HOW GLOBAL WARMING IS ALREADY AFFECTING YOUR PLANT-BASED LIFESTYLE

Global warming is no longer a distant threat— its effects are already being felt around the world, and they’re impacting our everyday lives in ways we might not even realize. For those committed to a plant-based lifestyle, the consequences of climate change are particularly significant. From the food we eat to the skincare products we use, global warming is already affecting your plant-based lifestyle.

Here’s why sustainable skincare is more important than ever:

Plant-based diets rely heavily on agriculture, and global warming is putting immense pressure on this sector. Changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and the increased frequency of extreme weather events are all having a profound impact on crop yields and food security around the world; with the Global South feeling the intensity of these affects most.

The climate crisis is affecting crop yields exponentially and there’s no sign of it reversing any time soon. Take, for instance, the drastically fluctuating temperature changes. Rising temperatures have affected crops causing stress to plants, reducing their productivity and growth. Common crops such as wheat, rice, and maize (that’s corn, if you don’t know) are particularly vulnerable to heat stress. The hot temperatures along with the increased exposure time have led to lower yields and reduced food availability.

Pixabay Images: Crop Failure

Global warming is also exacerbating water scarcity in many parts of the world. Statistics show that one-quarter of the world’s crops are threatened by water security. We see this extreme playing out in the Southwest region of the United States. Since early 2020, this area has experienced drought unlike any time before. Residents of Utah state are watching one of the largest lakes in the Western hemisphere dry up right before their eyes. And, current estimates for this body of water look bleak. With the possibility of the Great Salt Lake disappearing within five years, it could cause a domino effect of catastrophic events our country isn’t prepared to handle, financially, or otherwise.

Droughts like these are becoming more frequent and severe across the globe, claiming the lives of thousands with each passing year, affecting not only our current crop yields but future harvests as well. Brands committed to sustainable skincare must adapt by finding resilient crops and investing in sustainable farming practices to ensure a steady supply of high-quality ingredients.

The effects of the climate crisis on agriculture extend far beyond food security for humans and livestock. It threatens biodiversity, an essential component for maintaining healthy ecosystems, which is the foundation of a plant-based lifestyle. The shifts in habitat ranges and the loss of species caused by global warming have disrupted nature’s ecosystems and the resources they provide.

As temperatures rise, many species are forced to migrate to cooler areas. This has led to overcrowding in some regions and the depletion of species in others, disrupting local ecosystems. Species that cannot adapt or migrate quickly enough face the risk of extinction such as the ocean’s coral reefs. This loss of biodiversity can have cascading effects on the planet’s ecosystems, reducing the availability of certain plant species used in food, clothing, and skincare products.

Sustainable consumer products rely on a diverse array of plant ingredients, many of which are sourced from biodiverse regions. Protecting these areas is crucial for maintaining the supply of unique and effective ingredients. Brands focused on providing plant-based consumer products often support conservation efforts and sustainable harvesting practices to preserve biodiversity.

Getty Images: The Great Barrier Reef (Present Day)

While plant-based products generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to animal-based products, they are not without their environmental impact. Global warming is forcing us to reconsider how we produce, package, and distribute these products to minimize their carbon footprint.

Sustainable production practices must be front of mind when manufacturing consumer goods. Everything from ingredient sourcing, energy use during production, product packaging, and shipping needs to be taken into account. Transitioning to renewable energy sources can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of consumer products, and using plant-based packaging materials that are biodegradable and recyclable is crucial for reducing their environmental impact after use.

The precise estimates for the carbon footprint of plant-based cosmetic products are limited and are based loosely on averages of plant-based foods. However, we can deduce from these averages that plant-derived cosmetics are severely less harmful than animal-based cosmetic products.

In Case You Missed It: See Our Film Product’s Development

As global warming continues to affect our environment, the role of sustainable skincare becomes increasingly important. These products not only support healthy skin but also contribute to broader environmental sustainability efforts. Reducing our reliance on animal-based goods and prioritizing regenerative ingredient sources, is better overall, for the planet.

The benefits of plant-based skincare exceed the feel-good effects of doing the right thing. Sustainable skincare uses eco-friendly ingredients that are grown and harvested in ways that minimize your direct environmental impact. These products are often organic, non-toxic, vegan-friendly, and sourced from renewable resources. Brands focused on offering sustainable skincare like NWÄR SKIN, ensure their product’s ingredients are sourced responsibly, are made using fair labor practices, and reduce waste by packaging their goods in materials that are either biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable, all in an effort to protect our planet’s fragile ecosystems.

At NWÄR SKIN, we are dedicated to creating products that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible and will subsequently reduce waste. Our SEID™ film products use plant-based ingredients and paper-based packaging, ensuring that our impact on the planet is minimized during and after use. We believe that sustainable skincare is a crucial part of living a plant-based lifestyle and combating global warming.

Consumers like you play a crucial role in driving the demand for sustainable products. By choosing brands that prioritize sustainability, we can collectively make a significant impact on the fight against global warming.

How You Can Help:

Choose Sustainable Skincare: Opt for brands that use eco-friendly ingredients and plant-based packaging. Our SEID™ film products were created to specifically tackle the issue of packaging waste after use. Made of 100% paper-based packaging, with no inner plastic liner, the film product boxes are easily recycled in one step. Simply, toss the empty box in the recycling bin marked for paper waste. And that’s it! If fated for the landfill, you can be sure your packaging waste will be significantly less harmful to marine and wildlife.

Support Local and Ethical Brands: Supporting local brands reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Shop at local farmer’s markets, bulk and refill shops, and second-hand retailers. Additionally, you can support the global labor market by choosing brands that use fair trade ingredients and support ethical labor practices.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Be mindful of your consumption and waste. Buy products only when you need to replenish them and be mindful of why you’re buying what you’re buying. Too often, we find ourselves mindlessly purchasing items that we don’t necessarily need or will consistently use. This adds up, not only for your wallet but for our planet. Avoid buying products that use plastic, or hard-to-recycle packaging. If it can’t be avoided, then try to reuse your containers whenever possible, and recycle the packaging to minimize waste.

Stay Informed and Advocate: Stay informed about the impacts of global warming and advocate for policies that support sustainable practices. Educate your community about the importance of sustainability in all aspects of life, including skincare. Get our top tips on living and traveling sustainably by joining our email list. We’ll keep you informed on the latest happenings in sustainability (or lack thereof) from all over the world.

In Case You Missed It: Check Out The SĒID™ Film Product Reviews

Explore our innovative SEID™ film products and experience the beauty of sustainable skincare. Join us in the movement towards a healthier planet by choosing products that are kind to both your skin and the environment.

We can’t wait to hear your thoughts!