This post was created in an ongoing collaboration with Eco Origin. All opinions my own.
With 2024 firmly under way the resolutions have been set and the habits have had time to build. But it’s not just self-improvement that is expected to increase over the year, it looks like increasing eco-friendly habits and routines is set to be on the rise too.
Eco Origin, marketplace for sustainable products for your everyday life, shared with me the top eco-friendly self-care trends they expect to see in 2024. So if you’re now of the people aiming to reduce your impact this year, or still looking for some inspiration to take forward, then read on.
Planet-Loving Gyms
Did you know that 17% of UK residents own a gym membership? That makes over 10 million people. Impressive figures!
Working out is a great way to lead a healthy life, benefitting both physical health and mental wellbeing. On the flip side, the environmental impact of such facilities is massive. The use of electricity, water wastage, toxic cleaners – a lot of these factors can contribute to eco-anxiety in places that are meant to help improve our mood.
It has pushed environmentally-conscious fitness fanatics to look for sustainable gyms. An investigation of Google trends data suggests that the term came up 195% more compared to the previous year.
What can you expect from a sustainable gym?
A lot. From solar panels and energy-saving lighting to reduced water usage and eradicating single-use plastic, they make working out greener.
Clean Skincare Products
The ‘Natural Cosmetics’ segment of the UK’s beauty & personal care market is on the up and up. We can expect a solid 27.29% boost, adding a total of 58.4 million pounds to the revenue from 2023 to 2028.
It is no secret that people love their skincare routines. Luckily, they’ve learned that chemical-free, allergen-less products are the real deal. Cotton pads for face have knocked out single-use wet wipes in many skincare routines already, providing plastice-free alternatives that biodegradable, organic, and gentle on the skin.
The demand for reusable facial pads has gone up, too. Washable either by hand-wash with soapy water or in a regular weekly wash, they help reduce waste, save money and streamline those skincare habits. Eco-friendly cotton buds that use wood or bamboo instead of plastic for their stem have also gained popularity, with more increases likely this year.
Greener Personal Hygiene
The self-care industry is also becoming more eco-friendly overall, and people are doing their part by switching to eco-friendly alternatives.
More eco-friendly toiletries we expect to see used more in 2024 include:
- Bamboo toothbrush: Lasts longer, is anti-microbial, and can be used around the house for other purposes, too.
- Biodegradable safety razors: Or opt for the old-school safety razors, which use one razor blade at a time. Still good enough for a smooth shave.
- Menstrual cups or washable pads: The best sustainable period products you can invest in. Save your money, reduce the waste, and conserve the environment.
- Organic soap bars: Minimal packaging, no microplastics, and long-lasting.
Sustainable Beauty Packaging
People are proudly endorsing environmentally-considerate brands. They are all about refillable containers, biodegradable materials and using less plastic.
So, when looking for new skincare products in 2024, keep an eye out for brands that use sustainable beauty packaging.
Bonus: Glass, bamboo, or recycled plastic containers will look pretty on your vanity. And there’s no guilt involved.
Seaweed and beeswax/soy wax packaging is gaining traction, too. These are biodegradable and compostable materials that break down naturally without harming the environment, so make great alternatives to plastics.
DIY Skincare
In 2024, we also expect DIY skincare to be bigger than ever, with people embrace the power of natural ingredients from their kitchens.
Think of face masks made from avocado, honey, and oats to hydrate, exfoliate and nourish your skin. Or a lip scrub from brown sugar and olive oil. How about coconut oil as a makeup remover? The possibilities are endless.
Grab some reusable facial pads, and you’re all set for a luxurious at-home spa day without waste.
Embracing a Cleaner, Greener Future
We’ve been caught up by convenience for too long. But 2024 will bring an even bigger conscious shift towards eco-friendly personal care practices.
Whether it’s shifting to reusable cotton pads or investing in sustainable beauty packaging, small changes can make a big impact as we work to normalise these habits for more people than ever.
