The Body Shop host DIY workshop to encourage up-cycle on World Environment Day

By Safna Malik

The Body Shop Sri Lanka, celebrated World Environment Day this year with a special DIY workshop “Beauty Upcycled.” The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the importance of rethinking approaches to plastics and minimising the impact on the planet.

 By collaborating with the Grassroots Research and Development Company, Green Life Generation CEO and co-founder Savandie Abeyratne, The Body Shop Sri Lanka highlighted the significance of up-cycling as a means to combat plastic waste and promote environmental consciousness.

 The interactive workshop was held at The Body Shop store in Colombo City Centre and the workshop was attended by beauty influencers, models, Instagram stars and the media.

 At the workshop Abeyratne gave insights to participants on empowering Consumers through upcycling: she introduced the concept of upcycling and its numerous benefits, emphasising the importance of repurposing single-use plastics. 

 She also used The Body Shop’s Body Yoghurt containers to demonstrate how it could be transformed into beautiful plant pot holders using natural fibre macramé. This showcased how everyday consumers can easily give new life to items that would otherwise be discarded.

 During the workshop, guests were encouraged to participate and try their hand at creating their own up-cycled macramé plant pot holders. 

 The Body Shop allows their guests to take their handmade plant pots home along with a new found determination to make more conscious decisions regarding their environmental impact.

 Abeyratne also expressed her gratitude for collaborating with The Body Shop, a brand she has admired since her upbringing, and one that aligns with her mission to use business as a force for good. The event provided an opportunity to openly discuss the issue of plastic pollution in the cosmetic industry and explore potential solutions, such as upcycling, to prevent containers from ending up in non-circular recycling streams, landfills, or water bodies.

 Speaking about the commitment towards Sustainable Development she emphasised by practicing responsible consumption and production, we can leave a clean and safe Earth for future generations.

 She also said that The Body Shop’s dedication to sustainability, exemplified through this “Beauty Upcycled” workshop, will encourage consumers and producers alike to make conscious choices and work towards a more sustainable future.

 The  Body Shop Sri Lanka Marketing and Training Manager Thilini Lelwala also joined to express her thoughts on the “Beauty Upcycled” workshop on the World Environment Day which served as a platform to raise awareness about plastic waste and empower individuals to make a positive impact on the planet through upcycling. 

 She said by December 2023, The Body Shop aims to have all their product formulas certified by The Vegan Society and being a 100% vegan company they are committed towards sustainable options which will make a positive impact on the environment.

 Speaking about the company and the brand she highlighted that The Body Shop was known as a global beauty brand that fights against animal testing, and provides cruelty-free skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. 

 She also spoke about core values as a brand that The Body Shop follows while sharing their Return, Recycle, Repeat scheme that has been followed in 800 stores across 14 countries. 

 Explaining about the scheme she said, in each store there will be a collection point where customers can return their used empty bottles, plastic pouches and pipettes, and it will be recycled or repurpose it for packaging.  

 She said this workshop will be a stepping stone to educate people on the importance of up-cycle and recycling and how it could make a positive impact on the environment. The Body Shop hopes to introduce this Return, Recycle, Repeat scheme to Sri Lanka in near future.

 By collaborating with social-ecologists and sustainability influencers, The Body Shop Sri Lanka represents its commitment towards the environment. Through events like this, The Body Shop encourages consumers to become more mindful of their consumption choices and supports their journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle.