11
Feb, 2021

Creative Ideas To Reuse, Reduce And Recycle Old Clothes (Part 1)

Who hasn’t had one or more used clothes in the closet that are still there, even if you never use them? A little for being fond of it, a little for feeling guilty for putting it only once… It sure sounds familiar! Getting rid of used clothing is not easy, especially if the only alternative is to throw it away. In this post, you want to help you get those clothes that you no longer use out of the closet and give them a second chance. If with that gesture you can make more than one person happy, what are you waiting for?

#1. Make A Top From A T-Shirt, Shirt, Or Sweater

Applying the previous concept to your t-shirts, shirts, or sweaters can also cut them to reuse them as perfect tops for the hottest days. 

#2. Recycle An Old Dress Into A Skirt

Indeed sometimes, you will have discarded a dress because it was beginning to look old at the top, but some part of it was still perfect. With a couple of cuts and a few stitches, you can turn your old dresses into new skirts.  

#3. Use A Man’s Shirt To Make A Girl’s Dress

A men’s shirt with a worn or torn area can be the perfect candidate to become a children’s dress. As they are very different sizes, you will have plenty of fabric to elaborate modifications and add ornaments, pockets, and other accessories. 

#4. Make Cushions With Garments That You No Longer Use

The fabric of the clothes you no longer use is ideal for transforming it into other garments and other textile objects, such as fantastic cushions. You can use the most colorful to make the cushion covers and those older or a little uglier fabrics to use as fillers. 

#5. Toys And Stuffed Animals For The Little Ones Made From Recycled Clothes

If you have some basic sewing knowledge, you can unleash your creativity to create toys and stuffed animals from the clothes you no longer use. So you can use even the smallest remnants. 

#6. Make A Cloth Bag From T-Shirts, Shirts, Or Dresses

The best-preserved parts of your shirts, T-shirts, and dresses can be used as material for making cloth shopping bags or bags to store bread.

#7. Use Scraps Of Old Clothes To Personalize Other Clothes

Maybe you have a dress, shirt, or garment that you love its texture, color, or pattern. If you do not want to discard it completely, you can always use a remnant of this garment to customize another that you do wear. You can do it by adding sewing patterns, adding pockets, bows, ornaments, etc. 

#8. Make A Quilt Or Patchwork Blanket

If you like to sew, patchwork can be an excellent way to have a good time protecting the environment. You can combine scraps taken from different clothes and fabrics and make perfect blankets and quilts for winter. 

#9. Use Umbrella Cloth To Make A Waterproof Apron

When an umbrella breaks down, and you can no longer use it to protect yourself from the rain, the most common is that it is because one or more rods have been broken. However, the fabric tends to remain in good condition, and being waterproof, it is ideal for making an apron for painting or use in the kitchen. 

#10. Reuse Used Clothing Fabric To Make A Pet Bed

Our best friends also deserve a good rest from time to time. Your old bedding can be perfect for getting the raw material you need to make a pet mattress. 

Want to learn more whip-smart ways to recycle old clothes? Check out the second part of this article here!

8
Feb, 2021

The Concept of Social Sustainability

Sustainability is a simple concept that emphasizes human beings’ ability to meet their own needs without jeopardizing future generations’ ability to do the same. In other words, it is the coexistence of human civilization and nature.

Sustainability consists of three main pillars and today we will take a look at one of the most overlooked ones: Social Sustainability!

What Is Social Sustainability?

As we mentioned above, social sustainability is one of the most overlooked concepts of sustainable development. It is about meeting the needs of people of today and tomorrow by promoting social well-being. It refers to all the formal and informal processes, structures and systems that can help to create a healthy and sustainable community. It encompasses the following subjects: social justice, social equity, health equity, community development, social capital, social support, human rights, labor rights, social responsibility and cultural competence.

Another, more recent approach claims that all the pillars of sustainability such as the economic, environmental, political and cultural, should all be considered social due to their inherent connection with matters relating to social and natural interactivity.

Below you will find some more definitions of social sustainability:

“Social sustainability is a process for creating sustainable, successful places, by understanding what people need from the places they live and work. Social sustainability combines the design of the physical realm with the design of the social world – infrastructure to support social and cultural life, social amenities, systems for citizen engagement and space for people and places to evolve.”

