“Zero-Waste Deodorants: Sustainable Solutions for Everyday Life”

🌿 Lesson Plan: Zero-Waste Deodorants – Sustainable Choices for the Planet

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🧠 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Explain what zero-waste deodorants are.
• Describe the environmental impact of conventional deodorants.
• Explore how product design can contribute to sustainability.
• Create a prototype or concept for a zero-waste deodorant.

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📝 Key Vocabulary

WordDefinition

Sustainability	Meeting our needs without compromising the future.
Biodegradable	Capable of breaking down naturally and safely.
Refillable	Designed to be used multiple times with added product.
Compostable	Can be broken down into non-toxic components in compost.
Zero-waste	A design principle that avoids waste creation.

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🔍 What is a Zero-Waste Deodorant?

Zero-waste deodorants are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional deodorants that minimize environmental damage by using sustainable packaging and ingredients.

💡 Typical Features:

• Packaging made from paper, glass, aluminum, or no packaging at all
• Natural ingredients: coconut oil, baking soda, essential oils
• No plastic waste, reusable or compostable materials

📖 Source: EarthHero (2023). "What Is a Zero Waste Deodorant?"
https://earthhero.com/blog/zero-waste-deodorants

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🌍 Why It Matters: Environmental Impact

❌ Problem with Traditional Deodorants:

• Most are made from mixed plastic and metal, which are hard to recycle.
• Deodorant containers contribute to millions of tons of plastic waste.
• Harmful chemicals like aluminum and parabens may harm health and the environment.

✅ Benefits of Zero-Waste Deodorants:

• Reduced plastic waste and ocean pollution
• Safer for skin and ecosystems
• Lower carbon footprint due to minimal packaging

📊 Source: Plastic Oceans International (2022)
https://plasticoceans.org/the-facts

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📦 Comparison Table

FeatureConventional DeodorantZero-Waste Deodorant

Packaging	Plastic tube/stick	Compostable/reusable case
Recyclability	Low	High
Ingredients	Artificial chemicals, aluminum	Natural, skin-safe
Sustainability	Unsustainable	Eco-friendly

📚 Source: Environmental Working Group (EWG), "Skin Deep Database"
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep

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🧪 Case Study: Wild Refill Deodorant (UK)

• Reusable aluminum case + compostable refills
• Subscription model available
• Saved over 500,000 plastic containers in one year

🌍 Source: Wild Natural Deodorant
https://www.wearewild.com

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🛠️ Activity: Design Your Own Zero-Waste Deodorant

Instructions:

1. Research different types of zero-waste containers.
2. Sketch your own deodorant packaging using sustainable materials.
3. Present your product idea to your group or class.

Presentation Should Include:

• Type of materials used
• Design choices and sustainability reasoning
• How the product can be refilled or composted

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✏️ Discussion Questions

1. What are the environmental impacts of traditional deodorants?
2. What materials can help make deodorant packaging sustainable?
3. Would you personally switch to a zero-waste product? Why or why not?
4. What other daily-use items could benefit from zero-waste design?

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🧩 Extension Activity (Optional)

Personal Waste Audit
Create a list of personal care products you use daily.
Check:

• How many come in plastic?
• How many are recyclable or refillable?
• What could be replaced with sustainable options?

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✅ Summary

Zero-waste deodorants are not only better for the planet but also better for your health. They represent an important shift in how we think about everyday products. As consumers and future designers, students can be part of this change.

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📚 References

1. EarthHero Blog (2023). "What Is a Zero Waste Deodorant?"
   👉 https://earthhero.com/blog/zero-waste-deodorants
2. Plastic Oceans International (2022). "Plastic Pollution Facts"
   👉 https://plasticoceans.org/the-facts
3. Wild Natural Deodorant Official Website
   👉 https://www.wearewild.com
4. Environmental Working Group. "Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database"
   👉 https://www.ewg.org/skindeep
5. Supliful Blog. (2023). "Top Profitable Niches with Low Competition"
   👉 https://supliful.com/blog