Eco-friendly – Page 2 – Towards sustainability

Apr, 2022

6 WAYS TO LIVE MORE SUSTAINABLY

Every day, we make decisions that impact the environment, climate, and other animals. We can do a lot to “choose wild” and lessen our environmental imprint to make more room for wild animals and plants, from what we eat to how many children we have.

Think Before Shopping

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” may sound like a cliche, but it’s just as relevant today as it was originally coined. Everything we buy has an environmental footprint, from the materials needed to make it to the pollution generated during manufacture to the packaging in landfills. So, before you go out and buy something, consider whether you truly need it. Look for gently used items rather than new ones, and look for minimum packaging and delivery.

Make Sure That Your Investments Have Environmental Benefits

Not everyone has the financial means to exchange their old gas-guzzling junk for the most recent environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing; new car production requires a lot of resources. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, choose a fuel-efficient model to save thousands of dollars on gas and lower your carbon footprint. When shopping for a new refrigerator, washer, or dryer, seek the Energy Star badge to identify the most energy-efficient models. Do you require a new water heater? Consider switching to solar power.

Do Not Use Plastic

Plastic is here to stay. Currently, billions of pounds of it may be found in whirling convergences that cover over 40% of its oceans. Thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine creatures are killed after consuming or becoming entangled in plastic. In just a few easy actions, you can start reducing your plastic waste: When shopping, use reusable bags, avoid single-use water bottles, bags, and straws, and avoid anything made of or packaged in plastic as much as possible (e.g., select unwrapped produce at the grocery store, shop local, cut down on online shopping).

Boycott unsustainable products

In the United States, it is unlawful to buy, sell, import, or exchange anything manufactured from endangered species, but even if a plant or animal hasn’t been designated yet, it can still be damaged for profit. Furthermore, certain items imperil endangered species by posing a hazard to their environment, ranging from the destruction of old-growth forests to the depletion of water that riparian animals require to exist. To prevent contributing to the extinction of animals, purchase ethically and search for goods made of sustainable materials such as bamboo.

Water

Leave the bottled water at home. Even though tap water is essentially free and many city water have won quality and taste tests versus name-brand water, bottled water firms strive to discredit it. Furthermore, water extraction and the creation of all those plastic bottles are damaging to people and animals. Water conservation is also vital, especially as our nation’s population grows and we confront severe droughts. Shorter showers, fixing leaky toilets, and low-flow and low-water appliance options are all ways to save water. Consider xeriscaping your yard, which is a landscaping approach that employs native, drought-tolerant plants that require less water and upkeep over time while still providing habitat and food.

Drive less Or Drive Green

Changing your driving habits can help you cut your carbon impact significantly. Whenever feasible, walk, cycle, carpool, or take public transit. Combine errands to save time and money. Participate in or organize car-free days in your neighborhood. Regular tune-ups and tire inflations are vital to maintaining your automobile in good repair. Tune-ups may improve your fuel economy by 4% to 40%, and if every American kept his or her tires properly inflated, gas consumption would drop by 2% countrywide.

It is important to live more sustainably with global warming and climate change; you do not want to contribute any further to the planet’s degradation. In the comments, let us know how you plan to live more sustainably…

Apr, 2022

Buying a Used Electric Car: Good or Bad Idea?

The increasing taxation of internal combustion vehicles and the soaring price of gasoline is changing consumer habits. Consumers are leaning more and more towards electric cars. Due to lack of means, some of them resort to second-hand electric vehicles. So when is it a good deal?

The history of the electric car

The first experimental electric car was developed in 1835 in the Netherlands by Sibrandus Stratingh. But it was not until major progress was made on batteries in 1865 and then in 1881 that the electric car really began to develop. At the end of the 19th century, there were three main types of cars: steam engines, gasoline engines, and electric engines.

Unfortunately for the electric car industry, the improvements made to the internal combustion engine are rapidly following each other. While the progress made on the electric motor and the batteries are rare. This is one of the reasons why, during the first part of the 20th century, the electric car was abandoned for the thermal gasoline car. The latter became cheaper and had a greater range.

