The question is, can the beauty industry actually be sustainable……
By definition sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In addition to natural resources, we also need social and economic resources.
If it were only the resources at stake, I would say that the beauty industry could, with many changes, may be able to become more sustainable. However, sustainability and waste go hand in hand and the amount of waste produced by personal care items and cosmetics is a far larger problem than any of us can actually comprehend.
From disposable mascara tubes and lipstick, synthetic makeup sponges and brushes, to face creams and cleansers in plastic tubs and toothbrushes made with plastic. It is overwhelming to grasp the volume of waste in the personal care and beauty industry.
Billions of items and their packaging are thrown out every year. These items that have become so central to how we live our lives, we might just write them off as necessary waste.
In an article written by Good Housekeeping in 2015 they stated that the average woman owns 40 makeup products. With millions of dollars spent on marketing and new products launching daily that that number has only grown. At the current rate, the world is going there will need to be a major change in the cosmetics industry to make sustainability and zero waste a reality.
Companies like take TerraCycle takes traditionally non-recyclable items and recycles them. This is merely a Band-Aid for the current problem. While it offers a temporary reprieve, it also enables companies that focus on luxury and non-recyclable packing to continue to produce items that cannot be traditionally reused or recycled. In the end this is not the solution.
There are a few companies out there making the changes that truly need to be made. Including upstream sustainability productions, sourcing of materials, not testing on animals, and using products that are truly reusable and refillable.
To be truly sustainable the entire process needs to be reevaluated, from extraction of raw materials through production, packaging and replacement, without sacrificing the quality of the product. If people are purchasing products that do not perform they will continue to seek out new products which is not a sustainable option.
Through the pandemic and the election there has been a lot of conversation regarding global warming and the climate crisis. I am hopeful that in the years to come many changes will be made for the good and that companies and people will make the right decision. Each person can make a huge difference in where and what we choose to purchase and support.
I hope this has enlightened you and has inspired you to learn more! Until next time~ Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday! xo Pretty Simple Beauti