In celebration of World Earth Day tomorrow and World Oceans Day just around the corner (8th June!) we're focusing on the ways to make our beauty routines more eco-friendly. Our planet home to thousands of species, a source of power, food, help control our climate and affect the air we breathe; we couldn't exist without them. Therefore it's important that we protect and care for our planet and one of the ways we can do this is through our beauty routines. This means being conscious of the ingredients we use, what kind of packaging they come in, and picking the right ethically and eco-friendly brands that are doing their part in helping clean up the existing pollution. We have summed up the 4 ways that you can make your beauty routine more eco-friendly so that we can make our environment a healthier one for everyone to live in!
1. Read the ingredients
As we all probably first learned from Finding Nemo, all drains lead to the ocean. Therefore everything that goes down our drains, also makes it's way into the ocean too, including all rinse off beauty products we use in the sink, shower or bath. Some toxic ingredients can harm marine life and affect the balance of our eco-system, including the below:
- UV Filters: found to be extremely harmful to marine life including plankton, coral, fish and crustaceans (crabs, prawns, lobster) and also linked to hormonal disruptions in humans when absorbed through the skin or from eating fish and seafood that have ingested the chemicals.
- Parabens: linked to disruption in the endocrine production (responsible our circulatory system, hormone levels, metabolism and growth) in both humans and sea life.
- Triclosan: commonly found in our hand soap and sanitisers, this toxic chemical restricts the growth and organ function of sea life and makes it's way into our water and food.
- Siloxanes: Related to the infamous Silicone, though the effects on humans are still debated, this is toxic to most marine life.
Offering broad spectrum and photostable UVB and UVA protection, this powerful protective formula from Avene contains both antioxidant action and is water resistant to make sure you are covered all time time against all types of damage. Made with Avene Thermal Spring Water, the cream is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. The formula is not only safe for sensitive skin, but also contains no ecotoxic sun filters or silicone, meaning it is safe and supportive of marine biodiversity. Not only are the brand raising helping to support our Oceans, but they have also partnered with the European Skin Cancer Foundation to raise awareness about the harmful effects of sun damage.
2. Choose biodegradable packaging
Both on the land and in our Oceans, non-biodegradable packaging poses a huge threat to wildlife and sea life being ingested by them which can lead to trapping, choking or the toxic material poisoning them. Help save the sea life by choosing products that are housed in biodegradable or recyclable packaging. With many brands becoming more conscious of this matter and looking to become more sustainable, there's no need to compromise the quality of your beauty products; we've picked out some of our favourite luxurious brands that use sustainable packaging.
3. Support brands that give back
Many brands are doing their best to clean up our Oceans and environment. Support our Oceans by supporting them!
Avene
Now in partnership with the PUR Projet, to restore coral reefs and mangrove forests and recycle plastic waste Avene are helping to keep our Oceans clean and sustainable. The scheme involves local communities in Indonesia, working together to replenish coral reefs and develop a sustainable aquaculture.
REN Clean Skincare
Clean beauty heroes, leading the example, REN Clean Skincare have launched a number of initiatives to help the environment, including their Surfers Against Sewage project, launched in 2019. The scheme organised 1,611 beach cleanups, seeing 68,200 volunteers help intercept and recycle 27,696 plastic bottles (not including other debris) from beaches.
Medik8
Medik8 is ticking all of the boxes when it comes to sustainability; 100% vegan, 100% recycled and Palm Oil free, the brand is constantly looking for ways to be kinder to our planet. Their Ocean Plastic Endeavour as part of their sustainable packaging promise, uses plastic waste from seas and rivers to create all of their product packaging.
4. Reduce waste
One major way you can help is by reducing your waste of water and of products. Be conscious of the amounts you're using and letting go down the drain. As previously mentioned, what goes down the drain goes into our Oceans and harms sea life. Make sure that you are using the amount that you need and properly closing the lids of your products to ensure that nothing is getting out even when you're not using it (you're purse will thank us too!).
Don't waste water! Too many of us leave the water running when it's not needed, contributing to gallons being wasted every day. Make your beauty routine far more sustainable by switching off the shower or tap whilst you lather up.
Another easy way to reduce your waste is to stop using disposable products; can't throw them away = no waste! Ditch the makeup wipes and cotton pads for good and invest in some reusable pads and Micellar water. Not only do Micellars often contain nourishing ingredients that are much gentler on the skin, but they also won't clog up our Oceans!
Support our planet and shop all sustainable and eco-friendly beauty on lookfantastic here.
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