The electric car has known a few revivals of interest, but in the 2000s, it really returns to the forefront. So much so that nowadays, we can almost wonder about the future of diesel and gasoline in our road vehicles.

The advantages of buying a used electric car

Used cars have many advantages. You just need to ensure certain criteria and conditions are met regarding the vehicle. If necessary, going to the place of purchase with an expert in the field would be a great asset.

Vehicles with regular maintenance

A rental vehicle is, first and foremost, a vehicle that professionals regularly maintain. These car models are often found in professional fleets. They are mostly used for long or short-term rental with a purchase option.

In fact, electric vehicles offer relatively simple mechanics. Their maintenance is also much less expensive in the long run compared to thermal vehicles. One will now be exempt from belt changes, repeated oil changes, and clutch problems. In addition, the engine of electric vehicles wears out less quickly than that of thermal vehicles.

Economic and ecological vehicles

Electric cars are more economical. About 4 euros of maximum charge will allow you to travel 100 km. And this performance does not degrade over time, as in the case of thermal cars when they are poorly maintained. You don’t have to worry about rising fuel costs with the electric car.

The main reason is that electric cars do not usually travel long distances. The other reason is the fact that electric vehicles drive slower than combustion cars and are less prone to traffic accidents. In fact, insurance services offer very affordable rates for electric cars.

What criteria should a used electric car meet?

To claim to have made a good deal by buying your electric car, certain criteria must be met, mainly the battery’s condition.

The battery to be favored

The main element of the electric car is its battery. It is the most expensive part of the electric car. For this reason, the choice of the new or used electric car must be made according to the state of its battery. It is advisable to prefer lithium-ion batteries for a new or used vehicle.

The lithium-ion battery is much more powerful than the Ni-Cd or lead battery. The lithium-ion battery is more durable, but ecologically it is surpassed by the Ni-Cd battery. Lithium batteries also do not lose charge even when not in use.

What tests should be performed?

There are indeed applications to test the state of the battery of a used electric car. The concept connects the application to the car to measure the SOH (State of Health). It is still advisable to refer to a professional to choose the right electric vehicle.

What else should I know?

The life of an electric car battery has undergone considerable progress. Nowadays, many batteries have a life span of about ten years on average. In fact, because of their moderate speed, electric cars are very suitable for transporting children.

Buying a used electric car is a good idea, provided that the battery is in good condition. Experiments have shown that the lithium-ion battery is the most suitable. So, test the health of your battery before the deal is done.

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

Mar, 2022

5 Online Tools To Live Sustainability

With issues such as global warming and pollution becoming more of a danger with each passing day, sustainability is becoming increasingly important. It might be difficult to take time out of a busy schedule to ensure that your lifestyle is sustainable in the digital age.

However, if we truly want to keep to behaviors that will enhance the state of the world, we must include the concept of sustainability into our daily lives as well. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 5 applications and online tools to assist you transition to a digitally sustainable existence.

Forest

“I use my phone way too much,” we’ve all thought at some point. In the United States, the average person checks his phone at least 110 times every day. Forest may be the app for you if you’re attempting to cut down on your screen time.

Forest can not only assist you in overcoming cell phone addiction, but it has also begun a tree-planting project. Once engaged, the software locks all other apps on your phone, preventing you from slacking off and forcing you to focus on the work at hand. As you work, a virtual tree grows, and when you’re done, it rewards you with in-app cash. These in-app coins allow you to plant real trees so that you can aid the environment while also being productive.

Enel X

Enel X is a leading energy transformation company that assists in the creation of a sustainable environment on both a personal and business level. Enel X has some wonderful tools for you, whether you’re just attempting to make your home more environmentally friendly or improving your company’s decarbonization strategy.

Enel X is a global company that works with responsible organizations and homes to help them accomplish their sustainability goals. It is offered in 20 countries. They’ve also devised a specific demand management program for manufacturing units that compensates them for implementing sustainable energy policies.

