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…

bamboo trees during day
Bamboo Are A Sustainable.

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…

25
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

Car, Traffic, Man, Hurry

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

Meeting, Team, Workplace, Group

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

Woman, Laptop, Office, Workspace

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

Team Building - Ashorne Hill

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”

What Is Rewilding? Here's How It Can Help Sustainable Tourism | The Dope

“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

Best Water Dispenser for Your Office or Home Use | Archute

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

Blue, Cleaning, Cloth, Kevlar, Lens, Microfiber

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?

 

23
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”

Norco Green Team | Norco's Green Team | Norco Bicycles | Flickr

 

“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

Photovoltaic, Photovoltaic System, Solar System

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

I'm thinking of upgrading my office | I was walking past thi… | Flickr

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

Apple, Apple devices, Clean, Computer, Container

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

Writing, Writing, Person, Administrative Formalities

“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!

 

11
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

Beautiful Woman, Picnic, Spring, Vintage Val

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

Lunch Box, Picnic, Sandwich

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

Grill, Skewers, Eat, Frying, Picnic

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

Picnic, Cheese, Wine, Food, Bread, Table

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

Picnic, Man, Basket, Meal, Food

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

Sunscreen, Skin Care, Protection, Lotion

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?

16
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

Styrofoam Containers as Art | art in the everday, no? | Flickr

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

Kitchen Towel, Paper Napkins, Roll

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

disposable-plastic-utensils | MPCA Photos | Flickr

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

File:Coffee-filter.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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

Noodles, Pasta, Pasta, Eat

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

Child, Tower, Building Blocks, Blocks

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!

 

 

7
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.

  1. Group Phi’s Sustainable Military School for Girl

File:Rakovski Military Academy.JPG - Wikimedia Commons

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.

  1. Animo Leadership High School

File:Animo Venice.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

“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.

  1. 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.

  1. Creative Pavilion

File:Serpentine Pavilion 2017 IV (35868889662).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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.

  1. Hillside Middle School

Highland Middle School - McGranahan

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!

 

 

15
Feb, 2021

Enjoy Green Living on a Disney Trip

There is no place on earth more magical than Disneyland!

Are you a huge Disney fan, as well as an advocate for green living? If so, and if you are interested in a zero-waste Disney trip, do not hesitate to read this article below!

#1. Go Paperless With the Disney App

Have you ever wondered how much paper is wasted printing paper tickets and how many trees are being chopped down to obtain the paper?

Lately, Disney has made some great eco-friendly efforts by eliminating the need to stand in line for paper tickets. Instead, with the Disney App, you simply need to scan a bar code on your phone and you will be granted access to Disneyland.

Moreover, as the app features an interactive and GPS-enabled map, it reduces the need for paper maps. The app can also help you to make food reservations, find attractions and locate your favourite Disney characters.

#2. Green Transportation

Disney takes green living to another level by providing its own eco-friendly transport systems. All the 330 buses that belong to Disney run on a clean and renewable diesel called R50 which is made from cooking oil, non-consumable food waste and 50 per cent diesel fuel.

You can also rent a bike during your stay in Disneyland to enjoy some exercise and the beautiful scenery. And at the same time, you will be contributing to the protection of the environment.

#3. Pack Reusable Items:

  • Reusable Water Bottle

It is essential to stay hydrated during your visit to Disney World and for that, you need to pack your own bottle of water. The use of reusable water bottles is recommended to reduce carbon footprint and decrease the plastic burden on landfills and oceans. Of course, you will be able to fill your bottle as you will find many water fountains and water bottle filling stations in the park. However, it is vital to remember that you won’t be provided with any glasses.

  • Reusable Utensils

In the Disney Parks, you will undoubtedly feel the need to sit on mats and eat some lip-smacking food. So, what Disneyland suggests is instead of using plastic utensils, choose reusable ones. For example, bamboo utensils are recommended since the bamboo is a highly renewable material which benefits the environment.

  • Reusable Straws

As mentioned above, Disneyland is adopting an eco-friendly approach and is thus removing all plastic straws from its parks. However, paper straws will still be readily available.

If you’re planning for a zero-waste trip to Disney, it is better to use reusable straws. Reusable straws are usually made from either bamboo, silicone or glass. However, if you are not comfortable with these, stainless steel straws are non-toxic, unbreakable and free of lead. And, don’t worry, these straws won’t leave a metallic aftertaste in your mouth. However, remember if you are using them for hot drinks, they can burn your mouth as stainless steel transfers heat.

  • Don’t Forget Cloth Napkins

If you are going for a green trip to Disneyland, you must pack some cloth napkins. Why? Simply because it will reduce your use of paper towels.

  • Reusable Shopping Bags

We cannot travel to Disney World and come back without any souvenirs. It is a must! However, make sure that you are bringing some reusable shopping bags along with you. Alternatively, there are some Disney stores which provide these eco-friendly shopping bags.

#4. Recycling

Disney has established an excellent recycling system. Below are some of the different elements of that system:

  • Used soaps, lotions, shampoos and conditioners are collected by Clean the World, an organisation that recycles used hotel amenities, and are reprocessed and distributed to poor and needy people. This activity aims at reducing hygiene-related illnesses. For example, in 2012, 393,000 soap bars were produced from more than 128,000 pounds of hygiene products.
  • Have you ever heard of the Disney Harvest program? This is a scheme created by Disney in 1991 with the aim of ending the hunger problems in Central Florida. As a result, Disney collects unserved prepared food from resort kitchens and distribute it to hungry people. It is noted that through this program, at least 1,000 local children are fed each day.

Adopting eco-friendly measures while visiting Mickey and Minnie is a great way to have a green holiday. Please share your comments and tell us what you think about the green efforts of Disney!

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!