Zero-waste makeup isn’t just a trend—it’s a response to a very real environmental problem. The beauty industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging every year, much of which is plastic that is not recycled due to its size, coatings, and mixed materials. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, only about 9% of plastic is actually recycled in the United States (https://www.epa.gov). This means most cosmetic tubes, wands, pumps, and compacts end up in landfills or waterways, where they contribute to microplastic pollution. Zero-waste makeup helps solve this by minimizing or eliminating plastic through compostable, recyclable, or reusable packaging. Brands like River Organics use paper-based, home-compostable tubes made from renewable materials—meaning the packaging decomposes naturally rather than lingering for centuries. Additionally, zero-waste products often rely on concentrated, plant-based formulas with fewer fillers, which reduces the overall carbon footprint of manufacturing and shipping. A 2023 lifecycle analysis from Zero Waste Europe showed that refillable and plastic-free systems drastically reduce emissions across the supply chain (https://zerowasteeurope.eu). While not a complete solution to global waste, zero-waste makeup significantly lowers resource consumption, supports circular systems, and empowers consumers to take meaningful steps toward reducing cosmetic-related pollution. When done with intention—clean ingredients, ethical sourcing, and thoughtful packaging—it truly makes a measurable environmental impact.