Loss Of the Night

Light pollution is soon proving to be a far worse issue than scientists could have predicted. Excessive outdoor lighting has the ability to convert night into day, and while this is convenient for the typical human, it upsets wildlife’s natural balance and raises carbon dioxide levels. Furthermore, light pollution is a significant impediment to astronomical research.

We can become citizen scientists in Loss Of The Night by reporting the brightness of the places around us. The app asks users to indicate if you can see certain stars in the sky to measure skyglow, and your replies are used to build a database for academics working to reduce light pollution. If you’re a stargazer who also wants to help the environment, this software will allow you to put your passion to good use.

Coach Recycle

In many countries, recycling has become an important aspect of trash management, yet we often overlook the fact that we are doing it right. Because most people have no understanding what happens inside a recycling plant, it’s simple to make mistakes.

Recycle Coach seeks to assist individuals in properly recycling their waste, and their advice is targeted to your home and locality. The app gathers information on how your local recycling facility operates and assists you in learning new and effective recycling techniques so that you can do your part successfully.

Good Guide

In this day and age, many products claim to be environmentally friendly, but few of them can back up their claims. It can be tough to make ecologically responsible decisions, but Good Guide can assist you.

Good Guide is an app that lets you look up companies and goods for almost everything you can think of, and it tells you about their health, environmental, and social impact. It contains approximately 60,000 products in its database, including games, consumables, cosmetic, electronics, and much more. The app also assists you in finding better alternatives to these things and making purchases that are better for you and the environment.

Conclusion

It takes time to develop excellent habits, but regular attempts might help you reach to the point where they feel natural to you. We’ve arrived at a point in history where sustainability must become an integral part of everyone’s life. You may jumpstart your sustainability journey and start helping the environment right now by adopting these basic yet effective digital tools.

Mar, 2022

Sustainability As A Parent

If you’re reading this, you probably live a life that prioritizes intentionality and sustainability. Perhaps you’ve just received the wonderful news that you will be a parent. While becoming a parent is a fantastic experience and one of life’s most joyous milestones, it is not without stress and worry. And just as there are numerous methods to teach little children about self-sufficiency, there are also numerous ways to be a sustainable parent to a newborn. You may think you’ve got it all figured out, but luck is on your side if you’re prepared.

So, it’s a good start if this checklist verifies what you previously planned to do as a first-time parent or uncovers a few things you hadn’t considered.

Home Birth

While every new parent must accept that even the best-laid intentions do not always come to fruition, they can still be hoped for and prepared for. With that in mind, if you’d like to give birth at home rather than in a hospital, it’s worth considering. If you’ve ever visited a hospital, you’re well aware of the numerous gloves, cups, paper towels, and other thrown items. Sure, they’re essential in a hospital setting, but you may not believe a hospital is necessary for your delivery. Many individuals choose to have their babies at home for reasons other than sustainability, although it is an incentive for many.

Cloth Diapering

While you’re overjoyed, you’ll notice that you’re also fatigued practically immediately after bringing your bundle of joy home. It takes a lot of time and works to raise a child, especially first. You’re up and down and all overdue to unpredictable sleep cycles and breastfeeding. While the convenience of store-bought diapers is appealing, their environmental effect is significant. According to research, cloth diapers are better for the environment but better for your newborn’s fragile skin.

The Textiles You Use

You should consider this with your baby’s clothing in the same way we should think about it with our clothes because of its environmental and humanitarian implications. You want to utilize as many natural materials as possible, from their swaddle blankets and crib sheets to the baby jumpsuit they wear on their first nature walk. The ideal fabrics for these things are 100% cotton and linen. They’re not only gentler on the baby’s sensitive skin, but they’re also more breathable. Because babies’ skin is delicate, they are susceptible to heat rash, pimples, eczema, and other skin conditions; therefore, choosing sustainable materials is good for the environment and health.