–From Social Life, a UK based enterprise

“Social sustainability includes achieving a fair degree of social homogeneity, equitable income

distribution, employment that allows the creation of decent livelihoods, and equitable access to

resources and social services, a balance between respect of tradition and innovation, and self-reliance, endogeneity and self-confidence.”

– From Sachs, 1999

The Dimensions of Social Sustainability

  • Equity

The word equity is not the same as equality. Equity can be defined as when a society provides equitable chances to all its members, especially the poorest and most vulnerable class of the society. It is about creating more opportunities for those in need. For instance, in the educational field, additional help and support may be given to children belonging to the lower social class. 

  • Diversity

It means understanding and respecting everyone regardless of their differences. These differences could be race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs or other ideologies. It is about accepting and including every person in the mainstream society. Therefore, social sustainability encourages and promotes diversity.

  • Interconnected/Social Cohesions

Have you ever heard of the word social cohesion? It can be defined as connectedness and solidarity among groups in the society. It is categorized into two dimensions. The first one refers to the sense of belonging in a society, while the second one refers to how due to the relationship shared between members of the community, they can trust each other.

Society provides processes, systems and institutions that promote social cohesion. For instance, religion is an institution provided by the community which promotes social solidarity, social harmony and social unity. For example, acts of worship in a group from different religions promote 

connectedness.

  • Quality of Life

The traditional basic needs include food, shelter and clothing. However, modern lists focus on other elements such as education, housing, employment, sanitation and healthcare. It is seen that the role of the community is to ensure that the basic needs of individuals, particularly the needy ones, are met and that all members of the society is leading a good life. For instance, many countries’ governments tend to provide housing and education facilities to the lowest class of the social hierarchy.

  • Democracy and Governance

We have often heard of the word democracy, but what does it really mean? It is a type of government where the people have the power and authority to choose their government representatives. The main objective of a democratic system is to encourage and protect the fundamental rights of each individual. Therefore, a democratic government is one that is accountable to the general public.

  • Maturity

In the social context, maturity refers to the individual behaviors in accordance with social norms. It is about respecting and conforming to the expected and accepted patterns of behaviors in the society.

Social sustainability is a concept that is often neglected by society. However, now that you have discovered this unique and social component of sustainability, what are your perspectives? Please share your comments!

3
Feb, 2021

Fast Fashion: How Do My Clothes Affect the Planet?

When we buy new clothes, we are guided by fashion trends, if we look good or if the prices seem affordable. Very rarely do we buy our clothes thinking about where and how it was produced, if it affects the environment in any way or if it was manufactured, respecting workers’ rights, and paying fair wages. Fast fashion is at the forefront of fashion and provides low prices that make it accessible to many people. However, there is a history of environmental damage and social injustice that big brands are not telling us!

The Fashion Industry Contributes 10% of Global Emissions.

Life Beyond Plastics: How Fashion is Killing Our Rivers

The fashion industry is the second most polluting in the world, only behind the oil company. What is this about? To an accelerated and massive production of garments linked to overconsumption, fueled by the trends and new collections that appear every year. In other words, the big fast fashion brands use market strategies to keep us buying and consuming non-stop, and they can maximize their profits. An example of this is perceived obsolescence, which implies leading consumers to think that a product is obsolete, even if it is still functional, just because it does not comply with the fashion or dominant trend. This leads us to the fact that even though we already have two black skirts in perfect condition, we want to buy a new one just because that new design is in fashion. This excess consumption of products leads to environmental impacts such as:

  • Greater extraction of natural resources to continue manufacturing new garments and meet demand adds greenhouse gas emissions during the extraction of raw material, manufacturing, transportation, and product disposal. The UN indicates that the fashion industry contributes 10% of global emissions.

  • Extensive Water Pollution:  According to Greenpeace, the textile industry is one of the largest users of hazardous chemicals and one of the industries that pollute the most freshwater globally. Our garments’ production is behind multicolored rivers due to the spillage of water contaminated by the dyeing processes; the spilled substances are possible carcinogens and hormonal disruptors that can harm nearby communities’ health.

