MARIE CLAIRE UK #startsomewhere campaign AWARDED FOR EFFORTS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
Marie Claire UK is proud to announce it is the first in the UK to be awarded the Ocean Champion badge by the Oceanic Global Foundation, the highest level of The Oceanic Standard (TOS). The badge honours efforts by Marie Claire to bring sustainability to the forefront of the conversation in the fashion and beauty industry at the launch event for its 2019 Conscious Living campaign #startsomewhere.
To ensure the event operated with a minimal environmental footprint, Marie Claire partnered with the Oceanic Global Foundation to implement practices outlined in the NGO’s sustainability verification system, The Oceanic Standard. In addition to the “zero waste to landfill” philosophy of event venue Claridge’s Hotel, Marie Claire eliminated single-use plastics, such as laminated gift bags, vinyl branding and synthetic flowers, by using creative alternatives. These included tote bags made from certified cotton; calligraphy branding that was then cleaned with eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products; and a living plant wall, from which guests could take home air plants, foliage and succulents in compostable pots.
Lea Auroi, founder & executive director of The Oceanic Global Foundation, says: “We were so impressed with the level of attention to detail that Marie Claire incorporated throughout the event, from eliminating all onsite single-use plastics, to replacing flowers with a living plant wall. We are thrilled to award this event with our first Ocean Champion badge in the UK as part of The Oceanic Standard to recognise Marie Claire’s commitment to sustainability.”
At the event, Marie Claire editor-in-chief Trish Halpin interviewed environmental artist and activist Anne de Carbuccia from One Planet One Future on her work, which reflects the scale of the environmental crisis facing the planet. Discussing the recent Schools Strike 4 Climate, Anne de Carbuccia said: “What impresses me the most is that young people are taking to the streets to talk about climate change. That’s what will make a difference. We need a revolution for things to change.”
Kate Thompson, Head of Events at Marie Claire, says, “For many years Marie Claire has reported on the impact of climate change on a global level and sustainability has always been an issue that’s close to my own heart too, so it’s a huge honour to be recognised for our efforts. It’s great to be able to show that by making small changes and more conscious decisions while producing luxury events, it is possible to be kinder to the planet.”
Marie Claire’s 2019 Conscious Living campaign #startsomewhere aims to give the brand’s audience ideas and inspirations for everyday small changes that can help reduce our individual impact on the environment.
The winners of the well-established Prix d’Excellence de la Beaute awards, now in its 33rd year, were revealed following the campaign launch, at an event hosted on Monday 25th February. Leading forces in the beauty industry were in attendance along with model and activist Pixie Geldof, influencer Patricia Bright and campaigner and Mother Pukka vlogger Anna Whitehouse.