Jun, 2022

How to Conserve Your Christmas Tree

Summary

Step 1: Choosing: cut or clumped Christmas tree?

Step 2: Buying: the right things to do right from the start to preserve it

Step 3: Installing: thinking about the location

Step 4: Recycle with an ecological conscience

Traditionally, the tree is installed on Christmas Eve and kept until Epiphany. How can you keep it, despite the falling needles?

1. Choosing: cut or root ball Christmas tree?

You can buy a cut tree (in a pot or on a log) or a root ball (in a pot or a bucket). If you choose a root ball, you can replant the tree after the holidays and enjoy it for a long time. On the other hand, cut trees do not last more than one month for some and up to two months for others:

You can keep cut spruce for 3 weeks.

A cut Nordmann can be kept for up to 8 weeks.

2. Buying: the right things to do from the start for conservation

From the start:

Delay the purchase as much as possible if you want the tree to look good during the holidays. Christmas is a time when it is generally warm in our homes, which dries out the tree.

Whatever tree you buy, so that it doesn’t suffer a thermal shock between the store and your home, leave it for a few days in your garage or on your balcony, for example. It will also have time to unfold and will not dry out too quickly.

3. Install: think about the location

First, never place your tree near a heat source (radiator, fireplace, etc.) or a bay window where the sun can shine. This will dry out the tree, which will quickly lose its needles.

Cut fir tree: keep the humidity

The foot of the tree should be bevelled to encourage water absorption through the trunk.

You can also make a vertical hole in the base of the trunk or split it vertically to slide a wet cotton ball (which will conduct the water).

Finally, you can place the tree in a bucket filled with hot water before putting it on its log: the wood will soften, and the water will be more efficiently conducted into the top of the trunk.

Potted fir

It would be best to water the potted tree as soon as the soil is dry. If you buy a tree in a clump or cut, you can also put it in a bucket of sand that you will regularly wet to keep it better.

Maintain the needles

You can spray water on the branches of your tree 2 to 3 times a week unless you have fragile or electric decorations.

Avoid artificial snow which dries out the tree.

Good to know: some people use flour to replace it.

4. Recycle with an ecological conscience

The tree is entirely biodegradable; if you want to do something ecological, you can recycle it.

Some cities organize collections: depositing your tree in specific places is up to you.

Only unflocked trees without decoration and artificial snow are accepted. Please do not put them in a bag and don’t hesitate to contact your town hall for more information.

The trees will then be transformed into shredded material to be used either as mulch spread on garden beds or as an element for making compost.

Some stores also offer the return of the purchased tree. The conditions are the same (no snow, no decoration, no bag…). They will generally use them to make compost.

Finally, the solution of the waste disposal center is another alternative.

But you can also cut your tree into sections for firewood or make a potpourri with its pine needles. Moreover, you can buy a tree with roots to replant it as soon as the holidays are over or use a chipper to obtain mulch to spread on your property.

Mar, 2022

Sustainability As A Parent

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

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

Home Birth

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

Cloth Diapering

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

The Textiles You Use

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

Speaking Of Skin

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

Utilize Your Village

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

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

Mar, 2022

Why Is Car Battery Recycling So Important?

Batteries are, in general, extremely polluting. It is therefore essential to ensure that they are recycled. This concerns car battery, which everyone should put in the right place.

The law states that the manufacturer or retailer of car batteries must collect the used batteries and assume the costs generated by their collection and transportation to the sorting centers.

Thus, throwing away your car battery in nature is punishable by a fine. How to avoid the fine while protecting the environment?

Where to dispose of your used batteries?

When a car battery becomes worn out, it is imperative to drop it off:

– to a garage;

– in a supermarket that collects batteries;

– at a car parts dealer.

Why is recycling car batteries essential?

Batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid, which are highly toxic for the environment:

– The plastic casing releases the heavy metals it contains over time. These are then released into the air, the soil, and the water.

– Once in nature, the various toxic substances contained in the metals penetrate living organisms (animals, plants, and humans…).

Good to know: lead car battery recycling plants are generally mature and profitable. The value of the lead recovered offsets the cost of recycling the batteries.

The process of recycling car batteries

When the batteries arrive at the recycling center, they are first crushed to separate the different materials:

– Lead, oxidized materials, and all metal parts are melted down for reuse.

– The electrolyte is also regenerated and can be reused.

– The plastic materials contained in the battery are also recycled.

What about electric car batteries?

These batteries, made from lithium, are much more efficient than their lead cousins. Their recycling will soon become a significant issue in the electric car market:

– Used for cars, airplanes, or even drones, they are becoming increasingly important in the battery market.

