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Jessica Alba has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to conscious living, co-founding the clean-lifestyle brand, The Honest Company, in 2011. “Sustainability has always been a key pillar for me,” the Fantastic Four and Sin City actor, who also launched Honest Beauty in 2015, tells Vogue. “At Honest, we’re on a path of continuous improvement, and we always strive to keep the planet and sustainability at top of mind, in all aspects of the business.”
With the climate crisis becoming ever more urgent, it makes sense that Alba, 40, is supporting the for Tomorrow initiative, a platform launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai to showcase the work of innovators around the world who are building a more sustainable future, from a female engineer who introduced solar-powered street lights to communities in Nigeria to two entrepreneurs who have helped female bus drivers invest in electric vehicles in Nepal. “I love that this initiative is grounded in the idea that together, as a global community, we can truly tackle and work to solve arguably the most pressing issues that affect us all,” Alba says.
Her passion for protecting our planet is something she hopes to pass down to the next generation, too. “As a mother of three, I also teach my kids about the importance of sustainability and have instilled an appreciation of the planet in them from a young age,” she adds.
Here, Alba shares with Vogue her top five tips for living more sustainably.
1. Avoid single-use products
“For me, it’s all about being conscious of waste and trying to reuse, upcycle and recycle as much as possible. Reusable bottles mean fewer bottles heading to landfill. Opt for refillable cleaning products instead of single-use.”
2. Invest in wardrobe classics
“When it comes to the consumption of clothing and fashion trends, think about those classic pieces that don’t go out of style and support brands that are more sustainable in the way they work – such as Cuyana, Re/Done, Reformation and Everlane.”
3. Don’t forget about beauty
“In beauty, sheet masks have become the new plastic straw – there is so much waste that goes into them as a single-use plastic product. We created a Magic Reusable Silicone Sheet Mask that allows the consumer to customise their treatment by using their favourite serum or moisturiser to get all the benefits of a sheet mask, without all the waste.”
4. Support local farmers
“Sustainable farming is a big area that often gets overlooked that can make a huge difference. I would say that if you have access to a farmers’ market, by simply supporting your local farmers you can dramatically reduce waste when it comes to the food-supply chain.”
5. Little choices add up
“Remember: all the little choices you make add up. And if we all do a little bit, it will collectively make a big impact.”
