The Unseen Cost of Beauty: A Journey Towards Sustainable Choices

This Ugly Beauty Business

As a lifelong devotee of all things beauty, I've witnessed firsthand the dazzling allure of the latest makeup and skincare products. The thrill of unboxing a new item, the scent of a freshly opened cream, the vibrant colors of a new palette – these experiences are undeniably delightful. Yet, over time, I've become increasingly aware of a less talked about aspect of our beloved beauty industry: the environmental impact of branding and packaging. From my perspective, this growing awareness about the environmental impact of beauty industry packaging has been both eye-opening and concerning. I used to marvel at the elaborate designs and luxurious feel of beauty product packaging, but now I see beyond the surface to the potential environmental cost. It's startling to realize how even the smallest items, like a tube of lipstick or a sample sachet, can contribute to a much larger problem of plastic waste and pollution. This shift in understanding has led me to reevaluate my own consumption habits and the brands I support. I find myself drawn more to companies that prioritize sustainability, not just in their products but in their packaging and overall environmental footprint. It's become clear to me that as consumers, we hold significant power in influencing industry practices through the choices we make every day.

Experiencing the Excess

My own journey of realization began with a simple glance at my vanity. Rows of barely-used products, each encased in its plastic armor, stared back at me. It was a wake-up call. The excess was not just in the number of products but in the layers of packaging that each item came wrapped in. It was clear that something needed to change. My moment of realization at my vanity was just the beginning. As I delved deeper into the issue, I started noticing the excessive packaging in almost every beauty product I owned. It wasn't just the primary packaging of the products but also the secondary packaging – boxes, wrappers, and even the tiny plastic seals that are often overlooked. This excess wasn't adding value to the product; instead, it was contributing to a larger environmental problem. I began to question the necessity of such elaborate packaging. Was it really enhancing my experience, or was it merely a marketing tactic? The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the true essence of beauty products lies in their content, not their containers. This epiphany led me to make more conscious choices. I started seeking out brands that aligned with my new values – those prioritizing sustainability and minimalism in their packaging. This shift wasn't easy at first. I had to let go of some of my favorite brands that didn't meet these new standards. Not going to lie, I still mourn some of them! But with every sustainable choice, I felt a growing sense of responsibility and empowerment. I was no longer a passive consumer; I was an active participant in advocating for a more sustainable beauty industry. I also noticed a change in my consumption habits. I became more mindful of the products I purchased, focusing on quality over quantity. This not only helped reduce waste but also made me appreciate the products I chose to invest in more deeply. My beauty routine became not just about looking good but feeling good about the choices I was making for the planet.

The Hidden Impact of Beauty Packaging

Did you know that the beauty industry is one of the significant contributors to plastic waste? A staggering amount of beauty products are packaged in plastic, much of which is not recyclable. According to a report by Zero Waste Week, the beauty industry contributes over 120 billion units of packaging every year, a number that's hard to even visualize. This number is not just a reflection of the quantity of products sold but also of the frequent product launches and the fast-paced nature of the industry, which encourages consumers to regularly buy new products. This packaging, often used just once and discarded, ends up in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems, causing irreparable harm. The beauty industry, particularly the skincare and makeup segments, often markets products in small, single-use packages for convenience or aesthetic appeal. These items are quickly disposed of after use, adding to the growing problem of plastic waste. Unfortunately, we cannot recycle our way out of the plastic waste problem. Globally, only about 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. This low rate is due to a combination of factors, including lack of recycling infrastructure, the complexity of recycling certain types of plastics, and the economics of recycling versus producing new plastics. Plus, Plastics degrade in quality each time they are recycled, a process known as "downcycling." This means that most plastics can only be recycled a limited number of times before they become unusable, eventually ending up in landfills or incinerators. To further complicate the matter, recycling is not always economically viable. The cost of collecting, sorting, and processing plastics for recycling can be higher than producing new plastic. Additionally, not all plastics are created equal – some are more difficult and costly to recycle than others. Despite growing awareness and efforts to increase recycling, global plastic production continues to rise. This increase is outpacing the gains made by recycling efforts, leading to more plastic waste overall.

The Shift to Sustainable Choices

This realization led me to Grassroots Beauty, a brand that resonates with my newfound consciousness. Now I understand that every choice we make has an impact. That's why I'm committed to sourcing the best beauty products, but doing so responsibly. I will only affiliate this company with others who are willing to take this journey with me like the ones listed here.

