Combatting the 3 Ps: Plastic, parabens and palm oil

Plastic, parabens and palm oil

Combatting the 3 Ps: Plastic, parabens and palm oil

Holly Alderson, Out of Eden

We’ve been working hard behind-the-scenes to source and supply products that reflect not only our environmental values, but our customers’ too. So, this month we’re sharing just some of the products that will help you combat the 3 Ps: plastic, palm oil, and parabens…

2018 was undoubtedly a pivotal year for raising awareness surrounding what goes into the products that we buy, use and eventually throw away, and just how much this can impact us and our planet. With the new year bringing resolutions for the year ahead, an opportunity to try new things within your business, and, for Out of Eden, a brand-new catalogue featuring an ever-growing selection of greener products, what better time to try and implement some greener products into your business?

PLASTIC

The plastic problem is still very much a heavily debated topic with regards to the production and circulation of single-use plastic in packaging and products alike, and more importantly where it ends up if unrecyclable – either in landfill, as litter, or in our oceans. Previously, especially in the hospitality industry, individual single-size portions have long-been expected as complimentary touches that, quite often, go to waste. Now, following increasing awareness surrounding the single-use plastic can do, these extra touches are slowly becoming less about adding luxury and more a cause for consumer concern. 

In-room essentials, such as plastic tumblers, are one of many examples of single-use plastic that could easily be swapped for a greener alternative. Constructed from a corn starch-based construct, these Vegware clear tumblers contain absolutely no plastic, making them ideal for composting and a great way to eliminate an element of your business’s plastic consumption. In the right conditions, the compound can break down in just 12 weeks, unlike traditional plastic bottles that can take more than 500 years to fully decompose.

This also isn’t to say that you shouldn’t offer your guests those anticipated luxury extras, rather just to be more conscious of the waste that comes with them. For instance, as an alternative to offering biscuits on your welcome trays, these Buttermilk individual bite-size fudge portions are packaged in responsible, fully compostable wrappings. Available in three flavours, caramel sea salt, vanilla and clotted cream, these Buttermilk fudges offer a little taste of Cornwall while adding an indulgent, yet eco-conscious, touch to your bedrooms.

PALM OIL

Following the scrutiny surrounding the environmental impact of palm oil sourcing during the latter half of 2018, palm oil has very quickly become the new plastic in that it’s facing a similar demand from consumers for sustainable alternatives. A big misconception surrounding the sourcing of palm oil, though, is that in order to combat the damage associated with it, is to abolish palm oil from production entirely. This solution, however, is not sustainable long-term as locating alternatives is a costly endeavour which will simultaneously have a detrimental effect on the working lives of those in the palm oil supplying trade. The most efficient way to combat the impact of palm oil with regards to deforestation, minimising pollution and protecting wildlife therefore, as recommended by Greenpeace, is instead to invest in products that contain sustainably sourced palm oil, such as that certified by the RSPO.

RSPO, which stands for Responsibly Sourced Palm Oil, is a global committee established in 2004 and headed by WWF, who work to promote the overall sustainability of palm oil for people, the planet and prosperity. Our hard soaps, for instance, that have been manufactured on-site in Cumbria since 2010, and are produced from soap noodles sourced from 100% RSPO certified palm oil. Only roughly 20% of the world’s palm oil is sustainably sourced, a statistic we are proud to be included in.

PARABENS

With the new year comes a great opportunity for a refresh, whether this be in your guest bedrooms, bathrooms, or business altogether. A great way to update your guest bathrooms is with some new toiletries, which can also be a great way to complement your business values.

Now more than ever consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about the ingredients in the toiletries they use, and complimentary toiletries offered in your bed and breakfast are no exception. As well as our hard soaps, our exclusive Cole & Lewis 300ml toiletry collections are completely free from ingredients such as parabens and SLES/SLS. Instead, they’re a proudly British-made product created with essences of natural herbal and floral essential oils, in two versatile collections: Wild Fig & Iris and Lemongrass & Bergamot.

Not only are you saving on plastic by choosing 300ml bottles as an alternative to individual travel-size toiletries, you also have the option to refill the original bottle time and time again with our 5 litre refill bottles, thus saving you even more plastic.

ORDER YOUR 2019 CATALOGUE: 

www.outofeden.co.uk | T: 01768 372 939 | E: sales@outofeden.co.uk

 

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About Oliver Mizen 333 Articles
Oliver is web editor, social media poster, search engine optimiser.