Dec, 2021

What Happens To The Clothes You Return?

Online shopping is at its peak right now; people are more inclined to buy online rather than go to the store because of the pandemic, but what happens quite often in online shopping is that some you get the measurement wrong. The item does not fit, or it won’t fit just as you imagine and are disappointed. And most of the time, you will return the item, which you certainly didn’t know is a very environmentally unsustainable action – you are not to be blamed, you do not want to waste your money, but have you ever asked yourself what happens to clothes that you return?

In the point of view of a customer, returning items are very easy and quick (if the brand customer service is on point), but it is not that simple for the brands, as it is a whole lot of process involving logistics, quality control, and other ‘paper work’. Now just imagine the panic, where most U.S. citizens are now resorting to online shopping. According to some research, in 2020 only, online shoppers will return more than 100 billion dollars of purchases.

We are coming to a point where returning clothes have become part of the online shopping process. On top of that, fast-shopping platforms, such as Shein, Zaful, and other Chinese brands produce bulk clothes every day.

What Happens To The Clothes You Return?

There are different possibilities for what can happen to those items; for example, ASOS, a zero-waste retailer, promises to resell 97 percent of returns by repairing, cleaning, repackaging, and reselling them, with the remaining 3% being recycled. It isn’t, however, a perfect system. Customers have reported finding face masks, receipts, cigarette butts, and other objects in their ASOS purchases, which were worn returns.

This is because they are finding themselves overwhelmed with that many returns, but yet respecting the zero-waste policy even if it is in the worst way ever. Following this idea after the logistic process, the damaged items must be inspected, then repaired and cleaned, pressed, wrapped, and sent to the distribution center to be resold. This takes a lot of time, a new team dedicated for that that need a pay-check and products, machinery and so on, in a nutshell, it costs a lot of money, and we’ve concluded that it is easier for the brand to destroy the item.

Apart from ASOS and some few brands, it is quite unusual to resell an open item, normally underwear and other things that can bring sanitary issues. Some brands do not even ask you to return the product and proceed with refunding their customers.

Can We Make Return More Sustainable?

A small number of brands have sprung up to address the fashion industry’s reverse logistics issues, devising inventive ways to save landfill-bound returns. It is important to tackle the logistic process to make it easier for the companies too; there are emerging companies that are willing to tackle all returning procedures from different brands, including transportation, cleaning and repackaging.

Avoid Returning Clothes

Customer evaluations, high-resolution photos and videos, and sizing guidelines seek to provide the most accurate information about a garment to minimize return rates. Around 70% of returns are due to clothing not fitting properly, largely due to the accuracy of product information provided by a firm.

In the fashion industry, sizing is a big issue since firms like to grade clothing from a sample size (U.S. size 0, U.K. size 6-8) and then use an algorithm to calculate the dimensions for the rest of their sizes. This implies that apparel that looks fine on the e-commerce model can look radically different in a larger size, but the brand didn’t bother to test it on anyone other than a size 0 to see. Customers may get around this in a few ways; the most basic is to invest in a tape measure and compare your dimensions to a brand’s size chart.

In the comments, let us know what you think about installing a sustainable returning policy…

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

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…

This Is How the Fashion Industry Will Reduce Its Carbon Footprint

As environmental organizations have recently been looking at the carbon footprint of various industries, let’s see how the fashion industry contributes to the global carbon footprint. In 2018, it was found that the fashion industry produces around 4% of greenhouse gases.

Many industries are striving for sustainability these days as it has become a necessity. Becoming environmentally-conscious forces us to rethink our consumption habits, and consumers are more willing to buy sustainable products. In addition, environmental laws are becoming more severe.

How much does our wardrobe cost the environment?

Closet, Clothes, Blue, Clothing, Wardrobe, Fashion — Reduce Carbon Footprint

It’s easy to calculate the total cost of a shopping spree; you take all the receipts and add up the total price, but did you know some costs go unnoticed? Behind every item of clothing, there is an environmental cost.

