Practicing more sustainable lifestyle and beauty habits is all about making small, gradual changes. At haruharu wonder, you already know we’ve been a clean, vegan brand from the very beginning. As we grow, our team has been busy brainstorming ways to make sustainability another important part of what we do.
While it’s an ongoing journey (we know there’s more work left to be done!), you may have noticed our focus on eco-friendly packaging. “To help reduce our overall environmental footprint, all of our packaging materials are made from 100% recycled, Forest stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper printed in eco-friendly soy ink,” says our founder Jae Won Jeong. We’ve also started exploring with refill packaging (but more on this in a bit).
Sustainable lifestyle habits don’t end at the office, which is why we’re also committed to continuing these habits when we clock out and go home. Below, the haruharu wonder team shares their easiest swaps and daily habits for practicing sustainability in small but impactful ways—in their beauty routines and beyond.
1.Cut down on single-use plastics.
One of the easiest ways to implement sustainability in your everyday life is by cutting down on single-use plastics. “I like to cut down my use of single-use plastics like straws and take-out cups,” says our Sales Team member Hannah M, who swaps them out for reusable alternatives. Do an audit of your day: Is there anything you use once and toss? If it’s plastic, chances are you can find an affordable, reusable alternative for it that lasts for much longer.
2. Choose refills for your beauty products.
One of the most exciting projects we’ve worked on lately is figuring out how to make our launches refillable. We’ve started this journey with our haruharu wonder Centella Phyto & 5 Peptide Concentrate Cream, which you can repurchase as a 30ml Centella Phyto & 5 Peptide Concentrate Cream Refill when you run out. You can also grab both in our refillable skincare set if you want to stock up ahead of time.
Our team loves a lot of things about this formula like its instant boost of hydration, non-greasy light texture, and powerful ingredients (like Centella asiatica to soothe, a peptide complex that targets signs of aging, soy protein to moisturize, and squalene and caffeine to brighten and help depuff). But by far our favorite feature is the ability to pop a refill pod straight into the tub once you’ve used up the product. We designed the pods to be super seamless to swap in and out, so that all you have to do is unscrew the pod inside and gently screw the refill in.
Every team member we polled for this blog said they’re obsessed with the refillable design. We may be a little biased, but we think you’ll fall in love with it too. “Now whenever I run out—which is often because it’s my favorite formula—I just get the refill pod instead of having to buy a new jar,” says our B2C Team member Vanesa. “I’ve been trying to use more sustainable skincare recently, and this is a perfect addition to my routine. It reduces waste and as an added bonus, it’s also more affordable.”
3. Bring your own water bottle.
Staying hydrated is important, but shouldn’t come at the cost of a ton of plastic waste. And with so many cute options out there, you can definitely find a glass, metal, or reusable plastic water bottle that’s perfect for your routine. “My reusable water bottle helps me avoid unnecessary plastic waste,” says Marketing Team member Annalisa, who also carries “reusable containers and utensils” to the office. “I love everything refillable,” she says.
4. Shop mindfully.
Ok, let’s be real: We’re also guilty of making impulse purchases without thinking them through. But it’s not only better for the planet to buy what you actually want and will use; it’s also going to help you curate a beauty routine, closet, and surroundings you fully enjoy.
“My approach to sustainability is all about simplicity—using products that are versatile and long-lasting that I think about carefully before buying,” says our Marketing Team member Pankti. Some must-haves include “skincare with recyclable packaging” (another vote for our Peptide Cream) as well as cute reusable containers for work lunches.
5. Carry a reusable shopping bag.
If you’re headed out to the grocery store or on a shopping trip, slip a cloth tote in your bag. They take up very little space in your daily bag, but having one on hand ensures you don’t need to grab additional paper or plastic bags at checkout. “I bring my own shopping bag wherever I go,” says our Sales Team member Jennifer. Bringing one or two totes also helps you cut down on the amount you buy. “I only get what I need,” she says.
6. Take public transportation.
We know: It’s not a feasible option for every city. But if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with accessible public transportation, take full advantage and help cut down on fossil fuels. Most of our team is based in Seoul, where taking the train to work is basically part of our daily routine. “I use public transport daily,” says our Design Team member Sejin Kang. On weekends, we also love exploring nearby spots that don’t require a car—especially ones that are a bike ride or walk away. “There’s a grocery near me where I get to buy locally-produced vegetables that have fewer carbon emissions and better quality,” says Sejin.
7. Recycle when you can.
Recycling is one of the most-known hacks around when it comes to living more sustainably. Every city has a different recycling system, so it’s not always easy to sort your trash in an eco-friendly way. But when given the option, it’s something we make sure to do.
Now it’s your turn. Have any suggestions for helping us become a more sustainable brand? Don’t be shy and let us know at info@haruharuusa.com.
Meet the Author
haruharu wonder contributor Sarah Y. Wu has a decade of experience in the industry as a beauty editor, copy director, and brand consultant. Her bylines have appeared in outlets including Teen Vogue , Forbes, Allure, Marie Claire, Glamour, NYLON, Bustle, The Zoe Report, Vogue, WWD , and Byrdie . She’s also the copywriter and copy director for some of your favorite skincare, fragrance, and makeup brands. While she’s tried thousands of products over the course of her career, she’ll always save a spot in her beauty routine for haruharu wonder’s Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream and Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm . Connect with her on Instagram @say.wu .
