Aug, 2022

Top 3 Things To Know About Trash

Now more than ever, more and more people are conscious of their carbon footprint and trying their best to reduce it and their waste. We have only one inhabitable planet in our solar system (or the entire Milky Way for all we know), and we need to start acting like it, and this nonchalant attitude about global warming needs to be addressed.

Waste management is a global concern, and waste is generated from construction sites, households, refineries, factories, and nuclear power plants. We are having a population boom, and with this or lifestyles are also changing, which is an alarming threat to the environment.

When not managed properly, waste can cause serious problems to our health and the environment at large. This is why we all need to get together to solve the issue of waste management. So, without further ado, let’s dive further into this blog and learn more about waste management and what we can do at an individual level to save our planet.

What is waste?

Existing in several forms, the waste designates globally all that we do not use anymore and wish to get rid of.

It is food scraps that we throw in the trash, bottles, and packaging that we put in special containers. Bigger objects, old damaged furniture, mattresses, and broken bicycles that we take to the waste disposal center. But materials, products, and residues are also linked to companies, agriculture, and various industries. We produce an average of 350 kg per inhabitant per year, a figure that is close to 14 tons per year if we take into account the entire American population and all professional sectors.

They are then landfilled or incinerated, depending on their nature or their hazardous nature, but are also increasingly recycled to limit the environmental pollution they cause. Responsible management of waste is one of the major thrusts of the ecological transition.

Understand waste management easily.

For mankind, nature is an extraordinary source of food, materials, and riches of all kinds, which have given rise over the centuries to formidable discoveries. To consume better is to learn to limit our impact on the environment and to admit that despite centuries of evolution, our survival will always depend on nature’s. And then, at a time of massive urbanization, nature is also a way to change the pace and refocus on the essential. However, it is becoming more and more difficult to cut oneself off from our human societies for even a moment.

Visible and invisible pollution from our activities is making its way even to the most remote areas of the planet. And since our development will continue, the management of our waste will become one of the main issues of tomorrow.

What are the management methods used today? What new projects are envisaged? How can we support the transition to more responsible management at the individual level? This is what we will discover in this new topic.

Key figures

Every year, the world is faced with 2.1 billion tons of solid waste, 33% of which is not managed in an environmentally friendly manner. And the figure is expected to increase by 70% to 3.4 billion tons by 2050. As a result, the mass of waste is growing faster than any other source of environmental pollution, including greenhouse gases.

From an economic point of view, we note that high-income countries account for only 16% of the world’s population but produce almost a third of the world’s total waste. East Asia and the Pacific are the worst performers, but each inhabitant still produces an average of 590 kg of waste per year in France. And the production continues to grow by about 1% each year.

In low-income countries, only 48% of garbage is collected in cities, and 26% in rural areas. Much of the waste is simply burned on site or left in the open, leading to respiratory infections and other diseases.

High-income countries have much better collection and management systems, but they are totally inadequate. For years, thousands of containers full of waste to be recycled have left Europe and the United States for Southeast Asia, where treatment is much cheaper. Until recently, France itself sent 50% of its sorted plastic waste to China. Things are still going on today, but Beijing, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, have tightened their import conditions so as not to be the dustbins of Western countries anymore. As a result, there is no more garbage to manage on our territory, and recyclable waste is simply burned or dumped due to a lack of adapted equipment.

In spite of this, countries continue to develop and often forget to equip themselves with essential systems to face the progression of waste and its evolution. For this reason, middle-income countries should be closely monitored, as they are expected to experience the largest increase in waste in the coming years. It is expected to triple in sub-Saharan Africa and double in South Asia by 2050.

Looking for help?

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Renting a bin, hook bin, or even skip has never been easier than with the help of Empire Bins. Their motto is no job is too big or too small for them, and they deliver on their promise. What are you waiting for? They are only one phone call away!

Aug, 2022

Tips on Choosing Your Sorting Garbage Can

Contents

– Garbage can: principle and operation

– Putting the garbage can in the garbage can: a principle that has proved its worth

There are 2 types of garbage cans for individuals and municipalities

The selective sorting allows the recycling of waste at the source and implies the good use of the following:

– garbage can,

– garbage bag.

Garbage can: principle and functioning

The garbage can is a container to collect waste to avoid piling up. It is of various shapes and sizes, depending on the aesthetic objective or capacity:

– it can contain between 80 and 1,100 liters,

– It has an opening system and usually a lid to prevent the spread of bad smells and to hide the sight of the garbage,

– It can be equipped with a pedal to facilitate its opening.

The garbage can is available in different materials: stainless steel, plastic, steel, etc.

