Cleanser, toner, serums, moisturizer, and the occasional mask. Since my mom first introduced me to the benefits of a proper skincare regimen, I’ve been faithful to taking care of my skin. In the last few years, I’ve become faithful to another God-given gift; the environment. And, it’s lead me to change my ways to look for beauty products without plastic packaging.
Consumers, companies, and scientists have become aware of the negative impact of plastic. While it’s a durable material, research shows that it’s other characteristics leave much to be desired. So, as more sustainable beauty options arise, I’m going to make a resolution to say “no” to plastic packaging and “yes” to sustainable beauty. Here are a few reasons why.
Chemicals Aren’t Pretty
Plastic bottles can leach chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol-A, which are both hormone disruptors. Bisphenol-A is the chemical that makes those bottles shatter-proof. On the opposite end of the spectrum, phthalates make plastic products soft and flexible. Studies suggest that consistent exposure to these chemicals can directly affect reproductive hormones.
But, Cleaner Water Is…
According to the Ocean Conservatory, 8 million metric tons of plastic waste goes into the ocean. More than 300 million tons of plastic, 50% of which are single-use, are produced yearly. One in three marine mammals has been entangled in plastic waste and 90% of birds have eaten plastic. In the last 100 years, most of this is the result of plastic products produced in the last 10 years.
The Welsh Are Way Ahead Of The Game
If you’re competitive you might be interested to know that the British are way ahead of the game when it comes to creating a more sustainable beauty industry. The Welsh Government estimates that 2,000
Americans Aren’t Good At Recycling
According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only 9.2% of plastic is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills and can take 450- 1,000 years to decompose. Plastic was made to be durable and long-lasting, not eco-friendly and biodegradable.
There Are Plenty Of Sustainable Beauty Brands To Choose From
Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser is packaged in glass bottles and plastic-based resin from corn instead of petroleum. Benton is another brand dedicated to glass bottles. More beauty and skincare brands are switching to glass, aluminum, and paper packaging. These materials emit fewer emissions in recycling plants and some paper products are biodegradable. Other brands try to solve the current environmental crisis by using recycled plastic materials.
The shift to a plastic-free lifestyle will be my New Year’s resolution to maintain my skin’s radiance and that of the environment.
