As the beauty industry continues to boom, it’s easy to forget that our favourite products often come at a cost to the planet. But how is the industry addressing these biodiversity challenges, and what steps are being taken to protect our earth?
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 the founder of Seilich, to 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 beauty sector’s current trajectory is a wake-up call.
However, amidst 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 need 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, Seilich founder and director
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 contribute to biodiversity challenges. She 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 integrates conservation into its business model, growing ingredients in wildflower meadows to support biodiversity.
- Certification schemes and their impact: Discover how certifications such as FairWild and Wildlife Friendly can aid in promoting biodiversity-friendly practices. Sally emphasises the need for transparency and accountability in the beauty industry through credible certifications.
- Innovative solutions for biodiversity challenges: Explore the potential of regenerative agriculture and biotechnology as solutions to the beauty industry’s biodiversity challenges.
Key takeouts include:
- Addressing biodiversity loss: Biodiversity loss is as critical as climate change, and the beauty industry must play a significant role in addressing this crisis. Brands need to own their impact and actively engage in practices that support biodiversity conservation.
- Ingredient sourcing and its impact: The sourcing of ingredients is a pivotal factor in the beauty industry’s biodiversity footprint. Transitioning from harmful practices to sustainable methods like regenerative agriculture and local sourcing can have profound positive effects 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 landscape of certifications can be complex, focusing on ingredient-specific certifications can enhance 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 shifts in industry standards and consumer expectations.
- Opportunities for innovation: The beauty industry’s future lies in innovative approaches that prioritise nature. From biotechnology to creating new habitats for ingredient cultivation, brands have the potential to lead in biodiversity restoration and conservation.
Meet our guest: Dr Sally Gouldstone, Founder and Director of Seilich
Dr Sally Gouldstone is a botanist and the founder/director of Seilich, an award-winning natural skincare company that grows its ingredients in a wildflower meadow.
Seilich is the only Wildlife Friendly Certified company in the UK and was awarded Best Wildcrafted Beauty Brand by Beauty Shortlist in 2022.
With over 20 years in the nature conservation industry, Sally created Seilich to use its profits for nature conservation. She is also a lecturer in ecology at the University of Edinburgh.
Find out more about Dr Sally Gouldstone and Seilich:
- Website: Seilich Skincare
- Instagram: @seilich_botanicals
- Facebook: Seilich Botanicals
- LinkedIn: Sally Gouldstone
Related episodes:
- Episode 75: How sustainable are essential oils?
- Episode 105: Are tropical ingredients sustainable?
- Episode 213: Exploring regenerative beauty with Lush
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Lorraine Dallmeier is a Biologist, Chartered Environmentalist and the CEO of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetic science school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica Team.