  • Release of Microplastics and Microfibers Into the Environment: Many of our garments are made from various plastic types. When they are washed, they can shed microplastics into our water bodies; the same happens with other synthetic or organic materials released as microfibers. According to research from the University of Toronto, a single pair of jeans sheds an average of 56,000 microfibers per wash cycle, and this massive amount of microscopic dirt seems to accumulate in the Arctic. Whenever a garment is washed, a small amount of lint is spilled and comes off with the clothes.

  • A Large Generation of Waste: In the last 15 years, the number of times we wear our garments again has fallen by 36%. That means that we reuse our clothes less and less. Motivated by changes in trends and new collections, many people overconsume low-quality garments that will quickly go out of style and be discarded when the new season arrives. According to this are the low recycling percentages, in Mexico of only 5% according to CEMDA data, nearly 80% of discarded clothing ends up in landfills or incinerated.Why Sustainable Fashion is the Only Way - SustyVibes

These data show that the clothes we wear are indeed harming the planet, in addition to the fact that many fast fashion brands sell garments produced by cheap labor from exploited people, including boys and girls, in developing countries. Every time you find a bargain at the mall, this low price reflects the fair wages that brands are not paying workers as well as the environmental damage that companies do and do not do.

Therefore, now that the Good End is coming and a time of excessive consumption begins (Black Friday, Christmas, Three Kings Day, etc.), try to look for clothes without this broad environmental and social footprint:

  • Who said we need new clothes to dress in style? Buying second-hand clothes is an excellent option to keep clothes in use and prevent them from reaching landfills;

  • If you have possibilities, look for Mexican brands of sustainable clothing, which offer carefully manufactured garments to reduce their environmental impacts and also are of higher quality and will last much longer;

  • Exchange, donate and give someone else the clothes you no longer want to have in your closet. You can exchange with your friends and family, donate clothes to organizations (of girls and boys, migrants, women) that need them, or look for online ventures that create barter and exchange communities;

  • Repair or renew the clothes you already have so that you can give them a new life. What is no longer useful to you will undoubtedly help someone else and be good for our planet.

29
Jan, 2021

The Concept of Economic Sustainability

In 2018, Former President Trump stated: “These numbers are very, very sustainable. This isn’t a one-time shot!” You might wonder why he mentioned sustainability when talking about the US economy.

My dear friends, allow me to tell you that there is a relationship between economics and sustainability which we will discuss further below.

Economic Sustainability

Sustainability is a simple concept that emphasises human beings’ ability to meet their own needs without jeopardising future generations’ ability to do the same. In other words, it is the coexistence of human civilisation and nature.

Now let’s talk about economics. It is a social science which explains the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. It is also concerned with the three fundamental economic aspects – scarcity, opportunity cost and demand and supply. Economics can be further divided into macroeconomics which refers to the behaviour and decision-making of an economy as a whole and microeconomics which studies the implications of individuals’ behaviours and decisions.

Overall, economics represents one of the four essential pillars of sustainability and these three points will elaborate on the definition of economic sustainability.

  • The first definition of economic sustainability is how it refers to an economic development that does not have any negative impacts on the social, environmental, and cultural aspects of a community.
  • Second definition is where economic sustainability is associated with economic growth. And sustainable economic growth can be defined as an increase in the total amount of capital without creating some significant economic problems that can affect negatively future generations.
  • The third definition is where the economy is used as a tool to promote sustainability. For instance, economic institutions and structures are employed to boost sustainable development.

Now, let’s look at a definition of the term economic sustainability by the University of Mary Washington:

“Economic sustainability refers to practices that support long-term economic growth without negatively impacting the social, environmental, and cultural aspects of the community.”

The Alternative, a green political party in Denmark tend to emphasise a lot on economic sustainability. According to its theories, the current neoliberal economic system dominating the world has increased the inequality gap, where the rich are getting richer and the poor are becoming poorer. They reject the past years’ economic growth, accompanied by excessive costs and have used up the earth’s natural resources at a very fast rate. They believe that the current economic systems will lead to food shortages, unbearable temperatures, mass migration and a collapse of the ecosystem. Therefore, the concept of economic sustainability is not about promoting growth but green transformation in the society.

