Clean Beauty has become a trending and important movement in the fashion and beauty industry, but what is Blue Beauty and how is it different to Clean Beauty? Blue Beauty is a subsection of clean beauty that focuses on our oceans and the relationship between the beauty industry, plastic waste and the health of our rivers, bays and oceans.
Did you know that 98 million tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans each year? Experts anticipate that by 2050 plastic will outweigh fish in the ocean! The beauty industry is a contributor to these statistics.
“Each year, the beauty industry makes over 100 billion cosmetic packages (compacts, jars, bottles, etc.) and about 22 billion single-use sachets too,” says Mia Davis, VP of sustainability and impact at Credo Beauty.
These statistics are scary but what are we doing about it and how can you make a difference?
Use products with packaging made from recycled plastics like ocean-waste
Blue Beauty brands use plastics that would otherwise be thrown away and recycle them in the packaging. Much of these plastics are collected during ocean cleanups that occur around the world to reduce the amount of rubbish in the ocean.
Kinship Supermello Moisturiser – 50% ocean-waste plastic and 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic
Use low-waste beauty products
More beauty brands are taking active steps to minimise their footprint. Some of the ways they are making change is by sourcing environmentally friendly ingredients as well as utilising low or zero-waste production methods.
Biossance Mineral Sunscreen – contains non-toxic and reef-safe ingredients
Ditch single-use products
So many beauty products we use are single-use and this needs to change. From sheet masks, to swabs to product samples and other similar one time products, there is no other option but to throw these into the trash. This habit is the biggest contributor to plastics in our ocean. Ditch single-use products and opt for reusable items instead.
Azur Lemon Cream Moisturiser – natural, refillable skincare products that are Australian made with no single use plastics
Use products from brands that give back
Many Blue Beauty brands are partnering with companies and not-for-profits that are dedicated to preserving waterways and marine life. These partnerships can help to actively support the protection of our oceans and marine life. They can also bring some much needed awareness to these environmental issues and the organisations that are working hard to make a difference.
One Ocean Beauty – Partners with Oceana, the largest global, science-based, organisation. They work with governments and business to change policies and protect our oceans
Recycle your beauty packaging
Instead of throwing away your beauty packaging, why not recycle them! Mara is a sustainable beauty brand that offers a free mail-back recycling service for its packaging. This ensures that beauty packagings will have a second or even third life, instead of ending up in our ocean.
Mara Vitamin C Serum – offer a free mail-back service to recycle your Mara packaging
Blue Beauty has become a vital way to understand and reduce our impact on the ocean and to help preserve our beautiful waters. Change up your beauty routine and join the Blue Beauty movement today!