– Research projects and partnerships are being developed around the world to enable the recycling of these batteries, which is very expensive and difficult to set up.

myplanetblog.com:

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towards-sustainability.com:

Feb, 2022

The Best Eco-Friendly Humidifiers

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

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

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

1. The Canopy

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

Size | 500 sq. Ft. and up

Price: $150.00

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

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

2. Vornado

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

Size | 750 sq. Ft. feet

Cost | $89.99

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

3. Missed Global

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

Size | Up to 150 sq. ft.

Cost | $85

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

4. Objecto

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

Size | Up to 800 sq. ft.

Cost | $299.99

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

5. Essentique

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

Size | Up to 500 sq. Ft.

Price | $120

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

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

How To Consume Responsibly?

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

How do you choose which brand to purchase?

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

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

two toothbrush in mason jar

What Does It Mean To Be A Conscious Consumer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Does It Take To Be A Conscious Consumer?

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

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

brown sticks

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan, 2022

Your Extensive Guide To Natural And Non-Toxic Period Products

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Period Panties

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

Menstrual Cup

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

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

Reusable Pads

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

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

Dec, 2021

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…

Nov, 2021

Sustainable Development: Arguments Against the Going-Green Philosophy

Whether you are interested in sustainable development or not, chances are you must have probably heard about it – like a thousand times. Today, sustainability is a hot topic, which explains why we are constantly being bombarded with shiny green sustainability labels.

But, do we really understand what it means?

From what I can gather, people now use almost everything to describe it – from agriculture to even the tuna on a frozen pizza.

I will not bore you with paragraphs and paragraphs of different definitions of sustainability. Even if you look at the word etymologically, it is still open to different interpretations (even though I would have loved if people would just stop interpreting ‘sustainable’ as a synonym for ‘green’ or ‘eco-friendly.’)

Instead, in this article, I will focus on how some (if not many) raise their doubts on sustainable development, a vague philosophy and meaningless practice.

Argument 1: What Is Sustainable for the Current Generation May Not Be So for Future Generations

I’ll start by asking you to reflect on the following statement given by Chinese government officials (also supported by many Chinese scientists):

“…development is a multi-stage process in which an inherently “unsustainable” phase of crude stages is necessary to kick-start a subsequent period of more sustainable economic and social development.”

Even entrepreneurs know that in order to have profitable future returns, you need to be smart enough to use (or borrow if you like) some of the current resources to ensure a more sustainable path for future generations.

So, can we deduce that our current efforts to slow down industrial and economic development is a huge mistake?

Argument 2: The Idea of Sustainability Fails to Recognize the Inherent Plurality of Interests

Not much thought has been given to the “lifeboat” paradigm – which is a reference to how we are all in the same boat fighting for the survival of human life.

But, the question is, are we all really in the same boat?

If I had to answer that, I would say maybe some would be on luxurious yachts with a refined design and cutting-edge technology while others are struggling to keep their balance on a piece of wood in a perilous sea.

True, we all want a better life for ourselves and our children, but we don’t share the same conditions of living.

Those living in a 50-story lush apartment building, surrounded with ritz and glamour, cannot understand the misery of those living in mosquito-infected places with unbearable noise, air and water pollution.

What about the conflict of interest within some cultures?

Everyone is outraged with the killing of whales, but the Japanese way of life says that whale meat is absolutely necessary.

Among this huge diversity of interests, what does the lifeboat paradigm has to say now?

Argument 3: Not All Species or Ecosystems Are Equally Essential for Sustaining Human Development

It’s truly fascinating how a complexity of ecosystems and several species are being used to support every mechanism to ensure the survival of mankind.

But, the world does not need each and every microbe. Or, every species.

When the last dinosaurs waved their last goodbye to earth, we survived. If back then we didn’t die when dinosaurs disappeared, I guess we can still survive in the future without some species.

But, here’s another doubt;

Cognitive science taught us that forgetting things is critically essential if you want to process new data. Going with the same flow, what if species extinction is a process of natural evolution of getting rid of redundant genetic content?

What if it is an unavoidable process that supports life?

What is your say on it?

Tag Archives: Sustainable Development

Jun, 2022

1. Choosing: cut or root ball Christmas tree?

2. Buying: the right things to do from the start for conservation

3. Install: think about the location

Cut fir tree: keep the humidity

Potted fir

Maintain the needles

4. Recycle with an ecological conscience

Mar, 2022

Mar, 2022

Where to dispose of your used batteries?

Why is recycling car batteries essential?

The process of recycling car batteries

What about electric car batteries?

Read more:

Feb, 2022

Jan, 2022

Dec, 2021

Dec, 2021

Dec, 2021

Nov, 2021

Argument 1: What Is Sustainable for the Current Generation May Not Be So for Future Generations

Argument 2: The Idea of Sustainability Fails to Recognize the Inherent Plurality of Interests

Argument 3: Not All Species or Ecosystems Are Equally Essential for Sustaining Human Development