As our environmental concerns grow, so do the concerns of countless consumers who look to reduce their footprint and protect our precious planet Earth. While this is a major eco-step in the right direction it can be confusing trying to make sense of all the claims and jargon. In the words of our favourite muppet, “It’s not easy being green!”.
We are here to help you make sense of it all. Read on to discover what defines clean, green beauty, and why it matters.
What Is Clean Green Beauty?
“Clean green beauty” is a term that combines two concepts in the cosmetics and skincare industry: “clean beauty” and “green beauty.”
Clean Beauty
Clean beauty refers to products that are formulated without certain potentially harmful ingredients. These ingredients can include parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and more. Clean beauty products are often formulated with a focus on using natural and non-toxic ingredients that are considered safer for both the user and the environment. The aim is to create products that promote overall well-being while minimising the potential for adverse health effects.
Green Beauty
Green beauty is a broader concept that encompasses products and practices that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. Green beauty products often prioritise using organic and ethically sourced ingredients, reducing waste in packaging, and minimising the overall environmental impact of the production process. This can include factors such as using renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and supporting fair trade practices.
When the terms “clean” and “green” are combined in “clean green beauty,” the term refers to beauty and skincare products that are not only free from potentially harmful ingredients but also have a focus on being environmentally conscious and sustainable. These products are designed to align with values of both personal health and the well-being of the planet.
How To Tell If A Company Is Clean And Green
Determining whether a company is truly clean and green, or environmentally conscious, involves evaluating various aspects of their practices, policies, and products. Here are some steps you can take to assess if a company is genuinely committed to being environmentally friendly:
1. Research and Transparency:
A clean green company should be transparent about its ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and product formulation. Look for information about where the company sources its ingredients and how it ensures the safety of its products.
Check if they provide clear information about their supply chain, sourcing practices, and manufacturing processes.
Companies genuinely committed to clean beauty often provide educational resources about the importance of ingredient safety and how to make informed choices.
2. Certifications and Labels:
Look for recognised certifications and labels that indicate a commitment to sustainability, such as Ecocert, COSMOS (cosmetic organic and natural standard), Fair Trade, Certified B Corporation, Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free), and others.
Keep in mind that some certifications might be more relevant to certain industries or practices, so research what each certification entails.
3. Ingredients and Formulations:
Some companies may market their products as clean while still using potentially harmful ingredients. Research and stay informed about specific ingredients to watch out for.
Examine the ingredient lists of the company’s products. Look for recognisable, natural, and non-toxic ingredients.
Avoid products that contain potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
4. Packaging Materials
Evaluate their packaging materials. Do they use recycled or biodegradable materials? Are they working to reduce excess packaging?
Research whether the company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and energy consumption.
Check if they use renewable energy sources in their operations and facilities.
6. Waste Reduction and Recycling:
Look for evidence of waste reduction strategies and recycling initiatives within their business operations.
Consider if they have take-back programs for their products and packaging to ensure proper disposal and recycling.
7. Community and Social Responsibility:
Look to see whether the company is involved in community and social initiatives related to environmental conservation, education, or sustainability.
8. Customer Reviews and Reputation:
Read customer reviews and testimonials to gauge how customers perceive the company’s environmental efforts.
Look for any controversies or negative feedback related to their sustainability claims.
9. Support for Environmental Causes:
Look for information about the company’s sustainability initiatives on their website. Many companies that prioritise sustainability will have dedicated sections discussing their efforts and goals.
Research whether the company supports or partners with environmental organizations or initiatives through donations, fundraising, or advocacy.
Remember that “greenwashing,” which is when a company falsely portrays itself as environmentally friendly without actually taking significant steps to be sustainable, can be a concern. Therefore, it’s important to critically assess the information available and look for consistent actions that align with the company’s claims.
Here at Scenturie Natural Skincare we are committed to reducing our ecological footprint, as well as any negative impact we may have on our planet, while providing a clean, green natural skincare solution to support your skin and our planet, now and into the future.
Our award-winning natural skincare products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, toxin-free, and crafted in New Zealand with premium, plant-based ingredients that are nutrient-rich, ethically sourced, and chosen with the utmost intention. We avoid synthetic chemicals, fillers, and fragrances, inviting you to enjoy the health benefits and natural scent of pure unrefined plant oils and essential oils, the way nature intended them to smell.
Please support companies like ours who are doing their best to help protect our environment, and ultimately our planet, for future generations to enjoy.
Worldwide plastic pollution is creating an environmental crisis that is believed will be as serious as climate change. One of the biggest contributors to plastic waste is the beauty and personal care industry. With endless plastic bottles and containers dominating every retail space imaginable worldwide, more than 70% of this plastic will end up in landfill or our oceans.