Trash can: a proven principle

The trash can dates back to the invention of Eugene Poubelle in 1884. Since then, the principle has remained unchanged:

– the city is responsible for providing the garbage cans and collecting them,

– individuals deposit their garbage bags in containers,

– the containers are taken to the street or yard on collection days,

– garbage collectors drive by with their garbage trucks to pick up the contents of the container,

– the waste is taken to the landfill and dispatched to the appropriate recycling centers.

2 types of garbage cans: individuals and municipalities

There are two garbage cans: indoor (home) and municipal.

At home: indoor garbage cans

Indoor garbage cans are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. In the home, each garbage can has a specific function:

– general wastebasket: in the kitchen, receives loose household waste,

– Wastepaper basket: usually placed near the office,

– Table waste garbage can: for food waste,

– other garbage cans: bathroom, toilet, garage, laundry room, etc.

Some high-end trash cans incorporate today’s concerns:

– garbage cans equipped with several containers for selective sorting,

– Hygiene is an infrared motion detection system designed to open without touching the lid.

Note: the most famous trash can is the Vipp model, a pedal-operated tube.

Outdoor litter garbage cans for the cleanliness of public spaces

In the street, for the cleanliness of the public area, many garbage cans are installed and maintained by the city. There are two types of outdoor garbage cans:

PUBLIC GARBAGE CANS

Types of garbage cans

Characteristics

All waste” garbage cans: household waste, cigarette butts…

– Transparent bag (Vigipirate plan).

– Classic plastic or metal garbage cans, open or closed.

– Wrought iron garbage cans.

– Garbage cans for specific needs (e.g., to keep bears away in nature parks).

– Recycling garbage cans (festivals, beaches) with space for cans.

Sorting garbage cans

Neighborhood, home, or residential containers designed to receive certain types of waste sometimes have a specific color code:

– Household waste garbage can: the largest,

– Plastic bottle garbage can: with a top opening for bottles only,

– glass garbage can: equipped with a specific opening,

– cardboard and paper garbage can,

– garment garbage can: the deposit instructions are indicated on it,

– Dumpster: for construction waste,

– specific collection container: Batribox, for example (for batteries).

Good to know: the syndic will have an obligation to inform the co-owners on the local rules applicable as regards selective sorting of household waste and the methods of access to the waste collection centers on which the co-ownership depends.

This information will have to be posted in a visible way in the spaces assigned to the deposit of household waste by the occupants of the condominium and be transmitted at least once a year to the tenants and co-owners.

Aug, 2022

Top 6 Reasons To Recycle Old Clothes

The textile industry is one of the most important industries, with more than 2.6 billion pieces put on the market each year, the equivalent of 625,000 tons per year of clothing, household linen, and other fabric products. This partly explains why the textile industry is also one of the most polluting industries, also because the current production and distribution systems are often incompatible with the respect of the environment! The fast fashion and budget clothing development has only amplified this phenomenon, but the situation is gradually reversed.

There is a growing trend for textile recycling linked to individual awareness in favor of ecology and the environment. But you’re not sure what to do with your clothes. Have you decided to make more ecological choices this year and arrange your closet? Before you throw your clothes in the trash, think about the consequences of putting more of them in the landfill versus recycling textiles. Here are the most important reasons to recycle your clothes. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn more about the subject at hand.

1. Think about textile recycling

The process of making clothes uses a lot of energy. Every garment you wear goes through a complex manufacturing process, which uses a large amount of electricity, and water, not to mention other energy sources. So recycling textiles saves energy by reducing or eliminating the need to make new clothes. Similarly, when you buy recycled clothing, you help reduce the environmental impact of “fast fashion.

2. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Textiles made from organic materials (cotton, linen…) must be biodegradable. However, when people throw away their clothes and they end up in landfills, they lack oxygen because of the piling up. Oxygen is necessary for the decomposition of organic matter. The lack of oxygen leads to decomposition by anaerobic digestion, which means that microorganisms break down the organic material to produce by-products such as methane. Produced constantly and uncontrollably, methane escapes into the atmosphere, harming air quality and the planet.

3. Reducing the use of landfills

Landfills are not always visible. For that reason alone, most of us think they don’t exist. But did you know that over 12 million tons of different textiles end up in landfills every year? Not only is this practice very harmful to the environment, but it is also very expensive. Landfills are expensive to purchase and require a lot of open space. They also cost money to operate. This money comes from the municipalities and cities, i.e., from the taxpayers’ pockets. Recycling reduces the amount of textiles in landfills and frees up space for other waste. By recycling your clothes, you limit the creation of new landfills.

4. Help those in need

Probably the biggest reason people choose to recycle textiles is that it helps people in need. Your clothes are turned into cash donations to help these organizations. But donated clothes are often sold to thrift stores or even to developing countries. When you recycle clothes, your help is extensive; if they are too damaged, these clothes are then revalorized.

5. Reuse of old clothes by exporting to developing countries

50% of the collected and sorted clothes are reused abroad. Most of the collectors have resale approaches per kilogram in partner countries. For example, Le Relais has established itself in 3 African countries (Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Madagascar) and has created more than 350 direct jobs and 10 times more indirect jobs.

The massive export of clothes from the second sorting has, however, made the leaders of the countries of the Community of East African States of Central Africa (Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan) react and consider banning the entry of textiles already worn. Indeed, the importation of worn clothing “threatens our textile industry” and “compromises the dignity of our people.

6. A simpler solution

Probably one of the most important reasons to recycle your textiles is the simplicity of the operation. Donating only takes a few seconds, with professionals taking care of the collection. When you think about how much you’re helping the planet by recycling, it’s even easier to drive and drop off the clothes or organize a donation drive.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about recycling old clothes.

Aug, 2022

How to Make Teaching a More Sustainable Profession?

The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic were sudden and very severe. Global trade markets were disrupted, people had to shift from traditional office work to work at home, and online shopping has taken over traditional shopping. Coronavirus has changed and will continue to change more than just the economic world.

Another primary sector that underwent a historic shock is the education system. With the near-total closures of different educational institutions, the unfavorable effect of the epidemic has through the global educational system years behind schedule and recovery will take years, if not decades. However, one thing is clear: the education system cannot go back to the “old normal.”

Whether you are an elementary teacher, a high school teacher or a special education teacher, you cannot go back to the way your profession used to be. It is evident that the education system, including the teaching profession, needs to change; maybe it’s the time to hope and work for a better future. And, the basis or the center if you like, of this “new normal” for teaching is sustainability.

What Is Sustainable Teaching?

In the contemporary era we are living in, the word “sustainability” is very common and popular and is often used as a synonym for “environment-friendly” or “go green.” However, since the term “sustainable teaching” is quite new on the market, there are no agreed or official definitions yet.

For eco-conscious people, sustainable teaching refers to the use of teaching methods that can protect the natural resources of the planet. To others, sustainable teaching refers to a way of teaching that will give teachers a voice as well as opportunities for improving their quality of teaching, which will eventually enhance the quality of learning for students.

According to the English Classroom, sustainable teaching can be defined as the following:

“Sustainable Teaching is the practice of giving students the skills they need for life-long learning outside of the classroom. We do this through teaching issues of sustainability as well as soft skills such as critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills.”

Although the definitions may vary, there is one thing that connects all definitions: the need to improve the teaching profession as well as the education system.

How Schools Can Support Sustainable Teaching?

Provide Basic Needs

To understand this argument, it is important to first grasp the famous theory of Maslow. The Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a motivational concept that shows how the five classifications of human needs dictate behavior. According to this theory, the lower needs in the hierarchy must be satisfied before an individual can attempt to meet the needs higher up. Similarly, a teacher cannot change institutional systems and think of a new pedagogy unless his/her own basic needs as a teacher are not met.

Whether the teacher wants to connect students with nature or expose them to specific literature and artwork that can inspire positive change in them, it is first critical for the school to provide a safe environment and basic materials for the teacher to use. Once the basic needs of teachers are met, they can climb the ladder to satisfy the “sustainable” need.

Create a Sense of Belonging

The human behavior depends on and changes according to the environment you are in and the people you interact with. A sense of belonging to a place or with someone can help you remain anchored on what you feel and what you want.

Numerous studies have shown that when teachers are connected with each other and work in teams, they are able to accomplish a lot of great things. Sustainable teaching can only succeed when teachers feel like they belong to the school and this can be achieved by organizing frequent staff meetings or setting up a group work culture.

In this challenging profession and new pedagogy, schools have a huge role to play. To learn more about how schools can support sustainable teaching, stay tuned for part 2!

Aug, 2022

How to Make Quality Compost?

You can put almost anything in your compost! Your household waste (raw fruit and vegetable scraps, fireplace ashes, etc.) and your garden waste (dead leaves, grass clippings, etc.).

That said, some elements should be avoided at all costs when making your compost, while others will boost it. Here’s an overview.

Elements to avoid or even ban from your compost

Peelings and bark

It is strongly advised against putting in your compost:

– potato or pear peels, which can carry diseases;

– plants that can carry diseases, such as roses or fruit trees;

– Citrus peels, which contain a natural insecticide that prevents rapid decomposition;

– Weeds in your garden can grow back.

