This plastic can be fully recycled, but the fact that only 12% does is a real cause for concern (3). HDPE is the most commonly recycled plastic. This is likely part of the reason why only 3% of PP actually gets recycled (3). Even still, some cities still won’t recycle PP. It wasn’t until recent years that PP was able to be recycled. PP is resistant to chemicals and solvents, hence it’s popularity for packaging skincare. The most commonly used plastic for cosmetics is PP plastic, with a number 5 recycling symbol HDPE, number 2 recycling symbol and PET plastic, with a number 1 recycling symbol. There are six types of plastics that are commonly used for packaging. There is little evidence that supports microplastics ever fully breaking down in the environment (2), so it’s safe to assume microplastics are here to stay. But sadly, we’ll never be able to undo the damage that has already been done. There’s a sudden urgency on reducing our plastic usage so it at least slows the microplastic problem. Something that started out with all good intentions-a substitute for ivory and a way to slow the taking of precious resources from our environment-has now become a real problem for our environment. Certain plastics have been known to leach toxic chemicals into our food when heated, so who’s to say what’s going to happen to us if we have microplastics coursing through our systems? There hasn’t been enough studies done-nor has enough time passed-for scientists to understand the health implications this is going to cause humans, long term. It’s estimated that we dump 8.8 million tons of plastic into our oceans every year, with 700 marine animals facing extinction due to microplastics (4). But, if you’ve been paying attention to environmental news, you’ll know there is a microplastics epidemic in our landscapes, oceans, seafood, and microplastics have recently been discovered in human placentas (1). From there, plastic evolved into the many kinds of plastics we use today.ĭue to plastics being lightweight, cheap, and durable, they have been the most common material to use for just about everything. It was made up of cellulose-a fiber found in cotton, and camphor (5). Then in 1869, John Wesley Hyatt invented the first plastic-like material that was designed to be a substitute for ivory.
![is propellerhead recycle worth it is propellerhead recycle worth it](https://verichek.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/recycle1-1024x574.png)
Plastic was originally a word that meant “pliable and easily shaped”. The top materials used in beauty packaging are: But I want to point out each material, and whether they are in fact recyclable, and a sustainable option. It’s likely that you already know all the different kinds of packaging used in the beauty industry. In this article, I’m going to talk about the recycling issues we face everyday I’ll explain the ways we can and can’t recycle beauty packaging and I will highlight some solutions that may work for you. But this inconsistency causes big problems for our environment. With recycling being done differently in every precinct across the nation, it’s no wonder many of us have no idea what we’re doing. Are you confused about recycling your beauty packaging? Do you wonder if you’re doing it right, or if your recycling efforts are even worth it? You’re not alone.