Speaking Of Skin

Because their sensitive bodies are prone to various skin problems, it’s a good idea to consider what you’ll be using on them for bathing, moisturizing, and treating any issues that may arise. While some parents choose to manufacture their baby creams or shampoos, there are numerous natural goods on sale that are both environmentally friendly and safe for your child. During your pregnancy, spend some time researching companies and the substances they utilize. It’s critical to choose products that reflect your beliefs and use ingredients you can trust. If you have friends with kids who share your beliefs about living sustainably, ask them for advice.

Utilize Your Village

It is said that it takes a community to raise a child, which is surely true! However, use your village to recycle stuff that they may no longer need for your infant. You don’t have to go out and buy a brand-new crib, changing pad, or whatever else you think you’ll need when your friends or family members may have them sitting in their attic collecting dust. While buying a new car seat and stroller is a smart idea for safety, reusing other products saves you money and helps the environment!

Congratulations! Although becoming a new parent can be frightening at first, it is the most gratifying job you will ever have. Investing in your children and future generations is as vital as investing in the planet you’ll leave them on. So, apply the suggestions above to make this world a better environment for your little one. Let us know in the comments how are you willing to cope living efficiently while being a parent…

Mar, 2022

Sprayed Polyurethane: An Innovative And High-performance Material

Sprayed polyurethane is one of the most widely used materials in home insulation. Indeed, its performance makes it the perfect element to protect a house against heat loss. Definition, functioning, price, advantages… A point on sprayed polyurethane. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn more about sprayed polyurethane.

What is sprayed insulation?

Whether to save energy or to preserve the environment, thermal regulations are always demanding. Therefore, thermal insulation experts have developed a more efficient method to obtain a better result: sprayed insulation. Nowadays, it is considered the best thermal insulation solution used in renovation or construction. This is a kind of illustration of the technical progress that is made in this field.

Sprayed polyurethane: for what purpose?

In the past, polyurethane foam was only used for the insulation of woodwork. But nowadays, it is also used to eliminate heat loss from roofs, floors, walls, and attics. Indeed, sprayed polyurethane is an ecological insulator that hardens easily after use. This is possible due to the chemical reaction between isocyanate and polyol.

How to apply spray polyurethane foam?

Polyurethane foam must be applied to a dry and clean surface. This operation must be carried out by an authorized specialist, such as Isol’o2, and established in Avignon. This company carries out all building insulation work.

The projection is generally made with a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure gun. The person in charge of projecting the polyurethane foam propels it in semi-liquid form over the area to be insulated. This insulation will then expand and swell when it comes into contact with air. This allows it to reach more than 30 times its volume before solidifying. The homeowner can then decide whether or not to cover it with a finish.

What is the energy performance of spray polyurethane?

Polyurethane foam has a specific expansion capacity that allows it to cover all the most minor gaps in the insulated element. In fact, it is able to reduce a large part of the thermal points.

The sprayed polyurethane also has technical properties allowing it to be a thin insulator. To insulate a floor or a wall, it is enough to apply a superficial layer of 6 cm of sprayed polyurethane foam. But for a more excellent thermal resistance, it is advisable to apply a layer of more than 12 cm for the insulation of walls and attics.

What are the advantages of sprayed polyurethane?

There are many advantages to the application of sprayed polyurethane foam:

It fits into all the areas to be insulated to form a perfectly homogeneous and airtight envelope.
Unlike other types of insulation, sprayed polyurethane does not emit toxic products that can irritate the respiratory tract.
Polyurethane foam is very resistant and has an unlimited life span.
Sprayed polyurethane is lighter than other insulations. It can therefore be applied to all types of housing structures.
Since the foam is manufactured on-site, it does not incur high transportation costs.
This insulation also reduces the energy bill.
This recyclable material also limits rodent and pest infestations.

Spray polyurethane foam: at what price?

In general, the budget required for sprayed insulation depends on the type of home and the professional contact. Before choosing the craftsman, it is strongly advised to ask for several comparative estimates. In any case, count between 6 to 10 dollars per square meter for a floor insulation. Expect to pay between 15 and 25 dollars per square meter for roof and wall insulation.

