As the beauty industry continues to grow, it’s easy to forget that our favorite products often come at a cost to the planet. But how is the industry dealing with these biodiversity challenges and what measures are being taken to protect our land?
In this insightful episode of Green Beauty Conversations, Lorraine Dallmeier, Chartered Environmentalist, Biologist and CEO of Formula Botanica, sits down with Dr Sally Gouldstone, a botanist and founder of Seilichto discuss the beauty industry’s untapped potential for biodiversity conservation.
Dr Gouldstone reveals startling truths about the beauty industry’s impact on our planet’s ecosystems, urging brands and consumers to rethink their role in this global crisis.
From the destructive practices of monocultures to the reckless wild harvesting of rare ingredients, the current trajectory of the beauty industry is a wake-up call.
However, within these challenges lies a golden opportunity for transformation. Imagine a world where beauty brands champion biodiversity, where every product contributes to the flourishing of our planet.
Join us as we delve into the groundbreaking practices that could redefine beauty as a force for good.
“We have to look at our ingredients and say, ‘What is the impact?’ Only then can we start talking about solutions that bend the curve and have a positive impact on nature.”
– Dr. Sally Gouldstone, founder and director of Seilich
In this episode with Dr Sally Gouldstone, you will hear:
- The beauty industry’s contribution to biodiversity loss: Dr Sally Gouldstone discusses how beauty brands are contributing to biodiversity challenges. It explains the industry’s role in habitat destruction, unsustainable harvesting practices and the complexities of supply chain traceability.
- Nature-positive approaches: Learn about the concept of “nature-positive” beauty and how brands like Seilich are pioneering this approach. Sally shares how Seilich incorporates conservation into her business model, growing ingredients in wildflower meadows to support biodiversity.
- Certification systems and their impact: Find out how certifications like FairWild and Wildlife Friendly can help promote biodiversity-friendly practices. Sally emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the beauty industry through trusted certifications.
- Innovative solutions to biodiversity challenges: Explore the potential of regenerative agriculture and biotechnology as solutions to the biodiversity challenges of the beauty industry.
Packed essentials include:
- Tackling biodiversity loss: Biodiversity loss is as critical as climate change and the beauty industry must play an important role in addressing this crisis. Brands need to own their impact and actively engage in practices that support biodiversity conservation.
- Sourcing ingredients and their impact: Ingredient sourcing is a key factor in the biodiversity footprint of the beauty industry. Shifting from harmful practices to sustainable methods such as regenerative agriculture and local sourcing can have profound positive impacts on ecosystems.
- Certification as a tool for change: Certification schemes offer a framework for brands to verify the sustainability and ethical sourcing of their ingredients. While the certification landscape can be complex, focusing on ingredient-specific certifications can strengthen a brand’s commitment to biodiversity.
- The role of brands: While consumers are increasingly aware of sustainability issues, brands must lead the charge by demanding traceability and transparency in their supply chains. This proactive approach can lead to significant changes in industry standards and consumer expectations.
- Opportunities for innovation: The future of the beauty industry lies in innovative approaches that prioritize nature. From biotechnology to creating new habitats for growing ingredients, brands have the potential to lead the way in restoring and preserving biodiversity.
Meet our guest: Dr. Sally Gouldstone, Founder and Director of Seilich
Dr. Sally Gouldstone is an herbalist and founder/director of Seilich, an award-winning natural skin care company that grows its ingredients in a wildflower meadow.
Seilich is the only certified wildlife-friendly company in the UK and was awarded Best Wildcrafted Beauty Brand by Beauty Shortlist in 2022.
With over 20 years in the conservation industry, Sally created Seilich to use her profits for conservation. He is also a lecturer in ecology at the University of Edinburgh.
Find out more about Dr Sally Gouldstone and Seilich:
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Lorraine Dallmeier is a biologist, certified environmentalist, and CEO of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetics school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica team.