More than 3 litres of water are used to make one pair of jeans, equivalent to emitting more than 30 kilograms of carbon dioxide. Annually, the fashion industry uses about 93 billion cubic meters of water, and half a million tons of plastic microfibers are thrown into the ocean, equivalent to 50 billion plastic bottles.

Another major problem the fashion industry is facing is fast fashion. While many of us are happy to buy new clothes every week because they are so affordable, clothing stores are forced to design new garments weekly due to high demand.

In 2000 alone, 50 billion new garments were made, and 21 years later, that number is still increasing. You might think that there is still recycling of clothing, but keep in mind that only 1% of this production is recycled. More than $500 billion of clothes are thrown away, sometimes not even worn or recycled, and they end up directly in landfills.

How should the fashion industry change?

Rolls Of Fabric, Factory, Material, Manufacturing — How Should Fashion Industry Change?

Even though it does a lot of damage to the environment, the fashion industry is one of the industries that create the most jobs after tourism: about 75 million direct employees. Even if there is a pandemic, the only real challenge for the fashion industry is sustainability. The situation will worsen in the next 30 years if no action is taken to solve the problem.

Below we have listed some ways to make the fashion industry more sustainable:

Second-hand Shopping

We’ve seen an increase in secondhand shopping culture, and Millennials are buying more secondhand clothing than ever before. This has prompted brands and retailers to recycle their vintage pieces.

Shoppers are aware of sustainability, which is also an eye-opener for manufacturers. Studies have shown that the secondhand clothing market will be worth more than $50 billion in three years.

Tailored clothing

royalty free tailor photos free download | Piqsels — Tailor-made clothing is one solution to combat mass production.

A new fashion trend is custom-made and on-demand clothing. Who wouldn’t want to have unique and customized outfits?

Manufacturers are now focusing on providing their customers with a tailored fashion experience that reduces mass production and conserves natural resources.

Ethical fashion

The fashion industry has long been known as a tormentor of animals, workers, and, of course, the planet. Some thoughtful manufacturers are now opting for veganism and sustainability. And why? Because consumers are now choosing more eco-friendly brands. So what do brands do when they have environmentally conscious customers? They need to go green with their products.

The five R’s of fashion

Reduce, Repair, Recycle, Reuse and Reinvent. Upcycling fashion aims to be sustainable, using garments worn before or after consumption to create new products. Several brands have taken to repurposing and reinvent old pieces.

We encourage consumers to choose green fashion to make the industry more sustainable. Let us know what you think about sustainable fashion in the comments.

Green-washing Alert: What is Bamboo Fabric, and is it Sustainable?

With pollution and climate change on the rise, people are trying to be mindful of our resources. We’ve sounded the alarm too many times, and it seems that now is the time to change our destructive habits before it’s too late. Many brands have responded to the cry for help, but some unscrupulous brands are taking advantage of the situation. They merely see sustainability as a trend or a label they can plaster everywhere to increase sales. The worst part is that some of them don’t even change their production to fit into the sustainability category but just label their product as such. Let’s find out what greenwashing is and why bamboo is not sustainable in the fashion industry…

Bamboo…

Lately, we’ve been experiencing a real bamboo craze. We have toothbrushes, straws, and even cutlery made of bamboo. The reason for this new obsession is that bamboo is a very sustainable material…. but does the same applies to bamboo fabrics?

Did you know that the textile industry is one of the top five most polluting industries in the world? People are rushing to find solutions to make the fashion industry more eco-friendly and reduce its impact on the environment, but some brands take advantage of this situation to increase their profit margins.

Greenwashing…

If you’ve never heard of greenwashing, let me introduce you to the concept. Brands that claim to be sustainable, but are only partially sustainable, or not at all, engage in greenwashing. Environmental issues give our marketers ideas; terms like “green”, “eco,” or even “natural” are thrown at any product to increase sales. Do some customers believe that something that is natural is automatically sustainable, but is this really the case?

