Dec, 2021

How To Be A Sustainable Traveler?

Traveling is wonderful, but unfortunately, not always sustainable. By flying a lot, traveling by car, and being irresponsible with water, energy, and waste in our vacation destinations, we are putting some of the most beautiful places in the world at risk. Here are some tips to help you travel sustainably!

Compensate for the CO2 Emitted by Your Flight

Airplanes are the most environmentally damaging mode of transportation, with high CO2 emissions, 5 to 15 times more than other modes of transportation such as rail.

However, never flying again is not an option for many world travelers. Besides, if you are going on vacation to Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, or Africa, there is no other choice. Nonetheless, there are a few things you can keep in mind when booking your flight to make it more sustainable and to offset the environmental pollution caused by your tour.

If possible, book a direct flight with no stopovers. Airplanes emit a lot of CO2 and other wastes during take-off and landing.
Travel light: The heavier the plane, the more fuel it consumes and the more pollutants it emits. Keep your bags and suitcases as light as you can and, if possible, take only hand luggage. You can also save your wallet by paying extra to check in your suitcase.

Choose Sustainable Accommodations

Not all hotels are equally eco-friendly, but how can you tell if an accommodation is sustainable? Check to see if the hotel or apartment is Green Key certified. This is an independent international organization for sustainable tourism. Besides, all-inclusive holidays are not the best option for the environment. All-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink is delicious, but all-inclusives often cause a lot of wastage.

Be Careful When Diving and Snorkeling

Diving among the colorful coral reefs is a highlight for visitors to Australia, Indonesia, and Egypt. Who wouldn’t dream of snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef? Unfortunately, the Great Barrier Reef, like other coral reefs worldwide, is in grave danger of disappearing altogether. This does not mean that diving and snorkeling will no longer be possible, but caution is advised. Make sure not to touch the coral and use sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Reduce Plastic Waste

Did you know that more than 8 million tons of plastic waste are dumped into the ocean every year? If this trend continues, the oceans will become a plastic soup. Just a few changes in your travel behavior can make a big difference.

Take a reusable water bottle with you, don’t buy plastic bottles (even the cheap ones!).
Don’t go to restaurants or cafes.
Don’t buy plastic water bottles, leave straws at restaurants and cafes, and take a shopping bag when you go shopping.

Use of Public Transportation

Offsetting the CO2 emitted by air travel is a step in the right direction, but ditch the plane and opt for public transportation if you want to travel even cleaner. Trains allow you to travel quickly and easily to many beautiful destinations in Europe.

For example, you can travel by train across the continent by interrailing. You can also take the night train to Prague and enjoy a city break. Once you arrive at your destination, it is advisable to use public transportation such as metro, streetcar, or bus instead of renting a car. Furthermore, cycling and walking are very healthy and good for you.

Eat Vegetarian or Vegan While Traveling

Some of you may already leave meat and dairy products at home, but why not do so once in a while when traveling? More and more people are vegetarian or vegan, which is reflected in the menus of restaurants. In trendy cities like Berlin, London, and New York, there are countless vegetarian and vegan restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food. Good for the body, good for the animals, good for the environment, and good for nature!

Buy Second-Hand Suitcases and Backpacks

We all like to buy new suitcases and backpacks. But do you need to buy a new one? Maybe one of your friends or family members still has a suitcase or bag that you can use for your vacation, or you can buy an excellent used suitcase on Marktplaats or Ebay. They are a sustainable and inexpensive alternative to new suitcases.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Dec, 2021

Sustainable Development: Arguments Against the Going-Green Philosophy

3 Ways to Filter Rainwater

Water makes up 75% of the human body. It is essential to obtain it naturally. By harvesting rainwater, you can use it all the time. Here’s how to turn it into drinking water. Rainwater filtration is a great way to extend freshwater supplies, which can be used to irrigate plants or for other purposes around your home. With our ice caps melting and our freshwater sources and supplies depleting, rainwater may be the future for obtaining fresh water. So, without further ado, let’s learn more about rainwater filtration and the benefit of filtering water.