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

Feb, 2022

The Best Eco-Friendly Humidifiers

Do you suffer from nasal congestion, dry skin, or colds every winter? It can happen to anyone! That’s why we like to start the season off well by investing in a dependable humidifier. Humidifiers keep us warm and hydrated by adding just the right amount of moisture to the air.

While Vicks and Dyson’s humidifiers are popular, they aren’t necessarily the most environmentally friendly since they sometimes require plastic filters or a lot of power. Instead, these are the finest humidifiers for an environmentally conscious house that use energy-saving technology, paper filters (or none at all! ), and automated controls. Many are dual-purpose air purifiers and humidifiers and humidifiers and diffusers—perfect for the winter!

Check out these eco-friendly air purifiers if you want two different units. Better still, try these indoor plants that are naturally clean and provide moisture to your home’s air!

1. The Canopy

Excell at purifying and humidifying the air. Paper filters, incorporated UV lamps, sophisticated sensors, replacement filter subscription accessible, USB-C charger are just a few of the features.

Size | 500 sq. Ft. and up

Price: $150.00

Look no further than Canopy for a healthy humidifier for both the air and your health. It cools down rooms up to 500 square feet for up to 36 hours of continuous use while also utilizing anti-mold and UV sensor technology to ensure that the air is as pure as possible.

This air purifier and humidifier combo will aid with dryness and dullness, nasal congestion and cough, and scent diffusion as required. For the most environmentally friendly clean, it exclusively utilizes paper filters.

2. Vornado

Ideal for medium-sized areas. Energy-efficient, with auto-humidity management and water-level sensors, as well as 5- and 10-year warranties.

Size | 750 sq. Ft. feet

Cost | $89.99

We like the energy-efficient humidifier from Vornado, prominent air circulation and humidifier manufacturer. The EVDC3000 humidifier uses 90% less energy than a standard Dyson or Vicks humidifier and can cover up to 750 square feet at once. We like that it includes auto-humidity management, low water indications, and a long guarantee, all for less than $100.

3. Missed Global

Wireless, transportable power bank, two nano-mist adjustable sprays, USB charger, seven-color lights, numerous warranties, and a 30-day trial return policy. Best known for its power & mobility.

Size | Up to 150 sq. ft.

Cost | $85

Missed Stella, one of three models in a series from Global, combines power and mobility for the greatest air care. It’s a 12-hour-running wireless air humidifier that’s ideal for the office, bedroom, or even the vehicle for road trips. Are you looking for something that is quick-acting, low-maintenance, and portable? And cleaning it takes less than 30 seconds? Consider us perplexed.

4. Objecto

It can be used without a filter. It is remote-controlled, has an automatic shut-off feature, and has a detachable water tank.

Size | Up to 800 sq. ft.

Cost | $299.99

The Objecto H9 Tower Hybrid Humidifier is one of the few filter-free humidifiers on the market, which means no single-use accessories are required. With a height of three feet, it provides tremendous coverage of up to 800 square feet. Even though it’s an investment, this hybrid humidifier comes with remote control, scent settings, automatic shut-off, and nearly 22 hours of continuous use.

5. Essentique

Made in the USA with earth-friendly materials, essential oil diffuser, automatic shut off

Size | Up to 500 sq. Ft.

Price | $120

If you like humidifiers and diffusers, check out the all-in-one Essentique Casa Aroma Diffuser. It produces 2.5 million ultrasonic vibrations each second, releasing clean, fresh air that is perfumed with your favorite essential oil. It’s as functional as stylish, with multiple color options, an LED light, and a porcelain base. It’s a pleasant approach to obtaining a good night’s sleep because it has an automatic shut-off.

Do you find any of these humidifiers interesting? Let us know in the comments…

Feb, 2022

How To Lead A More Eco-friendly Lifestyle

It’s 2022, and we need to start getting our act together. We need to do better because if you don’t start getting our act together, our planet is going straight to hell. We need to change how we live and how we consume products. You can focus on the small things, and yes, even the small things can make a big difference.

