Environmental Issues - Ban Microbeads in Cosmetic Products

Back in 2013 I wrote a brief article about microbeads in scrubs. If you are unaware Microbeads are the little balls of plastic in an exfoliator that help you scrub away the dead skin cells. The problem is they are not biodegradable and find their way into our oceans which in turn threatens the marine wildlife. Fish are eating the microbeads and then you eat the fish! Why do companies use plastic? I'm guessing the simple answer is money, I am sure plastic is cheaper than natural alternatives. I really wish manufacturers (and consumers) would see past this and pay a little more to help protect the world around us.

The reason I decided to re-visited this topic is because the US has taken steps to ban plastic microbeads. President Obama signed into law the The Microbead-Free Waters Act on 28 December 2015 but now we need the UK/EU to follow their example. At present the UK Government is relying on a voluntary phase out by the European cosmetics industry but is that good enough? If consumers are unaware of the problem and products continue to be purchased that isn't much incentive for manufacturers to make the change. The site www.beatthemicrobead.org have set up a petition which you can sign. It needs to reach 100,000 signatures to be considered for debate in Parliament. There is also an app to download enabling you to check products when out shopping. 

If you are looking for a facial scrub without microbeads and need a natural/organic recommendation, let me suggest Antipodes Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator, Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Pearl Exfoliator, Pai Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator, Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant.

Sarah x