However, WE are the ones who decide whether to buy these plastic packaged products or whether to choose non-plastic options. We are responsible for choosing the waste we purchase, it starts with us and it ends with us.
Read on to learn why plastic-free packaging in beauty and personal care products matters.
Plastic In The Beauty & Personal Care Industry
Life Before Plastic Packaging
In the not-so-distant past personal care items did not involve plastic packaging. Soaps came in bar form. Perfumes, a symbol of luxury, were packaged in elaborate glass containers. Hair-care products were powders or pomades packaged in tins or jars. The personal care industry was established during the 1920’s and exploded with the rise of Hollywood movies and the invention of American glamour and beauty standards. During the mid-20th century the plastic industry took off and the personal care industry jumped on board. Plastic was popular as it was cheap, light, flexible, easily moulded and easily transported.
Plastic Packaging Today
Today, plastic packaged beauty and personal care products fill entire aisles of supermarkets and beauty stores worldwide with more than 70% of that waste ending up in landfills or our oceans. According to a 2017 Science Advances paper 8.3 billion tonnes of virgin plastic has been produced worldwide to date and of this only 9% has been recycled, with 12% being incinerated, and 79% ending up in landfill or the natural environment. Plastic can often only be recycled once or twice into a new plastic product due to the break-down of its polymers during the recycling process, and many plastics are not recycled because the process is expensive, complicated and the resulting product is of lower quality than what you put in.
If current production and waste management trends continue, roughly 12 billion tonnes of plastic waste will be in landfills or in the natural environment by 2050.
Plastic is so firmly embedded in the modern supply chain that reducing or eliminating plastic packaging is a monumentous challenge that will take a concerted effort across companies of all sizes to make a change.
Key Reasons Why Plastic-Free Packaging Matters:
1.Environmental Impact
Plastic packaging is a major contributor to environmental pollution with more than 12.7 million tonnes of plastic entering our oceans every year. Plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, and when they do, they release harmful chemicals into the soil and water. Plastic waste also poses a significant threat to wildlife, as animals can mistake it for food or become entangled in it.
Plastic gradually breaks down into tiny particles that remain in the ocean as microscopic pollutants to be ingested by sea birds, fish, and other organisms. Experts warn that some of it is already finding its way into the human food chain and we have no idea of the scale of health implications this will cause.
By avoiding plastic packaging wherever possible and choosing instead to purchase products packaged in glass, aluminium, cardboard, or other environmentally friendly materials, you are doing your bit to help reduce the plastic pollution crisis.
2. Waste Reduction
Plastic packaging generates enormous amounts of waste. By opting for plastic-free alternatives, we can reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills or incinerators. Plastic-free packaging options are often made from biodegradable or compostable materials, which can break down more easily and have a lower environmental impact.
3. Resource Conservation
Producing plastic requires significant amounts of fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. By choosing plastic-free packaging, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and preserve natural resources.
4. Consumer Health and Safety
Some plastics contain harmful chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which can leach into food or beverages stored in plastic packaging. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions and developmental problems. Plastic-free packaging eliminates these risks and ensures safer products for consumers.
5. Brand Reputation and Consumer Preference
As environmental awareness grows, many consumers are actively seeking out products with sustainable packaging. By adopting plastic-free packaging, businesses can enhance their brand reputation, attract eco-conscious customers, and differentiate themselves in the market.
6. Regulatory Compliance
Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations and policies to address plastic pollution. By embracing plastic-free packaging, companies can stay ahead of these regulations and avoid potential penalties or legal issues in the future.
What Can You Do To Help?
Many consumers today are becoming more conscious of the environmental and social impact of the products they use. Choosing beauty and personal care products with minimal or plastic-free packaging aligns with values of sustainability, conservation, and ethical consumption.
Overall, plastic-free packaging is crucial for mitigating environmental damage, reducing waste, protecting human health, and aligning with sustainability goals. It promotes a more responsible and eco-friendly approach to packaging, benefiting both businesses and consumers in the long run.
By supporting brands that prioritise environmentally friendly packaging and recycling options, you can encourage others to do the same and drive positive change in the industry.
Our Scenturie Natural Skincare Range is packaged in glass bottles and jars with aluminium lids, which are recyclable and reusable. As part of our committment to ongoing sustainability we offer a Returnable Product Packaging Service. Our service allows you to return your empty Scenturie glass jars and bottles to us where they will be sterilised and either refilled and reused, and/or repurposed. This is our way of helping to lessen worldwide plastic pollution. Please support companies like ours who are doing their best to help protect our environment and ultimately our planet for future generations to enjoy.
There is an innovative change in the beauty industry that is predicted to be the next major green wave. It is a new response to our climate crisis that has the potential to make a substantial positive environmental impact – the utilisation of UPCYCLED INGREDIENTS for sustainable skincare.
What is upcycling?