Changing your lifestyle can be hard at times, but according to some research, if you do something continuously for 21 days, then you can adopt that lifestyle. So, without further ado, let’s get into some of the ways in which you can lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

1. Use more recycled paper

Nowadays, we live in a technologically inclined world, and more and more of us are reliant on computers. Most people who have office jobs rely on their computers, especially during the last 2 years because of the pandemic. We don’t recommend using paper as far as possible, but if you have to use paper, you better use recycled paper.

You can take all your notes on your phone or laptop on the note app, and you no longer need a notebook or piece of paper with you to take notes. The less paper we use, the fewer trees have to be cut down to manufacture said paper. If you recycle 1 ton of paper, you can save 17 mature trees, so use recycled paper for the sake of our planet.

If your job requires paper, opt more and more for recycled paper, which can make a significant difference. Nowadays, more than 40% of municipal solid waste is of paper and paper products. It takes less power and energy to create new paper through recycling than create “virgin” paper.

Recycling is easy and is something that most of us can do, and it is one of the ways for us to live a better and greener life. So, make a difference, start using less paper and if you have to use paper, then opt for recycled paper.

2. Start composting

In the last couple of years, composting has started to gain traction in the US, and in my book, this is for a good reason. It is rather simple to do and is something that all of you can do in our backyard. By composting, you reduce waste by reusing biodegradable material like vegetable peel, egg cartoon, and other scrapes.

It also saves you money on fertilizer because you can make your own compost that will help your plants grow better in your garden. So, why go out and buy expensive compost or fertilizer when you can make it in your own backyard. So, invest in a compost bin today.

3. Eat less meat

Believe it or not, this is genuinely a great way to make a huge difference. Opting for a vegetarian or flexitarian diet can make a huge difference for our planet. More than 30% of the Earth’s livable surface is used to raise and support livestock.

A study conducted by the United Nations found that:

“the livestock sector accounts for 9 percent of CO2 deriving from human-related activities, but produces a much larger share of even more harmful greenhouse gases. It generates 65 percent of human-related nitrous oxide, which has 296 times the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of CO2.”

So, by cutting down on your meat consumption, then you are reducing your overall emission of GWP gases. Less livestock also means that we have more land to use and enjoy. So, adopt more fruits and vegetables in your diet and try to cut down meat as far as you can.

4. Use canvas bags

Now more and more stores offer canvas bags which are a useful and reusable alternative to one-time-use paper or plastic bags. Canvas bags are much more expensive than plastic or paper bags, but they make up for it in the long run. Even though paper bags are better than plastic bags, they break down pretty quickly and aren’t a sound investment.

A canvas bag is sturdier than your average paper or plastic bag, and it can hold most things. If you don’t want to invest in a canvas bag, then one thing you can do is reuse plastic bags, which is a great way to lead and live a more eco-friendly life.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us if you want to read more about how to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

How To Consume Responsibly?

Let’s assume you need a new set of cookware, a new party dress, or simply a new tube of toothpaste or a bag of coffee beans.

How do you choose which brand to purchase?

Advertising or a friend’s advice might sway your decision. Maybe you just purchase the same brand every time because your mother did or because it’s the only brand you’ve ever tried, and it’s the simplest option.

However, an increasing number of us are deliberating before making a purchase. We’ve heard that out-of-control consumerism is wreaking havoc on the environment. We all know that product safety isn’t always well-regulated and that businesses don’t always think about our health and safety. We’re concerned about manufacturing and farming methods’ social and environmental consequences.

two toothbrush in mason jar

What Does It Mean To Be A Conscious Consumer?

The notion of conscious consumption is not new, and there are several distinct definitions available on the internet.

This is how I see it: Before deciding what to buy, an aware consumer examines the health repercussions and the environmental and social impacts of a product.

A thoughtful shopper considers their options before making a purchase. They’re involved in the buying process and will ask a few questions before making a purchase:

Is this something that my family and I can do safely?
Is it causing any harm to the environment?
What is the societal impact?
Instead of buying goods, they don’t need, an aware consumer makes intentional, educated decisions.