1. Microfiltration

This process aims to eliminate all micro-organisms, micro-particles, polymers, and some viruses with the help of a filtering membrane. It retains part of the viral contamination. Under the effect of pressure, the liquid to be treated passes through a semi-permeable membrane of defined porosity. Particles with a size more significant than the pores are retained. Note that the size of a pore is between 0.1-10 µm. It is a physical separation technique of elements. The membranes can be organic or mineral, and this method is used in food, pharmaceutical, and other industries.

2. Ultrafiltration

It differs from microfiltration by the size of the particles. It separates particles with a size of 0.001 to 0.1 µm. Therefore, it is designed to remove all viruses, macro-proteins, antibiotics, and harmful organic substances in the food and beverage industry. Impurities are removed through this filtration system. After passing through the activated carbon filters, the water will pass through the ultrafiltration membrane. Like a very fine sieve, this membrane filters out all organic macromolecules, colloids, and nitrogenous pollution to obtain healthier water.

3. Reverse osmosis

The reverse osmosis machine filters water of the order of 0.001 µm. As it passes through the membranes, the pressure exerted by the pump forces it to pass through a semi-permeable wall. Some minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and water are retained. This membrane rejects the sewer, the one that does not pass through. Even if reverse osmosis consumes more water due to the rejection, it filters it better.

The advantages of rainwater harvesting

There are several reasons to reclaim this abundant gift from the sky. If you collect rainwater, you can store it in a water tower and use it to wash cars or water the garden. With 6 liters of water, you could water 50 minutes of vegetable gardens. To supply the toilet and washing machine, you would need to store up to 9000 liters per year. Nowadays, water is becoming more and more scarce. That’s why we need to preserve these natural resources. Adopt an ecological action by collecting rainwater. You will avoid runoff and flooding on your property. In addition, say goodbye to the tax credit because you will realize real savings. Its moderate use reduces your annual bill by 1/3 to 1/2.

Since rainwater is naturally soft, it reduces the use of soap and other cleaning products. Its non-calcareous property increases the life span of resistance heating appliances. Rain is a dermatological ally for your skin. It alleviates dermatological problems such as shingles, eczema, or psoriasis. Both thirst-quenching and detoxifying, rainwater is better than bottled water. Its consumption has many virtues for your health if it is well filtered.

Do you already have a rainwater collection system? There are companies out there that manufacture gutters and eavestroughs made of galvanized sheet metal integrated into the exterior of your building. Its products are made of resistant materials. This way, you no longer have to turn the tap to get water. All it takes is for the rain to fall, and you can have it. Be the change you want to see in the world and start to collect and filter rainwater.

Dec, 2021

Dairy and Dairy-free Milks and Their Impacts on Our Planet (part 3)

In the first two parts of this blog series, we talk about the most popular dairy and dairy-free milk alternatives out there. In this part, we’ll delve deeper into the world of dairy-free milk and see their impact on mother Earth because as incredible as plant-based milk might sound, they are also not that environmentally friendly. So buckle up, and let’s learn more about the other types of milk alternative on the market and their impact on our planet. Remember, even though cow milk might be really bad for our world, it is delicious, and thousands of people can make a living because of them. So, you can’t judge the dairy industry that harshly, but you can take steps to consume less milk and opt for some of these alternatives. Try something new, and who knows, this might make you discover something that you love!

Coconut Milk

Compared to how dairy milk is created and produced, coconut milk is a relatively more sustainable alternative to the former. Coconuts don’t need a tremendous amount of water and pesticide to grow and are harvested by hand, and there is no need for machines to create more carbon emissions. The issue with coconuts is how they are planted and farmed; due to their global demand, mangroves and coastlines are destroyed to plant these trees. Let us explain for those of you who don’t know what monocrop is. Monoculture and monocrops are the large cultivation of a single crop on a vast area of land. They destroy vast amount of areas with the monocrops of coconuts. This is harmful to the biodiversity and to native plants, and the nutritious value of the soil. Coconut pickers in India and Indonesia are paid unfairly and exploited, so be sure that your coconut milk is Fair Trade certified.

