home, Honey Pot ... literally just to name a few. These are all Black and WOC-owned brands I've interviewed on my blog MelaninASS.com where I've not only learned about the intentional ingredients that are in their products but also just learning about the journey, passion, integrity and love that these founders put into their brands. That energy is felt when using their products and supporting their small/medium businesses.

Advice to sustainability newbies: The beauty space is one where folks can definitely overconsume. I would definitely stress the important of doing a self-love assessment followed by what I call a beauty closet inventory. In terms of the self-love assessment, it's about cultivating a relationship with skin and hair to understand the ways in which they like to be nourished, especially outside of the paradigm of buying beauty products.

Here is where you'll understand ways to supplement your beauty regime, whether that's drinking more lime water, wearing your hair in a certain style that preserves nutrients, etc. Really working to cultivate a more holistic, well-rounded relationship. In terms of doing the product inventory, really go through the products (makeup, skincare, hair care) that you have, the subscriptions services you're subscribed to, understand what you use and don't use. Both of these approaches together will help curb overconsumption of beauty products and will help curate a very intentional capsule collection of beauty products and rituals that align with your values.

Elizabeth Teo, environmental educator & sustainability influencer

Photo: Courtesy of Elizabeth Teo

Favorite eco-conscious beauty and wellness brands: “I love using the sunscreen from Butter Me Up Organics on Etsy. It comes in a glass jar and is easy to apply. I use Imaya Beauty’s retinol face oil for my skin to support their farmers and use glass packaging. Eco Amical is a wonderful Asian women-owned brand and they make their makeup in tins and use sustainable packaging. My favorite zero-waste hair care has to be from Plaine Products shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil, which come in refillable aluminum bottles. I also love Kobees for my lips, they are a Black-owned business that makes great lip balm in recyclable cardboard packaging using natural beeswax and essential oils.”

How the industry can do better: “I have seen some exciting steps being taken in the beauty industry to be more sustainable and ethical and often I remind people to just think about the end of life cycle for their products and ask themselves: Where will my product end up? Will it actually be recycled or sent to the landfill? If you're using compostable packaging, will your customers local composting facility accept and process it? Organic and natural ingredients that are sourced ethically if possible is also important to implement in beauty products.”

Advice to sustainability newbies: “If I were to talk to my younger self when I first started my sustainability journey, my main advice would be "less is more." The best thing you can do for the environment and your mental health is owning less and replacing when you need to! If you need to replace, find a sustainable and ethical brand, or try a cool DIY.”