Upcycling is the process of transforming waste materials or by-products into new products or materials of higher value, quality, or functionality. Unlike recycling, which typically involves breaking down materials to create new ones, upcycling aims to repurpose and enhance the existing materials in creative ways.
What are upcycled ingredients in skincare?
Upcycled ingredients in skincare include plant by-products, waste materials, and discarded raw materials, mainly from food-production streams, that would otherwise be thrown away, but instead are crafted into new ingredients and used with great results in skincare formulations. Here are some examples:
Coffee Grounds – a by-product of coffee brewing, they are often used as exfoliants in scrubs and soaps.
Fruit Pulp: waste pulp from juicing or processing fruits can be upcycled into various products and used for their skin nourishing properties.
Brewery By-products: spent grains and yeast can be upcycled as skincare ingredients for their rich nutrient content and exfoliating properties.
Wine Grape Extract – a byproduct formed from the leftover grape skins, seeds, and stems during wine making, rich in antioxidants and polyphenols.
Seaweed – a sustainable, hydrating, and mineral-rich marine ingredient that can be upcycled in skincare products.
Key ways in which upcycled ingredients can help support sustainability.
The use of upcycled ingredients plays a significant role in promoting sustainability and addressing the global challenges of waste management and resource depletion. Some key ways in which upcycled ingredients can help support sustainability include:
1. Reducing Waste: Upcycled ingredients help reduce waste by repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerators. By transforming waste into valuable resources, upcycling reduces the environmental burden associated with waste disposal and contributes to a circular economy.
2. Conserving Natural Resources: Upcycling reduces the demand for virgin raw materials, which conserves natural resources such as water, energy, and land. By utilising existing materials and by-products, upcycled ingredients help alleviate the pressure on ecosystems and promote more sustainable resource management.
3. Reducing Environmental Impact: The production of new materials often involves resource-intensive processes that generate greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and habitat destruction. Upcycling requires fewer resources and energy compared to traditional manufacturing methods, leading to lower carbon footprints and reduced environmental impact.
4. Providing Economic Opportunities: Upcycling can create new economic opportunities and contribute to local communities. By turning waste into valuable ingredients or products, upcycling supports job creation, entrepreneurship, and local manufacturing.
How are upcycled ingredients used in Scenturie Natural Skincare Products?
Here at Scenturie, upcycled Apple Seed Oil is a hero ingredient in our new Regenerate Natural Eye Cream. The oil is extracted from the waste pulp left over from apple juice manufacturing that would otherwise be discarded. It is rich in fatty acids including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining the skin’s barrier function and keeping it nourished. It also contains high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and of special note high amounts of sulphur, an essential nutrient for the health of the skin necessary for the formation of collagen which helps to support skin and keep it supple and smooth.
Regenerate Natural Eye Cream
Upcycled Apple Seed Oil
Also featured in our Regenerate Natural Eye Cream is Resveratrol extract, a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from premature aging. Resveratrol has been shown to stimulate collagen production which can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, and promote a more youthful complexion.
Our Resveratrol extract is extracted from the Japanese knotweed plant which contains one of the highest concentrations of resveratrol available in the world. The Japanese Knotweed plant is considered a serious invasive pest plant in many parts of Europe, however by extracting resveratrol from the eradicated plant which would otherwise be destroyed, upcycling gives us an ingredient that is hugely beneficial to human health and skincare.
Japanese Knotweed Plant - a rich source of resveratrol.
As a clean green beauty brand, we are keen to explore more ways of including upcycled ingredients in our natural skincare products in the future. Read more about clean beauty, what it means, and why it matters HERE.
Overall, by incorporating upcycling practices into skincare, beauty brands can contribute to a more sustainable and circular approach to the industry. It allows for the reduction of waste, promotes creative solutions, and aligns with the growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly skincare options.
The truth is that most people have no clue what goes into the products that they use daily. The ugly truth is that if they knew, they would probably never want to use them again. In the beauty and skincare industry, one such pariah is Palm Oil. The devastation caused by this one ingredient to people, wildlife, and the planet, is so complicated and far-reaching that it deserves our immediate attention.
What is Palm Oil?
Palm Oil is a type of vegetable oil that is derived from oil palms. Oil palms are an ancient staple crop in West Africa and the tree bears giant bunches of red fruit beneath its fronds. For millennia, humans have harvested the fruit, boiled, and pounded it to extract cooking oil, burned the kernel shells for heat, and used woven palm fronds to make rooves and baskets.
Palm Oil fruit (Elaeis guineensis).
Why is Palm Oil so Popular?
Owing to its versatility and the efficiency with which it can be produced (requiring only half as much land as other crops, such as soybeans, to generate a given amount of oil), the use of Palm Oil within the past few decades has skyrocketed. In fact, palm oil is the most efficient oilseed crop in the world. A hectare of palm oil plantation can produce almost ten times the amount of oil than the next closest type of oilseed such as rapeseed.
