It was in 1972, 50 years ago, that June 5 was established as World Environment Day by the United Nations Conference. And the question is, have we learned anything since then?
Why is Environment Day celebrated?
This day is celebrated as a means to raise awareness among the population about phenomena such as climate change, deforestation, or pollution. Being aware of the importance of switching to a more sustainable life and protecting the environment.
This day was chosen by the United Nations Conference in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment and since then, it has become a moment of reflection and awareness about the negative impact that human action can cause on the ecosystem.
At All Yours, we believe that information is power and a brief review of the practices and actions we can take to make the world we live in a better place is the best cure.
The triple planetary crisis
We are on the way to what is known as a “triple planetary crisis”. Don't worry, for now, it's not as alarming as it sounds, although it can indeed be a crucial moment to raise awareness about the environmental impact that some of our actions generate on the health of the environment we live in.
It's time to come together to avoid a climate catastrophe. We still have time to return the favor to nature.
Could you live without clean water, without pure air, at extreme temperatures?
Climate change
Let's start at the beginning, for those who are not yet familiar with these terms. Climate change refers to long-term temperature changes. And what do we humans do to exacerbate these climate patterns? Mainly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas.
How does this change occur? The burning of fossil fuels generates emissions of the so-called ‘greenhouse gases’ that act like a film enveloping the earth and trapping heat, raising temperatures.
Some consequences of climate change are water scarcity, wildfires, rising sea levels, flooding, polar ice melting, among others.
Loss of biodiversity
Biodiversity is the term used to designate the wide variety of living beings that inhabit planet Earth.
Why is it important to protect it? Each of the species that are part of this biodiversity plays a major role in natural development and balance. More clearly, it is through it that we can live.
In mid-2019, the United Nations (UN) presented a report on biodiversity warning that one million species, out of a total of eight million, are at risk of extinction.
Pollution and Waste
Pollution and resource consumption are some of the main causes of environmental problems. Huge amounts of waste are generated, and the main problem is the inefficient management of it.
What environmental impact does poor waste management generate?
- Air pollution: due to its slow decomposition, it generates bad odors and emits polluting gases.
- Water pollution: accumulation of garbage in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- Soil alteration: the accumulation of waste reduces fertility, aeration capacity, water retention, and porosity.
- Ecosystem degradation: habitats and species are affected by the accumulation of waste.
Sustainable Living
These are decisions we make in our daily lives to generate less impact. Starting with small actions.
Why should we contribute to the preservation of the environment? For us, it's simple, we live on this planet, Earth, if there wasn't one, we wouldn't have a home, its resources are limited, and it is our responsibility to safeguard them.
In cosmetics, many ingredients are used that have been classified as pollutants or toxic to the environment.
In All Yours, before choosing a brand, it goes through a process of ingredient selection, collected in our The Safe List. In this way, we ensure that everything we offer our customers is safe for our bodies and for the planet.
For us, the concept "clean beauty" goes beyond being transparent when talking about formulations or ingredients. We care about brands that put all their efforts into leaving a mark on the planet, whether by reducing their waste, using more sustainable production practices, or using eco-friendly packaging.
Polluting Cosmetic Ingredients
Whenever possible, do a brief review of the ingredients contained in the cosmetic products you are going to purchase, and avoid those that put your health and the environment at risk. Some of the most recognizable are:
Antioxidants BHT/BHA (H4)
These substances are responsible for preventing the degradation of the formula, they are present in perfumes, moisturizers, lipsticks.
There are several studies that link them to irritations, allergies, and as endocrine disruptors at high doses, also being possible causes of cancer. Additionally, BHT and BHA are concerning due to their high bioaccumulation in marine environments and consequent toxicity.
Petrolatum and Mineral Oils (H4)
Cosmetics use many petroleum derivatives to economize the formulas and for their sensory profiles like paraffin, crystalline wax, petrolatum, and mineral oils. All of these serve to create a layer on the skin or hair but do not provide hydration or emollience and over time accumulate and generate grease in the hair.
Parabens
Used as preservatives in formulations. One of the reasons for their controversy is the possible impact of the compound on marine animals, in addition to its relation to cancer and as potential endocrine disruptors.
PEG and its derivatives
PEG stands for polyethylene glycol, synthetic derivatives of petroleum. The manufacturing process can produce PEGs with contaminants like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane (harmful to health). Additionally, the process is very un-ecological, as is the ingredient itself being toxic to the environment, as it is difficult to degrade.
Organic filters
Organic filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone, cinnamate, among others, are absorbed by the skin to perform their function and many of them have been debated over the years, both for health and environmental reasons. They are present in Sunscreens chemicals.
Microplastics
They are small plastic particles included in some cosmetics like Exfoliants, shower gels, or toothpastes. This is due to their low price, being inert, and the ease of choosing the shape, size, and other properties. But the main problem is when you rinse the product and all those plastics go down the drain. Little by little they accumulate and as they are not biodegradable, they pollute the environment.
If you want to know all the ingredients, take a look at our Safe List.
5 simple practices to help the environment
1. A bit of movement for the Body
Move around by walking or biking. Yes, we know it's not always easy, but if you live in a city and your work is nearby, it's an action to consider. Starting with small changes is a great help.
2. Consume responsibly
Think before buying a product, do I really need it?, will I use it for a long period of time?, will I be able to reuse it?
3. Choose packaging wisely
Before buying a product, pay attention to what type of packaging it has been manufactured with. Choosing biodegradable packaging or glass packaging, can result in a great change for the environment and waste generation. And all thanks to your decision, you are incredible!
4. Reduce electricity consumption
Remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room, unplug chargers that you are not using. Also, consider that with the rise in electricity prices, these actions will allow you to save.
5. Sustainable cosmetic products
The care of our skin and our hygiene is part of the day-to-day. A good action can be to look for brands that strive to contribute and help the planet. At All Yours we only work with brands that seek to make a mark on the planet like Dr. Bronner's with its regenerative organic agriculture projects: soil enrichment programs and tree planting, 100% post-consumer recycled packaging, aggressive waste reduction, and water use. Incredible for a brand, right?
Or Oquist, a 360 brand that has adopted a sustainable approach from ingredient sourcing, CO2 emissions, multifunctionality, water preservation, non-toxicity for health and pollution, to packaging material, its design, and responsible afterlife. They reduce their carbon emissions by 97%. 
Take care of yourself, take care of your environment, take care of your planet.