NadiaZ on Ambergris

Many people are asking me on whether or not Ambergris can be used in natural perfumes in an ethical perspective. As this very informative article from uk.whales.org explains, Ambergris is an excreta from Sperm Whales that takes value by the long periods of time it would have been floating in the sea. Therefore no whales are harmed nowadays when collecting beach washed Ambergris. Whales today are not only suffering from illegal killing but also from marine pollution and less well known sound pollution that affect their capacity to communicate between themselves in the long distances of the sea waters. Ambergris scent is truly unique and for a perfumer and passionate free-diver like me, a natural treasure. Let’s value Ambergris not as a commodity but as a way to raise people awareness on the protection of the sea and sea mammals. Favor ethical companies that will promote ingredients to be collected sustainably in a way that benefit both the indigenous communities and the environment. A french proverb says that to live happy one may better live hidden. Unfortunately it is no more true nowadays, many species in the deep sea are disappearing before we even get to know about them due to our fishing techniques and environmental damage. So let us continue to talk about whales, dolphins, sharks and sea turtles as our beloved ambassadors of the Sea. May the discussion on Ambergris contribute to that. Happy Christmas to all!