Good to know: you can eventually put your citrus peels in the bin, but only if you cut them into tiny pieces.

Animal waste

It is also not recommended to put:

– fish waste, especially bones;

– meat waste, especially bones.

This will avoid attracting small or large carnivores such as rats, cats, dogs, etc.

Elements to boost your compost

Small elements for an easy degradation

Some elements or packaging can accelerate composting:

– The smaller the items you put in, the faster the composting.

– Mowing leaves, for example, helps them decompose. Consider doing this if you want your compost to be more active.

– You can also add grass clippings to enrich your compost.

– Nettle manure accelerates the decomposition of the compost.

Note: The diversity of waste makes compost the best organic fertilizer.

Cardboard: the key to good compost

Putting pieces of cardboard between the layers of compost is very beneficial:

– Cardboard keeps the compost warm and allows for faster decomposition;

– heat is essential for the excellent development of bacteria and, therefore, for a favorable action of the compost;

– if the compost is too dry, the bacteria die, and only the fungi continue to work, which makes your compost of poor quality;

– Aeration is also an essential factor: otherwise, your composting will be slow, partial, and smelly.

Note: to check that it is sufficiently humid, plunge your hand into your compost and see if droplets appear.

There are 3 composting processes: the composter, vermicomposting, and the compost heap.

3 types of composters

The composter is the container that allows the formation of compost. Several solutions are available to you:

– The compost bin: bought in large stores, made of wood or plastic, it is probably the most economical solution for small areas. It costs about 50 dollars.

– The rotary composter allows you to make compost more quickly, about six months but remains a relatively expensive solution, more than a hundred dollars, compared to conventional composters.

– The vermicomposter allows you to create compost thanks to the intervention of worms that help decompose the waste.

Whatever the solution you choose:

– The composter must be placed on the ground to allow the composting process.

– It must be more or less open to allowing the air necessary for the compost to circulate.

– It must have an easy access opening to facilitate the waste placement.

– It must have a trap door to collect the mature compost from the bottom.

Good to know: The trap door is unnecessary if one side opens completely. Start with a 400 L composter to estimate the amount of waste you have to compost.

Choosing the right location for the composter

The choice of the location of the composter is essential. Think about the practicality and aesthetics to avoid neighborhood disputes. Place the composter:

– away from bad weather,

– away from outside eyes,

– close to your house.

It is not mandatory to place it at the bottom of your garden. Placing it next to your house is more beneficial if you regularly throw away your kitchen waste.

If the compost bin you bought in the store is more valuable than aesthetic, you can always cover it with climbing plants or make a wooden compost cover with boards.

Which composter for my needs?

Choosing a composter is not easy. Some information is good to know.

– The compost bin:

o In plastic, the compost bin is generally green or black, from 400 to 600 l, recommended for surfaces of 500 m² maximum.

o In wood, the models are often made of autoclaved pine, treated in the heart of the wood to allow the structure to resist the wet and hot composting process. The capacities are also from 400 to 600 l.

– The vermicomposter is recommended for balconies or indoors because the waste is less critical.

– The rotary composter has a smaller capacity, about 100 l, but it allows to make compost more quickly.

Price of a composter

Here is a comparative table of the different prices of composters.

	Compost bin	Vermicompost bin	Rotary composter
Plastic	$50 to $100	$80 to $150	$100 to $300
Wooden	$50 to $300	Starting at $50	—

Aug, 2022

Top 6 Green Building That Are Redefining Architecture

From California to the United Arab Emirates, these projects show us the way to carbon neutrality in architecture. Fires, melting ice, floods, tornadoes… We know it all too well- and Earth Day reminded us of it last week: committing to the ecological transition is more necessary than ever. Every sector of society is concerned, as is the world of architecture, which is beginning to take measure of the climate emergency, as shown by these 6 innovative structures by major names in the field.

Combining cutting-edge aesthetics and environmental ethics, these “zero-emission” structures have the advantage of being energy-efficient and using and/or producing enough green energy to be self-sufficient. From Singapore to Copenhagen, they are, in fact, laying the foundations for the architecture of the future. Here’s a look at some of the most beautiful contemporary buildings, recently inaugurated or under construction.

1. CopenHill (Copenhagen, Denmark)

The result of a collaboration between several very prestigious firms (including Bjarke Ingels Group, SLA, AKT, Lüchinger+Meyer, MOE, and Rambøll), CopenHill or “Amager’s Hill” is a new kind of waste incinerator. Topped with dry ski slopes, a hiking trail, and a climbing wall, the 41,000-square-meter building primarily processes about 440,000 tons of waste per year and provides low-carbon heat and power to nearly 600,000 people in Denmark. Opening in 2019 in an industrial area in Copenhagen, CopenHill is so far one of the cleanest waste incinerators in the world: its stack emits no carbon dioxide.

