Photo by Justin Hofman/Wildlife Photographer of the Year, 2017
This viral image of a tiny seahorse clinging to a pink cotton bud has become a confronting symbol of the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life.
The stark contrast between the delicate seahorse and the harsh plastic object evokes a powerful emotional response, highlighting the fragility of our oceans and the urgent need to tackle pollution and move towards a plastic free future.
Unpacking Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July is a global initiative encouraging people to reduce their single-use plastic consumption. This movement has grown significantly, inspiring millions to make sustainable choices in various aspects of their lives, including beauty routines.
The beauty industry is a major contributor to the plastic problem. From packaging to product ingredients, it's a sector with a substantial environmental footprint. Plastic Free July shines a light on this issue, educating people about the benefits of plastic free products and encouraging consumers to seek out eco-friendly alternatives.
In a world overflowing with plastic waste, it's time to take a stand and embrace a lifestyle that is plastic free. Let's delve into the reasons why we should all jump on board and make a commitment to plastic free living for the sake of our planet and future generations.
Protecting Our Environment: Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to our environment. From single-use plastics clogging our oceans to microplastics infiltrating our ecosystems, the impact is far-reaching. By embracing plastic free living, we can reduce the demand for plastic production, minimise waste, and protect our precious natural resources.
Preserving Wildlife and Marine Life: Plastic waste has devastating consequences for wildlife and marine ecosystems. Animals often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement. By choosing plastic free alternatives, we can safeguard the well-being of marine life and protect biodiversity for generations to come.
Mitigating Climate Change: The production and disposal of plastic contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbate climate change. By reducing our reliance on plastic, we can decrease carbon emissions, conserve energy, and promote a more sustainable future. Plastic free living is a tangible way to combat climate change and work towards a greener planet.
Promoting Health and Well-being: Plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into our food, water, and personal care products. By embracing plastic-free living, we prioritize our health and well-being by reducing exposure to these potentially toxic substances. Choosing natural and sustainable alternatives can lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Inspiring Sustainable Innovation: Embracing plastic-free living encourages and supports the development of innovative, sustainable solutions. From biodegradable materials to refillable packaging, the shift away from plastic opens doors to creative and environmentally-friendly alternatives. By driving demand for these innovations, we can foster a culture of sustainability and inspire positive change.
Creating a Circular Economy: Plastic-free living promotes the concept of a circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible. By opting for reusable, recyclable, and compostable materials, we contribute to a system that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. This shift towards circularity is essential for a sustainable and regenerative future.
In a world drowning in plastic, embracing a plastic free lifestyle is a powerful choice. By protecting our environment, preserving wildlife, mitigating climate change, promoting health, inspiring innovation, and creating a circular economy, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Let's take the leap towards plastic free living and be the change our planet needs!
Join our Plastic Free Beauty Movement
Let's face it, we all love a good pamper session. But who knew our favourite products could be such villains for the planet? Luckily, the beauty industry is starting to wake up and smell the roses (and its rosy plastic free future)!
Our plastic free beauty tips:
Refill, don't replace: Imagine your favourite cleanser bottle becoming a forever friend! Raven Botanicals' 24 Carat Cleanser comes in a luxurious ultraviolet glass bottle with pump dispenser to give your bathroom some seriously fancy feels! When you need a refill you can purchase plastic free top ups in infinitely recyclable aluminium bottles that come in two sizes. Halo inducing!
Glass acts: Swap those plastic bottles for sleek glass ones. Glass can be recycled and doesn't release micro particles into the world, making it a much greener choice (especially when you keep your bottle and refill it). Our fabulous facial oils and serums all come dressed in beautiful glass wear. Choose an aluminium screw top and simply reuse your existing dropper or pump to cut down on pesky plastics.
Paper power: Cardboard and paper packaging can be a great alternative to plastic. We are in the process of levelling up our packaging with lovely new recyclable boxes with space for transparent recycling instructions and sustainability credentials to help customers make informed buying choices - watch this space for updates!
Less is more: We are avid exponents of simple routines. Fewer products in circulation at any given time means less waste overall! Buy less and buy well is our motto.
Get creative with materials: There are some amazing plastic free materials out there like bamboo, coconut shells, and even seaweed that can be used for packaging. We protect your products in transit with biodegradable plant-based packing peanuts which dissolve on contact with water and don't pollute our precious waterways.
Don't forget to accessorise: We supply all our products, from oils to masks, in widely recyclable plastic free materials like glass and aluminium. We are now dishing out the fuzzy feels by providing reusable pumps and droppers to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. Our Konjac sponges can't get any more angelic, being plant-based and fully compostable!
By collectively making a few small changes to embrace plastic free living, the beauty industry can help us look good and feel good about reducing our impact on the planet. It's a win-win!
SUMMARY
The skincare industry has a vital role to play in reducing plastic waste and creating a sustainable future. By embracing plastic free alternatives, incorporating innovative packaging solutions, and raising consumer awareness, small brands like ours can contribute to a cleaner and greener planet!
We believe it's time for the skincare sector to lead the way towards a plastic free future, where beauty and sustainability can coexist.
Remember, a small change in our skincare routines can make a significant impact on our environment. Nobody's perfect but we can all make small improvements that come together to make a tangible difference to our precious natural environment.
Let's all make conscious choices for a plastic free future in skincare!
Choose refills where possible
Reuse your pump and pipette droppers
Opt for widely recyclable, plastic free containers
How can I reduce plastic waste from my skincare routine?
Use facial cleansers, moisturisers and serums that come in glass or metal containers.
Look for skincare products with minimal packaging or opt for refillable options.
Use reusable cotton or bamboo facial pads for applying toners or removing makeup.
Consider making your own DIY skincare products using natural ingredients.
Support brands that offer plastic-free alternatives, such as solid face cleansers or moisturizing bars.
Are there plastic-free alternatives for all of my everyday personal care products?
Yes, there are plastic-free alternatives for many everyday products! Here are a few examples:
Use a plastic free bamboo toothbrush with compostable bristles instead of a plastic toothbrush.
Switch to a safety razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable plastic razors.
Try using a menstrual cup or plastic free cloth pads instead of disposable sanitary products.
Use organic cotton swabs with biodegradable handles instead of plastic ones.
Can I recycle beauty product packaging?
It's essential to check your local recycling guidelines to determine whether your beauty product packaging can be recycled.
In some areas, certain types of packaging, such as clean plastic bottles, glass containers, or metal tins, can be recycled. However, many beauty product packages, like pumps, sprayers, and mixed-material packaging, may not be recyclable.
Whenever possible, choose products with recyclable packaging and opt for plastic free refills.
Raven Botanicals is an intelligent skincare brand for ethical consumers. From their rural apothecary, sisters Arabella and Charlotte create a unique range of cleansers, serums, oils, masks and balms to care for and nourish the skin - at every stage in life.