Rice Milk

Like most milk alternatives, rice milk has a lower impact on our environment compared t animal-made and produced milk. However, the environmental downside of rice production has been historically overlooked. Rice is by far the most produced and most polluting grain currently being grown on Earth. They are an extremely water-intensive crop with 50% of all diverted freshwater in Asia, and this is used to irrigate rice crops. They produce tremendous amounts of nitrous oxide and methane, which are huge contributors to greenhouse gases; they contribute to 12% of global methane emissions.

Oat milk

It is deemed as the most sustainable option out of all dairy and dairy-free milks out there. Growing and producing oats require far less water and land than other milks on this list and blog series; when compared to almond, oars require 6 times less water to grow. They also produce very little greenhouse gas emissions. Oats are also grown in colder areas like the States and Canada; they are part of the world where large-scale deforestation is not an issue. To this point, there have been no major environmental consequences that could arise with the growth of the oat milk industry.

Pea Milk

It is considered as an environmentally-friendly source of protein, especially for people who don’t eat meat like vegans and vegetarians. Most people don’t know that it is also a great and sustainable dairy alternative and is comparable to soy milk because it produces low greenhouse gas emissions and requires minimal pesticide to grow. Peas like oats are grown in colder areas where drought isn’t a real issue, and they don’t infringe on local water storage.

Remember, even though you might think you aren’t making an impact on Earth, it is one same step for humankind, but it is a giant step for the preservation of mother nature. If you want to read more about milk and dairy-free alternatives, then click here and read part two. Sound off in the comments section below and tell us your favorite milk alternative.

Dec, 2021

Why Fashion Brands Don’t Just Stop Overproducing?

Conversations about fashion sustainability usually center on new materials, zero-waste design, or the idea that we can consume our way out of the climate catastrophe. However, as the dialogue progresses, a growing number of individuals are wondering, “Why don’t brands just manufacture less stuff?” Over-consumption has been a problem for a long time and is usually the least addressed topic. We are going for greener fabrics, vegan leather, but not over-production issues.

While exact figures are tough to get, it is estimated that between 80 and 150 billion pieces of clothing are created and sold each year. The biggest culprit is, of course, fast fashion, and unfortunately, many of these pieces end in landfills.

Why Fashion Brands Don’t Just Stop Overproducing?

To minimize greenhouse gas emissions, reduce clothing waste, and alleviate environmental deterioration, fashion must eliminate chronic overproduction – and, by extension, over-consumption. As flashy and amazing as all of these environmental technologies and projects are, there’s just no other way to do it. This should be by far the main concern for all fashion producers.

Why does fashion overproduce?

Because technology has reduced the cost of fashion production and allowed consumers to shop for deals on the internet, firms strive to deliver the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient service to satisfy their customers. The only way for a fashion company to earn from this business model is to produce and sell millions of products.

How Can De-Growth Be Used in the Fashion Industry?

De-growth is an economic strategy that focuses on reducing consumption and production; while it is a very complex part of limiting over-production, it is reliable.

It would save energy and minimize the number of materials we use, allowing us to focus our efforts on establishing a more equal and healthy society. Although it may not appear that fashion can exist inside this system, our relationship with fashion would improve if we were not subjected to the fashion industry’s pressure.

It is not only the role of the producers; consumers, governments, and businesses will need to work together to accomplish a significant transformation from a consumption-driven to a degrowth economy.

The Countries Already Pursuing DeGrowth

It is crucial to have government support to have a true change in these situations. Legislative action is critical to any substantial systemic change; if governments continue to provide tax benefits and subsidies to fashion firms, they will remain lucrative. More government intervention, both positive and punishing, is required.

Laws will help to ease over-production. This included tax reform to reward companies that produce clothing with a lower environmental impact. This proposed virgin plastic tax would include polyester, taxing brands a penny per garment produced to fund sorting and recycling infrastructure, and prohibiting the incineration and landfilling of unsold stock that could be reused or recycled.

What Can You Do?

These solutions can feel abstract and out of our grasp to the common customer. It’s easier to apply it to yourself as an individual than to consider the country as a whole. You may want to start to think on a smaller scale. Think about actions that you can start within your home; for example, limit your purchase from fast-fashion producers. Then you can bring ideas to your community and grow accordingly.

