Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages millions of people to help tackle the problem of plastic pollution. More than 120 billion units of packaging are produced every year by the global cosmetics industry. Thankfully, beauty brands are waking up to the need for environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic and the ‘zero-waste’ beauty movement is picking up speed. Put simply, this means brands avoid contributing to landfill by making considered decisions throughout the process of formulation, manufacturing and even shipping. One such brand which has been an early adopter of planet-friendly beauty is Green People, who are leading the way in organic, natural beauty and body care with a sustainable ethos.
Here are just some of the ways Green People are already making a difference – switch up your beauty regime with the following planet friendly beauty buys to be a part of the change.

Marine-friendly Sun Care

With an estimated 10,000 tonnes of UV filters produced annually, it’s little wonder these chemicals can have such a dramatic effect on ocean ecosystems. Thankfully, there is a natural, ocean-friendly alternative offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Green People’s organic suncare range avoids the use of harmful chemicals and is designed to protect even the most sensitive skin, as they are free from parabens, silicones and synthetic fragrance. Green People’s sunscreens act as a physical barrier, using minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that reflect UV light away from the surface of the skin. In order to formulate a sunscreen that is highly effective and also melts into the skin without leaving an unsightly white film, Green People use naturally derived chemical filters in conjunction with these minerals. These carefully chosen ingredients are soothing to the skin, are suitable for children and do not have any oestrogen mimicking activity.

Partnered with Marine Conservation Society

Green People are proud to work in partnership with The Marine Conservation Society, a UK charity dedicated to the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife.. A 20p donation from every Green People SPF30 Scent Free Sun Lotion and Organic Children SPF30 Sun Lotion sold is donated directly to The Marine Conservation Society.

By-product Beauty

“We’re always looking to do more to minimise our environmental impact and using by-product ingredients is a no-brainer for us! These natural, zero-waste plant actives are bursting with skin-compatible nourishment and allow us to close the loop on making our skin care as sustainable as it can be.” – Charlotte Vøhtz.

Nordic Roots, is an organic skin care concept which draws on Charlotte’s Danish upbringing and Nordic heritage. Inspired by the beauty of the region’s native flora and fauna, Nordic Roots makes use of a variety of by-product ingredients. By-products are ingredients created during a manufacturing processes but not needed in the final product, for example, coconut or apple water. By-product skincare saves these ingredients from being wasted and make use of their natural properties, bringing balance to both the skin and the planet. Green People’s by-product ingredients are derived from raw, natural materials and are uncompromised by harsh, skin-drying additives such as ethanol and synthetic fragrance. These ingredients are naturally nourishing, hydrating and help to slow the skin ageing process while being gentle on the skin.

Zero Waste Beauty

Green People’s One Balm is a multi-purpose balm suitable for all. Formulated with 99% certified organic ingredients, it cocoons skin in a protective layer of replenishing plant actives.One Balm represents one huge step towards truly sustainable, earth-friendly packaging. Firstly, the box. Made from 25% grass fibre mixed with wood, it is completely biodegradable. Next, the jar and lid. These are crafted from a ‘non-plastic’ plastic; a combination of wood particles in natural plant-derived resin polymers. 100% compostable, it biodegrades to leave behind zero residue. The manufacturing pathway is pure and simple; sawdust is created as a by-product and moulded with a plant polymer to create a 100% biodegradable, plant-based pot. After use, the natural materials are returned to the soil, leaving no microplastics behind. One Balm’s botanic formulation is equally ethical. The sustainably sourced ingredients include a nourishing nectar of skin-soothing Pomegranate, Frankincense and Myrrh. Entirely ethically sourced, the Myrrh is collected by female Himba tribeswomen and fairly traded to support this traditional community.

Plant Based Packaging

‘Green People is continually seeking alternative environmentally-positive packaging solutions as we maintain our endeavours to create a business that has minimal impact on the environment.’ – Ian Taylor, Green People.

Green People are one of the first global beauty brands to offer plant-based packaging made from sugar cane. Entirely recyclable, this packaging offers a sustainable alternative to petrochemical-sourced plastic packaging. For every kilo of sugar cane plastic produced, three kilos of CO2 is removed from the atmosphere. Many of Green People’s squeezy tube products are now packaged in this innovative material that is made from sustainable, renewable sugar cane plastic. To make it easy to know which products are packaged in sugar cane plastic, Green People have added a sugar cane logo to their product descriptions.