2. Marcel Hotel (New Haven, Connecticut)

While most Brutalist buildings date back to the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, this architectural movement continues to seduce and inspire. The Marcel Hotel is proof of this. Soon to be inaugurated (on May 12 this year), it is located in a concrete tower designed in 1970 by the father of Brutalism: Marcel Breuer. At the time, it was the headquarters of the Armstrong Rubber Company, a company that specialized in rubber.

But shortly after the departure of this company in the late 1980s, the building remained unoccupied for several years. It began to collapse and was then partially demolished. A sad fate for such original architecture, so in 2020, a local developer and architect, Bruce Redman Becker, scrambled to give the structure a second life.

He bought it and decided to turn it into a hotel as a tribute to its architect. With 165 rooms, the sustainable hotel now has nine suites, an American restaurant and bar, a library lounge, and a 650-square-foot meeting/meeting space. Leed certified (a green certification in the United States) is also known as a “passive” home, designed with energy efficiency in mind.

3. La Jolla Commons (San Diego, California)

Designed by Paul Danna- one of AECOM’s principal architects- this 13-story, 28,080-square-foot building is the only “zero-carbon” building in La Jolla, an upscale neighborhood in San Diego California. With an exterior envelope composed primarily of glass, it features double-glazed windows for significant energy savings and a fuel cell system that produces more electricity than the building consumes. A true marvel of sustainable architecture, La Jolla Commons also features a floor air distribution system (improving air quality) and an extensive recycled water system used to cool and irrigate the tower.

4. BEEAH Group Headquarters (Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)

This futuristic 2,787-square-meter structure is both the first sustainable project by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and the first zero-energy building of the BEEAH Group, an international holding company. Its sustainability is ensured by its construction materials (mainly recycled), but also and above all by a powerful photovoltaic system, which produces enough energy to meet the building’s energy needs in summer.

Designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid (who passed away in 2016) and led by architect Sara Sheikh Akbari, the project is inspired by the desert landscape in which the building is set. Slightly curved, the roofs resemble windswept dunes. A feat, considering the extremely high temperatures during the hottest months and the need to air-condition the place. Sublime.

5. National University of Singapore

The SDE4 building (the School of Design and Environment at the National University of Singapore) is the first zero-energy structure built in the country. Designed by Serie Architects and Multiply Architects, SDE4 has been described by its architects as “a prototype of sustainable architecture.”

At nearly 2,800 square meters spread over six floors, the building is intended to become an example to follow in Singapore and embody the country’s commitment to promoting sustainability and supporting education. Combining energy efficiency, elegance, and functionality, SDE4 is a true architectural nugget in the middle of the lush jungle. It features a plaza, outdoor spaces, workshops, research spaces, a café, and a library.

6. Atlassian Tower (Sydney, Australia)

The software company Atlassian has called on the New York firm SHoP Architects and the Australian agency BVN to design its new offices in Sydney. The tower is expected to open at 183 meters high, have 40 floors in 2025, and enrich the city’s iconic skyline. Not only will it be a visual feat and earn the title of “world’s tallest hybrid wood building,” but it will also be powered 100% by renewable energy and produce no greenhouse gases.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about green buildings.

Aug, 2022

Let’s Have Fun While Avoiding Plastic (Part One)

There is so much plastic around us that reducing its use is a no-brainer. Depending on where you live, your family or economic situation may be more or less complicated, but it’s clear that there is always something to be done.

Many times when we set a goal, such as reducing the use of disposable plastic, we tend to think about the difficulties rather than the simple things. Our minds are plastic, we will mold them to keep evolving.

But, it is not a sacrifice. It’s not about all or nothing, it’s about doing what we can each according to our circumstances. And there is always something else to do. How about doing it while having some fun?

Well, that’s what we did – we stopped using plastic, step by step as in a game with the goal of zero waste. We first thought we would never get there, but we learned a lot and have fun along the way.

So how about you treat it like a game too and try to get to the next level? Excited to learn more and be a step closer towards better sustainability? Keep reading below!

Level I

Reusable Bags

It’s basic, but all you have to do is go to any store or supermarket and you’ll know something is wrong. Remember to always have a reusable bag in your purse, backpack or car trunk.

Avoid Over-Packaging

It’s easy to see which one to choose between a bunch of bananas in bulk and a banana in a Styrofoam tray.