Palm Oil has been successfully transplanted to other tropical regions and it is now mainly supplied by Indonesia and Malaysia. It is now the most popular vegetable oil in the world, accounting for one-third of global consumption, and it is almost unavoidable, being found in many consumer and industrial products, such as food and beverages, personal care and beauty products, bioenergy and fuel, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, industrial activities, and the food service industry. Biscuits, spreads, chocolate, bread, personal care products, detergents, soap, lipstick… these are just a few of the multitude of items containing Palm Oil that you are more than likely to have in your home right now.
Palm oil is used extensively in the cosmetic and food industries and the global demand for it continues to rise with consumption exceeding 70 million metric tonnes annually.
With its use in so many everyday applications, it begs the question, how can this ‘tree of plenty’ be so bad? What is the real issue with palm oil?
The Dark Side of Palm Oil
The real issue with Palm Oil is its unsustainable production rather than the product itself. There is little regulation in the destruction of rainforest areas, and it is currently very difficult to trace whether the palm oil in products was really produced sustainably.
Unsustainable palm oil has a devastating effect on the environment. Palm oil has been, and continues to be, a major driver of deforestation of some of the world’s most biodiverse forests, causing mass destruction to the habitats of already endangered species, and contributing to climate change by releasing millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The aggressive burning and clearing of forests in Indonesia alone contribute to 12% of all global carbon emissions.
Aerial drone view of rainforest being burnt and cleared to make way for palm plantations in Indonesia.
The haze from Indonesian forest fires, many deliberately set to clear land for oil palms, caused at least 12,000 premature deaths in 2015 alone.
According to Greenpeace, land equivalent to the size of a football field is lost every 25 seconds in Indonesia alone. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that worldwide, around 300 football fields of forest are cleared every hour to make way for palm oil plantations.
Landcover, forest clearance and plantation development in PT Megakarya Jaya Raya (PT MJR) palm oil concession. Source: Greenpeace.
In Borneo, the island shared by Malaysia and Indonesia, since 1973, almost 42,000 square kilometers of rain forest has been burned and bulldozed to create space for oil palms. Since 2000, oil palms have accounted for 47% of the world’s total deforestation. All this deforestation has wreaked havoc on local wildlife. Nearly 150,000 endangered Bornean orangutans have perished from 1999-2015. According to a report from the World Wildlife Fund, elephants, Sumatran tigers, and rhinos are also on the brink of extinction.
Orangutans in Borneo where rainforest has been cleared for palm oil plantations. ULET IFANSASTI/GETTY IMAGES
Human rights abuses in and around these plantations run rampant. On the Indonesian island of Sumatra, palm oil companies have bulldozed entire villages of indigenous peoples, leaving their residents homeless and reliant on government aid.
In 2020, the Associated Press conducted a comprehensive investigation that focused on the brutal treatment of women employed on these plantations. The report highlighted the hidden scourge of sexual abuse (with many reporting repeatedly being raped by their employers), threats and verbal harassment along with human trafficking, child labour (as young as 5 years old), and what can only be considered as modern-day slavery. Women are burdened with some of the most dangerous jobs in the industry, forced to spend hours carrying such heavy loads that can cause their wombs to collapse. Chemically contaminated water can add to the burden by causing terrible sickness. Most workers are hired as subcontractors, without any benefits, and sometimes making only $2 per day.
Female worker carrying a heavy load at a palm oil plantation in Sumatra, Indonesia. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara).
It seems painfully ironic that palm oil, harvested in such ugly and inhumane ways, is used in products to make one ‘beautiful’.
Palm Oil and the Beauty Industry
The derivatives of palm oil (glycerol, fatty acids, or fatty alcohols) are used in many products because of their emollient or foaming properties.
The two main types of oil from the oil palm are palm oil and palm kernel oil. To make palm oil, the fruit is pressed to extract crude palm oil [CPO] which is refined to become edible. The CPO is then processed to become refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) palm oil. Alternatively, the oil can be extracted straight from the kernel as palm kernel oil. Palm kernel oil is what is used in the manufacture of foods and cosmetics because it can maintain its structure under high temperatures, it is creamy and smooth in texture, and it is odourless.
Although the beauty industry reportedly only accounts for 2% of global palm oil production, it can be found in as many as 70% of all beauty products. The fact that it is cheap and versatile makes it an attractive addition. In lipsticks, the addition of palm oil allows them to remain tasteless, prevents them from melting, and allows their colours to last much longer.
The problem with palm oil is ultimately one of production greed. Efficiency and low-cost equals good profit for companies that use palm oil in their products. This relentless drive for short term profit and growth always comes at the expense of something or someone. Sadly, this case is no different.
