Sustainability has become a big buzzword—and we believe it is absolutely, positively essential that everyone takes a closer look at their impact on the planet. Activists, politicians and companies both big and small have the platform necessary to raise awareness about the impact our current day-to-day habits are having on the environment and the future of humankind, but the real change starts with each and every one of us as individuals.
When we set out to create Karité, we built our vision on a foundation of social and environmental responsibility. We also knew from the very beginning that sustainability is an evolution, and as we continue to learn more we continue to do more.
Sustainability is defined as “the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.” That’s not good enough for us, and we want to go above and beyond “maintaining” the status quo and raise the bar for ourselves and those around us. Here are the ways Karité is working to make the world a better place right now and for the future to come.
Our shea butter
Shea trees are native to Ghana and West Africa, and they thrive with minimal water and without the need for fertilizer or pesticides. No trees are destroyed in the harvesting process, and once the fruit is picked it grows back season after season. We also rely on women-led collectives to harvest our shea butter, which gives them the opportunity to support their families and communities through the natural resources that surround them.
Sampling
We eliminated sample-sized products for potential retailers, media and gifting a few years ago to minimize unnecessary plastic-based waste.
Recyclability
All of our packaging—from our jars and tubes to the box and filler your order comes in—is 100% recyclable. (Please be sure to break down your boxes, wash out your jars and separate the caps before recycling.)
Packaging
We use bamboo for all of our caps because this sustainable crop grows quickly without the need for fertilizer or much water. We have never used additional outer cartons for our products to minimize waste.
Production
Our family’s palm oil factory in Ghana generates its own electricity so it is “off the grid.” Our palm trees live just a few miles from the factory so transportation-related carbon emissions are minimal. We also oversee all oil sourcing so we know our production process prevents deforestation or harm to animals.
Other ingredients
Aside from our shea butter and palm oil sourced from Ghana, we minimize our carbon footprint by using as many local suppliers as possible for additional ingredients. We also manufacture and fill our products close to our New Jersey headquarters to minimize our carbon footprint.
Plant-based botanicals
Mother Nature is our “supermarket” when we create the “recipes” for our products. Beyond the potential health side effects associated with ingredients like parabens and phthalates, these are on our “no” list because of the impact their manufacturing and post-use run off can have on the environment as well.
Karité is 100% committed to producing products that are safe for humans today as well as the planet in the long run, and we are grateful to our retail partners who share our ideology, such as The Detox Market. We also applaud the incredible role they have played in raising awareness about the beauty industry’s role in promoting sustainability. We couldn’t imagine not being part of this Earth-centric movement and look forward to the positive impact we can all make together.