Avoid Mineral Water

In many places, water doesn’t taste as good as you’d like, but you can always look for alternatives, like filters or reusable bottles that you can take home. In this case, it’s hard to generalize but ask around, sometimes there are many more options than you think. And remember, even if the filters or bottles are plastic, nothing happens, the main idea is to reduce.

Reuse Small Plastic Bags to Buy Fruits and Vegetables in Bulk

Who says they can’t be reused? Just as you reuse a large one, you can reuse a small one.

Choose the Large Sizes When You Have No Choice But to Buy a Product Packaged in Plastic

Oddly enough, there is less waste in the large containers than in the small ones. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should waste food, because that would be meaningless.

Level II

Buy in Bulk As Much As Possible

Bulk sales are much more common than you might think. Go to markets, local stores and ask. You’ll be surprised how many options you have that you didn’t know about.

No Straws, Please

Fortunately, the vast majority of people can drink directly from the glass, why use a straw? They are usually plastic and unnecessary, you’ll just have to go ahead and ask for your “strawless” drink.

Avoid Unsustainable Establishments

There are some places where, for a sit-down meal or drink, they put everything in disposable. I’m sure there’s another one next door that has reusable dishes.

Look for Reusable Alternatives

If you like to drink coffee to go, buy a reusable cup. If you like to drink with a straw, get a glass or metal one. Fortunately, every disposable product has a reusable alternative.

If there isn’t one, choose paper or glass. When buying something packaged, choose glass or paper containers over plastic. It’s not the ideal option, but at least they’re easier to recycle and if they end up in the environment, they’re not so problematic.

There you go! All those sound easy right? So get at them now, and once you are all set, come back to check our next levels in the second article. Until then, tell us what step you think will be the most easy to follow and tell us why in the comments below.

Aug, 2022

5 Sustainable Clothing Brands in France

Let’s focus on eco-friendly fashion brands. In France, there are many initiatives in this area, all equally stylish and made locally. From wool jumpers from the Pyrenees to 100% French jeans and shoes from the Loire Valley, here are some of the best selection of sustainable brands for an eco-friendly shopping experience in France!

1) Jules & Jenn: French-style trainers

Timeless style and sustainable products: Jules & Jenn is committed to responsible consumption and conveys it with leather goods designed to last. The brand’s bags, wallets, shoes, and belts are produced in workshops in France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy using natural and ecological materials to minimize environmental impact.

One of Jules & Jenn’s signature products is the unisex trainer, handmade in a workshop in Montjean-sur-Loire, a boating village on the banks of the Loire between Angers and Nantes. Durable and comfortable, they are available in grain leather or nubuck, in one or two colors. A trainer model is also made exclusively from recycled materials and produced in Portugal.

2) Maison Izard: Jumpers Made of Pure Pyrenean Wool

How about a warm jumper to protect you from the winter cold? Then look at the webshop of Maison Izard, a brand that sources wool for jumpers from Pyrenean villages. The wool is spun, woven, and knitted in an artisan workshop Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company), in the Tarn region. In addition to jumpers, Maison Izzard also produces hats, jackets, and socks, all equally warm, soft, breathable, and comfortable, thanks to the use of other materials such as recycled cotton. It’s a great way to keep the centuries-old art of weaving wool in the Pyrenees alive.

3) Routine

Durable watches that are not only well designed but also easy to use: this is the creed of the French company Routine. All manufacturing processes take place in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, from case production to movement assembly, hands and dials. All of this is done with the expertise of French watchmaking specialists.

Routine watches are made of solid, wear-resistant materials to last a lifetime. In this way, they follow a radically different path from manufacturers specializing in program wear. There are two models to choose from: the “Original,” with its understated design and striking second hand, and the “Radar,” with its original graphic design that allows the wearer to read the time in two directions with its three pointers, making it difficult to choose. In addition, you can choose the strap and dial to create your own original model.

4) 1083

Jeans and shoes made within 1083 kilometers of the person who will be wearing them. Why 1083? It is the distance in kilometers between the two most remote towns in France, Menton on the Côte d’Azur and Polesporden in Brittany. 1083 was the first French manufacturer to produce cotton jeans that were spun, woven, bleached and controlled, so this challenge was a success.

But the brand goes further and uses organic cotton and recycled materials. In addition, a special laser is used to bleach the cotton sustainably, using 95% less water and 75% less energy than the normal bleaching process. 1083 offers men’s, women’s, and children’s jeans , as well as Romansur Isère and ecologically designed shoes, jumpers, t-shirts, shorts, and jackets produced in Dordogne.

5) Le Slip Français: French From Head to Toe

From underwear to outerwear, everything is made in France.

