The Rise of Sustainability Awareness

Global warming and the El Niño effect have long been topics of concern, but the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the awareness and urgency surrounding these issues. When our daily lives are directly impacted, it's only natural to pay closer attention. The year 2020 was a turning point, with many new brands emerging and established brands becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability. The challenge now is how to keep up with sustainable beauty trends. This blog aims to shed some light on this issue and provide some direction.

What is a Sustainability Trend?

Sustainability is taking center stage in 2024, driven by increased directives from organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS). These bodies have initiated more campaigns and made sincere efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive resource conservation.

In the beauty industry, the focus is on three main pillars:

1. Recycling: Encouraging the recycling of beauty product packaging to minimize waste.
2. Refilling: Promoting products that can be refilled rather than disposed of after a single use.
3. Sustainable Sourcing: Ensuring that ingredients are sourced in a way that is environmentally and ethically responsible.

These trends indicate that larger brands may have a better chance of survival as they can absorb the costs associated with sustainable practices. The key takeaway is to buy fewer, more expensive products that last longer, thereby slowing down the rate of consumption.

How do we manage sustainable trends in beauty with budgets in mind?

Keeping up with sustainable beauty trends can be challenging, especially when trying to manage a budget. Here are some tips to help balance sustainability and affordability:

1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality products that may have a higher upfront cost but last longer. This reduces the need for frequent purchases, ultimately saving money in the long run.
2. DIY Beauty Solutions: Consider making some beauty products at home using natural ingredients. This can be a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to buying commercial products.
3. Refillable Products: Look for brands that offer refillable options. These products might have a higher initial cost, but refills are usually cheaper and reduce waste.
4. Recycling Programs: Participate in recycling programs offered by beauty brands. Some companies provide discounts or rewards for returning empty packaging.
5. Minimalist Approach: Embrace a minimalist beauty routine. Focus on essential products that serve multiple purposes, reducing the number of items you need to buy.
6. Research and Support Sustainable Brands: Take the time to research brands that prioritize sustainability. Supporting these brands encourages the industry to continue making eco-friendly choices.

By being mindful of these strategies, you can stay on trend with sustainable beauty practices without breaking the bank. Sustainability doesn't have to be expensive; it just requires a thoughtful approach to consumption and spending.

(credit - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/ch/Documents/risk/deloitte-ch-en-trendradar-future-of-sustainability.pdf

https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/sustainability-trends)