We all possess a conscience which, when realised, kicks in to determine whether we do or say something that might be beneficial or detrimental to oneself or another’s wellbeing.
So when it comes to cosmetics, which undeniably enhance a woman’s features, are we guilty of wilful neglect or ignorance of the innate thing that should guide us when it comes to the social and environmental impact on consumer buying? Wherever we are in the world the environment is crucial to sustain life.
As well as the ingredients of the product itself, the packaging is also particularly profuse within the beauty industry. Most of us will remember Dame Anita Roddick Human Rights Activist and Founder of The Body Shop for her relentless campaign for natural based community traded ingredients and sensitivity towards the environment. Her ethos which was categorically about education and social activism is an altruistic legacy. But is her template adhered within the plethora of beauty brands today? The beauty industry is a multi-billion pound business but at what cost to the environment?
For every cause there is an effect so what we do now, today or tomorrow will affect us immediately, in the interim and in the future. Bearing in mind that the average woman, including teenagers, applies no less than 175 different chemicals to her body through skincare and cosmetic regimes daily, alarm bells should ring out loudly whenever we purchase cosmetics.
What are some of the healthiest, environmentally friendly beauty brands around? Apart from The Body Shop, two popular brands spring to mind, Liz Earle and Lush.
For me, Liz Earle is the epitome of good ethics, embracing 16 years of botanical beauty expertise and multi awards to her name. She eats, sleeps and breathes high performance, quality and safe ingredients which are consequential to her range. She works closely with her selective ingredient growers, harvesters and providers and rigidly incorporates a ‘reduce, re-use and recycle’ policy. The plant-based, Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser £13.75 is the ‘hero’ product – it definitely works as it’s the only cleanser she produces selling one every 30 seconds!
Lush, known for their fresh handmade cosmetics, is another ethical brand whose products, ingredients and packaging have a positive impact on the environment. Lush prides itself on sourcing the best and safest ingredients from nature and 100% recycled packaging and even has in place a dedicated team that implements waste reduction and energy consumption. Treat your feet with Lush Volcano Foot Mask £5.50 – I have and it’s absolutely fantastic and will leave feet smooth and soft. It’s made from fresh organic papaya and kaolin and fresh organic potatoes.
So what’s happening worldwide on this issue? Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (www.safecosmetics.org) is a coalition of women’s health, environmental health and consumer-rights organizations striving to create awareness of any issues that have an impact on women’s health. Its criterion is adept to changing consumer behaviour, corporate practices and govermental policies.
All this said, the beauty industry has much to offer but it’s not just about having a pretty face - if we can aim be conscious about our body and the environment each time we make a purchase then lets all have a makeover.
About the author
Lorna Hunte is a freelance lifestyle writer/blogger who is married with one child. She strongly believes that knowledge is power across all cultures and enjoys sharing information that empowers people to either change their attitude or learn to live with it. Every month Lorna will scan the world and share her thoughts and experiences of aspects that affect the day to day lifestyle of women worldwide. You can find her on Twitter @LornaHuntePR and read more of her articles by clicking here.
