While I may be preaching to the choir here, I thought it necessary to articulate the connection between sustainability and the natural hair community. In particular this article speaks to the unprocessed hair of women of African decent. Sustainability according to UNESCO “means consuming goods and services without harming the environment or society. Living a sustainable lifestyle is essential to overcoming poverty and conserving and protecting the natural resource base for all forms of life.”
For the most part style and sustainability are arc nemesis. The pursuit of all things stylish , conventionally promotes waste, consumerism and usually harms the environment.
The folks over at Hair.lovetoknow.com writes, “As society grows more conscious of the effect chemicals have on the environment, trends like natural hair care become more popular. While it may not seem like a few bottles of shampoo or other products affect the environment, each time those products are washed down the drain they have the potential to contaminate water supplies and harm the surrounding ecosystem.”
Here are my top 5 reasons why your natural hair, in addition to its fashion forwardness and fierceness, promotes a healthy environment and why our kids will thank us . This list is no way scientific and based on my own observation, research and conversation with peers.
1. Reduced use of Aerosols. Many aerosols such as hair spray, spritz contain CFC that are proven ozone depletory.
2. Reduced Toxic Runoff- Reduce use toxic chemicals passing into drains– relaxers etc
3. Potential to Save Energy - Due to reduced heat styling, fewer hood, drying, hot curling etc
4. Greater demand and use of natural and organic products. Most of us have tried honey, shea butter and other home concoctions thus reducing consumption. (Raise your hand if you have made your own treatment)
5. Promotes greater conscious for social justice. It starts with our hair, our search for natural products, pursuit of community building (I am blogging on the page of a otherwise stranger) and eventually greater conscious of issues related to products, consumerism, health and the environment.
What are your thoughts? Are you even aware that your hairstyle choice can have an impact on wildlife and potentially climate change? Okay….indirectly!! But as the Jamaica adage goes “One, one coco full basket!” (Translation: Every small gesture makes a difference)
Be good. Do better. Look your best.
Tammyanka
Tamika has been wearing her hair natural for the last four years. She recently transitioned from locks. A native of Jamaica, currently residing and pursuing a Masters of Arts in Sustainable Development in Massachusetts. She struggles with balancing her passion for style, sustainable development and conservation. Tammyanka blogs at http://sustainabilityandstyle.blogspot.com/.
13 comments:
Ok, just found my newest new favorite blog. Love her style. I agree that we need to make more concious choices in our lives about what we buy, eat, wear etc. Not just naturals, but anyone with a vested interested in preservign this planet for generations to come. It's a process though. You learn as you go along. I won't pretend I'm there yet, but I'm trying.
okay, i am going to stalk your blog for sure.
I would like your opinion on this since it's something I've been thinking about for a while:
I live in Nigeria and I've been asking myself if it is okay for me to use so much water on my hair since I live in a developing country. It's possible that I use three or more buckets of water a week on my hair (washing, conditioning e.t.c.).
What do you think about this?
Indigenous Productions, i noticed the same thing last year when i returned to Nigeria for Christmas. i used a lot of water (probably 2-3 buckets) while washing my hair. i think it is similar here in the UK where i let the shower run while i'm combing my hair.
i think we have to make conscious efforts not to use so much water...it is possible...i hope.
Luv this post! YES! This part of the reason I chose to go natural!
Ive been natural for 2 years and in that time I have progressed from wasteful to a budding urban homesteader. I dont know if it was being natural that took me there but I could say that after I became a home-made product nazi, I sort of just blossomed into this organic, local maniac.
Love this post! I will definitely be checking out your blog.
I've been natural my whole life but it's only been in the last year of finding hair boards that I've gotten into natural haircare. I've been stalking recipes and whatnot trying to figure out ways I can cut my consumption and stop using things that harm the environment once I rinse them down the drain. It's gotten easier and easier for me and I'm hoping that soon I can be 100% natural and sustainable in my haircare.
lovely!
~Stassi X.
thank you for this tamika. i appreciate your focus on the environment. we need to be accountable for the toll that our actions place on mother nature! i think after going natural, it follows suit that many of us become more conscious in applying that same caring ethic in other ways.
I make my own shea butter mix.I never thought about it in terms of preservation. I guess it is though. I reuse the packaging and the oils I use come in glass bottles.
Thanks for your kind thoughts and feedback everyone. Our community definitely tends to be conscientious of our impact.
As for Indigenous Productions' question, I understand, my locks used to take gallons of water especially when I was in rural Jamaica where the resource is scarce. But everything in moderation..being conscious , intentional and considerate is important...we still need to take care of our basic needs right?
Otherwise you can use that used water 'gray water' for plants, washing animals etc....where safe to do so.
Jenteel....you are my hair hero!!
tammyanka
Waoh, I wish my locks will look this lovely when they grow. She has changed her style?
Seriously, in what way will hair styles contribute to climate change? I am curious.
"I’ve learnt how to view people for who they are and never let religion and nationality cloud my judgement. I think it’s also made me very open-minded and humble..." Adaeze says on her Interview on my blog. Visit and drop your comment!
Beautiful Lady Tamika,
Thank you for your thoughts. I have never thought about sustainability in my choice to transition to natural hair. I am a Jamaican American and someone who is trying to be more conscience of the environment. I will definitely be keeping up with your blog.
Kaikou
This is a big issue.. toxic runoff from hair/beauty products is something that affects every living thing on Earth. The less we add to the problem the better. Thank you for pointing this out.. peace!
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