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Why It's Good:
Cosmetics companies are no longer just paying lip service to the environment: Many are now offering a growing selection of products made with natural and organic ingredients, and are opting for recyclable and biodegradable packaging.
Why It's Green:
In addition to offering products that are preservative and chemical free, many lines are also beginning to take a stand against climate change by reducing and offsetting CO2 emissions.
Can Beauty Products Fight Global Warming?
Few things affect my skin and hair more than extreme weather changes. Every year, the transition from dry-and-brittle winter to oily-and-frizzy summer has me scrambling for magical elixirs to tame my confused epidermis and hair follicles. The good news is that a few of my favorite cosmetics companies, see below, are taking the fight to the source by reducing and offsetting carbon emissions, which, in turn, slows climate change. Now that's what I call brainy beauty. After all, what better way is there to ensure glowing skin and glossy hair than working towards a healthier environment?—Meg Donohue
Aveda
As one of the giants in the organic beauty industry, Aveda remains committed to carrying out environmentally responsible policies: The company, now owned by Estée Lauder, offsets 100 percent of the electricity used in its primary facilities, uses post-consumer recycled packaging materials and has raised more than $8 million dollars for environmental organizations since 1999.
Burt's Bees
This venerable natural care products company, purchased by Clorox late last year, remains faithful to its green roots: In addition to offsetting its annual electricity usage, it has a $100 matching grant for every employee who purchases renewable energy and matches $500 to $1500 for every employee who purchases or leases a fuel-efficient car. Plus, those indispensable little tubes of lip balm? Made with recycled plastic.
Louise Galvin Sacred Locks
The blondes in Bergdorf Blondes swear by Louise Galvin's Sacred Locks natural (or naturally derived) hair care products. The company isn't just about surface glamour though: It was one of the first beauty companies to offset 100 percent of all emissions through the Carbon Neutral Company.
Nude Skincare
Devoted to using organic, fair-trade ingredients whenever possible, the Nude line features skin care products that are every bit as clean and fresh as its name would suggest. This no-frills philosophy also carries over into other aspects of the business: the product packaging is biodegradable, recycled or recyclable, and the company is taking steps to reduce and offset its carbon emissions.
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree
Clean up with Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree hair and body care line and you'll also help to expand a forest. Packaged with recycled materials, the line also offsets all CO2 emissions from the manufacturing and distribution processes by planting trees through international non-profit group American Forests. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from Tea Tree products fund American Forests' natural resource preservation programs.
Stem Organics
Every Stem Organics natural skincare product features three main ingredients: Australian Kakadu plum (one of the highest plant sources of anti-aging Vitamin C in the world), antioxidant-rich pomegranate and organic aloe. Stem Organics uses recycled or recyclable packaging and offsets 100 percent of the carbon emissions related to both the products and business.
The Body Shop
Voted "Top Green Brand" in the UK by the 2007 Image Power Green Brands Survey and Marketing Week Brand Index Survey, the Body Shop is committed to minimizing energy use and waste by using recycled packaging materials. The L'Oreal-owned company has also made a commitment to becoming a carbon neutral retailer by 2010.
