WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT GREEN BEAUTY?
More than ever before, consumers are becoming knowledgeable about what happens behind the scenes of products they are purchasing. This leads to more questioning with regards to the sustainability and environmental impact of each product they are spending their money on.
As the demand for sustainability becomes more prevalent, beauty product manufacturers and service providers are leaning towards producing “greener” products and services. With mounting scientific evidence in connection with toxic products used in traditional beauty products causing direct and indirect harm to our health, the green beauty market continues to thrive.
While people are now familiar with terms such as “green” and “environmentally friendly,” one question remains unanswered for many— why should they care about green beauty? Let’s find out!
What is Green Beauty?
Green beauty is a movement that encapsulates the consciousness of the beauty and wellness industry to source the purest and most sustainable ingredients possible. The campaign expands itself to not only sourcing but also to including sustainability into every step of the manufacturing process—from harvesting ingredients to shipping products. The movement aims to “green” the journey of products from their manufacturing all the way to the consumer’s shopping cart.
Green beauty is also an environmental standard that is committed to the earth and promotes the benefits of natural ingredients. The green beauty movement is not simply a one-time purchase of a more natural product, but a lifestyle built on making more ecologically conscious choices.
Why Should You Care About Green Beauty?
Consumers are the drivers of the market. Shoppers can take control of the process and ingredients that are put into the products by using their powers of conscious choice. Among many other benefits, environmental responsibility, long-term health, and increased effectiveness paired with reliable services are reasons consumers should focus on green beauty.
Environmental Responsibility
With the increasing threat of climate change, our environment is in desperate need of protection. Every purchasing choice you make in life contributes, in some way, to short-term and long-term impacts on the environment.
The beauty industry alone sends 877 lbs. of waste to landfills every single minute. This is a staggering—and frightening—number! To tackle the waste problem, eco-friendly beauty brands started to prioritize ethical and recyclable packaging. Many chemicals in conventional beauty products degrade water and the environment. These impacts can cause massive and permanent destruction to entire ecosystems, harming natural resources, wildlife, and the planet. Another step towards improving the sustainability of the beauty industry was the banning of microbeads in 2015 due to their environmental impact. Green Circle Salons is another pioneer in creating sustainable beauty.
Long-term Health
Studies have revealed that skin absorbs the ingredients applied to it. This presents very real threats to health as you are essentially exposing the largest organ of your body to potentially toxic ingredients. Lead, which used to be a common ingredient in skin lightening products, has turned out to be a neurotoxin. Exposure to formaldehyde can increase the risks of cancer as it is carcinogenic. Hair colors containing bleach can damage your hair and create health risks in the long term.
Green beauty products, however, are free from these toxins and harmful chemicals. By choosing natural ingredients in beauty products, you can stave off risky long-term side effects.
Increased Effectiveness
Natural ingredients are less likely to irritate your skin, therefore making them more effective. No one wants to treat one skin issue, only to wind up with another! Sustainable beauty products rely on simple formulations with organically healing components, making them work well even on the most sensitive skin.
Green beauty products are free from unnecessary fragrance ingredients and preservatives. If they are fragranced at all, it is through natural ingredients such as essential oils. Additionally, these products usually have a shorter shelf life which makes them less likely to be mass-produced, but rather to be produced in small batches.
Reliable Services
When a brand chooses to “go green,” it is signifying that it cares for both the environment and consumers. Whether you are getting a spa treatment or a haircut, you should aim to choose an establishment that makes conscious choices.
For example, if you choose a green salon, you will have peace of mind in knowing that you will not be adding waste to landfills. Also, you can rest assured that you will not be exposed to harsh chemicals during your appointment. This not only increases the value of the services but is the primary driver towards consumers wanting to put their money into sustainable services. A green salon chooses an environment-friendly process for every step of its operation, from processing waste to choosing cleaning products and hair dyes.
Beauty comes from increased wellness and health within you. It is created from the inside out. Why should personal beautification create pollution and health problems when you can simply choose healthier, greener options? Your simple choice of eco-friendly beauty options will help lead the beauty industry towards an even more environment-friendly, sustainable future.
Have you tried any “green” salon services? What do you do to ensure your product purchases help move your industry, or your life, towards greater sustainability?
