The skincare industry has been rife with overt and opaque practices that harm the environment with pollutants for quite some time. Glittering, attractive packaging, hiding microbeads, micro plastics, and toxic ingredients stock store shelves, blissfully purchased by eager consumers. Companies' energy use is also contributes to environmental harm by way of fossil fuels. In honor of this Earth Day, we are refocusing the lens on consumer and brand priorities for health on all levels.

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is an event dedicated to environmental protection and awareness. It originated in the US in 1970, sparked by growing concern over pollution and environmental degradation. The idea for Earth Day was conceived by Senator Gaylord Nelson, who wanted to channel the energy of the student anti-war movement towards environmental issues. On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment.

Since then, Earth Day has evolved into a global event, with over 190 countries participating each year. Its significance lies in its ability to mobilize people worldwide to take action on environmental issues, such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, and species extinction. Earth Day serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and encourages individuals, communities, and governments to commit to sustainable practices and policies for the well-being of the planet and future generations.

Shining a light on current harmful practices:

🐠 Plastic waste

About 14 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year. By far, the biggest impact on the environment is that of plastic packaging. Microplastics are found in the majority of beauty products caused by plastic degradation. Most plastic containers are made from combinations of plastic that are not recyclable.  Microbeads were banned in the US in 2015 and in the UK in 2018 but companies find their way around the holes of the legislation.

🐠 Wildlife impact

Waste coming from packaging and ingredients pollute rivers and oceans, disrupting marine life. Over half of the earth’s oxygen comes from our ocean, produced by plankton.  Phytoplankton absorb about half of the world’s carbon levels. Plastics disrupt phytoplankton and plankton growth reducing their essential roles in marine life and beyond.

🐠 Water waste

The beauty industry accounts for one of the largest contributors to ocean pollution and water waste affecting marine life and even leaching into drinking water.

🐠 Climate change impact

Carbon emissions from the cycle of production and delivery of beauty products amounts to a chasm of a carbon footprint. Companies use fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution.  Greenhouse gasses trap heat in the atmosphere and are naturally occurring. However, the emissions from industries and human activity unnaturally increase levels and have been shown to affect global temperature, extreme weather, and ecosystem disturbance.

🐠 Animal testing

The majority of beauty companies still test on animals and find loopholes in laws aimed at prohibition.

More and more, we are seeing brands rising to the occasion, to address these areas of concern. Consumer choices are improving with education to nurture brands that are striving toward sustainability.  As the skincare and beauty markets expand, competition for market share increases, and brands cut corners to meet the pressure to thrive.  This also means that environmental pollution is still increasing despite growing awareness.

On a personal level, as well as community, brand, and industry levels, we have our work cut out for us as we strive to model more sustainable behavior. We put in the time to research products and brands that are eco-friendly, solar-powered and use clean, and natural ingredients. This Earth Day and all the others, we’re reaffirming the power of educated choice and putting our purses toward betterment, creating safely, with intention, with an eased conscience, toes in the grass. 

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At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

Team Ellovi 🌺