Worried about biodiversity and the beauty industry? Terre Verdi is too! That’s why today we are focusing on skincare, biodiversity, and how products can make a difference…
What Is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the number of plants and animals found in an area, and it is essential for both the fight against climate change and the improvement of agriculture. When there is a high volume of different types of flora, fauna, and microorganisms, there is more stability and variability in the ecosystem which helps nature achieve a sense of balance. Biodiversity is responsible for supporting everything life needs to survive, from food and water to medicine and shelter. Everything is connected, so if one element is threatened, the whole cycle is upset.
How Can Skincare Impact Biodiversity?
Scientists agree that there are a variety of factors that lead to a decrease in biodiversity, including destruction of habitats, overuse of natural resources, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. Unfortunately, the beauty industry is a big contributor to many of these issues and so is responsible for the loss of many plants and animals.
With an estimated 120 billion units of packaging produced globally and countless tonnes of ingredients used each year, the industry definitely generates a lot of waste and drives demand for particular plants and minerals. Now that natural products are becoming even more popular, this is particularly relevant. For example, essential oils like sandalwood have led to the tree's exploitation and substantial deforestation. Other ingredients have posed similar issues, with one of the most infamous being palm oil. The demand for this all-purpose product led to the destruction of huge areas of land for farming, increased use of heavy duty pesticides, and a reliance on monocultures (the planting of a single crop), all of which decrease biodiversity.
That's why it's so important for brands to step up and be part of the change for good. Skincare and other beauty products have an impact on biodiversity, so it's important to formulate responsibly.
Beauty and Biodiversity: What Should I Look For?
When shopping for other items there are a few things you can keep in mind if you want to be sure to select treatments that have biodiversity in mind.
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Eco friendly packaging: Choose products that are fully recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable
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Ethically sourced ingredients: Ask questions to check that your ingredients are not only cruelty free, but they are not involved in deforestation, widespread monoculture farming, or exploitation. Look for certifications as well as alternatives to questionable ingredients, and avoid formulations that are not biodegradable
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Organic certification: Buying organic ensures your products have gone through rigorous checks and refrain from using ingredients that have been grown with harsh pesticides
- Giving back: Does the business you support give back to the world by planting trees, protecting local flora and fauna, or embracing the lifestyle they promote? See what commitments or charitable contributions they have made before buying
Terre Verdi is very upfront about our impact on the planet and we take every step to ensure our products are eco friendly. Not only are we vegan friendly and Leaping Bunny approved, but most of our creations are also certified organic. Terre Verdi also makes sure the packaging used for our natural skincare is fully recyclable. We have been recognised for our efforts in sustainability with a Blue Patch Award, and we are continuing to make efforts to support biodiversity by choosing botanicals from trusted sources and formulating responsibly.