Go Green … for St. Patrick’s Day!

You don’t have to have the luck o’ the Irish to go green this St. Patrick’s Day. There are simple ways you can green up your bath, body, and beauty routines. At Pharmacopia, we’re here to help! Creating products that are better for you—and better for the environment—is what we’ve been about since we were founded.

4 Big Benefits of Going Green

We realized pretty quickly that what each of us does every day makes a big impact on our health and the world around us. That’s why we’re so conscious about the environment and want to share a few of the benefits of going green.

It’s better for our oceans and streams. Biodegradable ingredients like those in Pharmacopia’s products break down completely into substances found in nature. There’s nothing left behind to do damage to the environment or the animals living in it. When you consider that approximately 51 trillion microscopic pieces of plastic are floating in the ocean today, weighing as much as 1,345 blue whales, using biodegradable ingredients is just one way to help keep our waterways clean.

It keeps waste out of our landfills. It’s estimated that each person in the U.S. generates 4.9 pounds of waste, which goes straight into the landfill, each day. That’s almost 5 pounds every day, 150 pounds in a month, and about 1,800 pounds per year! By going green and using products in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, like all of our Pharmacopia products, you’re doing Mother Earth a solid.

It helps reduce air pollution. At Pharmacopia, we know that our resources are finite, and that is why we’re all about sustainable practices. We offset the carbon produced when shipping products to you and we donate to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Amazon Rainforest.

It’s less toxic—for you and for the world around you. You are what you eat … and use on your body. It’s a fact that what we put into our bodies affects how our bodies function, how healthy we are, and how likely we are to develop chronic diseases.

Our founder, Lisa Levin, started Pharmacopia after she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She started researching how our bodies are burdened by environmental toxins (including the products we use on our skin). That’s why Pharmacopia has been free from chemical preservatives and ingredients like parabens and phthalates since we began. Our philosophy is better for you and better for the planet. We also never use synthetic fragrances; we only use plant extracts and essential oils for natural scents. We’re also cruelty free because we believe there’s simply no need to harm animals so we can have bath and beauty products.

How to Green Up Your Bath and Body Routine, Starting Today

Since there are easy ways to go green right in your own bathroom this St. Patrick’s Day and beyond, well, there’s just no reason not to! And remember: small changes to your everyday routine can make a big impact on the world around you.

Use green bath and body products. These non-toxic plant-based products contain biodegradable ingredients. Our favorites (of course!): Pharmacopia Shampoos, Conditioners, Body Washes, Body Lotions, Body Bars, and Lip Elixir.

Buy in bulk. Next time you run out of your favorite Pharmacopia product, buy a gallon bottle and just refill your bottles, saving them from the landfill. 

Take shorter showers. We all love a long hot shower, particularly on cool mornings, but jump in the shower as soon as the water starts to get warm and try not to linger (instead let our citrus, mint argan, and verbena aromatherapy scents do the lingering long after the shower is shut off!)

Shut off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. It can save up to eight gallons of water per day, according to the EPA.

Skip the disposable razors. Instead invest in a razor with a disposable blade and save plastic from the landfill.

Use recycled toilet paper. It’s crazy to think that most toilet paper is made from virgin forests (i.e., not recycled)! When you think about this, there’s simply no reason not to seek out recycled paper goods in your home.

Set up a bathroom recycle bin. Keep it under your cupboard or near your trash bin as a daily reminder to recycle in this room too.

Use non-toxic bathroom cleaners. Steer clear of overly scented cleaners that use toxic chemicals and synthetic fragrances (look for aromatherapy-based ingredients like the ones we use in all our Pharmacopia products). Using toxic bathroom cleaners in your shower, sink, or toilet, in particular, can end up in our waterways. Distilled white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and water are effective bathroom cleaners.

Skip the blow dryer. Air drying your hair saves energy and is less damaging to your strands. A win-win!

Once your bathroom is green enough to well… make others green with envy, you can start going green in other areas of your life too. One of our founders favorite ways to do this: eat locally (in season) and ride your bike (or take public transportation) for local errands or to go to work.