Is Bamboo Eco-friendly?

Bamboo fiber Raw Bamboo Fibre, for Textile Spinning,Yarn, Packaging Type: Loose, Rs 500 /kg | ID: 21391530997

Brands that use bamboo rely on true facts: Bamboo is the fastest growing plant, as it grows up to ninety centimeters per day, and it also removes pollutants from the soil and purifies the air. However, all manufacturers have pounced on this material, leading to great demand and the destruction of bamboo forests- not something that is sustainable in any sense of the word.

Bamboo is one of the biggest businesses in China, worth more than $60 billion. Research has shown that bamboo is not grown or harvested ethically, defeating the whole project from the get-go.

If the harvesting is unsustainable, what of the production side of things? There are two ways of producing textiles from bamboo: bamboo rayon and closed-loop.

Bamboo rayon is not sustainable at all, and producing it resembles the way synthetic fibers are made. A lot of energy and chemicals are used in its production, and there is so little bamboo in the final product that it cannot be called sustainable.

Closed-loop is closer to the sustainable side. Ethical companies try to replace toxic chemicals with much less toxic ones. It’s not perfect, but it’s better.

Should You Buy Bamboo Fabric?

I guess you’re all waiting for a clear and direct answer, but I don’t know. I would have waited until I was sure the raw material was grown and harvested sustainably, but if you want to try it out as is, that’s fine, and I have some tips for you.

When buying, try to ask the seller about the fabric to avoid buying bamboo rayon or bamboo viscose. Pay attention to the production method and look for the closed-loop production process used to make the Lyocell bamboo fabric. Ensure there are fair trade certifications and that the bamboo producer is organic (look for FSC certification).

Sustainable production of fabric has a long way to go, so we will have to be patient. Let us know in the comments what you think of bamboo fabrics…

May, 2021

More Simple Steps to Make Your Office Eco-Friendly

We might be making some minor changes in our everyday lives to be more eco-friendly, but we cannot just turn a blind eye to the damage that offices are inflicting on the environment. So, below you will find some simple steps that can help your business to be more sustainable.

#1. Encourage Employees to Change Their Commute

Suppose there are 150 employees in a company. Now, imagine the significant amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere when all these employees drive their vehicles to the office.

As a responsible employer, you can provide some great incentives to encourage your workers to either carpool, walk, ride their bikes or take public transit instead. For example, why don’t you organize a contest out of commuting and offer monthly rewards such as a cash prize for the employee who uses public transportation the most? And, trust me, this small change will have a certain impact on the environment.

#2. Adapt Your Dress Code

What does the office dress code have to do with the environment?

Let me explain: Wearing a suit with a shirt, a jacket and a tie during a scorching summer is not only uncomfortable and unpleasant, but it is also not very sustainable as you would most probably out on the AC.

This is why it is recommended for the management to be more flexible on the dress code and allow the employees to adopt a more climate-adapted dress code.

#3. Telecommuting: It’s Green and Better for You

I think we have heard it enough, but teleworking is good! (Besides, with the current Covid-19 pandemic, I don’t think we have any other choice)

Teleworking, also known as telecommuting, is when employees work from home, using their internet, emails and telephones. And, this process has several advantages, including:

Reduce real estate costs
Decrease employee recruitment and training costs
Lowers personal costs
Saves times
Allows a better management of private life also
And, the most important one is that it benefits the environment (it avoids moving and fewer cars on the highway means a safer and healthier environment).

#4. Try Team-Building Events

When it comes to team-building events, there are more than just going to a lush restaurant and having a nice meal with colleagues. Instead, you can opt for these ideas:

Organize a tree-planting event
Have fun with environmentally theme board games
Organize a minimal waste competition
Litter picking activity
Outdoor activities

#5. Create Monthly “Green Challenges”

“Monthly team challenges can be a fun way of combining competition and going green.”