Founded in 2011, the brand initially specialized exclusively in French-cut men’s underwear, as the name suggests. Since then, production has expanded to include not only women’s underwear but also clothing, accessories, and swimwear, all produced in France, from raw materials to finished products. The network of participating workshops allows all garments to be made within 250 kilometers of the consumer, and the products are appropriately marketed under the French flag.

Le Slip Français uses organic cotton and recycled fibers and considers its products’ ecological footprint. The brand is also part of Résidence#1, the first group of fashion makers in La Caserne, an initiative to promote the environmental transition of clothing and luxury goods in Europe.

Have you ever been to any of these shops? Let us know in the comments below!

Jul, 2022

Why Buy Trendy Sustainable Handbags And Purses?

Do you think about sustainability when you buy a new handbag or purse? I like to be fashionable and eco-friendly! If you want to help save the planet by doing the simplest things, then please read on to learn more!

The problem with traditional leather

Handbags are traditionally made of leather, chosen for their chic look and durable nature. As you might already know, leather is made from the tanned skin of animals as a byproduct of the meat industry. However, nowadays, the leather industry is an entity all of its own, and, each year, billions of animals are raised and killed solely for their skin! This is sad but true! Leather is also treated with chemicals such as arsenic, chromium and cyanide to make them longer lasting. This leads to workers being exposed to these dangerous toxins every day, putting their health at risk!

Overconsumption, labour inequalities and environmental damage

Lately, the fashion industry might have unfortunately been directly responsible for numerous problems such as overconsumption, labour atrocities and environmental damage. Needless to say, if you need to buy a new handbag, you might be better off searching for ones made by more ethical means.

Eco-friendly Alternatives to Leather

Next time you need to buy a new handbag, opt for ones made from these sustainable materials:

Plant-based vegan leather alternatives: These include pinatas, apple leather, SCOBY, fungi, and cork.
Recycled PET or nylon: This vegan leather alternative is recyclable and commonly made with recycled plastic bottles or discarded fishing nets.
Polyurethane (PU): This also is easier to recycle and more sustainable to produce.
Vegetable-dyed leather: Plant-based agents in tanning provide durability—without toxins. Manufacturing water can be recycled, and workers are safer, too.
Chrome-free leather: As the use of some harmful chemicals is avoided, this is a small step in the right direction.
Other materials include canvas and jute, palm or raffia leaves for a woven, straw-like fibre.

Supply chain and labour practices:

The eco-friendly business model ensures that everyone involved in material sourcing, manufacturing and shipping is supported with decent living wages, safe and healthy work conditions, and fair and respectful treatment.

Green business practices:

Green business practices include using green energy, carbon offset programs, closed-loop manufacturing, recycling programs, sustainable shipping initiatives, and biodegradable packaging materials. The handbags also have certification from Certified B Corp.

Community and charity:

As you would agree, purpose comes before profit! Therefore, many eco-friendly brands give back to charitable organizations that benefit the environment or society.

Examples of trendy sustainable handbags and purses :

O My Bag

This sustainable handbag brand is based in Amsterdam and is available for both women and men. It is also a certified B Corp product! The materials that are used in its production are vegan leather and ethical canvas. You can repair and recycle their products. Moreover, each handbag comes with guidelines that help you extend its lifespan! Also, its packaging is made with FSC-certified recycled cardboard boxes. Its factory also uses 100% renewable energy to power its office and stores and offers carbon-neutral global shipping. In addition, 1% of O My Bag’s annual revenue is donated to support local projects focussing on women’s empowerment or education.

Carry Courage

The products of this brand include essential oil bags, tablet clutches, and cosmetics bags that can double for an earthy and stylish clutch any day. These sustainable handbags are made of a buttery soft yet durable cork exterior with linen lining, making them PETA-approved vegan. Also, cork fabric is a renewable and sustainable material made from a tree that absorbs 5 times the amount of carbon dioxide as regular trees because they grow quickly! It also makes for environmentally friendly handbags that are washable with mild dish soap. In addition, Carry Courage’s cork originates from the world’s cork mecca in Portugal, where it is grown sustainably and sourced under strict harvesting regulations. Also, their linen is organically grown at a family-owned farm in the US, and the metal hardware also comes from a US company. As for manufacturing, their labour studio in Portland is used. It’s a matter of fact that each of carrying Courage’s sustainable bags is hand sewn in small batches, which eliminates many machine emissions and wasted overstock. It also guarantees customers “heirloom quality” pieces that will last for generations.

Now that you have learned a lot about sustainable handbags and purses, their products and new brands in the market, you can be better informed when buying your next new handbag! Say yes to sustainable fashion! Let’s protect our environment and society! I wish you a happy shopping! Please share your comments below!

