Is it me or does it appear that every day brings a new beauty product to the market?

While it's encouraging to see the rise of more natural, clean products, a notable drawback is that many of these items still come packaged in single-use plastic containers.

According to stats, a staggering 95% of cosmetic packaging is discarded after its initial use. What's even more distressing is that a significant portion of this packaging finds its way into landfills or, worse, pollutes our oceans. 

In the midst of this environmental crisis, a growing number of individuals are drawn to brands that align with their values, actively working to reduce their impact on the planet. It's heartening to observe some companies in the beauty industry entering a phase of necessary transformation, moving away from its reliance on plastic packaging.

Following are just a few ways beauty brands can actively reduce single use plastic packaging:

1. Explore Packaging Alternatives: Via the use of innovative packaging materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable, steering away from traditional plastic.

2. Embrace a Refillable Product: Shift towards a refillable product model, encouraging consumers to reuse their existing containers and significantly cutting down on single-use plastic.

3. Stop Using Packaging Altogether: Challenge the norm by exploring products that don't rely on excessive packaging, fostering a culture of minimalist consumption.

4. Create a Sustainable Supply Chain: Examine and revamp your supply chain to ensure that every step aligns with sustainable and ethical practices, from sourcing to production.

5. Eliminate Excess Packaging: Cut down on unnecessary packaging, prioritising a more streamlined and environmentally conscious approach.

The environmental impact of the beauty industry is no longer a sideline issue but a hot topic demanding attention. Experts predict that by 2050, there could be more plastic in our oceans than fish. The steps taken by the cosmetic industry today can play a pivotal role in preventing this future.

Transformations aimed at preserving the environment are not only needed but also need the support of consumers. While choosing a skincare product free from harmful ingredients is pivotal, the container it comes in carries equal weight. Opting for a clean product loses some of its shine if it comes in a single-use plastic tube. It's also crucial to recognise that, even if a brand offers recycled plastic containers, most plastics can only undergo recycling 1-3 times, emphasising the need for a more sustainable approach. 

Finally, none of us are flawless, but fostering increased awareness of the purchases we make is crucial in contributing to the healing of the Earth.