What has been done so far to manage sustainable Palm Oil?
In response to the urgent and pressing global call for sustainably produced palm oil, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was formed in 2004 with the objective of promoting the growth and use of sustainable oil palm products through credible global standards and engagement of stakeholders. RSPO-certified palm growers are audited by an independent, accredited certification body that supposedly ensures that strict social and environmental guidelines are followed during production.
Although this represents progress, unfortunately the certifications are far from perfect and there are many loopholes. According to two separate reports from campaigning groups WWF and Rainforest Action Network, some of the world’s biggest brands are failing in their commitments to banish deforestation from their supply chains through their use of palm oil, despite making public claims to environmental sustainability.
Landcover, forest clearance and plantation development in PT Megakarya Jaya Raya (PT MJR) palm oil concession. Source: Greenpeace.
Is Palm Oil sustainable at present?
In the short term, NO. In the long term – truly sustainable palm oil, YES.
In September 2018, a comprehensive investigation by Greenpeace exposed how the world’s biggest brands are still linked to rainforest destruction in Indonesia. Palm oil suppliers to the world’s largest brands, including Unilever, Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive and Mondelez, have destroyed an area of rainforest almost twice the size of Singapore in less than three years, according to the report.
The report highlighted how some of the largest members of the RSPO, who supposedly produce and sell ‘sustainable’ palm oil, routinely flout the laws and rules which they are supposed to abide by. The outcome of the report was that large companies who claim to only use sustainable palm oil in their products are in fact selling the public a lie and that production of sustainable palm oil under the RSPO is fiction.
There is now a realisation that RSPO-certification is currently “inadequate” as a guarantee that the palm oil in use is not leading to deforestation. In other words, just because a company or product is RSPO-certified there is NO guarantee that the palm oil they have used has not caused deforestation.
As a result of these collective failures, brands and traders who still source palm oil from non-sustainable producer groups are not just complicit in rainforest destruction and exploitation, but – through their palm oil purchases – actively funding those responsible for it. These factors represent the greatest known threats to Indonesia’s rainforests and local communities.
Read the Palm Oil Investigation by Greenpeace here
What can you do to support the sustainable production of palm oil?
It has been proven that palm oil production is NOT sustainable at present, and that deforestation, and devastation to human life, wildlife, and the environment continues because of it.
Palm oil’s reach is not going away anytime soon. It is found in just about everything — from cookies, chips, and bread, to wide a range of personal care products. Palm oil is part of our lives, but rainforest destruction and the cascading human health effects from the burning and clearing of forests shouldn’t be. Nor should the welfare of workers and neighboring communities who are violated at the cost of producing this vegetable oil.
In our opinion, and many others, the best option to support the sustainable production of palm oil is to AVOID purchasing beauty products (or any products) containing non-RSPO certified palm oil.
The best way to do this is by reading and understanding ingredient labels! DO NOT buy products with palm oil, palm kernel oil, or palm oil derivatives in the ingredient list unless the company states their palm oil ingredients are RSPO certified. It is important to note that when reading labels, ‘Palm Oil’ may not be listed, but one of its 200+ derivatives may be. Orangutan Alliance have compiled a list of alternative names for palm oil which you can read at the end of this article. Familiarizing yourself with some of them may seem a big task but a helpful tip is to avoid ingredients with the root word being ‘palm’ or that have ‘palm’ in it (for e.g., palmitic acid, hydrated palm glycerides, palm kernel, palm kernel oil, palm fruit oil, palmate, palmitic acid, palm stearine, palmitoyle, etc) or other common ‘palm’ derivatives with the words ‘stear’ and ‘laur’ (for e.g., stearate, stearic acid, and sodium lauryl sulfate). In New Zealand it is not a requirement to label a specific oil, ‘vegetable oil’ is acceptable. If an ingredient label states ‘vegetable oil’ then it is more than likely palm oil.
By avoiding products made with palm oil, and supporting companies who choose not to use palm oil, or palm oil derivatives, unless they are RSPO certified, we are being ‘conscious consumers‘. Conscious consumerism is a vital part of sustainability. It is the awareness of how every purchase that we make has an impact on the environment. By being a ‘conscious consumer’, we can all contribute to a more sustainable world that respects basic human rights, protects the environment and the planet so it will be here for future generations to enjoy. We are also sending a strong message that we won’t accept unsustainable and unethical products, giving the rain forests a bit of respite and a chance to survive.
Palm oil sustainability is a very complex issue with many consequences, but we can make a difference by choosing to buy palm oil free products wherever possible. The more we talk about this issue, share information with each other, and make a collective stand against it, the sooner truly sustainable palm oil will be available without the catastrophic effects linked to it now.
