Celebrating World Ocean Day
On this World Ocean Day, we come together to celebrate the beauty and importance of our oceans. However, it is also a time to reflect on the challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the proliferation of microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, often less than five millimeters in size, have become a significant environmental concern. At our company, we are committed to minimizing the damage caused by microplastics in our products, and we aim to educate the public about their impact.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are small plastic fragments that originate from larger plastic debris that degrades into smaller pieces over time. They can also come from microbeads in personal care products, synthetic fibers from clothing, and other sources. Due to their size, microplastics are easily ingested by marine life, causing a cascade of ecological issues.
The Impact of Microplastics on the Oceans
-
Marine Life: Microplastics are often mistaken for food by marine organisms. Once ingested, they can cause physical harm, obstruct digestive tracts, and lead to malnutrition. The chemicals associated with plastics can also leach into the tissues of marine animals, affecting their health and reproductive capabilities.
-
Human Health: As microplastics enter the food chain, they pose a potential risk to human health. Seafood contaminated with microplastics can introduce harmful substances into our bodies, though the full extent of this impact is still being studied.
-
Ecosystem Disruption: Microplastics can alter habitats and the behavior of marine species. This disruption can lead to changes in biodiversity and the functioning of marine ecosystems, impacting services such as fisheries and tourism.
Our Commitment to Reducing Microplastics
Biodegradable organic products
One simple step we can all take to keep polluting chemicals out of our waterways is looking for the Soil Association (SA) or COSMOS organic logos – something you’ll find on all of our organic products.
The SA is a charity set up to help protect our planet, all its inhabitants and ecosystems, including the oceans. So when you see the logo, you’ll know a product is made using biodegradable ingredients and is free from harmful chemicals.
Packaging, recycling and refills
We are aiming for all our plastic bottles to be made using 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic by 2025.
We’re well on our way to meeting our PCR plastic target, having switched to 100% PCR plastic for our most common blue plastic bottle in 2009. Currently all our blue plastic shower, hair and skincare bottles up to 300ml are made from 100% recycled material and are widely recyclable curbside.
Banning plastic microbeads
We have never used microbeads, only use natural exfoliating ingredients such as rosehip seeds for our scrubs and polishes. We successfully lobbied the UK government, alongside Fauna & Flora International to #BanTheBead in 2018, and we are now looking to expand the ban worldwide and have already contributed to an EU consultation on banning microplastics.
Water recycling
Freshwater is a limited resource, so we take active steps to limit our usage. We have a water recycling system at our eco-factory which recycles up to one million litres of water every year.
Greywater from manufacture and rainwater goes towards non-sanitary uses such as flushing toilets. This accounts for around 20% of our water use and we intend to remain at 20%, even as our production grows.
We also fund freshwater availability projects, such as rainwater collection tanks for our suppliers of tea tree oil in Kenya.
How You Can Help
Everyone has a role to play in combating microplastic pollution. Here are some actions you can take:
- Reduce Plastic Use: Opt for products with minimal plastic packaging and use reusable items whenever possible.
- Support Legislation: Advocate for laws and regulations that limit plastic production and promote recycling.
- Participate in Cleanups: Join local beach and river cleanups to help remove plastic waste from the environment.
- Educate Others: Spread awareness about the impact of microplastics and encourage others to make sustainable choices.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s act now to preserve the beauty and vitality of our oceans for generations to come.
We all need to do our bit to look after our oceans, and today we’re reflecting on our own sustainability initiatives and goals, as well as taking a closer look at one of our favourite aquatic ingredients.
Our seaweed story
Seaweed is full of minerals that cleanse and revitalise skin – that’s why it’s one of our favourite ingredients and we love using it in our Seaweed & Arnica collection.
To make these products, we use nothing but the finest, air-dried organic Bladderwrack seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus) from the British Isles and Nordic region, including wild harvesting operations in Norway, Iceland, Ireland and Scotland.
The organic wild Bladderwrack that we love so much is carefully selected, then hand cut and dried within hours at ambient temperature with no fossil fuels.
In addition to being organic, it’s also non-allergenic, raw, vegan, and kosher for passover certified, as well as being naturally alkalising and antibacterial.
