When you walk down the beauty aisle or browse online for hair care products, packaging is often the last thing on your mind. Most of us are drawn to pretty bottles, vibrant colors, or sleek designs—but what happens to that packaging once the product is gone? The reality is that the vast majority of hair care packaging ends up in landfills or oceans, contributing to the global plastic waste crisis.
At Cooper Delivered, we’re not asking you to completely give up plastic, but to be more mindful. Ask yourself: Why am I using the products I use today? Is it because of brand loyalty, convenience, or recommendations from a hairdresser? What’s stopping you from trying something different that’s better for you and the planet?
The Environmental Impact of Plastic Packaging
Plastic pollution is a growing problem worldwide. In Australia alone, over 2.5 million tons of plastic waste are generated each year, with only a small fraction being recycled. Globally, it’s estimated that 91% of all plastic isn’t recycled, and much of that ends up in our oceans. The hair care industry contributes to this problem, with shampoo, conditioner, and styling product bottles making up a significant part of plastic waste.
The beauty industry is responsible for generating 120 billion units of packaging every year globally, most of which is not recyclable. Many of these containers are made from mixed materials like plastic, metal, and paper, making them nearly impossible to recycle efficiently.
Small Changes Lead to Big Impact
What if your everyday hair care routine could make a difference? By making more mindful choices, such as opting for packaging-free or recyclable products, you can contribute to reducing plastic waste. Simple swaps, like choosing shampoo bars over liquid products in plastic bottles, can have a huge positive impact on the environment. Shampoo bars, like those offered by Cooper Delivered, often come with minimal, biodegradable, or recyclable packaging, helping you to shrink your carbon footprint.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Packaging?
- Sustainability – Packaging-free or minimally packaged products reduce your waste and environmental impact. Shampoo bars are a perfect example, as they often come in compostable cardboard or metal tins that can be reused or recycled.
- Conservation of Resources – Plastic production requires significant amounts of water, energy, and fossil fuels. By opting for eco-friendly packaging, you’re supporting products that use fewer resources and are made sustainably.
- Less Toxic Chemicals – Many plastics leach harmful chemicals that can affect human health and ecosystems. Choosing products with sustainable packaging helps reduce these risks for both you and the planet.
- A Shift Towards Reusables – Consider using reusable containers for your hair products. Some companies offer refillable containers, meaning you can purchase bulk refills without creating new plastic waste each time you need more product.
Making the Switch: Packaging with a Purpose
Brands are becoming increasingly innovative with their packaging solutions. From refill stations to biodegradable materials, the movement toward eco-conscious hair care is growing. Cooper Delivered is proud to be part of this movement by offering products with sustainable packaging that aligns with our values of reducing plastic waste.
Why are you using the products you currently have? Are they packaged with the planet in mind? If not, it might be time to reconsider your choices. By consciously choosing products with eco-friendly packaging, you’re supporting a shift towards sustainability, and helping to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our landfills and oceans.
Your Impact as a Consumer
It might seem like a small change, but if everyone swapped just one plastic bottle of shampoo for a shampoo bar, we could collectively prevent millions of plastic bottles from entering our environment. Imagine the collective impact if we expanded this to all hair care products!
At the end of the day, packaging matters. It affects not only the longevity and quality of the products we use but also the world around us. Next time you’re shopping for hair care products, ask yourself why you’re choosing the packaging you are. If you can make a more sustainable choice, you’re taking a small but impactful step toward reducing plastic waste and protecting the planet.