-Andrew McCrea, a green team community events chair at Weber Shandwick

An interesting method to reduce waste in a fun way and to bring your teams together to participate in the sustainable activities is to make use of challenges. And, nothing motivates employees like an enticing prize.

Here are exciting eco-friendly challenges that you can try out:

Who will print the least in one month?
Which team can spend a month without using any plastic eating utensils?
Which department can recycle the most in one month?

Now, the winners of these challenges can be rewarded with a free dinner at a restaurant of their choosing, coffee gift cards, an extra day of paid time off, or a week’s worth of free lunches (believe me, this will surely attract all the foodies in the office). That sounds really great, isn’t it?

#6. Invest in a Bottleless Water Dispenser

Nowadays, many smart water coolers are available on the market that can help you to significantly lower the need for plastic bottles or cans in the office.

#7. Use Microfiber Cloths Instead of Paper Towels

Tell me honestly, what is the go-to method for cleaning up a chili spill? I would say a few paper towels. They are quick, convenient and inexpensive. However, did you know that paper towels represent a big waste of forest resources?

So, it is better to opt for some eco-friendly alternatives such as some microfiber cleaning cloths.

Remember that every change you are implementing in your organization, it will benefit not only the environment but also your company. If you have some more green suggestions, why don’t you share them with us in the comment section below?

May, 2021

Simple Steps to Make Your Office More Eco-Friendly

Nowadays, many companies are focusing on corporate social responsibility and investing in green practices. If you also want to become a responsible business owner and make your office more environmentally friendly, this article will be of great help to you.

#1. Create a “Green Team”

“Employees engaging one another is more effective than memos from the top.”

– Andrew McCrea

One effective way of raising awareness and getting your employees engaged about green practices is by organizing a sustainability team for your office. Rather than getting orders from the top, the team will be better positioned to educate the staff through informational lunch-and-learn sessions.

The tasks and projects of the team could include:

Determining and setting specific green goals that the company wants to achieve. One top priority could be decreasing the monthly energy usage by at least 20 %. And these goals need to be communicated to all the employees.
Starting a recycling program.
Conducting monthly inspections and checking the power/gas meters and the number of office supplies bought.
Scheduling regular meetings so as to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable projects.
Distributing monthly newspapers (both to employees and customers).

#2. Embrace Renewable Energy

An old excuse for not using solar panels – it’s too expensive. But, this is no longer acceptable. Over the last five years, the cost of buying and even installing solar panels has reduced significantly. Plus, investing in solar energy promises a huge positive financial return in the long run.

Now, some more benefits of switching to solar energy are:

Solar panels are known to last for a very long period of time (at least more than 25 years).
Can drastically reduce your electric bills
Increase your property value
And, of course, protect the environment

#3. Maximize Natural Light

Approximately 25 % of the US electricity consumption is used to light office spaces. Relying on natural daylight can not only help to protect the environment, but it can also reduce the cost of your utility bills. And, as per the World Green Building Council, employees working near sunlit places tend to have a 15 % higher productivity rate.

Jennifer Walton, an agency principal at H. Hendy Associates, claimed that “Natural light sets the body’s circadian rhythms, which control awakening, falling asleep, synthesizing vitamin D and digestion while indoor light is a major work disruptor.”

#4. Turn off and Unplug Electronics at the End of the Day

Our workdays are sometimes like this:

Sit down in front of the computer with a vague idea of what needs to be done and then you end up spending way too much time on unimportant tasks, get distracted by personal thoughts and have to bear the constant grumbling of your boss. And when it is the end of the day, you are all but ready to bolt out the door. You are either starving, worried about finding out what new mess your kids made while you were away or you are just eager to have some relaxation time. Honestly, we all know that feeling.

However, if you can take only ten additional seconds to unplug everything that will not be used overnight, there will not be any ghoulish spirit haunting the office at night (I am talking about some phantom power). And, if all employees adopt this method, I am sure huge amounts of energy waste will be reduced.

