It’s no secret that the beauty industry is by far one of the most significant pollutants in the world today. It produces a staggering 2.2 billion tons of waste each year. Unfortunately, much of this waste comes from packaging that can take hundreds of years to decompose. While a growing number of beauty brands have pledged to use cleaner and safer ingredients, some have taken their environmental activism a step further by introducing zero waste makeup. But what exactly does the term “zero waste makeup” mean?
What Is Zero Waste Makeup?
In a nutshell, zero waste makeup is designed to be reused rather than incinerated, sent to a landfill, or dumped into the ocean once you’re done with it. By definition, zero waste products are manufactured in compliance with the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials. While recycling is indeed an aspect of zero waste production, it should really be considered a last resort.
That said, most zero waste makeup brands tend to interpret the term “zero waste” differently. For some, zero waste means simply reducing single-use and plastic packaging. For others, it means having a 360-degree approach where all aspects of design, manufacturing and packaging are absolutely free of waste. Another aspect of zero waste makeup involves rethinking consumer behaviors, and educating consumers to reuse rather than throw away their old cosmetics.
Zero Waste Packaging and the Environment
The beauty industry is notorious for its use of plastic packaging as well as its tendency to produce single-use plastic products. Unfortunately, most plastics take hundreds of years to decompose—and can remain in landfills or oceans for centuries. This plastic pollution poses a major threat to the environment by endangering animal life on land as well as in our seas. According to a recent report by the World Economic Forum, in fact, the oceans are projected to contain more plastic than fish by 2050.
Zero waste packaging, on the other hand, is hugely beneficial for the environment. Not only does it reduce greenhouse gases, but it can significantly reduce carbon emissions from consumers. It conserves natural resources and reduces pollution at the levels of sourcing, manufacturing and disposal, which in turn reduces pollution in the air, water and soil.
Zero waste makeup is designed to be reused rather than incinerated, sent to a landfill, or dumped into the ocean once you’re done with it.
Is Izzy Zero Waste Makeup?
Izzy Zero Waste Beauty is proud to call ourselves a zero waste makeup brand. At Izzy, we don’t use disposable packaging or shipping materials—and absolutely nothing we manufacture is ever incinerated, sent to a landfill, or dumped into our oceans. We reduce what we need, reuse as much as we can, recycle what little we cannot reuse, and compost whatever cannot be recycled.
Our Zero Waste Mascara can be refilled over 10,000 times, and comes with zero outer packaging. Plus every component from the mascara tube to the applicator is 100% reusable and recyclable. We use 96% less plastic than leading mascara brands, and our mascara has a 78% smaller carbon footprint than the industry standard after 25 refills. So the more you refill your Izzy mascara, the smaller your carbon footprint becomes.
At Izzy, we realize that it can be daunting to begin your zero waste journey—which is why we recommend making small swaps in your everyday beauty routine over an extended period of time rather than going entirely zero waste overnight. It’s important to remember that even small changes can add up to make a big difference for the environment. If you want to start with your mascara, sign up for an Izzy zero waste membership!
