Hello all ! Today we’re talking Micro-Beads: The Danger to Man and Environment
Are you contributing to marine pollution by washing your face with products that contain micro-plastics?
What are Micro-Beads?
Micro-beads are polyethylene microspheres that are widely used in cosmetics as an exfoliating agent in personal care products. Although they were patented as early as 1970 they have only been actively and increasingly used as a disposable entity in consumer products much more recently and there are currently many brand names that use plastic for body care cleansing.
What problems do Micro-Beads Pose?
A major concern with micro-beads is that because of their small size, they have a large surface area by volume so as a consequence of their use huge numbers of readymade highly efficient toxic accumulators are being intentionally released into the environment. Micro-plastics in the marine environment are known to accumulate toxic contaminants and are ingested by a wide range of organisms.
Plastic pollution in the ocean is an area of growing concern. In the 1990’s it was recognized that a minor source of micro-plastic pollution was derived from liquid hand cleansers that would have been rarely used by the average consumer. In 2010 however, the average consumer is likely to be using micro-plastic containing products on a daily basis as the majority of facial cleansers now contain micro plastics which are not captured by wastewater treatment plants. Marine scientists believe that there is a desperate need to educate the public to the dangers of using products that pose a long term threat to our oceans. Plastic micro-beads also absorb persistent inorganic pollutants like pesticides and flame retardants and when consumed by fish the toxic micro-beads move up the food chain. Over time the micro-plastics will also be subject to UV-degradation and will absorb materials such as PCB’s making them smaller and even toxic in the long term. A single micro-bead can be up to a million times more toxic than the water that surrounds it.
Diatomaceous Earth: Nature’s Organic Mild Exfoliator
The use of Diatomaceous Earth (diatomite) in the exfoliating scrub manufactured by Gaia Organics is what we believe to be a far better and much more environmentally friendly, bio-degradable, organic alternative that has the ability to achieve an equal if not more effective result.
Diatomite actually consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae and is naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a white powder and is a perfect organic, mild abrasive compound.
Gaia Exfoliating Scrub
A specially formulated, tried and tested, gentle scrub with natural diatomite silica crystals, which ensures the safe removal of dead epidermal cells and stimulates cell renewal. It softens refines and regenerates without being overly abrasive and is suitable for all skin types.
Contains: Micro-crystals from ancient diatoms with a specially formulated, low oxidation cream base, colloidal silver, certified vegetable glycerine, green tea with extracts of centella, comfrey allantoin as well as aloe extracts and cold pressed sesame and coconut oils enhanced with Lavender, Neroli and German Chamomile.
August Promo
A free exfoliating scrub with every order purchased. If orders are placed via the shopping basket site, a scrub will be added to your order. FREE postage and/or courier (main centres not outlying areas, SA) with any order placed to the value of R500.
Stay warm everyone,
Blessings
Claudia