A great man once said that, “problems cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that lead to their creation.” Similarly, it applies to how problems arising from old economic systems cannot be solved using old economic thinking and thus, a new system must be created.

To better understand the above concept, let’s take a tour around the economic system. For instance, economic utility and maximisation of sales and profits form part of the elements of an open-market economy. However, based on the concept of economic sustainability, maximisation of profits and individual consumer satisfaction are two aspects which can ultimately lead to the depletion of both natural and social resources.

Moreover, conceptually and geographically, there has been a disconnection between producers and consumers. As a result of specialisation and mass production, consumers no longer know where their products are coming from and who is involved in their production. For instance, consumers do not know whether rules and regulations were respected during the production process.

Another displeasing factor is how today’s advertising consists of a lot of disinformation. For instance, greenwashing is a common tendency where many companies employ certain marketing strategies which convey false and misleading information by claiming that their products are environmentally friendly when they are not.

As you have read above, the “old” economics system can no longer be used in the contemporary world. Hence, this new framework that we call economic sustainability will give rise to a “new” economics.

Economic sustainability is an economic system based on a new paradigm with different goals, boundaries and rules compared to the traditional one. Can our society adjust and adapt to this new concept? Please share your comments below!

25
Jan, 2021

5 Ways Sustainable Communities Are Becoming More Popular

If you look for a definition of what a sustainable community is, you will find many different answers, but most agree that a sustainable community is one that provides for the needs of everyone in the community while protecting and limiting damage to the environment. Thus, aspects of a sustainable community in the 21st century would include well-insulated homes based on renewable energy, local employment, an extensive public transportation system, sustainable food production, and a near-zero waste management system. Sustainable communities are popping up all over the United States as new ways to bring neighbors together to support a common goal. The premise of these new neighborhoods is to promote responsible use of natural resources and can sometimes involve communal living, although this varies from community to community. Successful planning of sustainable communities can be divided into two categories: physical sustainability and social sustainability. Information on the first category (physical sustainability) is readily available, but what about the equally important social aspects of building an off-the-grid eco-village? Once energy self-sufficiency, food self-sufficiency, and structure self-sufficiency (house building) are addressed, how do you ensure that people will want to stay in your community, and that new people will want to join, both of which are foundations of sustainable community growth?

 

How can we make cities more sustainable? | World Economic Forum

 

If you’re curious about why these are popping up more and more across the country, check out these 5 reasons why you might want to consider one if you’re planning to move soon!

1. They help protect the environment

One of the main requirements of living in a sustainable community is adhering to rules about eco-conscious living. This can include using sustainable or renewable materials when building your home, driving low-emission cars (carpooling and public transportation are also encouraged), and reducing energy consumption. When the community follows these rules, it helps reduce the carbon footprint of the community as a whole, which helps reduce greenhouse gases.

2. They help educate the city around which they are built

Sustainable communities help to educate the public as a whole by showing the eco-responsible options available to everyone. Whether it’s learning about composting, how to use less electricity, or how to work with local governments for help with sustainability, these communities educate the public by leading by example.

3. They promote the community as a whole

In many large cities, neighbors have become strangers, and the common bond that used to be central to a neighborhood is missing. In sustainable communities, the community as a whole works toward a greener neighborhood, forcing neighbors to interact with each other. This fosters new lines of communication, and brings back friendly neighborhoods that seem to be disappearing elsewhere.

 

10 ways to build more sustainable cities in the face of global growth

 

4. They offer an economic advantage to cities in recession

Sustainable communities engage in environmentally conscious activities, such as rejuvenating areas that have fallen into disrepair (rather than building on new land). In economically depressed cities like Cleveland, OH, Greenville, SC, and even parts of Seattle, the population was revitalized when sustainable communities renovated neighborhoods.

5. They promote change at the governmental level

States like Maryland and California have begun offering tax breaks to communities that focus on sustainable living and are popping up in their cities. As many in the communities become eco-activists, they also become political activists by ensuring that their elected officials take note of the new developments. Once the government begins to notice the benefits these communities have for residents, they begin to push for change throughout the city. San Francisco, CA saw what can happen when a neighborhood comes together to promote eco-conscious living, and were so impressed with the changes that legislation began working to give activists more say in how businesses affect their communities, green spaces and environments.

