Reusable cotton pads have been in the market for a while now and compared to disposable cotton pads, it may feel like a pretty pricey switch for such a small item. However, it is possible to make your own from old clothes. Reusable cotton pads are an investment that we all need to make and this post will explain why. Reusables may not be the best option for all purposes but when it comes to removing makeup and your skincare routine, there is no better option.
1. Less CO2 and Methane released into the atmosphere
When you throw away a disposable cotton pad into the bin, it might not feel like a big deal. It's a very small item going into landfill and cotton is a natural product so can't be too bad going into the ground, right? Unfortunately, that is not the case. When products go to landfill, they are deprived of the oxygen they need to break down meaning they break down using anaerobic processes. During this process, landfill is broken down by methane-producing bacteria meaning we are contributing to significant amounts of methane being put into our atmosphere every time we put almost anything to landfill! Even the break-down processes that do use oxygen produce small amounts of methane and carbon dioxide so it is important we create as little waste as possible.
2. Saves Water
On global average, one kilogram of cotton takes 10,000 litres of water to produce. That's a lot of water. We do need to wash and clean our reusable cotton pads but we can do this whilst we wash the rest of our clothes and use that same water, meaning no extra water is needed or wasted. And, as our reusables have the potential to last us a lifetime, we don't need to worry about water being wasted creating a product destined for single use.
3. Decreases Deforestation
As cotton is a plant, it takes time for it to grow. It takes roughly 160 days from a cotton plant being planted until the cotton is ready for harvesting. That's over half of the year! And, as cotton plants do not typically survive through cold and frost, these plants need to be replanted annually. By reducing the demand for cotton by creating reusables with it rather than disposables (or reusing cotton we already own from old t-shirt material), we can save on the amount of forests we destroy to make room for all of this cotton. Trees are the most effective plant when it comes to taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere so the more trees, the better!
4. Bamboo is a grass
A lot of reusable face pads are often made using bamboo towelling. One good thing about this is that bamboo is a grass. This may sound like a strange thing to note but, as we all know from the grass in our gardens, once you cut grass it regrows. So although bamboo is a virgin material, we do not need to replant bamboo and wait significant lengths of time for it to grow. Bamboo is known for growing rapidly meaning the same bamboo plants can be farmed over and over again to create materials for our reusables.
5. No Single Use Plastic
I do not remember a time I have ever bought single use cotton pads where they haven't come wrapped in a single use plastic. If you make your own then there is no need for packaging. Most companies who make reusable cotton pads are working towards the same mission of protecting the planet and opt for alternatives such as cardboard packaging. Lots of small businesses such as Strawberry and Dream* reusable cotton pads come wrapped in tissue paper that can be repurposed and used for wrapping gifts, reducing waste even further.
6. Bamboo Towelling is Much Kinder to Skin
This is a quick one! Bamboo towelling is much softer than cotton pads as there are not any synthetic fibres threaded through. This makes them much nicer for removing makeup, especially waterproof mascara! This may not be the same for all bamboo towelling but if you do a bit of research into your materials then I am sure you will find a soft sustainable option.
7. Bamboo is Hypoallergenic
If you're buying reusable cotton pads made with bamboo materials, you're also buying naturally hypoallergenic materials which are especially kind for your face.
8. Save Money
Reusables are often more expensive up front but you will save yourself money over time as they won't need replacing very often, if at all! And as you will be throwing them in with your usual laundry, you won't be adding to your electric or water bills either. Save even more money by cutting up some old clothes and making your own.
9. Easy to Care for
If the idea of having to take care and look after your reusables seems like agg, you needn't worry. Once you've used your pad, pop it in a mesh laundry bag and forget about it until it's time to wash them. Then, just put them in your usual laundry load but make sure not to use fabric softener. Lie flat to dry and you're done! (No tumble dryers, please).
Yes, you can buy plain round white reusable rounds but why would you do that when you can get them in an array of colours and patterns to brighten up your life. If you are making them out of old t-shirts, I am sure you will end up with an array of colours and patterns too.
You can use the code PUMPKIN to get 10% off any cotton pads at Strawberry and Dream on Etsy. Advent calendars excluded.
I have done my best to make sure this blog post is as factually accurate as possible. If you have any other stats, facts or opinions in regards to using reusable cotton pads, please leave a comment. I would love to know more!
Resources used:
https://www.epa.gov/lmop/basic-information-about-landfill-gas
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/mar/20/cost-cotton-water-challenged-india-world-water-day
https://www.edf.org/climate/methane-crucial-opportunity-climate-fight#:~:text=Methane%20has%20more%20than%2080,by%20methane%20from%20human%20actions.
*Strawberry and Dream is my own brand
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