The Dangers of Using Unsustainable Beauty Products
Why our everyday favs are causing more harm than good...
In recent years there has been a push for consumers to buy more sustainably. But what does this mean and why is it important?
Definitions
Firstly, let’s start with some definitions so we have a strong understanding of terms that are frequently used when talking about climate change.
The Oxford Dictionary defines sustainable as:
The use of natural products and energy in a way that does not harm the environment. The ability to continue or be continued for a long time.
In contrast unsustainable therefore means:
Something that cannot be continued at the same level, rate, etc. Causing damage to the environment by using more of something than can be replaced naturally
One way that most major companies are unsustainable is through the continued use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are natural materials such as coal, oil and natural gases which are burnt to provide energy for factories, manufacturing, production and so much. The burning of fossil fuels is extremely harmful to the environment and needs to be limited to ensure the health of the planet.
Understanding these words are important as it allows us to think further about why living sustainably is so important.
Depletion of Natural Resources
One of the main reasons for the push to live sustainably is to ensure that the products that we are consuming do not limit the resources of the planet. Companies do this through the manufacturing and production of products which are then packaged and shipped globally.
The use of limited resources (such as minerals and metals) means that the planet is running out of these precious commodities that are needed to maintain the balance of the earth. Furthermore, companies require the burning of fossil fuels to create
On average, Europeans consume more resources than most other regions.1 This must stop! For the earth to function normally and naturally for future generations there must be more of an effort to limit the amount of unsustainable products that we consume.
Pollution and Waste Production
Many of the beauty products that we know and love from shampoos to face creams are all packaged in materials that will never decompose. This means that years from now when we are all dead our empty shampoo bottles will still look the same. The problem with this is that it massively harms the environment as they release harmful toxins.
These toxins harm the planet and animals but also human health. When these unsustainable packaging releases its toxins in water, it contaminates it which also harms humans.
Skin Irritation
Another main disadvantage of unsustainable products is the ingredients that they use can have harm your skin. These toxins are easy and cheap to produce which is the main reason that major companies add them to their products. Therefore this highlights how important it is to check that the products that we are using and applying to our skin is made with sustainable and healthy ingredients. 2
Saying NO to Unsustainable Products
How do we stop these companies from continuing to harm the planet? The simple answer is try to stop using products that you know are not being made sustainably. Look at the packaging and see if it contains the recycling logo or try and opt for reusable bottles. When buying products have a quick google of its ingredients to see if any of them are harmful to your skin and harmful to the environment.
It isn’t easy to stay sustainable but by taking small steps we can do it together!
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What are your favourite sustainable brands?