No plastic May: are you in?
Plastic is bad for our environment, the ocean gets harmed and animals also suffer from plastic waste. Every year the ocean is 'fed' with over eight million tons of plastic. Wait... whut? Join us in participating in 'mei plasticvrij' (No plastic May - a Dutch/Belgium initiative). Skip plastic straws, do away with sandwich bags and use this month naked skincare or skincare in glass bottles only.
Why was No plastic May invented?
May has been the month in which we go through life plastic-free for years. The organisation behind this initiative came up with May Plastic-Free to make people aware of the amount of plastic we all consume and the consequences thereof. Plastic often ends up on dumps (even recycled plastic!) or ends up in nature and the sea through litter. Fish and other ocean animals eat the plastic, with all its consequences. Plastic is bad for the environment either. Did you know that plastic is toxic when it is produced? These toxic substances can burden your body and disrupt your hormones.
Phthalates in plastic
There is also danger lurking in the area of skincare. Skincare containing so-called phthalates (plasticisers) should be avoided in any case, but especially when a moisturizer containing phthalates is packed in plastic. Phthalates in plastic can dissolve in water and get into your body. In your body, these substances can have an endocrine disrupting effect. Bad news! You can recognise phthalates in skincare by checking the list of ingredients for di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP), diethyl phthalate (DEP) or dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
What can we do?
If you want to be kind to the ocean, the environment and your own body, No plastic May is the opportunity to try out how you like a month without using plastic. Swap plastic-wrapped cotton pads for washable cotton ones, go for bamboo straws and a reusable coffee mug, and take a linen bag to the supermarket. There are also gains to be made in the area of skincare. Opt for glass packaging, including Merme Berlin's lotions, serums and masks, Soapwalla's fine deodorants (the whole brand recently switched to glass!), Henne's lip products and Agent Nateur's Holi Oil Serum. One of our favourites, Plum Beauty Oil by Le Prunier, also comes in a glass bottle, as does Rice & Clean Gentle Facial Cleanser by Plant Apothecary.
In any case, this month we are putting our plastic bottles aside and opting for plastic-free in May. With fine skincare in glass bottles, there is plenty of choice! Who's joining?!
