Environment

5 Most Common Eco-Friendly Products for Everyday Use

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A family using eco-friendly products

Global warming is increasing, and the circumstances surrounding it are also getting worse and worse. According to the UN landmark report, it’s the “code red for humanity” because of frequent and intense heat waves and rising sea levels. Still, when it comes to climatic changes, the majority of end-users, especially the older generations, put their money where their mouth is. Fortunately, that’s not the case with millennials, as 68 percent of them prefer eco-friendly products. If you’re concerned about global warming, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the best and most common eco-friendly products that you can buy for everyday use. Let’s get started.

Rechargeable Batteries

Batteries have become essential household items. Yet, a range of different chemicals are used to make batteries, and most of them are toxic. Not only are these chemicals harmful to the soil, but they can also cause water and air pollution. Consider using rechargeable batteries to keep them from landfills by prolonging their usage. You might need to pay more for rechargeable batteries, but in the long run, you’ll be able to save a lot by helping the environment at the same time.

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Eco-Friendly Toothbrush

BPA (Bisphenol-A) can cause infertility, and it’s usually found in plastic. You can now easily find toothbrushes with BPA-free soft bristles and handles made of bamboo. These toothbrushes also have plant-based packaging, and they can easily last as long as traditional plastic-made toothbrushes do. Not only do these toothbrushes help you play your part to save the planet, but they also keep you from medical conditions caused by BPA.

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Reusable Grocery Bags

We use about 500 billion to one trillion plastic bags across the globe every year. Carrying a reusable shopping bag is an easy way to help create a sustainable society. It’s important to note that some malls and big grocery stores have already stopped offering plastic bags to discourage their use. The trending reusable grocery bags such as Tote bags also allows you to stay fashionable. 

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E-Reader

If you’re an avid book reader and a fan of paperback, then you might be negatively affecting the environment. You can eliminate this possibility by getting an e-reader. Kindle is one of the most popular e-readers available in the market, and it’ll come in handy if you frequently buy new books. It allows you to buy any book you want whether you’re interested in the best books about money or on any other subject. Most importantly, you won’t be harming trees this way. 

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Organic Dish Towels

Instead of using paper towels, you can now opt for 100 percent organic dish towels made of cotton. You can wash them multiple times by throwing them in your washing machine as well, just like any other cloth, to reuse them again. 

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Final Words

There are many other common eco-friendly products out there as well to replace your everyday items. These are the most common ones to get you started. You can start using these products right now on a daily basis to play your part in conserving the environment. 

You may also check 5 Best Green Products for Everyday Use!

3 Ways to Make Your Business Eco-Friendly

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People in a meeting talking about eco-friendly business

Businesses across industries have been shifting to make eco-friendly businesses. Such changes can benefit your business financially and achieve your financial goals, while also enabling you to differentiate yourself from competitors. Reports by EY and Nielsen cite that more than 60% of consumers are more inclined to buy a product or survey if it’s sustainable.

To become an eco-friendly business, you have to focus on decreasing the negative impact of your business on the environment. This can be achieved through incorporating sustainable business practices, supplying more green products or services, and becoming greener than conventional competitors.

Embrace greener methods of transportation

In the U.S., transportation accounts for 28 percent of overall greenhouse emissions. To reduce your business’s carbon footprint, you can encourage employees to use green means of transportation.

The greenest transport methods available are bikes and trains, which cut emissions by circa 75% and 80% respectively compared to car trips. Moreover, car-sharing initiatives––which allow the renting of cars without owning one––can decrease the number of cars on the road, ultimately reducing carbon emissions as well.

There are several ways you can incentivize employees to use greener modes of transport. You can purchase public transport passes for your employees, enable (short-distance) business travels through car sharing, and offer gift vouchers for sports equipment to encourage employees to walk or cycle.

Use sustainable packaging

Green packaging makes use of materials makes use of sustainable materials that don’t require a lot of energy to produce (or discard). These often include recyclable and biodegradable materials––as opposed to more harmful packaging materials like plastic. You can also save money by switching to a sustainable lifestyle.

The use of sustainable materials can have many advantages for your company. These can help reduce your carbon footprint, make disposal of packaging materials easier, and ultimately improve the way your brand is perceived by consumers. A survey conducted by the Recycled Paperboard Alliance found that 81% of consumers felt better about purchasing a product whose packaging constituted of such materials. Moreover, a separate study found that one-third of consumers cited environmentally friendly packaging as their most important purchase criterion.

To implement this change, there are several eco-friendly packaging materials you can use as viable alternatives for your products. Biodegradable air peanuts, cornstarch packaging, recycled cardboard and paper, and organic fabrics are some environmentally friendly packaging options that can be used.

