Sustainable Packaging choices for cosmetic brands.
Tell your story with sustainable and ethical packaging by using customized makeup bags and drawstring bags.
Photo by Stephen Wilkes for National Geographic
Plastic has ruled the packaging world since the 1940s. Americans consume more than 300 million pounds of plastic every year. When plastic is disposed of and starts to break down, chemicals in plastic absorb into human bodies and ecosystems, causing major health effects. Plastic can also be ingested by wildlife, killing or injuring them. Point Break Foundation has found that at the current rate of plastic consumption, by 2025 there will be one metric ton of plastic waste in the ocean per every three metric tons of fish. Traditional plastic bags can take 1000 years or longer to decompose, and even then, they will never be completely broken down.
After breaking down, plastic will break into what is known as microplastics. Microplastics from landfills leak into waterways, are ingested by ocean life and absorb into the ground. When microplastics leak into soil, they can be found in groundwater, affecting the health of those who drink the water or grow crops in that area. Microplastics can eventually become microscopic, leading to their presence where the human eye cannot detect. Microplastics have even been known to be found in table salt, meaning we as humans consume microplastics frequently, without second thought. The mass effects of the chemicals in plastic are not yet known, but it is known that the effects are not positive. Toxic chemicals such as BPA can be found in many plastics, which we know has negative effects on the human body. BPA has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and asthma, as well as other diseases. It is suspected that other types of plastic may have consequences similar to BPA.
There are two known mass plastic patches in the ocean, known as the Eastern and Western Pacific Garbage patches. Scientists predict that other plastic patches will be soon discovered in the ocean in the next few years. While some large plastic pieces can be seen in these patches, majority of the plastic are now microplastics or small pieces under the surface of the ocean. In these patches, microplastics are found more than 10 meters below the surface, severely affecting ocean life. Plastic bags can be mistaken as jelly fish by turtles, causing choking and death. Many other sea animals are affected like turtles, and millions of fish and ocean life are estimated to be killed every year by plastic and plastic products. Birds have also unfortunately been known to mistake multicolored plastic for food. More than one third of all plastic thrown out is disposable packaging materials, like plastic bags. By choosing plastic packaging, you are choosing to ignore the extreme environmental and health consequences and live with a lifetime of microplastics found in food, animals and water. By using organic cotton muslin bags, you are helping to decrease plastic waste.
Paper Packaging & Deforestation:
Paper is often seen as a sustainable packaging option, but it is not the eco-friendliest option. Trees are being cut down at a rapid, concerning rate, leading to mass deforestation all over the globe, especially in tropical areas. Forests produce most of the world’s oxygen and are home to many diverse ecosystems and animals. 18.7 million acres of forests are disappearing every year, and at the current deforestation rate, rainforests could be completely gone within 100 years. With that, comes loss of animals and plants that will then become extinct, and effect other animal’s source of food. Over 80% of the Earth’s plants and animals live in forests, and large-scale logging destroys their habitats. Forests also help to alleviate global warming, but when they are cut down, carbon is released, contributing to the global warming problem. Tropical deforestation contributes to 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, which ranks it just below the United States emission levels.
Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia are a few of the largest producers of pulp and paper yet have no regulations in place regarding their forests or logging management. Forests in the southern part of the United States are home to the world’s biggest pulp and paper production, with most being produced from quick growing plantations. Many may argue that a constant demand for paper can keep loggers accountable to replanting trees and responsible and sustainable management. However, even if the paper industry in the United States remains somewhat sustainable, many logging efforts across the world remain to put the world in jeopardy. By using paper packaging products, you choose to join in on a deforestation movement that could destroy the planet as we know it.
Custom Organic Cotton Muslin Bags:
Muslin bags can be used for variety of purposes, including shopping, storing, traveling and so on.
Muslin bags are the ideal sustainable packaging solution. Gallant’s Organic cotton muslin bags are the ideal packaging because they are eco-friendly, durable and can decompose within 3-6 months if no longer needed. Unlike plastic, organic cotton muslin bags don’t harm the environment. The organic cotton is free of pesticides and GMOs, making it safe for farmers, workers and the environment. Organic cotton is mostly rain-fed, conserving fresh water resources across the globe. Organic cotton replenishes ecosystems by maintaining soil fertility and strength. The organic cotton we use at Gallant International is also GOTS certified, meaning our cotton goes through a rigorous process of environmental and social criteria throughout our entire supply chain. All of our products, including our muslin bags are made at a Fair Trade Certified factory, assuring you that our products are produced ethically and responsibly. Gallant specializes in supplying organic cotton muslin bags wholesale and they are produced ethically and responsibly.
Our Fairtrade muslin bags can be used for a variety of purposes, including to store clothing, shoes, cosmetics, jewelry bulk dry food and to give gifts in. Going on vacation or a weekend trip? Use a drawstring bags to store your cosmetics, hair products and vacation essentials. Keep your suitcase clean by using a organic cotton drawstring bag as convenient shoe storage.
Brand our Fairtrade muslin bags any way you would like!
Unbleached cotton muslin bags also make the ideal organic cotton produce bag for the grocery store or farmers market. Take any size plain cotton muslin pouch bag to the bulk section of a grocery store or the produce section. Fill your bags up with yummy goodies and eliminate plastic and paper packaging.
Gallant’s organic cotton tote bags and pouches are completely customizable in shape, size, color and accessory. Custom logo muslin drawstring bags are perfect to match all of your business needs. At Gallant International, we care about our planet, and want you to feel the same. By choosing our Organic cotton fabric bags, you are choosing a great sustainable and versatile option. Support environmental efforts and choose organic cotton packaging options such as as drawstring bags and customized makeups bags.
Citations:
“Deforestation.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation
