The Environmental Impact of Cosmetics
We are all beginning to be more informed in recent years about the impact that cosmetics have on our personal health. Generally, we are less informed about the impact that cosmetics have on our environment. We know that up to 60% of the cosmetics that we apply on ourselves are absorbed into our bloodstream. Where does the other 40% end up? What other environmental impacts does the manufacture or disposal of cosmetics have on the environment?
Cosmetics impact the environment in several ways. This can happen in the course of production, in their use, and in the disposal of both the cosmetics and their packaging.
Cosmetics can affect the environment in their production. This can occur through the destruction and disruption of the environment during the mining and the acquiring of ingredients used to make cosmetics. It also occurs by the selection of certain ingredients. Many lipstick and lip gloss cosmetics are petroleum-based products. Petroleum is a non-renewable resource and its use depletes the environment of this finite supply.
Cosmetics also affect the environment in their use. Aerosol deodorant sprays hit not only their intended target when applied, but also into the air we all have to breathe. Fragrances and perfumes off gas into this same air. This has become such an issue that many workplaces have enacted “fragrance free” policies because of the effects this has on us all. Make up and face powder that falls to the bathroom sink and counters every morning during application is rinsed down the drain and right into our ecosystem.
Cosmetics also affect the environment during their disposal. Remember the 40% figure? The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than three million tons of personal care chemicals are dumped into waterways each year and are adversely impacting our ecosystems. As we shower and bathe, these chemicals are washed right down the drain and into our waterways. This impacts our water supply. It also impacts our food supply as we rely on this same water to fish from and to water our vegetables and crops. These chemicals, many of which are dangerous, become recycled into our water and food supply through this process. The packaging from these products can also impact the environment in their disposal as they end up in dumps and landfills, along with their chemical residue that will continue to leach into the environment.
What can you do as we rely on these products every day to make us feel better? Fortunately, there are alternatives that are safer and have much less of an environmental impact. Look at the “What to Avoid” tab to find the more dangerous ingredients that you really want to consider staying away from. Try to avoid aerosol products and try a “less is more” approach in your application. Avoid products made from non-renewable resources and also look at the “Alternatives” tab to find both DIY and healthier options. Lastly, look for “green” and recyclable packaging when possible.
Cosmetics impact the environment in several ways. This can happen in the course of production, in their use, and in the disposal of both the cosmetics and their packaging.
Cosmetics can affect the environment in their production. This can occur through the destruction and disruption of the environment during the mining and the acquiring of ingredients used to make cosmetics. It also occurs by the selection of certain ingredients. Many lipstick and lip gloss cosmetics are petroleum-based products. Petroleum is a non-renewable resource and its use depletes the environment of this finite supply.
Cosmetics also affect the environment in their use. Aerosol deodorant sprays hit not only their intended target when applied, but also into the air we all have to breathe. Fragrances and perfumes off gas into this same air. This has become such an issue that many workplaces have enacted “fragrance free” policies because of the effects this has on us all. Make up and face powder that falls to the bathroom sink and counters every morning during application is rinsed down the drain and right into our ecosystem.
Cosmetics also affect the environment during their disposal. Remember the 40% figure? The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than three million tons of personal care chemicals are dumped into waterways each year and are adversely impacting our ecosystems. As we shower and bathe, these chemicals are washed right down the drain and into our waterways. This impacts our water supply. It also impacts our food supply as we rely on this same water to fish from and to water our vegetables and crops. These chemicals, many of which are dangerous, become recycled into our water and food supply through this process. The packaging from these products can also impact the environment in their disposal as they end up in dumps and landfills, along with their chemical residue that will continue to leach into the environment.
What can you do as we rely on these products every day to make us feel better? Fortunately, there are alternatives that are safer and have much less of an environmental impact. Look at the “What to Avoid” tab to find the more dangerous ingredients that you really want to consider staying away from. Try to avoid aerosol products and try a “less is more” approach in your application. Avoid products made from non-renewable resources and also look at the “Alternatives” tab to find both DIY and healthier options. Lastly, look for “green” and recyclable packaging when possible.