Integrate eco-friendly values into the company

For long-term change towards greener company practices, sustainability has to be engrained within your company’s vision. The best way to do this is by making a green mission statement as part of your eco-friendly business’s overall company culture. Creating an environmental mission statement involves establishing your ‘why’s’ and goals for your green mission statement, and implementing these within your core values, core purpose, and long-term vision.

A 2019 study has found that the presence of a green organizational culture predicts a company’s green performance as well as its competitive advantage. Additionally, a separate study conducted on Turkish companies found that factors influencing sustainable practices have a positive relationship with the presence of a green organizational culture. As such, having a company culture that invests in green practices can help you reap the benefits of eco-friendly businesses.

Making the change

As a business that seeks to successfully reduce its carbon footprint, making the shift to becoming an eco-friendly company involves more than just making the switch away from plastic coffee cups. It requires a sustainable change in company values, business practices, and supply chain operations. While this may seem like a daunting venture, taking small steps over an extended period of time can make environmental sustainability an easy and accessible process.

3 Solar Gadgets That Will Make Your Life Easier

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A phone charging on a solar-powered battery

Solar power is more accessible than ever, without the need for installing huge, expensive panels. Lots of gadgets now have solar panels built into them so you can solar charge them when you’re out and about (and away from power outlets), save on electricity bills, and enjoy using a sustainable energy source. Plus, they’re a life-saver when the power goes down or in the event of a natural disaster.

They’re also a great way to simplify your life. Everyone in the family from kids to seniors can benefit from having solar gadgets on hand.

Top Three Solar-Powered Gadgets That Can Simplify Your Life

1. ABFOCE Solar Bluetooth Speaker

Whether you’re camping, spending a day at the beach, or just enjoying your backyard, a solar Bluetooth speaker helps you keep the music going no matter what. ABFOCE’s Bluetooth speaker comes with a built-in solar panel that gathers enough juice in 10 minutes to provide a half hour of playtime. Another cool feature is that it also functions as a battery bank you can use to power up your phone or other mobile devices.

2. Goal Zero Torch 250 Flashlight

A good flashlight is a must for your home, but it’s useless if it isn’t powered up or you don’t have batteries for it. A solar-powered flashlight, such as the Goal Zero Torch 250 Flashlight, is a good way to make sure you have a flashlight that is ready to go when you need it. When fully charged, it can run for 48 hours, and it has three modes to choose from the flashlight, floodlight, or red light for emergencies. Like the Bluetooth speaker, this gadget also doubles as a battery that can charge up a smartphone—just use the built-in USB plug.

3. Lattis Ellipse Keyless Smart Solar Bike Lock

Bike riders of all ages will love this solar-powered bike lock made by Lattis. It stops thieves from stealing your bike by sending an alert to your smartphone through Bluetooth when someone attempts to tamper with the lock. Plus, it’s a breeze to unlock it. You simply hold your smartphone near it and it opens automatically. You can also use a touchpad to enter your personal code.

Key Takeaway

Solar-powered gadgets are here and they are easy to use for the entire family and offer a ton of money-saving and environmentally friendly benefits.

Related Reading: Solar Panels: Great for you pocket and the environment

5 Awesome Reasons to Buy Used Children’s Clothing

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A toddler walking in a second-hand children's clothing store

Growing children constantly need new clothes. Every growth spurt turns pants into waders and shirts into Incredible Hulk candidates. Kids get taller, fill out, and become more developed as they grow which means new clothes every year. Except that the clothes don’t actually need to be new. As long as your child feels confident and stylish, you can absolutely source kids’ clothes from second-hand children’s clothing stores at a discount in price and an increase in eco-responsibility.

Believe it or not, kids actually love second-hand clothes. You can become a smart-budgeting and eco-friendly parent with a little savvy second-hand shopping.

 1) Children Grow Faster than Clothes can Wear Out

Some kids grow like weeds. Every few months they need a new length of pants or a new cut of the shirt. They grow in size and in stylish taste, so parents are constantly having to replenish childhood closets. You’re not the only parent who doesn’t want to toss perfectly good outgrown clothes. Join the global hand-me-down community by shopping secondhand kid’s clothes and be sure to upcycle when your kids grow out of what they’re wearing now.

2) Second-Hand Children’s Clothes are Less Expensive

If you’re shopping for your children on a budget (aren’t we all?) then used clothing can almost always be found at a lower cost than new garments. Kids go through clothing fast and often kids’ clothing is built to survive more than a few play sessions. You can find some great deals and a cool collection for your child’s closet this year without blowing your budget by shopping for second-hand children’s clothing.

