David Delport On Being Environmentally Conscious
The biggest misconception people have around sustainability is “that it’s difficult, regimental, or that you must make a ton of personal sacrifice,” says REN Clean Skincare’s Global Brand Ambassador and sustainability guru, David Delport. Having worked for REN Clean Skincare for over a decade, it’s safe to say that David is equally as passionate about beauty and wellbeing as he is the environment. “Cosmetics should work, and they should make you feel good, but they can also be more sustainable,” he tells us. “I have the same level of pride in my appearance as the next person and recognise the power of how our incredible industry can make you feel emotionally and that also has huge value.”
As far as David is concerned, you can love beauty and respect the environment, it just takes a bit of research and trial and error to find the products that work for you. “I am all over wellness and love my supplements, yoga and meditation, but I also love a bit of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer, £56.00, because we all have days where no downward facing dog is going to cut it,” he adds. The sensorial powers of Ren Clean Skincare Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Salt Anti-Fatigue Exfoliating Body Scrub, £35.00 and Ren Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Jelly Oil Cleanser, £29.00, as well as the new Ren Clean Skincare Radiance Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream, £49.00 also give him immediate gratification and joy.
Over the years, David’s lifestyle has evolved to suit his desire to be environmentally conscious. Here are the three easy tweaks he’s implemented that have made a huge impact…
Quality Over Quantity
Consuming less sounds a lot harder than it is. Try buying the best quality you can afford and finish it before you make your next purchase. Cosmetics can be a much-needed uplifting treat – but they don’t need to be a compulsive addiction. A ‘shelfie’ of hundreds of unfinished products is nothing to be proud of anymore.
Make Life Easy For Yourself
Have a dedicated recycling bin in your bathroom. Before you even realise it, you’ll be questioning your purchases and whether or not the packaging is recyclable. Everything from toothpaste to hair mask goes through that mental filter before I part with my money these days as I can physically see it going into landfill. That small change makes recycling a more proactive process rather than an abstracted idea of a magical rubbish land.
Shop Local
Since moving to the Cotswolds, I’ve had better access to fresh food that comes right from local suppliers without long supply chain packaging. It costs more, but not that much more. I also reduce food waste and energy by bulk making my favourite vegetarian meals (like Greek lentil stew – yum!) and sending any cooking scraps to our compost heap or adorable chicken family who provide us with delicious eggs. It’s about extending the value of your waste in any way possible.