Final Thoughts…
The devastation to human life, wildlife, and the environment is simply too high a price to pay when it comes to buying beauty and skincare products that contain palm oil. We should all do what we can to support basic human rights, protect critically endangered species, and preserve our planet. There are companies out there trying to play their part by avoiding the use of non-RSPO certified palm oil in their products and we should do our bit by supporting them.
Scenturie is a natural skincare brand based in New Zealand that lives by the ethos “Respect for our planet, its resources, and each other. Our products are cruelty-free, 100% vegan, ethically sourced, and free from harmful chemicals. We have chosen to avoid using palm oil and palm oil derivatives in our formulations, wherever possible. We use ‘Brassica alcohols’ as one of our chosen emulsifiers, which are naturally derived from waxes found in plants from the Cabbage (Brassica) family. They are a palm oil-free natural alternative for fatty alcohols used in skincare products. The other natural emulsifiers we use are cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate. These ingredients are developed from natural olive derivatives, however, the manufacturing process involves combining them with the ingredient cetearyl alcohol which is a RSPO-certified palm oil derivative. We are always on the lookout for an effective 100% palm oil-free emulsifier but to date we have not found one. This is the closest we can currently get to achieving palm oil-free status. We use NO parabens, sulfates, phthalates, glycols, silicones, phenoxyethanol, or mineral oils in our products. Our packaging is all recyclable, reusable, and compostable, and as part of our committment to ongoing sustainability we offer a returnable product packaging service.
Alternative Names for Palm Oil Derivatives
Below are some examples of how palm oil may be referred to on packaging. This doesn’t mean that all these ingredients are definitely palm oil, (for instance E471 may be palm oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil or canola oil), but they could be. This list is from The Orangutan Alliance.
Sustainable living is a term we hear lots of lately, but what does it really mean, how does it work, it is really that important, and what (if anything) should we be doing about it?
Sustainable living - what does it mean?
Wikipedia’s definition of sustainability is ‘avoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain ecological balance allowing the Earth’s biosphere (worldwide sum of all ecosystems) and human civilization to co-exist’. Simply put… Sustainability is making sure we look after our planet if we want to survive!
How does it work?
The concept of sustainability consists of three pillars: economics, environment, and society, represented below in the Venn diagram. All three parts are connected by their sub-circles and in the centre of it all is true sustainability. Changing one part of the system has a direct effect on all other parts of the system. The three pillars depend on each other and cannot exist without each other.
Image Credit Penn State University
Is sustainability really that important?
ABSOLUTELY YES! Sustainability is arguably one of the most important things in the world right now that everyone needs to know about, and act on.
If you have not already watched the incredible Sir David Attenborough’s 2020 documentary ‘A Life on our Planet’ you must watch it. You can view the trailer in the link here: https://www.netflix.com/nz/title/80216393.
As Sir David Attenborough explains, the human race is facing extinction if we do not act and make changes to the way we live now. What we all do now, collectively and as individuals, will determine the future of the generations we leave behind, and the future of our planet.
Living more sustainably starts with ONE person making small changes…That person is YOU. The time is NOW.
What should we be doing to live more sustainably?
There are lots of different strategies, actions and lifestyle tweaks that together make up a much more sustainable way of living.
Here are some practical ways to live a more sustainable life & do your bit to help save the planet:
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Ways to live a more sustainable life
1. Minimise waste – reduce, reuse, recycle
When we buy a product, we also buy any waste associated with the product. We are all responsible for waste, it starts with us and ends with us. New Zealanders throw away more rubbish per person than in most other developed countries. About 93% of the raw materials used by humans get thrown away during manufacture and then 80% of the stuff we buy is thrown away after one use.
The first step in minimising waste is only buying the products you need. Avoid excessive packaging and recycle everything that you can. Consider what you buy…paper, glass and aluminium are best. If plastic is the only option, choose types 1, 2 and 4 as they are the most common and cost effective to recycle and represent 84% of all plastics that are recycled in New Zealand.
Separate your household rubbish into things that can be reused before you throw anything out to be collected. A lot of your kitchen waste can be used in your vegetable garden and many household items, furniture, electrical appliances, or old clothes can be rebuilt, reused, or recycled. If you do not need something that is still useful donate it to a local charity.
Here are some other ways you can minimise waste:
Refuse junk mail and advertising circulars at the mailbox by placing a small sticker that says: ‘No unaddressed mail/No junk mail’. These can be purchased from hardware stores or make your own.
Take reusable bags to shops, and resealable clean food containers to the supermarket for things like meat, chicken, and fish.
Buy items in bulk.
Identify new uses for packaging that you get regularly (see below) or recycle it if its unavoidable.
Buy a battery charger and use rechargeable batteries (NiMh preferred to NiCad)
Use washable nappies not disposables, if there is a baby at home.
Here is a great way to reuse plastic milk bottles: plant a herb garden.
Use recycled bottles to make bird feeders.