How to Start More Sustainable Lifestyle and Beauty Habits; Team haruharu wonder shares their best tips.
Practicing more sustainable lifestyle and beauty habits is all about making small, gradual changes. At haruharu wonder, you already know we’ve been a clean, vegan brand from the very beginning. As we grow, our team has been busy brainstorming ways to make sustainability another important part of what we do.
While it’s an ongoing journey (we know there’s more work left to be done!), you may have noticed our focus on eco-friendly packaging. “To help reduce our overall environmental footprint, all of our packaging materials are made from 100% recycled, Forest stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper printed in eco-friendly soy ink,” says our founder Jae Won Jeong. We’ve also started exploring with refill packaging (but more on this in a bit).
Sustainable lifestyle habits don’t end at the office, which is why we’re also committed to continuing these habits when we clock out and go home. Below, the haruharu wonder team shares their easiest swaps and daily habits for practicing sustainability in small but impactful ways—in their beauty routines and beyond.
1.Cut down on single-use plastics.
One of the easiest ways to implement sustainability in your everyday life is by cutting down on single-use plastics. “I like to cut down my use of single-use plastics like straws and take-out cups,” says our Sales Team member Hannah M, who swaps them out for reusable alternatives. Do an audit of your day: Is there anything you use once and toss? If it’s plastic, chances are you can find an affordable, reusable alternative for it that lasts for much longer.
2. Choose refills for your beauty products.
One of the most exciting projects we’ve worked on lately is figuring out how to make our launches refillable. We’ve started this journey with our haruharu wonder Centella Phyto & 5 Peptide Concentrate Cream, which you can repurchase as a 30ml Centella Phyto & 5 Peptide Concentrate Cream Refill when you run out. You can also grab both in our refillable skincare set if you want to stock up ahead of time.
Our team loves a lot of things about this formula like its instant boost of hydration, non-greasy light texture, and powerful ingredients (like Centella asiatica to soothe, a peptide complex that targets signs of aging, soy protein to moisturize, and squalene and caffeine to brighten and help depuff). But by far our favorite feature is the ability to pop a refill pod straight into the tub once you’ve used up the product. We designed the pods to be super seamless to swap in and out, so that all you have to do is unscrew the pod inside and gently screw the refill in.
Every team member we polled for this blog said they’re obsessed with the refillable design. We may be a little biased, but we think you’ll fall in love with it too. “Now whenever I run out—which is often because it’s my favorite formula—I just get the refill pod instead of having to buy a new jar,” says our B2C Team member Vanesa. “I’ve been trying to use more sustainable skincare recently, and this is a perfect addition to my routine. It reduces waste and as an added bonus, it’s also more affordable.”
3. Bring your own water bottle.
Staying hydrated is important, but shouldn’t come at the cost of a ton of plastic waste. And with so many cute options out there, you can definitely find a glass, metal, or reusable plastic water bottle that’s perfect for your routine. “My reusable water bottle helps me avoid unnecessary plastic waste,” says Marketing Team member Annalisa, who also carries “reusable containers and utensils” to the office. “I love everything refillable,” she says.
4. Shop mindfully.
Ok, let’s be real: We’re also guilty of making impulse purchases without thinking them through. But it’s not only better for the planet to buy what you actually want and will use; it’s also going to help you curate a beauty routine, closet, and surroundings you fully enjoy.
“My approach to sustainability is all about simplicity—using products that are versatile and long-lasting that I think about carefully before buying,” says our Marketing Team member Pankti. Some must-haves include “skincare with recyclable packaging” (another vote for our Peptide Cream) as well as cute reusable containers for work lunches.
5. Carry a reusable shopping bag.
If you’re headed out to the grocery store or on a shopping trip, slip a cloth tote in your bag. They take up very little space in your daily bag, but having one on hand ensures you don’t need to grab additional paper or plastic bags at checkout. “I bring my own shopping bag wherever I go,” says our Sales Team member Jennifer. Bringing one or two totes also helps you cut down on the amount you buy. “I only get what I need,” she says.
6. Take public transportation.
We know: It’s not a feasible option for every city. But if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with accessible public transportation, take full advantage and help cut down on fossil fuels. Most of our team is based in Seoul, where taking the train to work is basically part of our daily routine. “I use public transport daily,” says our Design Team member Sejin Kang. On weekends, we also love exploring nearby spots that don’t require a car—especially ones that are a bike ride or walk away. “There’s a grocery near me where I get to buy locally-produced vegetables that have fewer carbon emissions and better quality,” says Sejin.
7. Recycle when you can.
Recycling is one of the most-known hacks around when it comes to living more sustainably. Every city has a different recycling system, so it’s not always easy to sort your trash in an eco-friendly way. But when given the option, it’s something we make sure to do.
Now it’s your turn. Have any suggestions for helping us become a more sustainable brand? Don’t be shy and let us know at info@haruharuusa.com.
Meet the Author
haruharu wonder contributor Sarah Y. Wu has a decade of experience in the industry as a beauty editor, copy director, and brand consultant. Her bylines have appeared in outlets including Teen Vogue , Forbes, Allure, Marie Claire, Glamour, NYLON, Bustle, The Zoe Report, Vogue, WWD , and Byrdie . She’s also the copywriter and copy director for some of your favorite skincare, fragrance, and makeup brands. While she’s tried thousands of products over the course of her career, she’ll always save a spot in her beauty routine for haruharu wonder’s Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream and Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm . Connect with her on Instagram @say.wu .