One thing is certain: fashion cannot continue to produce apparel at its current rate. De-growth provides a framework for moving away from our growth-driven economy. Still, its success is dependent on international cooperation, individual action, government and business accountability, and a sense of urgency.

We all must work toward sustainability together to make the world greener. Share with us in the comments what are the ways to diminish overproduction…

Dec, 2021

How To Wrap Your Presents in an Eco-Friendly Yet Stylish Way?

Eco-friendly gift wrapping doesn’t have to be boring, ugly, or expensive. With the right choice of wrapping material, you can wrap a great gift and not waste any money. In addition, you can also be more original! If you want to free yourself from traditional disposable paper but are afraid of losing the thrill of tearing apart beautiful packages, these alternatives are for you!

Alternative Ways To Wrap Gifts:

Butcher Paper

You will never run out of butcher paper, whether it is white or brown. With the growing popularity of online shopping, it can always be found in recycling bins and at friends, family, and neighbors’ places.

After cutting the paper to the desired size and wrapping the gift just like you would with traditional wrapping paper, you can draw holiday pictures on it or use holiday stamps. Christmas-themed stamps can usually be found in thrift stores.

Fabric Wrappers

The art of furoshiki is an old tradition that originated in Japan and has been used to wrap gifts for over 1200 years. Silk, or imitation silk made from natural materials such as hemp, can be a stylish alternative to paper wrapping.

Several companies also sell beautiful fabric swatches in various sizes that can be used to wrap many gifts.

Historical Maps

Before the advent of Waze and Google Maps, we used paper road maps to understand the terrain. An old paper road map or historical world map can make an impressive eco-friendly gift wrapping. What could be better?! Add a lovely big ribbon or a simple decoration, and you have the perfect gift.

Map Gift Wrap – Ramshackle Glam — Map Gift Wrap

Newspaper

There is a lot to say about using newspapers as recycled wrapping paper. The rambling part is always adorable. You can use newspapers in two different ways: to wrap small gifts or as a filler for gift bags.

You can easily find it in your recycling bin or in the free circulars that come in your mailbox. Newspapers come in colored or black and white, but both are very cute as eco-friendly gift wrap.

Cloth Napkins

Cloth napkins may be a little stiffer than silk scarves, but they are a sustainable alternative to gift wrapping that has been around for hundreds of years. Cloth napkins can be found in most grocery stores. Available in various colors, cloth napkins go well with any scheme or other decorations you can think of, and the knot at the top makes a perfect bow.

Sustainable Fastening

Biodegradable Paper Tape

Many people may not think about how much traditional duct tape is harmful. However, there are now many biodegradable tapes available to secure packages. For instance, you can use washi tape made from tree fibers and bark, compostable paper tape, or natural adhesives for eco-friendly gift wrapping. The tape also comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making it possible to create super cute wrapping that will make anyone feel like a gift wrapping pro.

Upcycle Old T-Shirts, Sweaters, Flannel Pants, Etc.

Wouldn’t it be so cute to create a ribbon out of an old plaid shirt that you never wear? Cut a T-shirt into thin strips and wrap it around a gift to make a unique and beautiful ribbon.

Additional Decorations

Ornaments: Ornaments can be added to a gift to make the package more festive. Plus, recipients can use them to decorate for the holiday season each year.

Brooches: You can find a lot of great brooches in thrift stores or in your grandmother’s jewelry box. When you tie a package with a scarf or napkin, you can pin a brooch to the ribbon for a bit of celebration.

Dried Oranges: Dried oranges smell great and are very easy to make. Slice the oranges thinly and sandwich them between cloth tea towels.

Best Gift Wrapping Ideas | gift wrapping, gifts, christmas gift wrapping — Gift Wrapping Idea

What are your thoughts on these sustainable ways to wrap gifts? Share them with us in the comments below!

Dec, 2021

Is Vegan Leather Better?

Vegan leather, popularly known as faux leather, is leather without animal skin. In the past, leather was strictly made with animal skin, but time has changed; now, a range of ‘vegan’ materials are used to produce leather. Natural materials such as cork oak trees, bark fibres mixed with a polymer, etc.

Plastic-based polymers such as polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane are the most often utilized materials for synthetic leathers. Pleather, a phrase derived from “plastic leather,” is another term for synthetic leather.

These two most used synthetic materials, in particular, have raised concerns about vegan leather’s safety and environmental impact. Natural materials are used in very few vegan leathers, though you can discover more eco-friendly products manufactured from cork, kelp, and even pineapple leaves.

Various studies have conclusively shown that a vegan diet is less detrimental to the environment than a meat-and-dairy-based diet. This mindset sometimes leads to the belief that we should approach what we wear in the same way, especially when it comes to leather.

Businesses are seeking vegan alternatives in the hopes of meeting this demand. On the other hand, vegan-leather substitutes are genuinely better for the environment than real leather?

How Is Synthetic Leather Manufactured?

Polyurethane is applied to one side of the cloth, normally polyester, to create PU leather. The most popular PU leather production procedure is the “wet process,” which involves immersing the fabric in liquified polyurethane, water, and solvents, baking it, and then detailing the material to seem like leather. The “dry procedure” removes the liquid and laminates the polyurethane straight to the cloth, using less water and energy.

A similar coating procedure is used to create PVC leather. Polyvinyl Chloride is combined with stabilizers, plasticizers, and lubricants and then heated to create chemical changes that allow the paste to adhere to the cloth.

Because real leather is a natural product, it is not the actual animal skin harmful to the environment. Keeping this in mind, while purchasing vegan leather avoids animal products, its substitute may be plastic-based, which is bad for the environment and takes years to disintegrate. However, because the chemicals used in the tanning process are still toxic, and the leather business contributes to deforestation, it is preferable to pick vegetable-tanned leathers.

Is It More Sustainable?

When opposed to higher-priced, artisan leather items, synthetic leather provides fast fashion stores with a less expensive and virtually realistic alternative to animal leather, fostering accessory overproduction. Furthermore, the procedure is exceedingly chemically demanding, putting the health of people involved in the production process in danger.

PVC is not biodegradable and, when burnt, releases dioxins into the environment, as do many unsold and discarded fashion items. Not only is the creation of these synthetic materials chemically intensive, but it is also carbon-intensive because it is produced from fossil fuels. Artificial leather and polyester have a higher carbon footprint than genuine leather since they are not a by-product of another sector.

There are strong reasons on both sides. Therefore the solution isn’t black and white. The best approach is to do case-by-case research as fully as possible.

If you’re considering purchasing vegan leather, find out what alternatives the company uses and be mindful of the dangers of plastic-based goods. If you choose real leather, learn about the tanning procedures used by the business to learn how they make their items and be conscious of their ethical practices.

It’s not as easy as choosing between real leather and vegan leather; whatever you choose, do your research to make informed decisions. Regardless of the newest trends or aesthetics, find out who you’re throwing your money to, whether it’s something that you want to promote. Let us know in the comments what do you think of ‘vegan’ leather…

Dec, 2021

The Green Comparison – Which Companies Are the Greenest in 2021?

In the past 10 years, more businesses have made sustainability one of their top priorities. A full 71% of companies are targeting UN Sustainable Development Goals.

New technologies have allowed supply chains, packaging and energy sources to become more environmentally friendly than ever before. Consumers are increasingly eco-aware, and the demand for sustainable products has risen over the last decade.

However, some companies are certainly more committed to sustainability than others. Some don’t seem to worry about it at all. Here are three of the most and least sustainable businesses of 2021.

The Most Sustainable

Here are the three most sustainable businesses this year, setting shining examples for the rest of the corporate world to follow.

1. Chr. Hansen

Chr. Hansen, a Danish bioscience firm, topped the list of this year’s Global 100, which ranks corporations based on their commitment to sustainability through initiatives like the reduction of carbon use and industrial waste.

Chr. Hansen may not be a name that’s immediately familiar to most laypeople, but its products are essential natural alternatives for those in agriculture and food production. Chr. Hansen manufactures enzymes and food cultures used in the industrial production of things like cured meat, cheese and yogurt, as well as natural alternatives to animal antibiotics. More than 80% of Chr. Hansen’s revenue comes from these natural food products.

