I’m a Barbie girl, living in a plastic world…

Despite Aqua’s nostalgic 00s song, living in a plastic world is not quite as fantastic as we once thought. A world made of plastic… not quite, but micro-plastics, nearly. A recent National Geographic study found plastic in the bloodstream of 80% of people tested. So what’s a sustainable Barbie to do? Char Middleton our Digital Marketing Manager & Designer and occasional blog writer, shares her personal quest for hot pink alternatives to plastic in her life.

It’s a known fact that I am obsessed with pink. So you can imagine my excitement when Barbie, the pink pioneer herself, was being turned into a movie. I was first in line and in so many ways it did not disappoint. But I couldn’t stop thinking about the film’s extreme marketing strategy and what it tells us about overconsumption and micro-trends. How many of us can resist a marketing budget of $100 million after all?

As this Barbie is a sustainable Barbie, I was also less than impressed by the 100+ collaborations with some of the least sustainable brands on the planet - Zara, Boohoo and Forever 21, to name a few. But it also got me thinking how nowadays we can swap even the plastic world of Barbie for a pink paradise of planet-conscious picks.

As luck would have it over the last 2 years, I’ve been living that dream by swapping out my used-up plastic products for some hot pink planet-friendlier options.

1 Fussy - Hot Pink Case ❀

Are you in the know about Fussy’s refillable deodorant? Their hot new pink case came out the same week as the film. What a coincidence! I’m aware of the issues that come with over-consuming but I couldn’t resist. So my baby pink Fussy is being re-homed and the hot pink case is coming my way. Pretty thrifty!

2 Bloom & Wild - The Florist’s Pick ❀

Like every other Barbie, I love a pink bloom. Bloom & Wild’s florists redesign these limited-edition bouquets every four weeks, so they’re always changing. This one is full of gladioli – they are the superstar stem of the season, after all. Unlike most other flowers, they bloom from the bottom up.

3 Bambaw - Metal Razor in Pink ❀

One of those sustainable swaps that can be so simple, yet can feel so daunting. I’ve been on the hunt for a reusable metal razor for the longest time. Bambaw have come through with an affordable alternative to the Leaf Shave razor. This pink razor will leave you dreaming of getting into fresh sheets with those silky, smooth legs, just like Barbie everyday.

4 Grind - House Blend

There’s two things I love in life: coffee & the colour pink. Put those things together and you get Grind. The most popular, compostable coffee pods on the market right now. They don’t just look good, they taste good too.

5 A Good Company - Dusty Pink ❀

The ultimate sustainable Barbie move is this cute pink, ‘no plastic’, compostable phone case. A Good Company’s plant-based phone case protects against drops and scratches. Made in Sweden from locally sourced flax and hemp. Slim, light, and planet-conscious.

6 Stojo - Pastel Pink ❀

One of my first sustainable swaps on my green journey, this one is is definitely a conversation starter. Stojo’s collapsible coffee cup comes in the cutest pastel pink. Of course that’s the one I chose (are you sensing a theme here?).

7 St. Eval - Dinner Party Candles ❀

St. Eval are one of the most sustainable brands that are just getting it right. Based in Cornwall, where they are hand-made, they bring any occasion to life. As any sustainable Barbie would be, I’m obsessed with these baby pink dinner party candles!

8 Truthbrush - Blush Pink Toothbrush ❀

Unlike my toy Barbie, we do actually have to maintain our pearly whites ourselves with real dental care. Truthbrush are an award-winning bamboo toothbrush brand with different sizes and bristles for the whole family. This sustainable Barbie chose the blush pink, of course.

9 Zao Make-Up - Organic Blush❀

Nothing quite brings a make-up look together than a classic, pink, blush. And nothing screams Barbie more than this blush. It’s pop of colour from Zao suits all skin colours & types, giving you the ultimate healthy glow.

Use code GREENSALON10 for 10% off any orders up to £50 (excl. samples and sales)

10 ecoegg  ❀

Ecoegg has saved me tonnes of money on my washing. OK, it’s made of pink plastic but it’s guaranteed for 10 years and the mineral pellets are not expensive to refill. Luckily for me, they sell it in pink. The laundry egg leaves me and my clothes smelling like the first bloom of spring.

Just like Barbie, sustainability is not about perfection, it is about making changes where possible. So why not opt for ones that last? Ultimately saving you money, with the added bonus of saving the planet. That’s Kenough!

A word of caution though: tempting as it is, rushing out and buying everything on the list would not be very sustainable. However, if you’re interested in living the plastic-free, pink, Barbie lifestyle and looking to swap out your used-up items, then let’s go party!

For more refillable options for your everyday items, check out How our directory works.

What’s YOUR green style? Take our quiz here to find out your best path to a greener life.

We vet each brand for their commitment to sustainability but we are not a certification body, nor are we auditors, and we have taken the approach that we trust brands to tell the truth about their sustainability policies, practices and plans.

Affiliate disclaimer: ❀ indicates affiliate links with brands to help fund the Directory so that we can research further sustainable brands. This does not affect the price you pay.