Communities focused on eco-conscious living are on the rise, and for good reasons! Promoting renewable and sustainable ways of living helps the environment and the community. If you are looking for more information on how to join a sustainable community (or create one in your own neighborhood) contact your local legislators for steps and resources.

Sustainable Eating Plans

What you choose to put on your plate can have the most significant impact on your carbon footprint. At least three times a day, you make choices about how to calm your growling belly and fuel your body – these choices can have a lighter or a heavier impact on Mother Earth. In the modern agricultural system, plant-based foods are grown using synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and fossil fuels, which degrade the soil and promote monocultures. These plants are fed to animals, often concentrated on farms where the animals live short and miserable lives. Their manure is concentrated, polluting the soil, waterways, and air.

If you are looking to change your eating habits, then here are some ways to do it without harming the environment and taking care of the other parts of the environment.

 

1. Eat more plants

Raising animals for meat and dairy requires space and vast amounts of water and feed. The livestock industry alone causes nearly 15% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. With meat consumption increasing 500% worldwide between 1992 and 2016, it is clear that we need to rebalance our diets by prioritizing veggies while moderating our intake of animal products.

2. Eat more varieties

As 75% of the world’s food supply comes from just 12 plants and five animal species. Greater diversity in our diet is essential, as the lack of variety in agriculture is bad for nature and a threat to food security.

3. Use your voice

There is no need to burn or cut down another tree. There is more than enough land to grow food to feed another 2 billion people by 2050. Help us put pressure on the government by demanding deforestation-free food.
Make a sign placard

4. Find out more about your fish

In the UK, people eat £4.5 billion worth of fish every year. Still, high demand and poor management have led to overfishing, which has dramatically reduced the number of firm favorites, such as North Sea cod and wild Atlantic salmon. When shopping, do look out for labels such as the blue MSC label or ASC, which indicate that the fish comes from a well-managed source and try lesser-known species such as pollock, saithe, and hake.

5. Reduce waste

We know that food waste is a big problem. Almost 30% of the food produced is wasted, with all the consequences for the environment. If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China and the US. Reduce waste in your household is simple: freeze anything you can’t eat fresh and buy individual products whenever possible, so you can choose precisely the amount you need.

6. Grow your food

It is always better to have fresh, home-grown produce straight from the garden. Not only is it healthy and delicious, but it’s also free of the carbon footprint of store-bought food.

7. Look for products with RSPO certified palm oil.

The unsustainable palm oil is responsible for large-scale deforestation, threatening wildlife such as orangutans and tigers, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and a greater risk of climate change. However, rejecting palm oil altogether may have unintended consequences, as alternatives are maybe even worse for the environment, as up to nine times more land is needed to produce some varieties. When shopping, look for products with RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil.

8. Pass on plastic

Plastic has infiltrated our nature and even our diet. Bring a reusable bag when you store, choose packaging-free fruits and vegetables whenever possible, and ask brands and retailers that continue to use plastic to find alternatives.

9. Eat what’s in season

Try to incorporate seasonal produce from your local farm or greengrocer into your diet whenever possible. This will support the local economy and help you get to know local producers and get tips on preparing seasonal produce.

21
Jan, 2021

Greenwashing – The Enemy of Sustainability (Part 4)

In any economy, consumers are usually king. However, greenwashing is a marketing ploy that misleads consumers. As a consumer, you need to be aware of the products you are purchasing.

Below you will find some tips to help you identify and avoid greenwashing!

#1. Knowledge Is Power

“People are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

– Hosea 4:6

As a consumer, it is vital that you are aware of the greenwashing techniques used by companies to sell their products. You must be familiar with the terminologies employed such as “all-natural” or “low emission,” etc.

For instance, one should be aware of the sin of irrelevance of greenwashing. For example, a product may claim to be a “CFC- Free” one and the claim might be genuine but unhelpful as the law generally bans CFCs, which you should be aware of as a consumer. Know all the greenwashing techniques to stop yourself from getting fooled.

When in doubt, turn to your trusty friend Google! Nowadays, with globalisation and advances in technology, there are many blogs and online forums where green movement activists share and discuss information about companies that convey misleading information about their products.