Jul, 2022

Top 5 Ways To Make The Fashion Industry More Sustainable

The fashion industry, like any other industry, has been concerned with sustainability over the past decades. Since 2016, the term sustainable fashion on search engines has increased by 66%. It is estimated that by 2030, the fashion industry as a whole will increase its water consumption by 50%. Now more than ever, we need to be concerned about our planet, which means we should be concerned about what we are wearing.

The fashion industry has shown seriousness towards sustainability in the past couple of years, and this is due to the power of consumerism. This situation will definitely worsen if you don’t change our consumption patterns and start consuming more sustainability. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of our tips to make the fashion industry more sustainable.

1. Second-hand shopping

Millennials and Gen Z are chasing second-hand shopping like never before, which has made retailers and brands move towards it. A recent report by ThredUp showed that the second-hand clothing market had been valued at roughly $24 billion as of 2018, and it is estimated that it will hit about $64 billion in the coming decade. Second-hand shopping has some pretty unique and vintage styles to stand out trends.

Smart shoppers and people who thrive on more sustainable lifestyles make deliberate choices by picking up second-hand accessories and clothes. In 2020, the second-hand clothing market had a staggering value of 32 billion dollars, which is set to reach $51 billion by 2023. This specific marketing is growing impressively across the world, and you can find a thrift shop almost anywhere you go.

2. On-demand and custom clothing

The current trend that you are almost on board with is custom clothing. More and more people are moving towards on-demand as it is pretty unique, customizable, and fashionable with amazing tips. Now, both brands and retailers are personalizing entire shopping experiences to get closer to their customers. In our era of consumerism, more and more customers are choosing the personalized route when it comes to their clothing.

The demand for custom clothes has shown immense growth in the past 2 to 3 years and is ready to boom in the coming years. Brand and designers are continuously working to improve their customers’ experience with customized shopping, and in doing so, they are making sure that you don’t buy too many clothes, as you will want to show your personalized pieces. Eco-conscious consumers are choosing more personalized clothing over mass production to save raw materials and natural resources and support ethical and sustainable fashion.

3. Ethical and fair fashion

Now more than ever, consumers are looking for and choosing fair and ethical fashion, and they work hand in hand. The fashion industry is known for its history of being exploitative toward human labor, animals, and our planet. Nowadays, the fashion industry is moving and choosing veganism, sustainability, Eco-friendliness, and socially right clothes. Brands are now finding ways to make fashion more ethical and cruelty-free. Consumers are also moving towards the brand that serves them the best quality without having to compromise on animals, humans, labor rights, and the planet during the manufacturing process.

Brands are making clothes with their customers’ choices in mind. With fair trade and ethical fashion, brands are moving towards veganism and sustainability. Consumers are opting for fair trade and ethical fashion to preserve traditional craftsmanship and make their clothes more sustainable. Brands, consumers, and even the government are taking many initiatives to make the fashion industry completely fair and ethical through a transparent supply chain. And in 2022, ethical fashion will be a fashion code.

4. Repairing, spicing up, and recycling fashion.

In an industry bursting with options, repairing and redesigning are the hottest trends. Not only consumers but brands and retailers are following the 5 Rs of fashion- reduce, recycle, repair, reuse, and reinvent. Brands are improving consumers’ overall experience by giving them tips on how to make their purchases last longer. Some brands offer repair services for their clothing. Beyond repair, they redesign. Garments that cannot be repaired can be recycled or redesigned. In recent years, brands have taken numerous redesign initiatives to give old garments a completely new look.

In this way, the fashion industry saves raw materials and natural resources. In addition, brands are also helping to eliminate fashion waste and make the industry more sustainable. Fashion upcycling involves using consumers’ upstream and downstream waste to create new products. This process allows old garments to be reused without going through the recycling process. This industry will become more sustainable with repaired, redesigned, and recycled garments.

5. Clean and green fashion

The fashion industry is among the most polluting industries in the world. From the planet to the animals, this industry harms everyone. It is therefore becoming vital to make production clean and green. In the age of consumerism, destructive fashion is no longer acceptable to consumers. Consumers are dressing for the planet by prioritizing environmentally friendly fashion. Sustainability focuses on the future. Green fashion helps keep the planet clean and makes it a better place to live.

Consumers love green clothing that has minimal impact on the environment. Products made from renewable resources are usually considered green. As far as the term “clean” is concerned, it includes natural or synthetic products that are not harmful to health. Non-toxic products do not contain ingredients. And therefore, they can improve the earth’s health and its earthlings. Consumers are embracing clean and green fashion to make the industry more sustainable in the years to come.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about making the fashion industry more sustainable.