#5. Go Paperless

“The greenest paper is no paper at all.”

– Vince Digneo, a sustainability strategist

Business reports, financial documents or contracts – these printed documents can contribute up to 90 % of office waste in America. This is why Digneo said to go digital whenever possible. With cloud storage services and digital pay stubs, the need for papers or even printers at the office has significantly reduced.

How to go paperless:

Rather than storing papers in file cabinets, keep digital files on computers and mobile devices.
Review digital documents on a screen instead of printing them out.
Try to print as little as possible
Set up automated payments which will reduce the need for printed checks
Ask vendors to provide e-statements and invoices

The list is long and there are many more steps that need to be taken to have a green and eco-friendly office. If you find this article helpful, don’t hesitate to come back for part 2 and you can also share your comments below!

May, 2021

Astounding Ways to Have an Eco-Friendly Picnic

When the bright shining sun is out, the sky is a striking blue and the air carries a fresh smell, it inspires you to have a nice picnic. However, it is important also to consider the environment around you. Therefore, we bring you some fantastic ways to have an eco-friendly picnic.

#1. Have Your Picnic at a Local Location

When it comes to having a picnic, many of us tend to opt for an extravagant place and the traveling process often requires much time and energy. However, instead of driving to faraway destinations and burning a lot of fuel, why don’t you choose some lovely places around your location itself?

Now, remove that misconception from your head that you have seen all places in your area and instead, with the help of the internet and some navigational technology, look for some breathtaking picnic spots in your locality. Besides, even your simple backyard could do for a fun family picnic.

#2. Have an Eco-Friendly Menu

Even if you are having a nice picnic, you can still go green and choose meals that will cause less harm to the environment.

Choose organic foods as they are not only nutritious but were usually grown and processed using farming ways that recycle resources and do not make use of synthetic pesticides or bio-engineered genes, hence promoting sustainability.
And, I strongly believe that the outdoors is the perfect place to eat veggies. I don’t recommend beef for your green picnic as many environmentalists claimed that beef production on a huge scale poses several threats to the planet (for example, from the methane produced on cattle farms to the fuel it takes to transport the beef).
Moreover, I suggest supporting your local community or small farmers by purchasing local food or fresh and local ingredients to prepare your meals.
If you end up with orange peels or other food remains at the end of the picnic, you can add them to the compost pile as these compostable products can break down naturally and have several benefits for the environment.

#3. Grilling

Who doesn’t like some tasty grilled food on a picnic?

But, before making such plans, consider the environment first as it is noted that grilling could generate a lot of carbon emissions into the air. However, if you still want grilled food for your picnic, then go for solar cookers which can make grilling better for the environment.

What if I don’t have solar cookers? Then use natural lump charcoal. But, rather than a lighter fluid, use a charcoal chimney.

#4. Avoid Packages and Take Away

Ordering take-out looks like a very easy option when you are preparing for a picnic, isn’t it?

But, I am sure you know that the packaging is made out of plastic and you must also be aware of how much harmful plastic can be to the environment. In addition, wrappings that are used to prevent spillages of liquid food can also cause much harm to the planet.

So, now think about the amount of waste is being generated just with these takeouts.

#5. Take the Picnic Utilities From Your Home Instead of Buying New

Did you know that all that you need for a picnic can be found in your house?

Take a good look around and you will find:

The perfect blanket you need
A nice and big carry-on bag
Cloth napkins
Mugs (you can even bring those cute Disney mugs for your kids)
Stainless intensils
Tumblers

Taking your own home supplies instead of buying new ones will not only help you not to spend so much money but will also cut back on waster and carbon emissions.

#6. Use Natural Repellents and Sunscreen

An outdoor picnic represents lots of fun and adventure. But, it also means lots of bugs and insects of all types (but the most irritating with these insects is when they try to get into your meal).