 

#2. Ask Questions

If you are not sure that a product is genuinely made from recycled materials, don’t hesitate to ask the company questions. When you probe for more details, you will be able to identify whether the company’s claims about their products are valid or not.

 

#3. Don’t Go for Products, Go for Brands

Nowadays, it is easier to find a chocolate producer with three out of its fifty products having been certified as sustainable and eco-friendly. However, it is much more complicated to find a company where all of its products are made from recycled materials and positively impact the environment.

However, the companies that abide by the highest sustainability features when producing their products are not driven by money and profits but instead want to spread their green message to the whole world.

How can you identify such companies?

  • By the word of mouth
  • Their eco-friendly measures described on their websites

#4. Packaging

Like how appearances can be deceptive, the packaging is also one of the elements used by companies to deceive consumers. Suppose that a product is packaged with 100% recycled material, but what about the contents of the product?

Many companies use green-coloured packaging to emphasise the idea that their products are eco-friendly. Some even go as far as including natural imagery like green leaves and animals in a forest. A great example of this is the Huggies Pure and Nature diaper line packaging displaying a child surrounded by green colours. This is intended to show that the child is happy, healthy, and with nature thanks to the product.

Consumers should not be carried away by the packaging of the lovely and “all-green” product!

 

#5. Beware of Buzzwords

Companies often use buzzwords like organic, natural, green, low-impact and eco-friendly to fool customers in buying their products and these words are used without having any legal repercussions.

Here is an extract from the second article in this series, where we talked about the sin of vagueness:

“Sin of vagueness is when companies use too broad or poorly-defined terms for their products that cannot be adequately understood by the general public. For instance, the word “all-natural” is often used in the environmental claims’ of companies. However, even toxic chemical elements such as Arsenic, Mercury and Uranium are naturally occurring compounds. This means that the term all-natural does not necessarily imply a green and sustainable product.”

To have a green lifestyle doesn’t only mean using products that are labelled green. As a consumer, you are also responsible for the demand and supply of a product and hence you should be able to recognise greenwashing. Please share your comments!

20
Jan, 2021

How to Create Natural Dyes for Your Clothes From Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers

Do you have garments that you want to revamp? Why not try a handmade technique that produces exceptional results while respecting the environment? Not only are colors made from natural dyes and pigments vivid, but they are also biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-allergic. Besides, many natural dyes have antimicrobial properties. All of these factors make it safer and better for humans, children, and the environment.

Making your natural dye at home is so easy! All you have to do is get the pot on the fire and get to work! Here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you give your garments a new life. The process is straightforward, and you will love the results!

For this process, we will need:

1) Natural Elements That Will Give Us the Color

The possibilities are so numerous that it is almost impossible to list them all. These are just a few options.

Red: raspberries

Orange: carrots

Yellow: onion skin

Green: herbs, yerba, spinach

Blue: blueberries, purple grapes

Purple: red cabbage

Red-purple: basil leaves, blueberries

Pink: avocado skin, roses

Brown: coffee

Reddish-brown: bamboo, pomegranates

Black or gray: blackberries

Always use fresh items, not dry.

2) The fabric or garment to be dyed

You may use natural textiles, such as cotton, silk, wool, and linen.

3) Dye Fixative

A fixative or “mordant” will help the fabric absorb the dye. Salt and vinegar are the most common. Place the cloth in the fixative (for example, 1/2 cup salt dissolved in 8 cups cold water, or 1 part white vinegar mixed in 4 parts cold water) for one hour and rinse with cold water. The fabric is now ready to be dyed!

4) Rubber Gloves

Make sure to wear gloves avoid staining the skin, which can be challenging to get rid of!

5) Now, Let’s Start the Magical Process

-Place the natural element (plant, flower) in a stainless steel or glass jar.

-Fill the jar with twice the water.

-Boil on low heat for one hour or until you obtain the desired color.

-Remove the material and leave the liquid in the pot.

-Gently soak the fabric in the dye and let it simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

-Let the fabric sit in hot water for a day and wash it.

– Allow it to dry naturally in the shade.

-Note that the color will be lighter as it dries.