2. McCormick & Company

McCormick & Company, the American food enterprise that produces packaged spices, herbs and seasoning mixtures, has big plans for making its supply chain more sustainable.

In 2017, McCormick & Co. outlined its 2025 sustainability goals. The company’s Purpose-led Performance Report detailed its plans to convert to 100% recycled plastic packaging, reduce its carbon footprint by 25% and source 100% of its five iconic spices —vanilla, red pepper, black pepper, oregano and cinnamon — from sustainable agriculture sources.

Like Chr. Hansen, McCormick & Co. placed on the Global 100.

3. Cisco

By 2020, Cisco plans to cut 1 million tons of greenhouse gases out of its supply chain and source at least 85% of the energy it uses from renewable sources. In 2018, Cisco had already reduced its level of emissions by 45% compared to 2007.

Cisco is also working on several environmental and social initiatives. One of these initiatives is the Connected Conservation project, Cisco’s collaboration with Dimension Data. The pair worked together to develop and deploy the project in South African wildlife reserves to save rhinos there from poachers.

Together, Cisco and Dimension Data achieved a 96% reduction in rhino poaching by creating a network of technology that monitors reserve visitors, staff and anyone within the bounds of the reservation.

Cisco and Dimension Data have since announced they will expand the program into Zambia, Kenya and Mozambique.

The Least Sustainable

There are fewer lists ranking the worst actors because it is hard to get information like the amount of carbon a company puts out into the environment if it isn’t reporting it themselves. It is certainly possible, however, to figure out which companies are doing the least for the environment, and which might even be causing significant damage.

The worst performers of 2021 are:

1. Amazon

As an e-commerce platform and tech giant, Amazon needs massive amounts of energy to keep its servers running. Companies like Microsoft and Google, who also need significant levels of power for their cloud computing technologies, have made sourcing clean energy a priority. Amazon has not.

Amazon’s delivery fleet is in a similar situation. In 2018, the company ordered 20,000 additional vehicles, none of which were fully or partially electric. It was a chance for Amazon to pivot toward sustainability, but the company doesn’t seem interested in green initiatives for the moment.

2. Nestlé

Nestlé is one of the world’s biggest producers of plastic trash in the world. The multinational food and drink conglomerate caught flak throughout 2021 and much of the 2010s for their extraction of water from vulnerable bodies of water.

In August of 2021, Nestle sought approval from local authorities to siphon more than 1.1 million gallons of water per day from the Suwanee River, considered vulnerable by the Suwanee River Authority. The river was previously threatened by over pumping, but Nestlé has argued that the river won’t be harmed by their plan.

3. Peabody Energy

Peabody Energy is the largest private-sector coal company in the world. Peabody, being responsible for most of the coal production in the United States, could be reasonably considered one of the largest sources for emissions of greenhouse gases. The company was ranked 29 out of 31 in the Energy industries section of Newsweek’s 2012 Green Rankings.

As global leaders commit to emissions reductions, it’s not clear what the future will look like for Peabody Energy. In 2015, the New York attorney general concluded that Peabody had misled investors about the financial risk that climate change posed for the company.

As countries and businesses turned toward renewable energy, lower demand for coal would likely negatively impact Peabody. The next year, Peabody filed for bankruptcy, but returned to the stock exchange in 2017.

Sustainability in the Future

As demand grows, companies will increasingly decide whether or not sustainability is worth the commitment. More energy — sustainable or not — will be needed to meet future requirements.

By the numbers, however, 2020 was good for sustainability. Gen Z and millennials have much higher expectations for the environmental friendliness of products than older generations, and their demand appears to be driving significant changes.

It’s impossible to know how important sustainability will be in the future. What are your views? Share them in the comments below!

Dec, 2021

Dairy and Dairy-free Milks and Their Impacts on Our Planet (part 2)

In part one of this blog series, we talk about the most popular dairy and dairy-free milk alternatives out there. In this part, we’ll delve deeper into the world of dairy-free milk and see their impact on mother Earth because as great as plant-based milk might sound, they are also not that environmentally friendly. So buckle up, and let’s learn more about the other types of milk alternative on the market and their impact on our planet. Remember, even though cow milk might be really bad for our world, it is delicious, and thousands of people can make a living because of them. So, you can’t judge the dairy industry that harshly, but you can take steps to consume less milk and opt for some of these alternatives. Try something new, and who knows, this might make you discover something that you love!

