After constantly hearing about how we need to do better as a planet (electric cars, no more single-use plastic bottles, etc.) I wanted to understand — what can I do to contribute to a more sustainable world.
After doing some research, I discovered that just in America, over 1,400,000,000 non-biodegradable plastic bottles enter our landfill every single year. Multiply that by 4 to include my whole routine of body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant, and I feel like I need to go turn myself in. Not to mention that most shampoos are 80% water and conditioners can be even more — up to 95% water.
As I started doing some research on the internet for a plastic-free shower routine, I came to learn some more interesting facts about how bad these plastic bottles are for not just our planet but also our bodies:
- The bottles are made from crude oil, a non-renewable source.
- Plastic generates pollution in landfills, seeping into our oceans and soil.
- Phthalates, which give shampoos their gel structure, have been linked to interfering with human hormones.
34 open tabs later, I found a chic yet sustainable personal care brand called Long Wknd — an Austin, TX-based company that’s sold over 100,000 bars of shampoo, body wash, conditioner, and deodorant.
I ordered the product online (you can get 15% off when you enter your number on the site), and when it arrived, it came in entirely plastic-free packaging — even the tape was biodegradable.
I was happy that all the products were cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, dye-free, and without phthalates. It checks all the boxes for being good for your hair and sustainable.
The shampoo foamed up on my hair more than any gel-based shampoo. The conditioner left my hair feeling so moisturized. The body wash bar is so creamy and suds up A LOT. All their products smell lovely, and if your skin is sensitive, you can use their unscented bars, too.
The bottom line
All in all, I’ve been thrilled with these products, especially considering that they’re each under $15. I haven’t experienced any skin problems when using these, and I was shocked to see that my order shipped within 90 minutes of placing it.
If you’re like me and looking to upgrade your shower routine, Long Wknd will be a game-changer for you. You can thank me later!