As per mentioned in my previous blog post, many cosmetic companies are cashing in on using the word "natural" in their cosmetic advertising, which is a form of greenwashing. However despite companies using the word " natural" these products are often loaded with many other chemical and toxic ingredients. Since there has been an increased demand for "natural" products, mining and farming for these so called natural products are not done sustainably. Due to high demand for products, more pesticides are being used, as well at oil products for the mining, thus not truly natural.
Another key pollutant to the environment is the packaging of cosmetics. Pretty much all Shampoos, conditioners, mascara, lipstick and eyeshadow etc come in plastic bottles or tubes. Oftentimes these products are made out of plastic. These do not biodegrade. Many of these containers are not recycled but are thrown into landfills. These plastics could take hundreds of years to breakdown. Yuck! Many of these plastics also end up in our ocean. A British study found that over half of British people didn't recycle bathroom products. According to this study, it is estimated that we will have more plastic in our oceans than fish. This will occur by 2050.
Cosmetics are often made from chemicals. These also do not break down and can accumulate in our ecosystem. When you wash your face, and or hair, these chemicals flow down your drain and are not fully treated in waste water systems. Some of the Chemicals that flow down our drains are:
P-Phenylenediamine - which coal - tar derived. It is found in dark hair colouring and lipsticks. This chemical can greatly effect aquatic environments. It can decrease plankton population.
In many cosmetics there are preservatives. The cosmetic industry will use BHA and BHT which has been linked to genetic mutilation in many amphibian species as well as carcinogenic to rats.
Dioxane is also found in numerous cosmetics and has been proven to alter fish behaviour and increases fish mortality.
These chemicals above have also been found in soil which can end up changing the reproductive system, genetics and developmental changes in many livestock animals.
An increase in toxins and plastic in our waters have a detrimental effect on our aquatic ecosystems.
Cosmetic chemicals are dangerous to all life on Earth as all of Earth is dependent on the water cycle. Water vaporizes into the atmosphere and then returns to the Earth as rain. Cosmetic related chemicals have been found in rivers, streams, oceans, household water supply.
There are many steps that consumers can take to help with our water systems on Earth. Consumer's money buys power. Consumer demand has led to certain companies taking out certain chemicals from their products. Most cosmetic packaging will label their ingredients. It is up to consumers to educate themselves on what they are putting on their face.
After reading and writing this, I think next time I go to buy makeup or shampoo at the store I will think twice. I will review the ingredients and also look into the type of packaging.
References:
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/our-work/activities/new-plastics-economy/2017-report