Goat milk

Okay, this might sound weird to you, but a lot of cheeses out there are made of goat milk, and it is considered a delicacy in parts of the world. Unfortunately, even though it tastes good and goat cheese is to die for, goats and cows have the same impact on the environment and have a destructive habitat. They take as much water as cows to feed and produce as much if not more carbon emissions as their brethren. The latter is because it takes more time and money to transport goat and their milk which ups their carbon emission. However, because of their size, they take less space than their counterparts, which is a good thing. However, when compared to cow’s milk, goat’s milk does have some advantages; they produce less manure which creates a low threat to nearby water sources. The goat industry is much smaller than the milk industry.

Hemp Milk

This one has a niche market and is a well-liked dairy alternative by some. A lot of foragers and vegans out there have a soft spot for hemp milk because it is arguable the best and most eco-friendly milk on the market. It may not be as widely used as other plant-based milk, but we shouldn’t overlook this gem. According to some scientists, hemp can and can hinder climate change because they absorb an exceptional amount of carbon and their by-products are also 100% biodegradable. Hemp trees can sequester 4 times more carbon than your average tree; on top of that, they don’t require a tremendous amount of water to grow and even enrich the soil they are on. Hemp can be bio if you want them to because they don’t require any pesticide to grow, and they can be grown in a very small area. This eliminates the need for monoculture to create plant-based milk as it can be grown alongside other plants and vegetables.

Hazelnut milk

Hazelnuts aren’t only used to make our favorite chocolate spread but can also be used to create a pretty delicious dairy-free milk if you ask me. Hazelnut milk is slowly gaining traction in the plant-based milk industry and is arguably the best nut to create milk because it doesn’t require as much water as almonds. They not only require minimum water to grow but are also drought-resistant and, just like hemp, sequester a massive amount of carbon. You also don’t need commercial honeybees to pollinate them as they are wind-pollinated. The lower greenhouse carbon emission rather than contributes to it is said to be one of the plants that absorbs the most carbon. They also reduce soil erosion and may even prevent surface runoff that could pollute nearby water sources.

Remember, even though you might think you aren’t making an impact on Earth, it is one same step for humankind, but it is a giant step for the preservation of mother nature. Sound off in the comments section below and tell us your favorite milk alternative.

Nov, 2021

Dairy and Dairy-free Milks and Their Impacts on Our Planet (part 1)

Nowadays, you go to your local grocery store and you’ll see a plethora of milk and milk alternatives. This is an excellent thing for lactose intolerant people and for us vegan and environment-conscious adults because we have a choice in what to consume, and making dairy-free milk more available is a way to let people decide on what to spend their money on. Cow milk is very detrimental to our environment and creates a tremendous amount of carbon and methane, but this doesn’t mean that all milk alternatives are good for the environment. Though, if you had to choose between the two, tend dairy-free milks are the better alternative for mother Earth. So, without further ado, let get in this list and see how good or bad certain milk and milk alternative are for our planet.

Milks and their impact on society

1. Cow’s milk

This is one of the most damning milk for our environment, but as someone who has had milk a lot in their life, I can tell you that nothing beats cow’s milk and dairy cheese, and it was one of the things that made me struggle into adopting the vegan lifestyle. But, I couldn’t bear the amount of water it takes to raise a cow, which is not good for the environment. Cows are responsible for 3.4% of global gas emissions, and it takes 30 to 50 liters of water per day to raise one single cow. However, it should be noted that it is the cheapest and most accessible kind of milk on the market even though it is the worst kind of milk for our environment. They produce 3 times as much carbon emission and require 9 times as much land than any dairy-free milk to create. Cattle emit 14.5% of all greenhouse gases and are responsible for 62% of carbon emissions produced by the food industry.