The only way to keep these insects away from you is by using skin repellents or carrying an insecticide. However, as these products often consist of harmful chemicals which can be dangerous for the environment, we recommend you to choose natural skin protection and repellents.

If you are preparing for an outdoor picnic, will you consider our tips? And, once you have that nice picnic, why don’t you share your experience with us in the comment section below?

Apr, 2021

Products to Avoid If You Are Eco-Friendly

Sometimes the little steps that we take can have an enormous impact on the environment. If you are ready to start going green or are already living sustainably, here is a list of items that you should avoid at all costs.

#1. Styrofoam Containers

Everyone knows that Styrofoam is not biodegradable and is bad for the planet. However, many people tend to overlook the harm it can cause to the environment due to its usefulness in everyday life.

Styrofoam is the trade name of polystyrene, which is a petroleum-based product. It is popular because of its light weight, very good insulation characteristics and benefits as a packing material for shipping without adding weight.

However, chemicals can easily leach into the Styrofoam containers and contaminate food, affecting human health and reproductive systems. Moreover, did you know that hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that are used in the manufacture of Styrofoam can have negative impacts on the ozone layer and climate change? Besides, according to some research, the brominated flame retardants used on Styrofoam products can negatively impact the environment and lead to health problems.

So, next time, I recommend you to get your coffee to go in a reusable coffee mug rather than a Styrofoam cup.

#2. Paper Towels and Napkins

When properly managed, it is true that paper is a renewable source. However, isn’t it also true that most of us tend to use more paper products than necessary?

For example, paper towels and napkins are are particularly big waste of forest resources, landfill space and your money. A better alternative would be to use cloth napkins at meals and use rags, sponges, wipes and towels to clean up any liquid spills. However, if you insist on buying paper towels and napkins, I suggest buying an eco-friendly variety.

#3. Plastic Utensils

Most plastic utensils are made up of polystyrene, which can give off toxic chemicals when heated. And can you guess how many plastic utensils are being used every day in the United States alone? More than 100 million. Now, imagine all the damage caused to the environment.

Plastic utensils are very high on the waste scale and, as you’re no doubt aware, most disposable plastic utensils can be used only once and then thrown away rather than reused. As they are not biodegradable and will live forever in the environment, you should think about washing and reusing them or instead go for regular cutlery or portable metal kits.

#4. Bleached Coffee Filters

Dioxins are chemicals that are produced through the chlorine bleaching procedure and these chemicals can contaminate groundwater. Many studies have discovered that it is linked to cancer in both humans and animals. Therefore, if you are a coffee-drinker, I recommend using eco-friendly unbleached filters that are healthier, both for you and the environment.

#5. Overpackaged Food and Products

Do you often purchase products that are wrapped in huge layers of heavy plastic, bubble wrap or piles of packing peanuts? If yes, then let me inform you that excess packaging can waste resources and cost you much more money.

For example, in the United States, a significant portion of trash in most households comes from packaging, which leads to overflowing landfills.

Hence, if it is possible, I suggest you to buy products in bulk, without excess packaging and if you can only buy smaller sizes, then opt for those products that are packaged with recycled materials.

#6. Toys Made With PVC Plastic

How many times have you bought a toy for your kid without knowing what it is made of?

It is true that PVC plastic is mostly used in construction, but nowadays, it can also be found in some everyday plastics such as children’s toys. As these additives can be dangerous, it is essential to know what materials your child’s toys are made from.

Will you try to avoid buying these items? Please share your comments!

Apr, 2021

Eco-Friendly Schools From Around the World

Sustainability is like a choice that has to be made and there are many educational institutions around the world that have made the choice of bringing sustainability to schools while also educating the youth.

Group Phi’s Sustainable Military School for Girl

Located in Pune, Maharashtra, India, this military school was constructed by Group Phi. Known as the first military school for girls in India, it was built based on the concept of sustainability. For instance, a grey water recycling system was established to reuse wastewater and polycarbonate sheets were used to cover the yards and protect the passageways from rainfall.

