Imagine a beauty industry that not only aims to beautify, but also to leave the planet in a better state. This episode takes you on a journey through the possibilities of a sustainable future driven by the power of regeneration.
Podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier explores the visionary world of regenerative beauty with Ruth Andrade, Earth Care Strategy Lead at beauty retailer LUSH. Ruth explains the concept of regenerative beauty and its partnership with ecosystems, and shares her insights into the work LUSH is doing to make this dream a reality.
If you’re passionate about the intersection of beauty and environmental stewardship, this is a must-listen episode that will inspire and challenge your perceptions. Not all beauty players are putting greenhouse gloss on their sustainability credentials.
Inspiring quote:
“Life, in its glorious complexity, has evolved in the last 3.8 billion years. I can’t say LUSH is a regenerative organisation, but we would like to make sure that if you ask the question is the world better because LUSH exists, that the answer would be yes. I think we’re still a little bit far from being able to say that, but that’s the goal.” – Ruth Andrade, Earth Care Strategy Lead at LUSH
In this episode with Ruth Andrade, you will hear:
- The essence of regenerative beauty: Ruth introduces the concept of regenerative beauty, explaining how it improves ecosystems. This approach not only benefits the environment, but also enhances the quality of beauty products.
- LUSH’s journey to regeneration: Learn about LUSH’s comprehensive efforts to integrate regenerative practices into their supply chain, from sourcing raw materials that contribute to healthier soils to developing projects that increase biodiversity.
- The challenges and possibilities: Ruth discusses the hurdles the beauty industry faces in adopting regenerative practices and the potential for widespread change. She emphasises the importance of certification schemes and the risk of greenwashing in the regenerative beauty movement.
Key takeouts include:
- Regenerative beauty explained: Regenerative beauty is meant to actively enhance and restore ecosystems. It signifies a shift towards practices that have a net positive impact on the environment, providing a more holistic approach to beauty and wellness.
- Impactful initiatives by LUSH: Ruth Andrade shares insights into LUSH’s commitment to regenerative beauty through innovative projects. These initiatives not only support healthier ecosystems, but also push the beauty industry towards more ethical and environmental responsibility.
- Overcoming industry challenges: The journey to fully embrace regenerative practices is fraught with challenges, including the complexity of supply chains and the need for transparent certification to avoid greenwashing.
- Consumer power in regenerativebeauty: Consumers play a crucial role in the shift towards regenerative beauty by supporting brands that prioritise regenerative practices and by becoming more informed about the origins and impacts of the formulations they use.
- Vision for the future: Despite the obstacles, there’s a growing optimism within the industry about adopting regenerative practices. Ruth emphasises the potential for significant environmental benefits if both brands and consumers commit to this transformative approach.
Meet our guest: Ruth Andrade, Earth Care Strategy Lead at LUSH
Ruth Andrade, hailing from the Brazilian Atlantic Moist Forests, has witnessed the destruction of natural environments first hand, fuelling her passion for environmental advocacy. With a master’s in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies and as a trustee and co-founder of Re.Alliance, Ruth has dedicated her career to advancing regenerative practices within LUSH and beyond. Her work focuses on creating systemic change towards a more regenerative world, one beauty product at a time.
LUSH is a beauty company with a campaigning heart, which since its establishment in 1995 has been driven by innovation and its ethics. Today, LUSH operates in 52 countries with over 850 shops, 38 websites shipping worldwide and a global network of native apps, broadcasting channels and digital communities in over 30 languages.
Find out more about Ruth Andrade and LUSH:
LUSH Mission & Vision
Re.Alliance
Regenerosity Initiative
Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
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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.
