Beyond the Bottle: Why Our "Circular" Mission Starts with a Goal of Ending Microplastics
In the world of self-care, we often talk about what’s inside the bottle including the magnesium for your muscles, the lavender for your mind, the botanical oils for your soul. But lately, there is a growing conversation about what we can’t see.
We aren't there 100% yet either as some components our our bottles still use plastics. We are excited about what options we have for the future and will continue to use all the fundamental materials we know will reduce our collective impact.
Microplastics.
If you’ve been feeling a sense of "eco-anxiety" regarding the hidden plastics in your daily routine, you aren't alone. Today, we’re diving into why this matters and how we are engineering a different path forward.
The Invisible Problem
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (less than 5mm) that result from the breakdown of larger plastic waste or are intentionally added to products as "microbeads" or thickeners.
For the conscious consumer, the concern is two-fold:
- Our Bodies: Emerging research suggests these particles can enter our systems through the water we drink and the products we apply to our skin.
- Our Earth: Every time a plastic-packaged shower gel is rinsed down the drain, or a synthetic sponge sheds fibers, those particles eventually find their way into our oceans and soil.
The "Circular" Solution
At 8 Elephants, we believe that health is a loop. You cannot truly restore your own body if you are depleting the environment in the process. This is why we have committed to a Circular Economy model from day one.
Here is how we ensure your ritual stays plastic-free:
Compostable Packaging: We’ve moved beyond "recyclable" (which often still ends up in landfills). We use OK Compostable packaging, sugar cane labels, and even algae ink. When you’re finished with your salts, the packaging can return to the ground, not the ocean.
Glass Over Plastic: Our Magnesium Sprays and Shower Spritzers live in amber glass. Glass is infinitely recyclable and, more importantly, it doesn't "leach" chemicals into your clean, botanical formulas.
Pure Ingredients: We never use synthetic "glitters," microbeads, or plastic-based thickeners. Our textures come from mineral-rich salts and whole dried plants—exactly as nature intended.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Engineering a healthier environment sounds like a massive task, but just like an elephant herd, we do it together through small, consistent actions.
By choosing rituals that are "good for the ground," you aren't just taking care of your own well-being—you’re helping us close the loop on plastic waste.
Ready to transition to a plastic-free bathroom? Explore our Shower Restoration Collection and join the herd in making every bath a step toward a healthier planet.