An aware customer expects companies to be transparent and real and avoid items that do not align with their beliefs. Someone is confident in their decisions because they have done their homework and identified the greatest options for their family.

I’m guessing that most visitors to my blog are already mindful consumers in some form. Perhaps you’ve replaced some harmful cleansers with better alternatives, or you’ve begun to use reusable containers instead of plastic wrap. Perhaps you’ve shifted to natural, non-toxic goods or invest in sustainable apparel instead of quick fashion.

Congratulations on what you’ve accomplished so far in becoming more conscious of the effects of the things you purchase! Let’s have a look at what more you may do to make yourself a more socially conscious shopper…

What Does It Take To Be A Conscious Consumer?

First and foremost, being a conscientious consumer is not about being flawless. There is no set route to follow. There is no requirement to pass an exam. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know that I’m all about mindful moderation, baby steps, and doing what works best for YOU!

Ultimately, being a conscientious consumer means concentrating on the most important values to you, educating yourself, and doing your best within your time and financial limits.

brown sticks

My objective is to assist you in being the best conscientious shopper you can be! Here are my top ten recommendations for becoming a socially conscious, long-term consumer:

1.) Do Your Homework – Spend some time researching what you intend to purchase.

Visit the brands’ websites and read the About Us section to learn more about the manufacturing process. To understand the health and environmental effects of goods, consult reputable sources such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

2.) Know Your Compounds – You don’t have to be a scientist to know which ingredients and materials are dangerous to humans and the environment. There is a lot to learn about this topic; however, the following are the most important ones:

Hormone-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenols, and flame retardants are found in many items, from personal care to plastics to home furnishings. Nonstick cookware and food packaging contain perfluorinated chemicals, which are possibly carcinogenic. Yes, these hazardous compounds are permitted in goods by law. It’s the wild out there, so the more educated you are, the better.

Are you ready for a more conscious way of living? Let us know in the comments…

Jan, 2022

Your Extensive Guide To Natural And Non-Toxic Period Products

Sustainability is trending right now- everyone is aiming to be more sustainable to save our resources and limit waste. It is a trending topic on social media; actors, activists and influencers are all talking about sustainability, but one aspect is constantly disregarded.

According to statistics, women have an average of 456 periods in their life, which translates to 9,120 tampons used all of them end up in landfills. It is also good to highlight that single-use menstrual products generate more than 200,000 tonnes of waste annually.

There is a lot of misinformation concerning period products, even though they are readily available. On top of this, green-washing is becoming more prominent. If you don’t know about green-washing, it is a marketing strategy used by different companies to make their products seems as if it was sustainable even if it is not.

If you are willing to be more sustainable, you may want to research before buying a product. We have noted some important things that may be useful;

Natural materials; You will want to look for period products with little to no synthetic materials such as plastics. As you may already know, plastics are not biodegradable and can last for hundreds of years. Plastic can be as bad for you as for the environment; period products made of plastics can develop rashes and are uncomfortable compared to cotton.

Non-Toxic; Apart from the primary materials, other things made up period products, for example, phthalates, parabens, dioxins, and PFAS. Your vagina is a sensible part of your body, and when you use any period products, these toxins may enter your body.

Sustainable packaging; Apart from the product, the packaging should be made sustainably. Stay away from plastic, even if it is recyclable. I would recommend you go for paper.

Ethics; Some brands claim to be sustainable but are not, so it is better to choose a completely transparent brand. Be honest and truthful about their supply chain, where they are getting their material from, their workers’ conditions, etc.

Impact; The brand you choose should be only looking to make a profit; of course, it does count a lot, but they should be impacting the world and contributing in their ways. There are a lot of girls in the world that don’t have access to proper sanitary products, which affects their lives as they cannot go to school during this time which is 5-8 days missed. Please choose a brand that contributes to making the world a better place.

Now, different options are more sustainable than the standard pads or tampons seen in supermarkets.

Period Panties

The name describes itself; it is panties used when you have your period. There is no need to use pads or tampons. Different models depending on your flow. The maximum time you can keep them on is 6 hours. If you take good care of it, it can last 6 months.

