Ajman University Students Spotlight the Hidden Environmental and Socio-Economic Footprint of Cosmetics and Clothes

Students from Ajman University’s College of Dentistry Rand Barakat, Jude Nemer, Izzet Duraid, and Layan Badawneh have developed a student research presentation titled “Cosmetics & Clothes: The Environmental and Socio-Economic Footprint.” The project was prepared for the 25th Cycle of the Inter-College Environmental Public Speaking Competition and examines how fast fashion and cosmetics supply chains affect the planet, wildlife, workers, and society.

The presentation highlights several critical environmental impacts: palm oil-driven deforestation, water pollution from textile production, and plastic and microbead pollution in cosmetics and fashion. It also links these industries to wildlife harm, including habitat loss, biodiversity decline, plastic entanglement, animal testing, and the exploitation of animals for fur and down. On the socio-economic side, the students address worker health and safety, child labor, and the mental health toll of manufactured beauty standards, captured in their message: “When perfection is manufactured, confidence is destroyed.”

The research presents striking data: global fashion emissions are projected to rise from roughly 900 MtCO₂e in 2019 to over 1,200 MtCO₂e by 2030, while the Living Planet Index has fallen from 100 in 1970 to below 30 by 2020, a stark indicator of biodiversity loss. The team also compares fast fashion brands with sustainable alternatives, such as Shein vs. The Giving Movement, North Face vs. Patagonia, Adidas vs. Veja, MAC vs. Axiology, Maybelline vs. Ilia Beauty, and Pantene vs. Ethique.

Their proposed solutions include fair labor laws and safe working conditions, sustainable and biodegradable textiles, circular and bio-based materials, responsible advertising, mindful consumption, and education and awareness campaigns. The presentation closes with a four-phase vision: Awareness, Transition, Global Impact, and a Sustainable Future, a fully circular, low-carbon, cruelty-free industry that protects climate, biodiversity, and people worldwide.

This student work directly supports SDG 13: Climate Action by addressing industrial emissions, resource consumption, pollution, and waste, while also connecting to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). It is a strong example of how Ajman University students are advancing sustainability through research, advocacy, and cross-sector solutions.

Keywords: SDG 13, Climate Action, sustainable fashion, fast fashion, cosmetics, microplastics, deforestation, palm oil, water pollution, circular economy, biodegradable textiles, ethical sourcing, fair labor, responsible advertising, mindful consumption, biodiversity, Living Planet Index, carbon emissions, animal testing, child labor, Ajman University, sustainability, student research.

To read more about this research project, click here.