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The shocking truth about microplastics and plastic waste in the beauty industry.

Green Beauty

Microplastics and Plastic Waste in the Beauty Industry

How your choices can help reduce plastic pollution and save the planet

As we battle against global warming, looking after the environment has become more important than ever. However, when it comes to the beauty industry, it seems there is a long way to go in the evolution of eco-friendly products and packaging. The truth about plastic waste and microplastics in the beauty industry is shocking to say the least. Unbeknown to many consumers, the beauty industry produces an alarming level of plastic waste. In fact, it is estimated that the global beauty industry is responsible for a mind-boggling 120 billion units of packaging each year. This includes everything from mascara and lotion bottles to face wash containers and lipstick cases. Today, we take a closer look at the devastating impact these plastics are having on our planet, and what steps the beauty industry could take to reduce its carbon footprint. From ‘biodegradable’ ingredients to bioplastics and compostable materials, let’s uncover the shocking truth about plastic waste and microplastics in the beauty industry.

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than five millimeters in size. They are created from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, like plastic bags and bottles that are used to make many everyday products such as beauty products, facial scrubs, and toothpastes. Unfortunately, microplastics are not biodegradable, meaning they can remain in the environment for centuries before breaking down, polluting water sources and endangering sea life. Furthermore, the health risks associated with microplastics are still unclear and require further research.

The Impact of Microplastics on the Environment.

Microplastics are becoming an increasingly concerning problem. These small pieces of plastic are not biodegradable, meaning their presence in the environment continues to grow through a process called bioaccumulation. Microplastics have an incredibly damaging effect on the environment and ecosystems, as they are often mistaken for food by marine life and can disrupt the natural balance of the ocean.

The effects of microplastics can be seen all over the world. They have been discovered in both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, and their presence continues to be a cause for concern. They can have disastrous impacts on the health of fish and other marine animals, as well as their habitats. In addition, microplastics can contaminate soils, groundwater, and air, leading to environmental degradation.

ocean microplastics in a persons hand

How is the Beauty Industry Contributing to Plastic Waste?

The beauty industry produces countless products that are packaged in plastic. This plastic packaging has created a huge issue with plastic waste. Sadly nearly 80% of the plastic produced in the world is not recycled. Instead every year, millions of single-use plastic products such as makeup applicators, packaging and bottles end up in landfill, oceans and rivers, leading to the creation of microplastics.  We’ve all heard the predictions, “by 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish (by weight).  The environmental impact is devastating and long-lasting, making it essential to reduce plastic waste in the beauty industry.

The beauty industry has the responsibility to reduce its plastic footprint by introducing more sustainable packaging materials and recycling options. By promoting the use of reusable products and biodegradable materials, the beauty industry can work to reduce plastic pollution and plastic waste. Consumers can also play a role in this by choosing to buy plastic-free products and disposing of their waste properly. This will help to make a difference in reducing plastic waste and ultimately, contributing to the preservation of our planet.

ocean plastic pollution
How You Can Help Reduce Plastic Waste in the Beauty Industry

There are many ways to help reduce plastic waste in the beauty industry. One of the best ways to do this is to invest in beauty products that come in packaging that is made from recycled or sustainable materials. For example, beauty brands like Christophe Robin and Les Huilettes now offer shampoo bars, which come in minimal packaging that can be recycled or composted. Zero waste beauty is on the rise. You can shop The NATIVES Co. to make your bathroom eco-friendly and find beauty products with refillable containers and recyclable or reusable packaging to reduce plastic pollution. 

When it comes to body care eliminating single use plastic razors and switching out nylon body loofahs and sponges is a great step towards not only giving your bathroom eco-chic makeover it helps to reduce landfill. Well Kept offer a range of beautiful eco-friendly bathroom essentials, we love the Well Kept Safety Razor. Once you use this safety razor you will never use a plastic razor again! Not only are they better for the environment but it provides a close and irritation-free shave. The coated brass safety razor comes in three colours that look modern in every bathroom and well cared for, this razor will last you for many years to come.

One of the simplest eco-switch outs for reducing plastics in your everyday grooming routine also brings with it great skincare benefits. Switching your nylon loofah or polyester wash cloth to a natural sea sponge can help to improve the texture of your skin while elevating the efficacy of your body wash. Here at The Natives Co. we partner with one of the best suppliers of Mediterranean sea sponges in the world to bring you sustainably harvested, premium natural honeycomb sea sponges. The unique and intricate channels of the sea sponge work to gently buff and cleanse the skin naturally and you will find you use less body wash. Sea sponges are perfect for sensitive skin especially those with psoriasis and dermatitis and can even be used on babies. Sea Sponges also make facial cleansing a dream and they can even replace your synthetic beauty blender for seamless makeup application.

You can read more on the best ways to switching out your single use bathroom plastics in our journal Make your Bathroom Eco-Friendly.

Plastic pollution is a growing concern due to the increasing amount of plastic waste and microplastics that are contaminating our environment.  The beauty industry is one of the biggest contributors to microplastic pollution, releasing billions of plastic particles into the air and water every year. Consumers must be aware of the impact of plastic waste in the beauty industry and work together to find solutions to reduce plastic pollution.

Many brands now use recycled plastics in their packaging and strive to reduce their plastic footprint. Green beauty brands like those we stock at The NATIVES Co. have also been at the forefront of initiatives to rid beauty packaging of virgin plastics and non-recyclable materials. By supporting these companies, you are working towards a more sustainable beauty industry. Read more about How to buy Green Beauty and avoid Greenwashing and help save the planet today. 

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