Moreover, they applied the daylighting concept, which refers to the practice of controlled admission of natural sunlight into a building in order to reduce electric lighting and save energy. This practice can be carried out by incorporating many windows, skylights, other openings and reflective surfaces.

Besides, natural materials were employed in the school’s construction to reduce the carbon footprint and make the students feel closer to nature.

Animo Leadership High School

“We should have more schools like Amino”

– President Clinton

This public school for 500 students is known as the first Green Dot School and is found in Inglewood, California, a tough and economically depressed city, where it is noted that 25 % of the population lives below the poverty line. However, despite this, the school has been ranked as one of the top 100 high schools in America by the US News and World Report.

The school was designed by Curtis and Davis, New Orleans architects, who wanted to promote passive sustainable strategies. Due to the harsh climate of the area, the designers decided to use natural ventilation rather than air conditioning. For instance, cooling strategies such as cross-ventilation and large roof overhangs were used. In addition, the shape of the building was constructed in a way to shade itself and induce airflow.

The south facade of the building is covered with 650 solar panels that provide at least 75 % of the school’s energy and which reduce costs by over 3 million dollars. There are also large glazed openings, various exterior decks and terraces that connect the interior spaces such as classrooms with the outdoors.

The Docks School

The zero-energy school, found in Saint Ouen in France, was designed by the Paris architects Mikou Design Studio. The school is found in the middle of the Zac des Docks, which is a sustainable urban development area.

The school was built with tiers that slope diagonally across the building to form large triangular terraces. All the classrooms are opened onto internal courtyards and sheltered by canopies laden with photovoltaic panels. Also, these panels are slanted at an angle of 30 degrees to allow maximum sun exposure.

Creative Pavilion

The Creative Pavilion was constructed as an “out of the box” scheme compared to existing standard structures. The idea behind the building was that it should not be considered only as a learning space but also as a place that could stimulate social values and accommodate a range of activities.

The building was designed and constructed in a way to minimize environmental costs in terms of the building’s carbon foot print and energy usage. Awnings and pergolas were installed to shade the openings. Also, rain water harvesting systems were established.

Hillside Middle School

Located in Salt Lake City School District, the Hillside Middle School has established high standards with their green practices for others to follow.

The building structure makes optimum use of natural sunlight to reduce electric lighting and save on energy. Moreover, the use of insulated windows keeps heat away and ensures a cool learning environment for students. And, I have to mention how even the paints used on the building had low levels of volatile organic compounds.

Do you happen to know more sustainable schools? Please share your comments!

Tag Archives: Eco-friendly

Dec, 2021

Dec, 2021

Dec, 2021

May, 2021

#1. Encourage Employees to Change Their Commute

#2. Adapt Your Dress Code

#3. Telecommuting: It’s Green and Better for You

#4. Try Team-Building Events

#5. Create Monthly “Green Challenges”

#6. Invest in a Bottleless Water Dispenser

#7. Use Microfiber Cloths Instead of Paper Towels

May, 2021

#1. Create a “Green Team”

#2. Embrace Renewable Energy

#3. Maximize Natural Light

#4. Turn off and Unplug Electronics at the End of the Day

#5. Go Paperless

May, 2021

#1. Have Your Picnic at a Local Location

#2. Have an Eco-Friendly Menu

#3. Grilling

#4. Avoid Packages and Take Away

#5. Take the Picnic Utilities From Your Home Instead of Buying New

#6. Use Natural Repellents and Sunscreen

Apr, 2021

#1. Styrofoam Containers

#2. Paper Towels and Napkins

#3. Plastic Utensils

#4. Bleached Coffee Filters

#5. Overpackaged Food and Products

#6. Toys Made With PVC Plastic

Apr, 2021

Group Phi’s Sustainable Military School for Girl

Animo Leadership High School

The Docks School

Creative Pavilion

Hillside Middle School