GLOBAL RELEASE—In a bold move brought to light by the tail-end of November 2021, the global Lush brand turned its back on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Snapchat, until these platforms take action to provide a safer environment for users. The said policy is rolling out across all the 48 countries where Lush operates.
In the same way that evidence against climate change was ignored and belittled for decades, concerns about the serious effects of social media are barely being acknowledged, thus prompting this action for the global brand.
Lush, well known for being leaders rather than followers, has decided to address these serious issues now and to start by changing its own practices rather than waiting until others notice that there is actually a real problem.
This isn’t the first time that Lush took a bold step to make a statement as this. Having previously attempted this in 2019, the brand’s resolve has been strengthened by all the latest information put forth by courageous whistleblowers, which evidently lays out known harms that young people are exposed to because of the current algorithms and loose regulation of this new area of our lives.
Image courtesy of Lush via SSI Group, Inc.
“As an inventor of bath bombs, I pour all my efforts into creating products that help people switch off, relax and pay attention to their wellbeing. Social media platforms have become the antithesis of this aim, with algorithms designed to keep people scrolling and stop them from switching off and relaxing,” highlights Jack Constantine, CDO & Product Inventor.
In a company statement, the brand writes, “We wouldn’t ask our customers to meet us down a dark and dangerous alleyway – but some social media platforms are beginning to feel like places no one should be encouraged to go. Something has to change. We hope that platforms will introduce strong best practice guidelines, and we hope that international regulation will be passed into law. But we can’t wait. We feel forced to take our own action to shield our customers from the harm and manipulation they may experience whilst trying to connect with us on social media.”
Image courtesy of Lush via SSI Group, Inc.
Mark Constantine OBE, Co-Founder, CEO & Product Inventor, shares, “I’ve spent all my life avoiding putting harmful ingredients in my products. There is now overwhelming evidence we are being put at risk when using social media. I’m not willing to expose my customers to this harm, so it’s time to take it out of the mix.”
The company statement furthers, “Lush promises not to be completely anti-social. We will do all we can to find new ways to connect, to build better channels of communication elsewhere, as well as using the older tried and tested routes. For now we can still be found on Twitter and YouTube – no need to click Like, Subscribe or Get Notifications, people can just pop along to check us out when they fancy.”
Here is a rundown of channels where Lush can be found.
In the Philippines, Lush is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and is located at Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Mall of Asia, and TriNoma. Available also in Zalora and Trunc.com. Stay updated with the latest from Lush by joining its mailing list and official Lush Viber channel.
You may also follow the brand on its Twitter account: @LushPhilippines or live chat feature available on lush.com.ph. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph or follow @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.