2. Make informed choices and buy sustainable products whenever you can
Make a change to your purchasing practices by choosing sustainable goods and services, and supporting brands that promote sustainability and, most importantly, back it up. Question how a brand can be sustainable if their products are contained in plastic. If a company sends products to you in plastic wrapping or plastic courier packs and claims to be a sustainable brand is this okay? There are plenty of sustainable, environmentally friendly options available, it all comes down to cost, and whether that company values profit over sustainability.
Choose sustainable skincare products packaged in glass or aluminium, not plastic.
3. Grow fruit and vegetables in your own garden
You can help reduce your carbon footprint and reduce negative environmental impacts by growing your own food in your backyard. Planting vegetables in your garden has many benefits. You can grow your own produce without using any chemicals or pesticides, compost your kitchen waste to use as fertilizer, enjoy freshly grown vegetables from your own backyard, and teach your children or grandchildren how to live a more sustainable, healthy life.
4. Eat less meat
The livestock sector consumes a significant amount of natural resources and contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Trees play an important role in keeping CO2 emissions under control. Millions of square kilometers of forests have been cleared worldwide for grazing pastures, removing the “natural carbon sinks”. CO2 levels inevitably rise and climate change worsens. From a health perspective, research clearly shows that a high dietary intake of red meat and processed meat increases the risk of obesity, cancer and heart disease.
You can reduce your impact on the planet, as well as improving your health, simply by consuming fewer meat products. Try giving up one meal a week, it all makes a difference!
5. Avoid products with palm oil
Palm oil is used extensively in the cosmetic and food industries and the global demand for it continues to rise with consumption exceeding 70 million metric tons annually. Palm oil has been, and continues to be, a major driver of deforestation of some of the world’s most biodiverse forests, causing mass destruction to the habitats of already endangered species, and contributing to climate change by releasing millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The haze from Indonesian forest fires, many deliberately set to clear land for oil palms, caused at least 12,000 premature deaths in 2015 alone. Human rights abuses, such as child labour and forced evictions, have been well documented. On the Indonesian island of Sumatra, palm oil companies have sometimes bulldozed entire indigenous villages, leaving their residents homeless and reliant on government handouts.
Orangutans in Borneo where rainforest has been cleared for palm oil plantations. ULET IFANSASTI/GETTY IMAGES
Ironically palm is the most efficient oil on the planet to produce. Only 25% of the land and water are required to produce 1L of palm oil, versus 1L of coconut oil. Sustainable palm production is the best way forward, but it is a complex challenge. It is currently impossible to separate sustainable from unsustainable palm and the existing standards don’t ban deforestation or the immensely problematic development of palm plantations. In 2019, The Times reported that major suppliers of “sustainable” palm oil to Britain’s biggest supermarkets and food brands were linked to devastating rainforest fires.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is working to unite those operating in the industry by developing criteria for companies who want to be considered as sustainable palm users with a certification to prove it. This is a process with a long way to go before it can be proven to be sustainable. Unfortunately, in the meantime, the industry is still destroying the lives of people, animals and the environment.
Many ingredients listed on product labels (see below) are palm oil in disguise. Become familiar with these ingredients and try to avoid buying products that contain them. If your favourite products do contain these ingredients check with the company producing them that the palm oil they use is RSPO certified. If not, then find another brand that has made the effort to ensure that it is.
Replace all your old home appliances with energy efficient ones, they will pay for themselves in the long run. Check the star rating and buy items with the highest star rating you can afford. Energy efficient appliances are better insulated and save energy, such as new water heaters, heat pumps, air conditioning, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.
7. Conserve energy
Conserving energy helps reduce your power bill as well as promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. Insulating your house, installing double glazing, replacing old or faulty appliances and fittings, switching to LED light bulbs, and installing solar panels are all great ways to help conserve energy. Small things like remembering to turn off lights and air-conditioning when you leave the room, unplugging your appliances while not in use, and closing windows when heat or air conditioning is on, make a big difference long-term in saving energy, reducing environmental footprints, and reducing power bills.
Other ideas to reduce your power bill and conserve energy include:
Keep lids on pots and pans when cooking.
On hot summer days draw curtains or blinds to shade and cool the room instead of turning on a fan or air-conditioning.
Dry clothes outside on a clothesline or rack instead of in a dryer.
Close curtains at dusk in winter to keep the warmth in.
Ventilate bathroom and kitchen fans to outside the house.
8. Conserve water
Although water covers 71% of the earth’s surface, less than 3.5% of water is fresh and salt-free with much of this being frozen in glaciers. This leaves only 1% of potential drinking water from streams, lakes, and underground reserves. Most of this ‘fresh’ water is inaccessible to people or has become too polluted for use without treatment. Very few NZ homes collect and store rainwater – more could do so.