Menstrual Cup

These menstrual cups, also known as period cups, are made of medical latex, so they should be inserted into the vagina during your menstruation. It does not absorb the blood but instead collects it, and then you should disregard the content every 6 to 12 hours, depending on your flow.

Menstrual cups are made of 4 % plastics but compared to standard pads made with 35 % and tampons 6 % plastic, they are reusable. Studies have shown that menstrual cups have a less environmental impact than pads or tampons.

Reusable Pads

The reusable pads have the same set of instructions as the period panties. Except for this one, you have to attach it to your panties and then wash it when you are done using it, instead of throwing it away as regular panties.

There are a lot of alternatives to standard period products right now, and we should embrace them. Let us know in the comments if you are willing to try these Eco-friendly alternatives…

Dec, 2021

Recycling After Christmas

Consider the following scenario: It’s December 25th afternoon, and your living room is a jumble of wrapping paper, gift boxes, ribbons, and bows. So, what’s next?

My best suggestion is to prevent getting into this predicament in the first place by wrapping your gifts in a Zero Waste manner. There are numerous ways to wrap gifts beautifully utilizing recyclable, reusable, biodegradable, or natural materials. Don’t worry if you didn’t pursue the low-waste route this year; there’s always next year!

It’s crucial to remember that, no matter how tempting it may seem, you should only put things in the recycling bin if you’re sure they’re recyclable.

What’s the harm in that, right? When we throw non-recyclable goods into the blue bin and hope for the best, the rest of the container becomes contaminated. This frequently means that the entire recycling bin will be thrown out because it is easier to do so than to sort out all of the non-recyclable materials.

Bows are frequently fashioned with a combination of plastic-coated paper, staples, and sticky glue, making them difficult to recycle. Bows are therefore unappealing to paper mills and recycling plants, notwithstanding their aesthetic appeal.

The good news is that bows can be used again and over again. If they get less sticky, simply apply a layer of Kraft Tape to the bottom, and they’ll be as good as new.

It’s better to toss your bows if they’ve been warned down or aren’t remarkable enough to save.

Whether or not you can recycle wrapping paper is determined by the paper’s composition.

If you chose a glittering, glossy, metallic, cellophane, or velvety finish, it’s best to throw it away. These types of paper aren’t recyclable because they either don’t have enough paper fibers (called impostor paper) or have a thin layer of plastic covering them.

It is possible to recycle plain wrapping paper. Scrunching your wrapping paper into a ball is a smart way to see if it passes the blue bin test. It can be recycled if it scrunches.

The recyclability of gift bags, like wrapping paper, is determined by the bag’s substance. Your gift bag can be recycled if it is entirely made of paper. The bag cannot be recycled if it is sparkling, glossy, shiny, or velvety.

But don’t throw it away! Gift bags can be used over and over again. If a name was written on the name tag, simply clip it off and throw it; the bag will be as good as new. Toss the bag if it begins to rip and is no longer salvageable.

Sorry, I’m sure you’re sick of hearing this, but it all relies on the card’s material.

Cards made of pure paper can be recycled without difficulty. Toss the card if it contains a lot of sparkles (think: glitter, metallic embossing, etc.) or is printed on glossy photo paper.

You can also choose to use digital cards.

Cardboard is one of the greatest recyclable materials since it is clean and easy to reprocess. Every ton of reclaimed cardboard saves 17 trees from being cut down to manufacture new cardboard.

The most important thing to remember is to break them down into flat pieces when it comes to boxes. Otherwise, recycling trucks take up too much room, requiring several journeys and increased fossil fuel consumption.

It’s fine if your box has tape on it! A small amount of tape does not matter. Peel some of the plastic tapes off the box to make the recycling process go more smoothly.

Christmas is a very joyful moment that we love to spend with our families, but it is important that we still keep in mind that we have to protect the environment. Let us know in the comments how do you dispose of your wrapping papers…

Tag Archives: Eco-friendly

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