How environmentally friendly of our ingredients are?

At ROBelle Farm, we hold a firm belief in the wonders of nature and the bountiful ingredients it provides for our daily needs. However, upon delving deeper into the research regarding these natural ingredients, we have unearthed numerous drawbacks associated with their utilization. Regrettably, the excessive consumption of natural resources by humans across various industries has given rise to greed among manufacturers, farmers, and producers. Ultimately, this insatiable desire for profit has led to the creation of countless unsustainable practices in the production of natural ingredients.

The Unsustainable Nature of Essential Oils
Let's talk about essential oils. These oils are produced naturally by plants, primarily in their leaves. For a long time, humans have been using essential oils for various purposes, such as aroma therapy to heal the body and mind, or topically to reduce bacterial growth since they have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. Essential oils are very potent, being naturally poisonous to living creatures. Plants produce these oils to repel animals and insects from damaging them. However, humans still cultivate and use these oils on our skin, which can be potentially harmful since we are also animals. To produce high-quality essential oils, plants require special care, including the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and more, to ensure optimal growth conditions. Unfortunately, the cultivation of essential oils often goes hand in hand with land clearing, which negatively affects native vegetation and wildlife habitats. Furthermore, the resources needed to produce just 1ml of essential oil are enormous. Considering all these factors, it becomes clear that essential oils are unsustainable as natural ingredients. In addition, the use of essential oils in households can have detrimental consequences on our waterways. When we go about our daily routines, such as taking a shower and allowing the water to drain away, these used water flows into our waterways. At first glance, one may think that the diluted form of essential oil in the water would not pose a significant threat. However, it is important to consider that it's not just a small number of households using essential oils in this manner. With countless individuals dispersing diluted essential oils here and there, these substances can accumulate and reach concentrations that can prove harmful to our beloved animals and marine creatures. ROBelle Farm firmly believes that if we can make the conscious choice to alter one of our habits in order to protect countless lives, then why not take that opportunity?

Clay is a wonderful natural substance, but extracting it harms our planet.

The second ingredient that we opt out to produce our products are clays, which are a truly remarkable natural material. Not only are they beneficial for human skin, but they also provide numerous advantages for our plant companions. With their fine particles, clays contain an array of nutrients and minerals that are essential for plant growth, while also possessing the ability to retain moisture over extended periods of time. These exceptional properties make them ideal for cultivation in our skincare line, including clay masks, soap making, moisturizing creams, and lotions, among others. However, it is important to acknowledge that clay production has a significant impact on our planet. As clay is a component of soil, its cultivation necessitates mining, which in turn involves deforestation, repeated usage of heavy machinery that causes soil compaction, and digging into the earth itself. Unfortunately, these processes result in the destruction of land fertility. The act of digging disrupts the vital mycelium network beneath the soil surface. This intricate web of fungi plays a critical role in soil vitality, helping to promote fertility by facilitating moisture binding and nutrient exchange between plants, soils, and bacteria, while also sequestering carbon into the ground. Furthermore, the compaction caused by heavy machinery makes the earth less conducive to root growth, rendering it unsuitable for plant growth. Consequently, plants either cannot or choose not to thrive in such locations, causing the soil to become lifeless and lose its ability to sequester carbon. Additionally, it is crucial to note that the renewal process for clay takes thousands of years. Once it has been cultivated, we must wait patiently for the next millennium for it to become available again for both humans, animals, and plants alike. This also apply with other mineral based ingredients as well.

In order to prioritize sustainability and minimize our carbon footprint, we have made a conscious decision to exclusively utilize plant-based ingredients only. One of the remarkable qualities of renewable resources is their ability to replenish themselves on an annual basis. This aspect brings a sense of sustainability and hope for the future, as these resources grow and flourish, breathing life not only into the creatures that depend on them but also into the very land that supports them. With each passing year, these renewable resources continuously offer their bountiful gifts, reminding us of the interconnectedness between nature and all living beings. We particularly focus on incorporating native plants into our products due to their annual renewability. By sourcing these ingredients locally, we ensure that they are naturally grown right here on Australian soil, requiring significantly less energy for cultivation. Our goal is to formulate our products using 99% native ingredients, with the remaining 1% sourced from local producers. While some incredible plant-based ingredients may not be readily available in Australia, we are mindful of the ecological impact of importing them from overseas. Transporting these materials by airfreight, often involving shipments weighing over 1000 kg, generates substantial pollution. Consequently, even though these ingredients are natural, their long-distance travel is detrimental to our planet. We firmly believe that prioritizing the use of plant-based ingredients from our own continent is essential for preserving our environment in the long run.

In a nutshell, at ROBelle Farm est 2022, our passion lies in implementing sustainable practices to minimize the use of natural ingredients that undergo unsustainable production processes. We prioritize the well-being of our planet by ensuring that our products are environmentally friendly. While our products may not have a scent that is overwhelmingly captivating or be adorned with fancy ingredients, we take pride in providing our cherished customers with skincare options that not only promote a healthy complexion but also contribute to the overall betterment of our environment. Our products lend a natural and effective means of caring for your skin while fostering a sense of environmental responsibility.