...the only weekly updated independent world green news
Unilever to quit using shark liver oil Posted on : Feb 22 2008 Permalink 8 comments
Today well over a third of European sharks are threatened with extinction. Marine conservation organisation, Oceana has been fiercely campaigning against shark liver oil, also known as squalene. Squalene is an organic compound found in certain animal and plant sources, and serves as an emollient in cosmetic products, such as creams and lotions. Sharks' livers are the biggest source of squalene oil and deep-sea sharks have especially large reserves of squalene. Recently food and cosmetics giant Unilever has announced that it will switch to plant-based squalene in its cosmetics and household products the company manufactures. Boots, Clarins, L’Oreal and Estee Lauder have also embraced the change. Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Sharks, and those in particular deep-sea species, are slow-growing, cannot recover their populations fast enough. Sharks are also used as a by-catch in fisheries.
It’s time that we took responsibility for our own health rather than rely on corrupt systems that scuttle effective action.
We need to give a serious thought as to whether the grooming, cleaning and health products we use are environmentally safe? A conscious public effort could stop these companies from dictating terms.
I’d rather use home-made products than be constantly on tenterhooks.
I am absolutely disillusioned. My heart weeps…..
Imagine their gall. These companies feign ignorance about available plant sources. We need to be more educated to make these companies see the writing on the wall.
Such deception! I think we’ve been far too trusting! How government agencies can let companies decide what is acceptable for human use beats me.
Gosh! It’s so disheartening to know that cosmetics and household products we’ve been using all have the same source – shark oil.
Well, I’m sure quite a few companies would insist that they have never used the animal-based ingredient, but there’s no knowing what levels of malpractice they might have engaged in at any point in time.
Post Your Comment
» back to top
Blog archived year wise: