The new year often brings a time of pause and personal reflection. If you are committing to a new year’s resolution of more ethical living then a makeover might be a fun way to commit to this new lifestyle. From your hairstyle to your shoe choice, you can make public statements about your views and beliefs with your appearance. Here are some top tips that you should consider for your next ethical makeover.
Vegan Makeup
Large makeup companies are often criticized for animal testing that is part of the research and development of their products. However, good people are working to change the industry and make it more animal friendly. You should consider shopping for vegan eyeliners and other vegan products that promise no animals are harmed in their making. If you are vegan, you can now keep a fantastic high-quality beauty regime without undermining your beliefs.
Sustainable Fashion
Whether you are looking for leisure wear or formal work outfits, several brilliant fashion brands are dedicated to sustainable clothing. Clothing can be problematic if the brands are not responsible, as the manufacturing process can sometimes involve poor labor standards and irresponsible factory or industrial farming processes that are bad for the planet. Sustainable fashion attempts to make pieces that are designed to be more durable, making less waste with a minimal impact on the planet’s delicate ecosystem.
Ethical Hairdressers
Some salons can be better than others when it comes to sustainability. Try to find a salon that only uses environmentally friendly hair products. Hairdressers can donate longer cuttings to wig making charities, and shorter clippings can be used to make compost. Ask your hairdresser about what sustainable and ethical policies they might have in place before booking in with them.
Charity Shoes
A brand like TOMS offers a one-for-one scheme in partnership with organizations like Save The Children. The idea is that when you purchase a pair of shoes, TOMS will donate another pair to a humanitarian organization to give to a child in need. However, the scheme does have its critics. If you would rather, consider buying a second-hand pair of shoes from a thrift or charity shop and use the difference you would have spent on a new pair to make a donation to a charity of your choice. It will be a nice boost to your day to think about your goodwill every time you slip the shoes onto your feet.
Customize
Finally, remember the wardrobe you already have. Throwing out wearable clothes is wasteful especially if they are not being recycled. If the clothes no longer fit your beliefs, lifestyle, or have simply gone out of fashion then consider customizing them. Altering clothes can give them a new lease of life and allows you to maximize how long you wear the item. Don’t worry if you are not good with a thread and needle, look online as there are now many people offering customization services in communities around the world.
Finally remember that an ethical makeover doesn’t mean every aspect of your life needs to change at once. Taking a slower and more gradual approach often means you are more likely to stick with the changes you are making.
