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Devi Krishna

The Mean Girls are Plastics, but so is your makeup kit.

Litter is found in all the world’s waterbodies, even in remote areas far from human activities. The continuous growth in the amount of solid waste thrown away and the very slow degradation rate of most litter items result in the accumulation of marine litter at sea, on the sea floor and in coastal areas. And this does not sound good for the future.


Marine Waste is a serious global issue with the lives more than 1 million aquatic organisms at stake- including the ones on which the world existence depends upon. But hold up, how do my shampoos and lipsticks come into this story? You will be surprised.





Cosmetic ingredients are contributing to marine microplastic litter.


A statement from a new study, “Eco Personal Care Products, Microplastics in Cosmetics” says, “50 per cent of the face-wash products and 67 per cent of the facial scrubs are found to contain micro-plastics. Predominating micro -plastics detected in the product samples is polyethylene.”


Indian cosmetics, when tested for Plastic particles in personal care and cosmetic product (PCCP) include a significant amount of microplastic beads, which are non-biodegradable, tiny plastic particles posing a serious threat to the aquatic environment. These micro-beads absorb and concentrate pesticides and poly-cyclic hydrocarbons, causing a huge depletion of freshwater fishes like the perches. And the worst part is, it is really tough for the water treatment plants to remove these particles.


Microplastics in cosmetics were being banned in many countries. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) had also classified micro-beads as “unsafe” for use in cosmetic products but their use is still allowed. Seeing the ever-increasing beauty boom with population, its effect on environmental future is something worth thinking about.


So, the next time you use face-wash or scrubs excessively – think twice, you may be contributing to the dwindling fish population.


Plastic in Deodorants


It is summer- the flowers are blooming, the days are longer, and well... body odor gets a little stronger. Deodorants are essential, and yes, natural products do exist, and even if they work great, their plastic packaging worries us.

Plastic packaging containing the deodorant leach plastic-derived chemicals over time -- such as phthalates, other hormone disruptors, and/or a multitude of undisclosed synthetic additives. Your armpit is an area of extensive dermal absorption -- basically it is an area of the body where absorption through the skin occurs readily. Your skin is your largest organ and what you put on your skin eventually goes in your body.


But luckily, there have been developments.


Natural skincare companies like Meow Meow Tweet and The Primal Paste deodorants are free of chemicals, vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged in zero-waste packaging.


These small companies sell their cream deodorants in fully recyclable glass jars with metal lids (which you apply with your fingers), and its stick deodorants in cardboard tubes, which can be composted once you finish the deodorant (and make for a more traditional application).

Similarly, lipsticks, blush, concealers, foundation, mascara and eyeliner are made from plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, and terephthalate- commonly found in glitter. These microplastics are linked to various diseases like cancer and asthma.


Plastic Packaging


The main reason why the glamour industry causes such a havoc is the HUGE number of plastic containers that come with it. That shampoo? In the plastic bottle. The lotion? Plastic bottle. Lipstick holder? Plastic. The used bottle of cosmetic when thrown away takes a long time to decay, degrading the soil and filling the earth with toxic.


What can we do to reduce it?


Back to the past.

In the not-too-distant past, personal care items did not involve plastic packaging. Soaps came in bar form. Perfumes, a symbol of luxury, were packaged in elaborate glass containers. Hair-care products were powders or pomades packaged in tins or jars. It is time we use them again.


Look for the use of woods such as bamboo or other materials like cardboard.


Some of the larger personal care companies, like Unilever and L’Oréal, have signed on to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy” goals. L’Oréal is aiming to make 100 percent of their packaging reusable, refillable, or compostable by 2025, and to source 50 percent of that packaging from recycled material.


Staying aware.

The next time you go shopping, refrain from buying the products encased plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene and try to purchase from more ecofriendly options.


Some brands use a much more sustainable form called PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic, which eliminates the need to create new plastic, hugely minimizing its environmental damage.

The carbon footprint of manufacturing a 100% PCR Polyethylene terephthalate water bottle is 60% lower than virgin PET, even with all the energy expended on collecting, recycling, and re-manufacturing the plastic. You can recycle your PCR plastic bottle knowing it will be made into another, or better yet, refill and reuse it.

It is obvious that the modern world can never be completely plastic free again. But if each of us can make that little effort to be conscious of the amount of plastic being left in the environment and take measures to our capabilities, we can save an impending, almost inevitable future crisis.

Every effort counts.




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