Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

3 Major Upgrades That Are Softer On The Planet (& Yourself!) 

Author:
October 01, 2024
Branded Content Editor
By Alexandra B. Engler
Branded Content Editor
Alexandra Engler is the branded content editor at mindbodygreen where she produces editorial projects for trusted brand partners. She is also the senior beauty and lifestyle director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School.
Image by B Krokodil / Stocksy
October 01, 2024

There’s no better feeling than wrapping yourself in a plush, soft towel after a soothing, warm bath. Enveloping yourself in comfort and letting your body unwind into the cozy fabric is practically transformational. 

I don’t know about you, but for me, that moment of care is enough to reset my mind after a long day and get me ready for a much-deserved night of relaxation. Sure, it may be a small, simple moment—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be deeply restorative. I consider it a core part of my well-being routine. 

Why taking moments to pamper yourself are important: 

For those who might need the reminder: taking time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s how you ensure you can be the best version of yourself. 

In fact, research shows these actions can have a meaningful impact on our health. 

One study found that professionals who engaged in self care practices had lower levels of stress1 than their counterparts. Other research shows it can be a meaningful way to prevent long-term health issues2. And studies even indicate that self care can actually improve longevity3, leading to a longer healthier life. 

Caring for yourself and the planet  

So it’s clear that self care rituals can be profoundly beneficial for yourself—but what about the world around you? Understandably many folks worry about how their wellness habits influence the planet, from how their products are manufactured to how they can reduce waste. 

That’s why we’ll round up a list of our favorite ways to make your self care routine more sustainable—both for yourself and the planet. All with the help of the world’s most sustainable (and luxurious) towel brand, Micro Cotton®

Image by BONNINSTUDIO / Stocksy

1. Use high-quality towel 

You may not think of your towels as having an earthly impact, but what towel you choose can make a difference. Manufacturing your standard towel takes a lot of water—plus, the material the towels are made out of may not come from sustainable sources. 

That’s why we recommend using Micro Cotton®. The Micro Cotton®’s towels use an innovative water saving process—that recovers and reuses 98.5% of water during production.

What does this mean in practice? The brand can make 89 towels with the amount of water it takes a conventional towel manufacturer to create one.

As for the soft, luxe material, you can feel good about that too: The towels are made from cotton farmed through the Better Cotton Initiative, the world’s largest cotton sustainability program. 

Plus, you’ll have these towels for years to come: With their expert craftsmanship, these are made to reduce lint and pilling—which not only means you’ll have a premium experience, but they’ll last longer too. Who doesn’t feel good about less waste? 

Ultimate MicroCotton® Bath Towel, 30" x 56", Created for Macy's

On the road to carbon neutrality:

Micro Cotton® is currently on a mission to reach carbon neutrality by improving their current tools and manufacturing practices to get closer to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. That includes solar panels, windmill power, heat recovery systems—and constantly testing new tech and innovations.

2. Make your bathroom spa-like 

Having a clean, minimalist space may not seem like a form of self care, but research shows that keeping organized can actually reduce feelings of stress. In fact, one study found that clutter is associated with higher levels of cortisol4, the body’s stress hormone that wreaks havoc on your well-being. So yes: decluttering can be a way to help your body calm and healthy. 

Take time to turn your bathroom into a serene atmosphere—one that can help you set the tone for the day in the morning and help you relax at night. And with the right swaps, it’ll be more eco-friendly.

For a few nice touches:

  • Invest in a bathroom organizer to keep your space mess-free. Opt for organizers made of natural, sustainably harvested woods rather than plastic. 
  • Update the lighting fixtures to use warm, energy-saving light bulbs.
  • Add a bathroom bouquet of eucalyptus and other aromatic plants—this can help purify the air and even reduce feelings of stress5.  
  • Pare down your skin care products (which is often better for your skin) so you can be more thoughtful and eco-conscious about your routine. 
  • Use MicroCotton® Bath Towels, which utilize sustainable manufacturing practices. Plus they come in 15 colorways to match any spa-like decor 

3. Be gentle with your body

Your body does a lot for you—which is exactly why it’s so important to care for it in the first place. Make sure all your self care practices are rooted in gentleness and mindfulness—they shouldn’t feel like work or a chore to get done at the end of the day. 

Often in the wellness world “self care” is just another excuse to do more and more. But in reality, sometimes self care is taking a step back and being appreciative of the little things—you know, like that fluffy towel at the end of a long day. 

That’s why it’s all the more important to pick a towel that cares for your body too: all Micro Cotton® towels are OEKOTEX® MADE IN GREEN certified, which ensures sustainable manufacturing practices, socially accountable production, and safety. It also means the towels are made with materials free of harmful substances—so you don’t have to second-guess wrapping yourself up in the plush, comforting fibers.

Ultimate MicroCotton® Bath Towel, 30" x 56", Created for Macy's

More On This Topic

more Lifestyle
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.