Cosmetics and beauty companies are not well-known for being sustainable nor environmentally friendly. Most people think of the huge waste that comes from plastic packaging, toxic chemicals, animal testing, and rapid deforestation. However, Dove is seeking to make a difference. At the beginning of June, Dove announced the Dove Forest Restoration Project, one of the most important efforts from any beauty brand to date.
Partnered with Conservation International, and in support of their collaboration with The Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Dove will guard and restore 20,000 hectares of forest in Indonesia over five years.
The Dove Forest Restoration Project is estimated to capture over 300,000 tons of CO2 from the air and avoid the release of over 200,000 tons of CO2 emissions. The initiative also figures in current plans Dove is accelerating to accomplish a supply chain free of deforestation by 2023 and net zero emissions by 2039.
The Dove Forest Restoration project is the first major initiative from the €1 billion Unilever Climate & Nature Fund and aligns with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The Project also stands by Conservation International in its arrangement with the Indonesian Government to contribute to biodiversity conservation in the region and also contribute toward Indonesia’s larger targets for restoring forest and strengthening communities’ sustainable management of forest resources. The Dove Forest Restoration Project will help:
- Support local communities with the aim of improving the livelihoods of 16,000 people in the North Sumatra region.
- Deliver biodiversity benefits such as the protection and restoration of habitats for many endangered species. Reestablished forest cover will also reduce the impact of natural disasters such as flooding and landslides.
It seems Dove is committed to protecting and renovating the beauty of the planet with actions to completely transform the beauty industry. Real change requires continued partnership, persistent advocacy efforts, and commitment to do the work on the ground. Although the company still has a lot of work to do to become more sustainable and eco-friendly, the project deserves to be applauded as a huge step in the right direction.
