Lush Cosmetics Australia has announced a new partnership with Sea Shepherd Australia to raise awareness and funds for marine conservation in Mapoon, a remote Aboriginal community in Far North Queensland and one of the country’s most important turtle nesting sites.
Coinciding with Plastic Free July, the brand will launch the limited-edition Waru Bath Bomb on 14 July, with 75% of all sales donated to Sea Shepherd Australia. The goal: raise $40,000 to fund the 2026 Mapoon beach clean.
The initiative draws attention to the devastating impact of marine debris carried by the Arafura current into Mapoon’s coastline—traditional land of the Tjungundji people—which endures some of the most severe plastic pollution in Australia.
“If this was happening in Bondi or Noosa, our government would not turn a blind eye like they continue to do in Mapoon,” said Grahame Lloyd, who leads Sea Shepherd Australia’s Remote Marine Debris Campaign. “The disproportionate impact of pollution on remote Aboriginal communities is something that must be addressed.”
Named after the Tjungundji word for turtle, Waru symbolises Lush’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection and First Nations partnership. The bath bomb is plastic-free, packaging-free, and scented with lemon myrtle and eucalyptus, blending refreshment with a greater purpose.
“Every purchase helps protect Mapoon, home to sacred turtle species like the Flatback, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill,” said Jessielee Pearce, Lush’s Advocacy and Activism Executive. “We’re proud to support Sea Shepherd and the Indigenous rangers who care for this fragile ecosystem.”
Lush customers can also participate beyond the bath. Lush Melbourne Central will host a Plastic Free July gallery (14–30 July) featuring a sculpture made from beach-collected trash. Titled One Balloon = One Life, the piece by artist Anita Staaden tells the story of Binguing—a sea turtle crafted from discarded plastics, rising toward the surface where danger looms in the form of balloon debris.
The initiative aims to educate the public on how single-use plastics, especially soft plastics and balloons, mimic jellyfish in the ocean—posing deadly risks to marine life.
With only 9% of plastic produced globally since 1950 ever recycled, Lush and Sea Shepherd’s campaign serves as a timely reminder that everyday choices can have lasting environmental consequences.
The Waru Bath Bomb will be available from 14 July in Lush stores across Australia and Aotearoa and online via lush.com.au, retailing for $10.
Read the WINTER ’25 issue of Retail Beauty below:
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