There is concern for the environment worldwide. One does not have to look long or far for news of the environment, our climate or the effect of chemicals and plastics on plants, animals and water. You might wonder what you can do to keep our natural world safe and beautiful.  There are several, simple ways to conserve water, reduce waste and avoid products that degrade the environment.

One of those ways is by choosing eco-friendly beauty and makeup products! Sustainable beauty brands like TrūAura Beauty use responsible packaging and ingredients that are not harmful to the environment.

At TrūAura, we create clean formulas based on natural ingredients and never include ingredients that are shown to be harmful to your skin or the environment. Each TrūAura product you use is created to nurture healthy skin and protect the environment. How products are packaged can have an impact as well. This is why our approach to packaging also includes an environmentally-friendly focus.

We’ve compiled a list of easy, sustainable swaps that you can follow to help our environment improve.  

1. Add a recycling bin to recycle packaging and containers

If you do not already recycle, it is easy to start. Place a recycling bin in a convenient spot in your bathroom or kitchen. Recycle empty makeup containers, cardboard packaging and other recyclable materials. When it is full, take it to your local recycling center. Many municipalities offer curbside recycling as part of their household waste management programs. If you are not sure if your city or county offers this service, look online for information for your area.

2. Swap disposable face wipes for reusable cotton rounds

Disposable face wipes are made of synthetic materials that are not recyclable, compostable or biodegradable. Wet wipes, face wipes and moist towelettes must be thrown in the trash and end up in landfills. They can take as long as 100 years to decompose. In addition, many contain chemicals, alcohol, additives and fragrances that can irritate or harm your skin.

Instead of single-use wipes, sheet masks or oil blotting pads, try reusable cotton, bamboo or microfiber rounds or pads. They are hand- or machine-washable and come in a variety of convenient sizes. Some brands come with a storage or laundry bag, making it easy to store and launder them. To use, saturate a pad with makeup remover or warm water and a drop of skin cleanser. Use a gentle, circular motion to remove makeup and cleanse the skin. After cleansing, rinse your skin to make sure you remove all the residue.

3. Avoid purchasing products with toxic ingredients

Have you read the list of ingredients on most cosmetics and personal care items? They usually include parabens, phthalates, aluminum hydroxide and triclosan. Some, such as triclosan, are biocidal agents used as preservatives. Research suggests that widespread use of triclosan in personal care items contributes to global antibiotic resistance. Other studies suggest that it can irritate the skin when applied topically.

In contrast, our eco-friendly makeup uses clean formulations that protect your skin and the environment.

We have a simple “No” list:

• No parabens.

• No artificial fragrances or flavors.

• No gluten.

• No synthetic dyes or pigments.

• No synthetic additives or silicones.

• No triclosan.

We list product ingredients and explain how they nourish and condition the skin. We infuse our skincare and makeup products with pre- and probiotics that enhance the skin's natural biota. Our non-toxic makeup products include essential oils, amino acids and natural mineral and plant extracts that keep skin resilient, hydrated and protected from UV light and other environmental stressors.

4. Don't leave water running

Do you let the water run as you brush your teeth or complete your morning and evening beauty regimen? You may not realize it, but you are letting approximately 5 gallons run down the drain when you leave the tap running while brushing your teeth. To help you remember to turn off the tap and create sustainable beauty habits, turn the water off and step away from the sink while you complete your tasks. Then, turn the faucet back on when you need it. Over time, these water-saving habits will become automatic.

5. Repurpose mascara wands and reuse or repurpose packaging

There are many ways to repurpose old mascara wands and other beauty tools. Did you know they can be donated to wildlife organizations that use them for grooming and cleaning rescued birds and animals? The Wands for Wildlife program accepts clean, used mascara wands during scheduled Wandraisers and occasionally at times in between. The organization also sponsors Wand Art programs that inspire people to use wands in art projects.

Closer to home, use old mascara wands in your beauty routine. Wash them, let them dry, and use them to feather eyebrows or separate eyelashes. They also work well for hair care, such as touching up roots or taming flyaway hairs around your face. They are great for house cleaning as well. They fit into small spaces like computer keyboards or air conditioning vents to clean out dust, hairs and other particles.

Cardboard, paper, glass and plastic are common packaging materials. Use small boxes or plastic and glass containers to hold buttons, earrings or safety pins. Use cardboard pieces as drawer separators or to cushion and protect breakable items. When you start thinking outside the box, you will discover many ways to repurpose and reuse packing materials.

6. Seek out products with responsible packaging

TrūAura uses best practices in packaging. Our packaging and containers are made of materials that are recyclable or can be repurposed. Our eco-friendly makeup packaging is sourced from sustainable forests and bears the Forest Steward Council label. We are committed to being a sustainable makeup brand, with the goal of minimizing environmental impact through our formulations, packaging and product containers.

Our efforts in sustainability and responsibility extend into communities as well. Through product donations and partnerships with organizations like Project Beauty Share, we are helping women and families in need. See what we are doing this month.

The natural world is beautiful, and together we can make a difference at home and for all.