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…

Jan, 2022

5 Sustainable New Year’s Resolutions For A Greener Year

For many, New Year offers more than just a glimmer of celebration; it is a strong wave of hope for the future; an opportunity to set new resolutions.

If there’s anything that we have learned in 2021, other than the fact that remote work and virtual workspaces are probably the future, it’s not to take anything for granted. And, so in 2022, more focus on lifestyles and priorities should be found on the top of your list. And, when I talk about lifestyles and priorities, I’m not just talking about a new gym membership or a new diet.

Did you know that setting your sights on the planet and making small yet meaningful changes to save the planet can transform your living spaces and lifestyles?

Minimize Waste In Kitchen

It seems insane, but I believe it when experts from EPA claim that the kitchen of an average American household produces the most waste in a house.

Kitchen waste is perceptible: there’s excess packaging from kitchen products and groceries, food scraps lying on the table, leftovers that you’ve probably forgotten in the fridge, bunches of herbs that have turned brown, expired items on the shelves and frozen meat that has got freezer burned.

It’s a lot to deal with and if you want to reduce the amount of waste coming from your kitchen, I suggest the following tips:

Purchase groceries in bulk rather than in packaging to limit the quantity of plastic trash that ends up in your landfills.
Instead of buying frozen foods wrapped in plastic bags, how about buying fresh products and freezing them yourself using cloth bags?
Always opt for eco-friendly sponges.
Reduce kitchen waste by recycling food cartons and beverage cans.
It may seem strange because you are used to tossing away old cooking oil, but there are various institutions that can recycle this oil.

Only Buy What You Need

Home quarantine is not the only reason behind all the stream of brown boxes arriving at our doorsteps, carrying the latest online purchases, isn’t it?

Way before the pandemic, people always had the urge to buy more of the latest gadgets, fads or products. Psychology provides a few possible answers to explain why people seem to buy more than they need.

A minimalist lifestyle is one of the best ways to conserve the planet’s resources as well as your wallet. Reduce your consumptions and you’ll be creating a calm and serene space.

Choose DIY Projects

People have been DIYing since like forever, but there are thousands of reasons why this huge Do-It-Yourself market is exploding. And, among the endless reasons feature the inspiration for a smart, practical and sustainable resolution.

DIY projects are more than loads of fun and creativity; you’ll be sharpening your mind, staying away from too many purchases, saving money, heck you can even make money with them.

Change Your Dress Code

You are probably wondering what does dress code has to do with the environment?

Let me explain: Wearing a suit or a shirt, jacket, and heavy trousers during the hot summer season is not only uncomfortable and unpleasant, but it is also not very sustainable because you will most likely use the air conditioning.

This is why adopting a more climate-appropriate dress code is always advised.

Use A Bicycle

Still remember who said, “nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.”

Today, it appears that public transportation and automobiles have stolen away from that small joy of life (not that we no longer require automobiles). However, it’s undeniable that the pandemic has given us a few reasons to leave the car in the driveway or that crowded bus and grab a bicycle.

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…

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!

Feb, 2021

Green and Eco-Friendly Destinations – Part 2

“Responsible travel to natural areas leads to the conservation of the environment and the improvement of the welfare of local people.”

– The International Ecotourism Society

Are you in search of a green vacation? Are you looking for eco-conscious destinations? If so, then scroll down to learn about some of the best green destinations!

Galápagos Islands – Ecuador

Found in the Pacific Ocean, the Galápagos Islands is a UNESCO world heritage site that is made up of a series of volcanic islands. The processes that formed the islands are reflected through the ongoing seismic and volcanic activity that have also led to the development of unusual fauna like the giant tortoise and land iguana. However, the most interesting fact is how the Galápagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution following his visit there in 1835.

Now let’s discover what makes the Galápagos Islands an environmentally-friendly destination!

Firstly, according to Global Ideas – a multimedia project that aims to report on biodiversity conservation – in the Galápagos Islands, people and organizations work together to protect native species from the effects of climate change.

Moreover, the use of renewable energies is cleaning up electricity production. For example, the Island of Floreana, also known as “Santa Maria Island”, is powered by electricity which is generated from Jatropha seeds. The Jatropha is a flowering plant from the spurge family which can be used for biodiesel production and medicinal uses. Farmers who have been cultivating this plant were rewarded with a significant economic boost.

Another important green aspect of the Galápagos Islands is the Pikaia Lodge, one of the most luxurious and eco-friendly hotels. But what makes this hotel a sustainable one? With its walls covered with lave stone collected from certain areas and sustainable teak doors and furniture, this innovative carbon-neutral hotel aims at protecting the fragile environment. Besides, the lodge has its own reforestation program, where approximately 10 000 endemic plants were grown and rooftop rain harvesting systems were installed.

Terme di Saturnia- Italy

Known as a fascinating attraction in Tuscany, this hot spring was previously a Roman’s preferred bathing spot over 2000 years ago. It has been said that it was created by none other than Jupiter, the god of sky and thunder from Ancient Roman mythology..

The spring water is about 99 degrees Fahrenheit, making it warm enough to swim. The natural water is also noted to have unique elements in reducing acne problems. If you ever find yourself traveling to Tuscany, you need to stop by Terme di Saturnia!

Catalonia – Spain

Situated in Spain’s northeastern corner, Catalonia is one of the country’s most prosperous and most highly industrialized regions. It has a distinct story that originates back to the early middle ages. However, we are more interested in its green and sustainable aspects.

Did you know that Catalonia was the first region to obtain the Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification? What is it exactly? The Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification is scheme set up by both UNESCO and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GTSC), which provides an internationally recognized sustainability certification, meaning that the awarded city complies with the principles of sustainability. As a result, in Catalonia, you will find many green businesses with an EU Ecolabel, awarded for environmental excellence.

Furthermore, some places in the region like some former coal, lead and salt mines were turned into cultural and environmental areas. Another interesting place is the Fígols-Vallcebre Fumanya, which is considered as one of the most important places in Europe due to its Cretaceous fossil remains. This paleontological area, located in Alt Berguedà, contains several fossilized dinosaur footprints. The Cardona Salt Mountain Cultural Park, found on a hilltop, was previously one of the world’s major potassium chloride mines. However, after closing in the 1990s, it has become a cultural facility that visitors the unique chance to learn about the importance of salt and its exceptional geology.

Among these three locations, which one will you visit first? Please share your comments!

Tag Archives: Sustainability

Jan, 2022

Jan, 2022

Minimize Waste In Kitchen

Only Buy What You Need

Choose DIY Projects

Change Your Dress Code

Use A Bicycle

Dec, 2021

Dec, 2021

Dec, 2021

Apr, 2021

Group Phi’s Sustainable Military School for Girl

Animo Leadership High School

The Docks School

Creative Pavilion

Hillside Middle School

Feb, 2021

Galápagos Islands – Ecuador

Terme di Saturnia- Italy

Catalonia – Spain