This is an area where it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Baby oil

Buy oil that’s derived from renewable resources like nuts or fruit instead of petroleum, which is non renewable.

Bubble bath

Use bubble bath sold in concentrated form. Not only will it last longer, it will also discourage transportation cost.

Conditioner

Buy a shampoo and conditioner combined. Having a separate bottle means the conditioner needs to be applied as a second step and will therefore require more water. If the same quantity of the product can do both jobs, why do you need an extra bottle? The impact on transportation will be twice as big.

Shaving gel

Use shaving gel that didn’t come in an aerosol. Although aerosols don’t contain CFC’s anymore which are bad for the ozone layer, as they have been replaced with other petroleum-based products, it’s still better to avoid them.

Soap bars

Choose soap bars instead of liquid soap. They cost less; require less packaging and the packaging is often recyclable. You earn bonus points if your soap bar is made locally and had to travel less distance and helps your local economy too!

Sunscreen

A lot of sunscreen makers claim they are natural but that does not mean they do not contain any chemicals or preservatives. Look for natural ingredient such as vegetable oils or cocoa butter. The least but more important thing, sun protection is not only about sunscreen. It also entails wearing long-sleeve shirts, sunglasses with UV protection, a hat, or long pants when the occasion and weather permits. Carry a parasol for the beach or during gardening. Don’t fall asleep in broad sun. Reduce children’s exposure to a fixed time slot, say, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Sponges

First, avoid natural sponges as exploiting them destroys their underwater habitat and impacts other life forms around them such as fish and micro-organisms. Second, replace your nylon sponge by loofas or a simple wash cloth, as Nylon is made from petroleum.

Perfumes, deodorants, lotions have ingredients that we do not find naturally on earth. Since you can’t become an expert overnight with all the brands and products out there, follow a few simple rules such as looking for natural products or a label that certifies that the product is organic. The ultimate change you can introduce is ban these products from your life altogether, except soap maybe .