These aren't just products; they are testaments to what beauty should be about – purity, quality, and sustainability. Made with sustainably sourced ingredients, they represent a shift from the norm. They are free from the unnecessary and harmful chemicals often found in mainstream beauty products and are packaged thoughtfully to minimize waste. This aspect of the products truly resonates with me and reflects a growing consciousness in the beauty industry. The fact that they are free from unnecessary and harmful chemicals is a significant departure from what we've come to expect from mainstream beauty products. For years, many of us have been unknowingly applying products laden with chemicals that could have long-term detrimental effects on our health. These include parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and sulfates, among others. The realization that our daily beauty routine could be contributing to health issues is alarming. The commitment to omitting these harmful substances speaks to a deeper understanding and respect for the consumer's health and well-being. It's not just about creating products that enhance beauty on the surface; it's about nurturing and protecting the skin, the body's largest organ, from potentially toxic ingredients. This approach aligns with a more holistic view of beauty – one that considers the overall health and safety of the individual. Moreover, the thoughtful packaging to minimize waste is another aspect that deeply impresses me.

The beauty industry is notorious for its excessive use of packaging, much of which is non-recyclable and ends up contributing to the ever-growing problem of environmental pollution. By focusing on minimal, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging, these products demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. It shows a recognition of the role that businesses play in contributing to global waste and a willingness to be part of the solution.

This careful consideration of both the ingredients and the packaging reflects a shift towards more responsible and sustainable beauty practices. It's about being mindful of the entire lifecycle of the product – from sourcing ingredients to manufacturing, to how it's packaged, and ultimately, how it's disposed of. This holistic approach is something that deeply resonates with me and many others who are seeking to make more environmentally friendly and health-conscious choices in our beauty routines. It's a reassurance that we can enjoy quality beauty products without compromising our health or the health of our planet.

Look at Your Labels

It can be tricky deciphering the content on packaging. but fortunately there are a few good standout things we can look for. The most obvious one is the widely recognized recycling symbol. Beyond that, I like to support companies that are B Corporations. B Corporations play a crucial role in ensuring accountability in manufacturing. B Corporations are certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This certification goes beyond product- or service-level certification; it assesses the overall positive impact of the company that stands behind the product. Another similar program is the LEED certification, which focuses on environmentally sustainable building practices. While not directly related to manufacturing, it influences corporate practices by promoting sustainable building design and operation. The Fair Trade certification, meanwhile, focuses on ethical practices in manufacturing, ensuring fair labor practices and equitable trade conditions. The Cradle to Cradle certification takes a comprehensive approach, evaluating products across five categories of sustainability: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness. This encourages manufacturers to consider the full lifecycle of their products.

The Rainforest Alliance certification focuses on biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that products are sourced from well-managed forests and farms. These certifications and standards are not just badges of honor; they represent a commitment to higher standards of practice in manufacturing. As consumers, supporting companies that invest in these certifications is a powerful way to promote responsible manufacturing practices. By being mindful of these certifications when making purchasing decisions, we can contribute to a more sustainable and accountable manufacturing industry.

Our Collective Responsibility

As consumers, we wield more power than we often realize. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. By choosing products that are kind to our bodies and the planet, like those offered by Grassroots Beauty we are taking a stand against the unnecessary waste that has long been an industry standard.: As awareness of these issues grows among consumers, there is increasing pressure on beauty brands to adopt more sustainable practices. This includes using recyclable materials, reducing packaging, and embracing refillable and zero-waste product designs. In sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to take a closer look at their own beauty habits. It's not about perfection but progress. Each small step we take towards sustainability can have a significant impact when multiplied by the millions of beauty consumers worldwide. We have the power to drive change in the industry, one product at a time.

A Call to Action

The journey towards sustainable beauty is not a solitary one. It requires a collective effort. We all have a part to play in this. It starts with being mindful of the products we choose and extends to advocating for more sustainable practices within the industry. At Grassroots Beauty, I'm committed to this journey, and I invite you to join me. Together, let's redefine beauty – not just in how it looks, but in how it's made and the impact it leaves behind.

Thoughtfully,

Dawn Alderson

Owner of Grassroots Beauty