Dear Humans,

After delving into so many environmental pollution problems caused by consumers and producers, today I will share with you the ways how producers can minimise their environmental footprint. One big problem about production of beauty products would be the method of production itself. As I have emphasised previously, many producers of beauty products use palm oil to achieve moisturising properties. However, many firms still use unethical and unsustainable methods to get palm oil – mass deforestation. To clear these peatlands, forests are set on fire hence releasing air pollutants and hazy conditions to surrounding countries. This has led to widespread deforestation, releasing excessive amounts of CO2 into the air and worsening air pollution and inducing haze (Obidzinski, Andriani, Komarudin, & Andrianto, 2012). Apart from air pollution, effluent from leakage during palm oil extraction can also lead to soil and water pollution.

 To curb these pollution problems, producers can adopt alternative sources of production. For instance, producers can opt for deforestation-free and sustainable palm oil. A good example would be L’Oreal who has implemented sustainable ways of sourcing for raw materials such as palm oil, soya oil and wood-fiber based products (L’Oreal, n.d.).

L’Oreal aims to achieve zero-deforestation by the end of 2020 by getting its raw materials from a deforestation-free source approved by proper authorities. 

L’Oreal is a good role model in the beauty industry as it is able to create effective products while being environmentally conscious. Apart from observing a sustainable sourcing action plan, L’Oreal also has also set targets in its production and distribution facilities and also the end-of-life of the products. 

L’Oreal’s targets to fight climate change

L’Oreal has achieved successes in its attempts to go green. For instance, L’Oreal reduced carbon emissions from its plants and distribution centres by 78% since 2005 despite the increase in production volume (L’Oreal, n.d.). L’Oreal actively engages in innovation to improve its production methods as well as its product’s end-of-life journey. The firm serves as an inspiration for other beauty producers and together with more firms engaging in greener methods or sources for production, air, water, soil pollution from deforestation can be mitigated. Next, I would share other ways producers can modify their products to reduce pollution during their end-of-life journey. 

Hopeful vibes,

Mother Nature

References:

L’Oreal. (n.d.). Achieving “zero Deforestation”. https://www.loreal.com/en/articles/achieving-zero-deforestation/ 

L’Oreal. (n.d.) Fighting Climate Change. https://www.loreal.com/en/commitments-and-responsibilities/for-the-planet/fighting-climate-change/

Obidzinski, K., Andriani, R., Komarudin, H., & Andrianto, A. (2012). Environmental and Social Impacts of Oil Palm Plantations and their Implications for Biofuel Production in Indonesia. Ecology and Society, 17(1). doi:10.5751/es-04775-170125