Dear Editor:

After seeing viral nail design videos online and how cheap it can be to DIY your own art, I was hooked and immediately bought the needed supplies.

However, processes like Gel-X, which is what most at-home nail techs use, can be detrimental to our environment.

Think about it: 10 plastic nail extensions per person, per session, multiplied by millions of people worldwide is bound to take its toll eventually. Not to mention the extremely harmful chemicals in acrylic or regular polish that end up harming waterways and our health.

To reduce this impact, more sustainable options are emerging. Brands like Manucurist offer plant-based, non-toxic polishes, while The GelBottle Inc. has a refill system and recyclable packaging to cut down waste.

For those still interested in extensions, Bio Sculpture promotes biodegradable gel products with less harmful ingredients. Even small changes, like using reusable nail forms or acetone-free removers, can help reduce your beauty routine’s footprint.

Sincerely,

Anagha Iyer, high school student and chair of the Broward Sierra Group – Junior Team, dedicated to preserving our local South Florida environment