2. Almond milk

This is a viable milk alternative because it has a low carbon emission, but it requires a great deal of water to grow almonds. It takes on average 1.1 gallons of water to grow one single almond, and they’ve gained in popularity in the past decade and are delicious and vegan-friendly. It produces 80% less carbon footprint than cows, but the increase in its popularity has increased in its production, and farmers use a high quantity of water and pesticide to do so, and this is really harmful to the environment and honeybees. 80% of the world’s almond supply is grown in Californian and takes up about 10% of the state’s freshwater supply, and is one of the causes of drought.

3. Soy milk

This is my favorite milk alternative out there, partly because I’ve been drinking soy milk since I was very young, but it is also one of the most environmental friendly dairy-free milks out there. It should e noted that it produces and emits significantly less carbon than cows and uses about 1/3 of the water amount required to produce dairy milk. It is the dairy-free milk that most lactose-intolerant people consume and is also the most accessible and common milk alternative on the market currently. Soy requires minimum water and pesticide to grow and is a very versatile crop that is stated to be one of the most sustainable dairy-free milk out there. One of the potential drawbacks of soy milk is deforestation because certain parts o the Amazon are cleared for soy plantation. However, this is a quick fix; you just have to buy ethically sourced milk and isn’t damaging to the Earth because this would be counterintuitive.

Nov, 2021

Creative Ways to Recycle Your Cork Stoppers: 7 DIY Decorations for Christmas

Cork stoppers are one of the most versatile objects to use in decoration. Small, resistant and of an inimitable color, together or separately, they make them beautiful to create any type of object or give them a different use than the one for which they were created.

If there is a special time to use them, it is the holidays, but if we add the touch of Christmas, you will not be able to help but think of keeping them to use in these dates very close.

Christmas Wreath with Stoppers

How about welcoming your guests with this gorgeous Christmas wreath? You can use just about anything to get that festive touch we love so much.

If you’re going to the fields or forest, try to choose materials from nature, leaves, pine cones, branches … anything will fit perfectly. You can also recycle other elements that you have at home.

Centerpiece With Corks

If there is something that gives a different touch to the Christmas table, it is the candles. Ideally, they are placed in strategic locations, either with lanterns or other containers, but the table cannot miss an ornate centerpiece, including one or more candles.

You can arrange the stoppers around the sail itself, vertically or horizontally, or at an angle. To hold them in place, you can opt for a ribbon or rope, but they can also be glued, depending on the design you prefer.

If you want something lavish, feel free to add and experiment with different materials.

Christmas Tree to Hang With Corks

If you always like to place the Christmas tree in your home, then do not miss the opportunity to hang a small Christmas tree made with corks cut to give the shape of a tree between its branches.

Glue them together, and add stars or gems, or you can even paint them with glitter paint. Choose the pattern to suit your style. They are beautiful and add a very warm touch to the whole thing!

Christmas Ornaments with Cork

Spherical shapes are very attractive in decoration. They stand out everywhere and are the center of all eyes. For this reason, there is nothing better than to keep all the corks to create Christmas balls of different sizes, in order to arrange them in full view.

The first thing to do is to buy or make your own baubles. It’s best to choose the same type of corks to give that unique round effect.

Then glue them together with glue or adhesive, depending on the material of the inner ball. If you like a more rustic touch, leave them with their original color, and if not, decorate them however you like.

Dolls with Cork

If what you like most about Christmas is to have a tree full of beads of all kinds, try to make them fun figures created from corks.

With ribbons, strings, fabrics, markers and a few other materials, you can make some really original dolls. You just need to have a little patience and be clever in arranging all the elements.

Small Christmas Tree with Corks

If you are tired of having a Christmas tree in your living room that takes up a lot of space, decide to make a custom one with the corks you have accumulated.

To make one, you will need to have a base, which can be wood, cardboard, glass… which you can find circular. From there, create different layers with the corks, as if it were a large cake. Decreasing their number as you go up, and placing each top tier towards the center.

A craft that both children and adults will enjoy. For a fun afternoon any day!

Small Trees with Pineapples and Corks

It’s not hard to create a small forest at home using pine cones picked up in the field, and decorating them with green paint to mimic Christmas trees. If you add a Star of Bethlehem to the glass, you already have a complete set to spend the holidays in a cozy environment with details.