A major theme of many of the nature documentaries released in the past decade has been about preserving marine life. Yes, If you haven’t been paying attention, human actions — like disposing of single-use plastic — has tremendously affected marine biodiversity. Sadly, the problem seems to go deeper than the gruesome images of sea turtles suffocated by plastic bags we see on our social feeds. Harmful ingredients present in our beauty products are destroying the marine flora and fauna too. Some studies show that of the nearly 120 billion units of product packaging generated worldwide, most of them are still unsustainable in nature. FYI, ingested plastic waste has been attributed to killing about 1,00,000 marine animals every year.
So, how can you play your part in preserving marine life? It’s simple — the Blue Beauty movement asks you to pay attention to your beauty products’ packaging and ingredient list and make sure they are sustainable in nature. This is a good way to ensure you are supporting your planet. Here are some tips to help you hop onto the Blue Beauty movement bandwagon…
- 01. Switch to recyclable, reusable and refillable packaging
- 02. Label check for non-toxic ingredients
- 03. Look out for artificial preservatives
- 04. Beware of hidden baddies
- 05. Seek out zero-waste products
01. Switch to recyclable, reusable and refillable packaging
Sustainable product packaging comes in many shapes and forms. Refillable products are available in refillable glass bottles that you only need to purchase once. Some are designed to be reused in other ways; and some brands like Love, Beauty and Planet sell their products in 100% recycled bottles. All you have to do is research the brands that offer these perks and invest in their products.
02. Label check for non-toxic ingredients
Marine life is fatally affected by toxic ingredients present in beauty products. Additives like oxybenzone and octinoxate, often found in many sunscreens, can get into our seas and wreak havoc. Do a label check for plant-based, non-toxic ingredients that will help keep your beauty habits as clean as they can be.
03. Look out for artificial preservatives
Preservatives in beauty products, like parabens, are not only bad for you but have also been linked with hormone disruption in marine life. Opt for preservative-free formulas; this also makes sure you are investing in quality ingredients made with botanical preservatives that are better for you — and the planet.
04. Beware of hidden baddies
While skin and hair care products are much transparent in their ingredient listing and packaging, makeup products can slip under the radar. Beware of hidden baddies in your glitter highlighters and cream blushes that use ingredients like mica or lanolin that can get into water bodies and pollute them.
05. Seek out zero-waste products
Zero-waste products are given the tag when they are manufactured and packaged with as little wastage as possible. This includes sourcing of raw materials and distribution policies. The best way to seek out zero-waste products is to browse clean brands’ social media handles and read up on the practices they follow. Post that, it is your decision to pick the right products for you!
Written by Sumona Bose on Feb 18, 2021
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!