Invest In This, Not That: Three Sustainable Hair Swaps For A Better Planet (Part 2)
This is the second in a 3-part series "Invest In This, Not That: Three Sustainable Hair Swaps For A Better Planet." In our last post, we focused on swapping out conventional, plastic-based hair ties for plastic-free alternatives (Check out Part 1 here). Part 2 of this series is all about scrunchies. Read on!
Sustainable, Retro Trends: Non-Toxic Scrunchies
Scrunchies, like fanny packs and mom jeans, are a trend we didn’t see coming back around. But, they’re an accessory we’re happy to have back around. As children of the 80s, we ourselves wore a great many scrunchies but at the time, didn’t think much of it. They were big, puffy, usually brightly coloured, and were as much a hair accessory as a statement piece. Now, they’ve made a comeback and bolder than ever before.
While we’re excited about this revitalization of scrunchies, we’re definitely less excited about the untold number of synthetic dyes and questionable ingredients used in conventionally-made scrunchies. As a company, we’re committed to only using low-impact, OEKO TEX dyes in our products, for good reason. It is well-known that conventional dyes contain toxic chemicals and, if not regulated properly, can end up poisoning soil and waterways around where they are produced.
“In the textile industry alone, up to 200,000 tons of dye find their way into the environment every year - inhibiting plant growth and entering the food chain as carcinogenic agents.”
Non-Toxic Saves Both People and Our Planet
These toxic chemicals wreak havoc on the environment, most specifically through water pollution. But they also, and importantly, impact the people who have to work with them. Often, people in these situations are producing textiles among unfair and sub-standard working conditions, and receiving sub-standard wages to match. It is truly difficult to imagine a person in this situation making any kind of decent income when a three-pack of conventional scrunchies costs $5.00 (once the cost of goods, transportation, and other items are factored in).
In contrast, KOOSHOO scrunchies are certified 100% FairTrade, non-toxic, and plastic-free. They cost more because they reflect what we know is a more accurate and true cost of production. But, similarly to our hair ties, they’ll outlast the conventional competition. They bring back the 80s but with a sustainable flare, ensuring your statement piece is supporting the people who made them all while being gentle on the planet and her precious waterways. Shop KOOSHOO scrunchies and pick your favourite colour palette.