Did you know that we only drink around 5% of the water we use? The other 95% goes down the drain from showers, taps, laundries and toilets, as well as use in gardens (BRANZ Auckland water use study, 2008).
There are many ways you can reduce your household water use and reduce pollution going into waterways:
Wash windows and car using a bucket and sponge, not a hose. Reduce stream pollution from detergents and debris, by washing your car on a lawn or gravel area, not on the road seal. Road drains are intended only for rain, not detergent, oils, paints, or other household waste.
Use half-flush button when flushing the toilet & ‘if its yellow, let it mellow’.
Wear your clothes until they are dirty, so you reduce your clothes washing.
Use cold water to wash your laundry instead of hot.
Turn off the tap when you clean your teeth.
Reduce your shower time to under 4 minutes.
Use a hand-held watering can to water garden beds instead of sprinklers, and let lawns stop growing in mid-summer – it is unnatural for grass to be bright green through the hottest months.
Use mulch on your garden to reduce the frequency of watering
9. Choose alternative transport modes
Carpooling, cycling, walking, and/or using public transport more often will reduce your transportation costs as well as reducing carbon emissions from your car. If we all took an alternative transport option every now and then instead of driving our cars, it would have a positive impact on the air quality of our cities.
10. Plant a tree
Planting more trees and plants has many environmental, economic, and social benefits. Trees improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, as well as giving us food and shade. Trees also combat greenhouse effects, reduce the pressure on heating and cooling therefore saving energy.
11. Support organisations dedicated to sustainability
Find non-profit organizations in your area that promote sustainability and join these groups. There are also many organizations promoting sustainability and environmental awareness on the internet. You can easily get involved and help these organizations promote sustainability. Joining and helping a few sustainable organizations can go a long way in making a big difference in our local communities, society, and environment.
12. Shop local
Support your local economy by buying from small local businesses rather than buying from large commercial stores. By buying locally you are helping hard working people like yourself to make a living and support their families, as well as casting a vote against a world practically choking on shipping emissions. If you buy online, make sure you support ethical, sustainable online stores.
13. Have your say
Use your voice, either directly through raising awareness and standing up for change or indirectly through making sure what you spend your money on really counts.
The most important thing you can do is to vote for those challenging the status quo, making positive environmental and social change; demand better from our leaders in power and vote with your dollar by supporting those that are making a difference.
Whatever, or however, you choose to embrace sustainable living, you are making a difference. Keep learning about it and talking about it. Keep thinking of ways that you and your family can tackle this global crisis and make a difference. Big changes start with small steps…Keep walking the path towards more sustainable living, you can do it! We must do it…
Our skin is the largest organ in our body and the way we look after it will determine the health and appearance of our skin now and in the future. The many nutrients and vitamins that are found in plant-based ingredients feed, nourish, and protect our skin cells keeping our skin looking its best. Everything we apply to our skin will find its way into our body one way or another whether it is absorbed, ingested, or inhaled. By choosing natural skin care products over those that use synthetic chemicals we can have confidence that the compounds we are applying to our body are safely absorbed, without unintended complications.
Nothing stays on our skins surface; everything is either absorbed into our body or washed off. Once absorbed it is either utilised by our cells, stored, or excreted. If washed off it will go down our sink or shower drain and make its way back into the environment. The compounds in natural skin care products can return to nature and be useful in some way again. Synthetic chemicals, on the other hand, can have devastating effects on the environment and can disrupt whole ecosystems.
A 2014 study by Garcia et al showed that the synthetic chemicals in pharmaceuticals and personal care products are a major environmental risk due to their toxicity in aquatic environments and wastewater treatment plants.
The number of emerging contaminants released into the environment from human activities is increasing daily and the real hazard of the continuous release of these huge amounts of chemicals into waters should not be underestimated according to a research study by Juliano & Magrini (2017).
They discuss how the effect on the environment from these toxic contaminants is largely unknown but if present in high levels they may accumulate in organisms and make their way back to the food chain or react with other pollutants to produce new unpredictable contaminants.
A report by Duke University (2017) discusses how the amount and diversity of pesticides, pharmaceuticals and other industrial chemicals that humans are constantly releasing into the environment are increasing at rates that match or exceed recent increases in CO2 emissions, nutrient pollution from nitrogen fertilizers, and other drivers of global change. Despite this, there is a severe lack of funding and research to assess the impacts and threats they pose to human and environmental health. The situation is considered unsustainable and of concern. Our lack of knowledge about how synthetic chemicals alter ecological processes is said to represent a critical blindspot in the rapidly developing field of global ecology
As consumers become more informed about the proven negative effects of synthetic chemicals on their health and the environment there is a growing desire to seek out natural alternatives. It is so important that consumers educate themselves and understand what is contained in the products that they use on their bodies so they can make informed health and environmental decisions on what to purchase.