6) The Benefits

These are some of the reasons why you should use natural dyes:

– They have no chemicals or toxins

– They do not pollute the water

– Create unique colors, shades, and effects

– They come from renewable sources such as food and plants.

– They allow you to recycle biodegradable and compostable waste.

– They can be used to give old clothes a second life

Dyeing our garments with natural dyes is easy, fun, and even therapeutic. More importantly, it brings us one step closer to a healthier relationship with our belongings. Although this natural dyeing process textiles has been known since ancient times, it is being revalued today as the prospects for a slower and more sustainable life gain popularity.

The way fibers and textiles get their color does not happen by magic. The environmental and social impact of the fashion industry through the use of chemicals forces us to become more aware. Thus, natural dyeing has multiple benefits, as it plays a vital role in producing sustainable textiles and contributing to building healthy fashion. By learning to generate dyes from natural elements, such as fruits, flowers, and plants, you can achieve an infinite variety of colors and shades while taking care of the planet!

20
Jan, 2021

Greenwashing – The Enemy of Sustainability (Part 3)

Greenwashing is a marketing strategy used by organisations to make false claims about environmentally friendly products. However, this marketing ploy can come back to bite you like it did Volkswagen, who suffered a US$30 billion loss due to their false environmental claims about clean diesel? If you want to avoid suffering the same sort of consequences, follow these simple tips!

#1. Know Your Company’s Goals and Missions

Work, Office, Team, Company, Internet, Business

When you start a company, you should always have specific goals in mind. Create a mission statement. A mission statement can be defined as a short and simple statement that explains the following questions: why an organisation exists, what is its purpose, what type of good or service it provides and who are its primary customers. Mission statements are important as they help to create the identity of a company and act as navigating equipment for the future entrepreneurial endeavours.

Sure, a company’s goals may change with time, but by establishing these values, you will have a set destination and, more importantly, that there will be no need to take shortcuts such as greenwashing.

#2. Don’t Be General, Be Specific!

Nearly all politicians have the habit of making general claims such as “We will eradicate poverty!” or “We will solve your problems!” This is similar to a greenwashing technique used by some companies which is called the sin of vagueness.

Here is an extract from the previous article:

“….sin of vagueness is when companies use too broad terms for their products that cannot be adequately understood by the general public. For instance, the word “all-natural” is often used in the environmental claims’ of companies. However, even toxic chemical elements such as Arsenic, Mercury and Uranium are naturally occurring compounds.”

Many companies tend to make use of poorly-defined terms like “green” without providing any further clarification. It is crucial to stop this practice. It is high time for companies to be more specific in their products’ descriptions and use appropriate terminology. Only then will you not fall in the greenwashing trap.

#3. Don’t Lie

A great man once said that lying is the greatest of all sins!

One of the seven sins of greenwashing is the sin of fibbing which is when companies lie blatantly about their products. For example, some companies can make up false claims and invent facts to deceive customers.

If you want to avoid greenwashing in your company, it is simple: don’t lie! Not because its illegal, but because you want to maintain the integrity of your company.

#4. Don’t Give Exaggerated Details

A common greenwashing technique involves making exaggerated claims about the qualities of products. If a company want to prevent greenwashing at all costs, then the company needs to show only the genuine green qualities that their products possess. For example, in advertisements, d on’ t show that your product is 100% recycled when it is it only 45% recycled. When companies exaggerate in their claims, customers tend to become suspicious.

#5. Real Recycling

One way to ensure that the claims about “environmentally-friendly” products become true is when companies genuinely use recycled products and employ sustainable business practices. If you want to label your product as “product made from 100% recycled material”, then don’t just claim it, do it!

#6. Genuine Seals and Certificates

To maintain a good reputation with your customers and avoid greenwashing, make sure that your products always have legitimate seals of authenticity. Moreover, official and legal certificates tend to authenticate the “green” claims that you are making.

#7. Codes of Conduct

This type of approach implies the creation of some company’s rules based on environmental policies. When rules and regulations will be implemented, they will prohibit a company from employing greenwashing principles. For instance, placing explicit bans on greenwashing principles in the department of marketing will help preserve the company’s image. A solid example could be how the code of conduct of the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) has established rules on how all members should market governments meetings and the actions taken.

