Do your bit to save the world
The world of beauty can be a wonderful thing. An industry built around dreams, creativity, and freedom of expression, it offers us the opportunity to transform ourselves into whatever we want to be, to define what we already are, to take care of ourselves in turbulent times, to offer us an escape and a chance to dream. But it also comes at a price: the environment.
A report from Zero Waste shows that every year, more than 120 billion packaging units are produced by the global cosmetics industry, a majority of which are not recyclable. On top of that, most beauty product containers are plastic and take up to 1,000 years to decompose. And that’s just the product’s housing; many are packed in excessive plastic wrapping, cardboard boxes, foam and metallised plastic pouches. Further research by Garnier found that over 56% of British people - around 4.5 million people - don’t recycle bathroom products because they find it too inconvenient.
And what about the products themselves? Some chemical components found in cosmetic products do not break down, meaning they are released down your plug hole and into the ecosystem. Phthalates, found in hair sprays, soaps, shampoos and perfumes, are a common culprit and have been shown to disturb enzyme activity when ingested by animals in the sea.
Our planet is not well. But thankfully, finally, many brands have taken it upon themselves to ditch the plastic and go natural for the sake of our planet. This Earth Day, we’re bringing you eight products that will allow you to continue your beauty regimen effectively with the knowledge that you’re not only preventing further damage but making a positive impact too.
By Sarah London Green Clay Cleansing Balm
This 100% natural, 84% organic, cruelty-free, plant-based cleanser is suitable for all kinds of skin. Made with organic Apricot Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, Beeswax and French Green Clay, this cleanser works to remove impurities and deeply nourish and clean the skin. What makes By Sarah different? Well, they provide the full ingredient list on the front label, meaning there are no hidden, artificial or synthetic ingredients. Hand blended in England, this cleanser is locally produced and comes in a reusable, recyclable glass jar.
The Lost Explorer Wellness Marula “Head To Toe” Nourishment Oil
“Anytime, anywhere”, this lightweight oil can be used on your face, body and hair (beards included). This unique unisex blend contains Marula Seed Oil, Acai, and Balsam Resin, which work together to regulate sebum production, hydrate the skin and protect from further damage. The special thing about this oil (apart from its multiple uses) is that 100% of its profits go towards the Sculpt The Future Foundation: a charity working to find solutions to urgent global environmental issues.
Face Halo Make-Up Remover
Gentle on your skin and the environment: the Face Halo is a reusable make-up remover pad that removes all traces of make-up and daily build up. All you have to do is add water. No need for extra chemicals from cleansers or single-use plastic wrapped wipes. After each use just rinse with soap and water and once a week pop in the washing machine. Each Face Halo can last up to 200 machine washes (that’s over 3 years). Using one Face Halo can replace up to 500 make-up wipes. How could you say no?
Lush Slap Stick
Usually packed in bulky bottles with plastic pumps, this everyday make-up step has turned into a wasteful habit. But not anymore: Lush’s Slap Stick is a natural, buildable foundation that comes partially dipped in peelable wax for easy application and arrives in a recycled and recyclable cardboard box. The foundation is 100% vegan and comes in 40 shades, so that everyone can wear it with pride. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. No rubbish is left behind. A little goes a long way though so not worry about running out any time soon.
If the foundation isn’t enough for you, Lush offer other packaging free make-up including their Naked Lipstick, Multi-Use Concealer Stick and Solid Highlighter.
EcoStardust Sterling Biodegradable Glitter
Most glitter products are made from tiny bits of plastic that end up in the sea which are then consumed by plankton, fish and birds, causing them to die. Research has also found that PET, a substance included in most glitters, can affect human hormones too.
EcoStardust is changing this. Its Biodegradable Glitter is made from plant cellulose that comes from non-GMO sustainably farmed Eucalyptus trees, meaning their impact on the environment is limited. Festival-goers let’s save the Earth one glitter application at a time.
Meow Meow Tweet Grapefruit Baking Soda Free Deodorant Stick
This deodorant stick is vegan, includes natural and fairtrade ingredients, is sensitive on the skin and comes in biodegradable packaging. It’s potent formula of plant oils and mineral powders means it actually works; no end of the day sweat situation here. All of their products are shipped in biodegradable or compostable corn-based packing peanuts, paper, cardboard and with paper tape. Meow Meow Tweet also donate a portion of their profits to charities such as The Ocean Cleanup, Earthjustice and Farm Sanctuary.
EcoTools Make-Up Brushes
These make-up brushes are PETA certified (100% vegan and cruelty-free), are made from recycled aluminium and plastic and contain 20% cotton and 80% bamboo fibres making them ‘tree free’. The handles of the brushes are made from renewable bamboo which is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet, therefore no forests are harmed. This particular set includes 5 brushes that will evenly apply your base, diffuse your blush and highlight and softly blend out eyeshadow.
Ethique Lavender & Peppermint Body Wash Bar
Ethique’s vegan, cruelty-free and palm oil free Body Wash Bars come without the hefty plastic bottle your body wash usually comes in. This solid bar has compostable packaging and is made from all natural ingredients including lavender and peppermint essential oils as well as sodium olivate and sodium cocoate. By buying one of these bars, you are preventing one plastic bottle being made and disposed of and will save 0.3 litres of water.
