Besides haute-couture, exclusive runway access, and the expected slender models, the fashion industry is a major cause for unnecessary waste due to fast fashion; the pressure to produce the newest trends every couple of months. By now the cosmetics industry is keenly aware this is a growing concern for waste management -as most of these resulting non-reusable pieces of materials and imperfect garments end up in developing nations with looser environmental policies. Glitter is known to be non-degradable and dangerous to our oceans and the marine-life within them. Sunscreen avobenzone, an oil soluble ingredient commonly used in sunscreen products to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays, has been destroying reefs, while fragrances and hairspray have been contributing to air pollution, and palm oil has been a major cause for deforestation; all this points to one thing -we need to be more conscious consumers of cosmetic products. According to Forbes, about 70% of the industry’s plastic isn’t recycled or recyclable, and that should be concerning to us all when a majority of cosmetics products are packaged and shipped in plastic. So, what are some ways we can cut back on these negatively impacting trends to better the environment and our overall health? Luckily, there are multiple approaches; from only supporting companies that promote recycling programs, upcycling reusable packaging, and supporting environmental cleanup programs locally also makes a difference!
Currently, a woman in Kenya has innovated the concept of local brick-making by using recycled plastics for construction and architecture. Similarly, ByFusion has developed ByBlock which is a building block made entirely of un-reusable plastic. By reusing “waste”-plastic, these innovators created market-ready products while also minding the health and wellness of our oceans and reducing unnecessary dumping to landfills. An even simpler way to partake in the creative sustainability effort is by making your own Ecobrick or Bottlebrick. These ‘bricks” are made with cleaned and dried plastics such as styrofoam, shopping bags, packaging, straws, and other clear plastic; you essentially pack a bottle tightly with the plastics you no longer have a purpose for -there are multiple tutorials on this up-cycling method. The other approach is buying from companies with recycling programs. A big company that is known for this is Lush -if you bring back 5 pots you get a free facemask. Other companies that are worth looking into are Schwarzkopf Australia, Biome, L’occitane, Jurlique, Innisfree, M.A.C., Kiehl’s, Le Labo, and The Body Shop. These range from hair care to makeup to skin care products. As always, remember to stay mindful of #BeautyBeyondSkinDeep.