#8. Stakeholders

This approach identifies stakeholders as important members of a business organisation as the integration of different shareholders such as managers, NGOs and even politicians can help to avoid greenwashing. Stakeholders will bring their knowledge and expertise which can prevent the emergence of greenwashing in the company.

#9. Transparency

If you want your company to stay far from greenwashing, your company needs to be a transparent one, where no data or facts are hidden, customers are not deceived, and you do not make false claims about your products and services.

What do you think about these tips? Easy to follow or too complicated? Please share your comments!

19
Jan, 2021

Ways to Have a Waste Free Lunch

Are you looking for simple ways to prepare a waste-free meal for your child? The good news is that it’s never been easier to prepare a healthy, environmentally friendly school lunch that your kids will love.

Why prepare a waste-free meal?

Using a waste-free lunch box helps reduce your carbon footprint on the planet. While many parents are used to the “convenience” of single-use plastic bags and containers, all that convenience translates into a lot of waste – 90 pounds per year per child! This waste then ends up in our oceans and landfills and contributes to increased greenhouse gases that threaten our children’s future.

How can we prepare a meal without waste?

1) Choose a lunch box that makes it easy to prepare a well-balanced school meal. All children have their likes and dislike when it comes to lunch. One child likes variety and surprises, while another enjoys the familiarity of the same PB&J sandwich every day. But none of the children wants to have their sandwich touch their fruit and have everything soaked. Choose a lunch box that will allow you to pack a variety of foods that stay in their compartment and don’t “touch” each other.

Build a Waste Free Lunch | The 52 New Foods Challenge

2) Choose a stainless steel lunch box. Storing food in stainless steel is a better alternative to plastic and has been used by other cultures for generations. Questions remain about the safety of storing food in plastic. Several studies have shown that hazardous chemicals contained in plastic can leach into food and beverages. PVC and polystyrene have been known to be dangerous for years, and recently there has been much talk about the dangers of polycarbonate plastic No. 7. This plastic is widely used in clear, rigid sports bottles and some baby bottles. It contains bisphenol A, a known hormone disruptor that has recently been linked to several health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, certain types of cancer, and hyperactivity disorders in children. With so many proven risks already documented, it’s hard not to imagine what the next supposedly “safe” plastic will be! There are so many environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic bags, why not skip the potential problems associated with plastic and pack your food in a metal lunch box without plastic instead?

3) Choose a reusable, insulated lunch bag made from recycled materials. Gone are the days when you needed a brown paper bag to wrap your lunch. Choose a reusable lunch bag, and make sure it is lead and PVC-free. You can wash it regularly to keep it clean, and your child can use it throughout the school year.

4) Choose reusable water bottles, preferably stainless steel. With such a choice of stainless steel bottles, you are sure to find one that will suit your child’s needs. There are small bottles for small children, brightly colored bottles, and bottles with cool designs. Choose BPA-free stainless steel bottles.

5) Choose cloth napkins, preferably ones that will appeal to children. Cloth towels are easy to machine clean and can be reused throughout the year.

 

How to Pack a Waste-Free Lunch For Your Kids – RecycleNation

6) Choose reusable cutlery. If your child needs a fork or spoon with his/her meal, you can include a reusable stainless steel fork and knife, rather than throwing away the plastic ones. If your child tends to forget utensils at school, stock up on inexpensive stainless steel cutlery at a local thrift store – you won’t risk losing your favorite cutlery.

7) Choose to buy food in bulk. Using reusable food containers allows you to purchase food in size, which is cheaper and less wasteful than single-use boxes. For example, a 1 oz bag of pre-packaged cheese crackers costs 87 cents, but 1 oz of those same crackers in a 12 oz can cost 43 cents – half the price!

8) Choose organic foods. Organic food is right for your child’s health and the health of the planet. Some families may feel that they cannot afford to spend the money to buy everything organic. Here is the Environmental Working Group’s list of the 13 most important foods to buy organic because conventional versions contain the most pesticide residues. These are (in order) peaches, apples, sweet peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, grapes – imported, pears, spinach, potatoes, and carrots.

With so many sustainable and environmentally friendly choices, it’s easy to be green and prepare a waste-free, eco-friendly lunch box with foods your kids will love.