Did you know that the beauty industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging every year, much of which ends up in landfills? At Essance, we're committed to reducing this waste, one small choice at a time.
When it comes to fighting climate change, it’s easy to feel like our individual choices don’t matter. But at Essance Skincare, we believe that no change is too small and that the ripple effect of conscious decisions can make a lasting difference for the planet.
Imagine this: each glass jar that’s created, shipped, and discarded takes an enormous amount of energy. But what if, instead of discarding that jar, it was returned, reused, and given a second life? That’s the power of our Return and Reuse program—every jar returned is a step toward reducing our environmental footprint. This small action is just one of the many ways we’re committed to sustainability, and we encourage our customers to join us in creating a better future.
The Ripple Effect of Conscious Choices
At Essance, we recognize our role in the bigger picture, whether we are addressing the solution or acknowledging the problem. We believe that educating our customers on sustainability can create a ripple effect that goes beyond beauty routines. If 10,000 customers became more eco-conscious—starting with returning their glass jars—they would likely begin to make more sustainable choices in other areas of life. Whether it’s opting for used or rented goods, carpooling or taking public transit, eating a plant-based diet, or cutting down on single-use plastics, these small shifts can add up. And even more importantly, they can inspire future generations to make similar choices.
The Broader Global Impact of Chemical Use
But the ripple effect doesn’t stop at our daily habits. The products we use have a significant impact on the environment, particularly when it comes to chemicals. Every time we wash off skincare or cleaning products, these chemicals make their way into our water systems. They don’t just disappear; they accumulate, requiring even more chemicals to treat and purify our drinking water.
In regions already grappling with water scarcity or pollution, this is an escalating crisis. Communities around the world, from urban areas to remote villages, are struggling with access to clean and safe drinking water. According to the United Nations, 2.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to safe drinking water, and water scarcity is expected to affect over half of the global population by 2050. How did we become so dependent on plastics and chemicals that we're now paying the price with the quality of our most vital resource—water?
This isn’t just a local issue—it’s a global one. And the question we must ask ourselves is: What’s the true cost of convenience, and how can we start making better choices?
How We Source and Produce Sustainably
Our commitment to sustainability is built into every aspect of Essance Skincare. We use compostable packing materials, like our dissolvable peanut packing, which contains no harmful chemicals and breaks down in water, making disposal eco-friendly. We also keep our production local, in Portland, Oregon, minimizing the additional carbon footprint associated with shipping products long distances.
Small-batch production allows us to create only what is needed, reducing waste and ensuring the highest level of freshness in every product. While it requires more effort to maintain, it prevents overproduction and ensures products don’t expire on shelves. We also face the challenges of staying organic and innovating without preservatives—a tough but worthwhile journey to provide clean, pure skincare without harmful additives.
The Role of Education and Events
We know that making eco-conscious choices isn’t always easy or obvious, which is why we’ve integrated sustainability education into our workshops and events. By sharing the importance of eco-friendly beauty routines, we hope to inspire customers to spread this knowledge to their communities and families. Imagine the impact of 10,000 people sharing sustainable practices with their children—those small habits would grow into significant societal changes over time.
Through our partnerships, we only align with companies that share our values of sustainability. From reusable gift boxes to our compostable packaging, we make choices every day that reflect our commitment to reducing waste. And this is exactly the kind of discernment we hope to inspire in our customers. Supporting brands that prioritize the environment is an essential step toward creating a sustainable future.
Sustainability and Personal Choices: Living What We Believe
At Essance, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our products—it’s a way of life for both of us. Jasmine, for example, makes it a point to support and buy local whenever possible, believing in the power of community. She’s also a minimalist when it comes to her personal belongings, valuing quality over quantity. From minimizing plastic bag use to making thoughtful decisions about what she owns, she embodies the essence of sustainable living.
As for myself, I’ve shifted to buying more used clothing, especially for my kids, and we have a close community of friends where we pass along baby items as our children grow out of them. For my wedding, I prioritized minimizing the travel footprint by keeping it local and supporting local businesses, like hiring a local photographer and choosing seasonal flowers. We used reusable plates, cups, and my wedding dress was even bought secondhand. It was a beautiful day that reflected our values of sustainability, showing that with thoughtful planning, it’s possible to make choices that benefit both us and the planet.
Small Shifts, Big Impact: Simple Ways to Reduce Your Footprint in Daily Life
- Split Meals When Dining Out: Before you order, see if your friend is up for sharing a meal. You’d be surprised how often others feel the same. It reduces food waste and encourages mindful eating!
- Borrow or Share Items: Whether it’s borrowing a book, sharing a tool, or passing along baby clothes, sharing is a simple way to reduce unnecessary purchases and build connections within your community.
- Walk or Bike When Possible: Opt for walking or biking to nearby destinations. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but it’s a great way to stay active and explore your local area.
- Nourish Relationships Over Things: Prioritize experiences over material items. Choose meaningful activities with loved ones instead of giving or receiving physical gifts, which often create clutter and waste.
- Smart Grocery Planning: Plan meals carefully to reduce food waste. Buy only what you need and get creative with leftovers to stretch your ingredients further and save money!
Start Small, Start Today
The message is simple: it’s never too late to make a difference. Start with one choice—returning your glass jars, opting for sustainable gift packaging, or simply learning more about how your choices impact the planet. By supporting companies like Essance that are committed to reducing their environmental footprint, you’re taking a stand for the planet and future generations.
Small actions add up, and together, we can create a ripple effect of sustainability that not only touches our daily lives but helps solve larger global challenges. Join us in making conscious decisions today to ensure a healthier planet tomorrow.