You may have heard that a Global Plastics Treaty is being negotiated right now at the United Nations. So what’s Lush Cosmetics got to do with it? And why does it matter?
Bath Bomb display in a Lush Cosmetics store. Courtesy of Lush Cosmetics
There has never been a more crucial time to fight plastic pollution as we are rapidly approaching INC-5, the last scheduled negotiation session for the Global Plastics Treaty, in Busan, South Korea this November. If countries can secure a strong treaty that caps plastic production and directs a clear pathway to a reuse-based society, the world has a real chance to solve the plastic pollution crisis. This is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address plastic pollution at the source and bring about long lasting systemic solutions that put people and the planet first.
What is the role of the business sector in all of this?
Whether we like it or not, businesses are at the forefront of plastic pollution – not only as the main producers and users of single-use plastic, but also as innovators and adopters of alternatives and solutions. Many companies already know that ditching plastics isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for business, too! In fact, research has found that zero waste approaches create over 200 times more jobs than disposal-based systems that primarily burn or bury waste.
There is no better time for forward-thinking businesses around the world to send a strong message to their national governments that they support the creation of a truly ambitious, legally binding Global Plastics Treaty that seeks to reduce plastic production and end pollution across the full lifecycle of plastics. Science tells us this is essential if we are to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and protect biodiversity.
Members of the Greenpeace delegation display banner messaging at the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) meetings in Ottawa, Canada.
As part of a global campaign to end the plastic crisis, Greenpeace International has joined forces with Break Free From Plastic and Plastic Pollution Coalition to launch Champions of Change. This global initiative is a platform for companies to leverage their influence with one common demand for the world’s governments to negotiate an ambitious Global Plastic Treaty that will drastically cut plastic production for good. By bringing together reuse and refill shops, low-plastic and plastic-free brands, and companies actively working to operate without contributing to the plastic crisis, the aim is to demonstrate that ending the age of plastic doesn’t conflict with a healthy business landscape.
So wait, what about the bath bombs? Lush Cosmetics, proud inventor of the beloved bath bomb, was one of the first companies to sign the open letter and become a Champion of Change! In case you haven’t heard, Lush is well known for being a global leader in naked personal care products – products like solid shampoo, soap, and lotion bars sold without packaging. In fact, about half of their products can be taken home with no packaging. Lush notes that it has managed to divert nearly 6 million plastic bottles globally from landfill by selling shampoo bars alone. Now that’s something worth celebrating with a lush-ious bath bomb filled bubble bath!
Plastic-free solid shampoo. Courtesy of Lush Cosmetics.
Lush is determined to continue reducing plastic from their business operations, acknowledging that they currently continue to rely on plastic. In a demonstration of this commitment, Lush is going big on October 4 with a Day of Action in support of an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty in all 260+ of their stores across the US and Canada! On this day, Lush stores will undergo a makeover as their window screens highlight the Global Plastics Treaty and staff will invite shoppers to take action by contacting their heads of state. Come in to buy soap, leave a plastic pollution advocate – we love to see it! And with Lush being just one of almost 250 Champions of Change from around the world, can you imagine the impact we could make together if more companies got onboard and organized similar initiatives?
All of Lush’s stores across the U.S. and Canada will feature this signage on Oct 4, 2024. Courtesy of Lush Cosmetics.
Make no mistake, there is no business on a dead planet. The world is moving forward and more and more businesses like Lush and other Champions of Change are stepping up by using their power to amplify the demands of the people. With less than two months to go until INC-5, there is still time for more companies to take action and join the call to cut plastic production and end single-use plastics for our health, our communities, our climate and our planet.
Companies, we invite you to join fellow business leaders for a strong Global Plastics Treaty by becoming a Champion of Change and signing the open letter!
Not a business? Not a problem! We welcome and encourage individual supporters to sign the petition to show your support for an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty that will drastically cut plastic production.
We couldn’t have made it this far without you. Let’s keep going together until we win!
