Have you ever gone out without putting your face on? Whether it's a dash of foundation or a full application of lipstick, blusher or mascara, many would consider make-up essential before being seen. According to a survey by Fragrance Direct, a leading UK beauty retailer, the average UK woman uses twelve beauty products in their beauty regime daily – that's approximately £500 spent annually. But behind the monetary cost lies another, and it's one that many consumers may not know about.
70% of cosmetics are manufactured using palm oil – a substance which is controversial, and, according to many, environmentally damaging. Between 1990 and 2008, oil palm tree plantations were responsible for the deforestation of around 8% of the world's forests, according to the BBC. This leads to a loss of biodiversity and habitat for wildlife – particularly those already under threat, such as the orangutan. And demand for the crop is increasing.
To further complicate things, we can't simply ban it or stop using it. It's the most widely used vegetable oil on the planet and responsible for an industry worth more than $40 billion. Stopping its production would ruin many people's livelihoods worldwide. Worse, alternative vegetable oils, such as rapeseed, coconut or sunflower, would require up to ten times as much land to produce the same amount. This would only exacerbate the issue.
There is hope, though, of sustainable palm oil based on a global standard set by the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) – a group of growers, retailers, NGOs and manufacturers. To meet their standards, a company must not clear any primary forest, treat workers fairly, and create wildlife zones, among other things. However, many critics say that these rules are not strict enough. According to a report by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, there is limited evidence of effective conservation as a result.
That said, in 2016, 75% of the total palm oil imports to the UK were sustainable, according to the BBC. Many retailers and leading brands use it, but as a consumer, knowing which is which can be difficult. The RSPO has a logo, but it rarely gets printed on the cosmetic label. The best we can do for now is check the ingredients carefully and do some research.词汇表
4. African slaves were transported to cotton and tobacco _______ in America in the 1600s.
farms crops habitats plantations
5. Electricity generated from hydroelectric dams and wind power is more _______ than fossil fuel generated power.
under threat cosmetic sustainable wild答案
1. 阅读课文并回答问题。
1. True or false? On average, UK women use approximately a dozen beauty products daily.
True. According to a survey by Fragrance Direct, a leading UK beauty retailer, the average UK woman uses 12 beauty products in their beauty regime daily.
2. How does palm oil harm the environment?
Palm oil plantations cause deforesting which leads to a loss of biodiversity and wildlife.
3. Why can't we just stop using palm oil?
It would ruin many people's livelihoods and alternative oils would make things worse.
4. What must a company do to meet the RSPO standards for sustainable palm oil?
To meet their standards, a company must not clear any primary forest, treat workers fairly and create wildlife zones, among other things.
5. Which word used in the article means: ‘make a bad situation even worse'?
Exacerbate (“This would only exacerbate the issue.")
2. 请在不参考课文的情况下完成下列练习。选择一个意思恰当的单词填入句子中的空格处。
1. I'm ready but you're still putting your face on! How long do you need for a bit of lipstick?!
2. I follow a very simple beauty regime. I only use foundation and a bit of eye-liner.
3. The rainforests are one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. There are so many species!
4. African slaves were transported to cotton and tobacco plantation in America in the 1600s.
5. Electricity generated from hydroelectric dams and wind power is more sustainable than fossil fuel generated power.
