Forget the faux-freckle make-up trend, or the most new-to-shelf beard cream, it seems we now have bigger fish to fry than just our vanity.
As the beauty industry has undoubtedly flourished in the most recent years, now worth over £9.7 billion, there has never been more of a pressure for brands to get their ethical-thinking hats on as recent figures show the devastating impact of plastic on the world. Although scientists have estimated we aren’t going to face any reasonable consequences for many decades, recent findings from Earth Day Network estimates “if plastic production isn’t curbed, plastic pollution will outweigh the fish in the ocean by 2050.”
According to Zero Waste, there were more than 120 billion units of packaging produced in the global cosmetic industry in 2018, while one of the world’s leading beauty company, Garnier, found over 56% (4.5 million people) in the UK did not recycle their beauty products, nor packages, once used.
There is no denying since recent statistics put the entire world into panic-mode, revealing 8 million tons of plastic wind up in our ocean each year, it has caused a ruckus for politicians, brands and businesses who have all begun to think of ways to be more sustainably-conscious.
But what exactly does sustainable mean? Sustainability simply means having a greener-agenda. If that is reducing plastic, cutting out palm-oil or converting to vegan/organic products, every small change makes a huge difference in helping to save our worlds diminishing eco-system.
Although we may be unable to reverse the damage and bring back the sacred garden of Eden, there are definitely ways in which we can all play our part to be more sustainably-beauty-conscious this summer.
Here are the top 10 ways to look after your summer skin whilst helping sustain our planet with the help from humanitarian and globalisation-beauty expert, Emma Waight:
1. Pick the right brands
“The majority of beauty brands aren’t doing enough to reduce their plastic use, so I think it’s important we do our research before purchasing – try to find a zero-waste store that sells refillable shampoo, shower gels and make-up”.
A great way to find out what brands are sustainable: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/best-of-sustainable-beauty/best-ethical-sustainable-beauty-brands/
2. Sustainably sourced palm-oil
A new investigation by the Rainforest Rescue Organisation found there is an equivalent of 300 football fields being destroyed every hour for palm-oil. “We don’t need to boycott palm oil completely, but we need to look for sustainably sourced palm oil instead.”
Try looking out for this logo to know if it is sustainable:
3. Avoid plastic packaging
Avoiding plastic is a great way to start for a more sustainable world. “Lush has recently launched a plastic-free foundation stick (it uses a wax-seal handle) – this is a great alternative to plastic packaging or try swapping soap in a plastic dispenser for beautiful, organic soap bars.” Another alternative is to try purchasing in-stores if possible– this means reducing unnecessary parcel packaging.
4. Avoid disposable products
Investing in better quality products means they will last longer; such as razors and toothbrushes. There are many brands on the market that now offer eco-friendly bamboo alternatives instead.
5. Washable face pads/mitts
It has been estimated to take up to 100 years for a singular facial wipe to decompose, so converting to washable cotton pads and face mitts will help save our oceans and environment.
6. Multi-use products
“If there’s a suitable home-made alternative then have a go!” There are many online articles and blogs for creating at-home remedies for inspiration and guidance. “Body scrub is the best example of that, so simple to make with brown sugar and coconut oil, or even coffee grinds.”
7. Vegan friendly
Animal agriculture water consumption ranges from 34-76 trillion gallons a year according to Geological Services. Choosing vegan friendly means less greenhouse gas emissions being released into the air.
Look out for these labels when purchasing:
8. Frugality With continuously new product releases and attractive packages it can sometimes be hard to restrain from splurging. Emma suggests “buying fewer products is one step people can make. I think we easily get seduced by the brands and buy things we don’t need and don’t use.” Try to make what you have last and consider if it is a necessity or a desire.
9. Natural ingredients
Using synthetic oils isn’t great for your skin or the environment, “try almond oil (or other oils) as an alternative to body lotion and face masks.”
10. Upcycling your plastic bottles/containers
CB Environment claim up to 80% of the contents in our rubbish bins could be easily recycled or composted. “I try to always re-use my bottles and sprays for household products and as storage for my beauty bits such as earbuds and make-up brush pots.”
Alternatively, try purchasing products with this recycling logo:
Commenti