3) Used Clothes are Softer on Sensitive Skin

If you have a picky dresser or a child with sensitive skin, you know how valuable pre-softened clothes can be. New clothes are starched and treated to look good on the shelf. Their fibers are stiff and new, and the tags still have sharp corners. Used clothes, however, have been washed a few times. This means they’re free of retail chemicals and those fibers and tags have softened up for comfy relief on a child’s sensitive skin.

4) Find Hidden Gems Outside Fashion Trends

Parents and kids often don’t care for today’s clothing fashions, and you’re not limited. Shopping for secondhand clothes opens a world of retro fashion and hidden gems for you and your child to explore.

5) The Perfect Source of Costume Supplies

Last but certainly not least, second-hand children’s clothing is perfect for costume supplies. Whether you’re planning for a Halloween or building a child’s dress-up collection, used clothes offer a low-cost and fun way to find all sorts of interesting pieces from novelty shoes to formalwear.

If your children are growing fast and you want to make smart parenting decisions, try using children’s clothing. It’s eco-friendly, soft, and extremely cost-effective for the whole family. You might even find a few hidden gems for yourself in the racks. For more great green living ideas or an apartment with green living priorities, contact us today!

Help the Planet and Your Pockets! Eco-Friendly and Creative Ways to Save Money

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A home garden is an eco-friendly way to save money

Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money

If we asked you what are some of the major issues of our society nowadays, what would you say?

We’re almost 100% certain you’d mention the economy and the environment, and you’d be right to say so. These are two well-known issues that affect most of us, but what some of us might not know is how to start fighting them. Thankfully, we have some answers for you!

Many people think that switching to organic living would be expensive. If you try to make optimal or smart use of the available resources, you may not only be able to conserve them for a longer time but also save money in the process. 

Keep reading and learn six creative and eco-friendly ways to save money.

1. Eat Fewer Animal Products

Many people believe that being a vegetarian or a vegan is way too expensive and, for that reason, they continue to buy animal products on a regular basis.

Our challenge for you is that the next time you go grocery shopping, you compare the prices of vegetables and fruits with the price of meat. Quite different, aren’t they?

You don’t need to go fully vegan but eating less meat will help save the planet and your money.

2. Take Shorter Showers

Yes, we know how relaxing it feels to take a long, hot shower. But do you really need it? Even cutting your shower time by two or three minutes every day makes a difference – in the end, it all adds up!

And since we’re on the topic of showering, think about this: do you ever use the hot water tap without also using the cold one? If not, turning down your water heater is also a good idea. 

3. Grow Your Food

One of the best eco-friendly ways to save money is by growing your own food. However, your ability to follow this tip depends on how much space you have available at your place. If you have a small backyard, why not start planting vegetables that grow well in the weather conditions you live in?

If you live in a small apartment, don’t worry, you can still grow something you probably use on a daily basis: herbs! 

Not just vegetables, there are many other things that you can make at home to save money rather than go out and purchase. Who knows growing your food or making your own beer to save some dough could turn into a fun hobby for you and your family. 

4. Shop at Second Hand-Stores

Fast fashion is one of the biggest producers of waste there is, with 85% of textiles ending up in landfills every year. Furthermore, this industry uses colossal amounts of water (it takes 2700 liters of water to produce one single cotton shirt) and emits 5% of global CO2 emissions.

The good news?

There’s a rising number of clothing stores where you can buy second-hand pieces that are both unique and affordable! 

5. Start Using Your Bike Again

The effects of global warming have become increasingly evident all over the world over the past years and one of the biggest contributors to this major issue is car pollution.

Considering the amount of gas that our cars emit, this isn’t hard to understand.

Yet how many times have you used your car when you could have perfectly ridden or even walked there?

Using your bike (or your feet) will help you reduce your eco-footprint, save money on gas and stay active. What else could you ask for?

6. Buy a Reusable Water Bottle

Single-use plastic is completely 2000 and late and we all know that by now.

So if you still buy plastic bottles, it’s time to change that! By purchasing a reusable bottle, you’ll help reduce the demand for single-use plastic and you’ll be saving money by drinking tap water instead of the often overly-priced bottled water.

Do You Know More Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money and the Planet?

The tips we mentioned above are some of the most popular ways of helping the environment while also saving some bucks. But the truth is that there are plenty more eco-friendly ways to save money and the Earth!

Do you know of any? If so, let us know in the comments below.

And while you’re here, why not join our group and learn more about living a sustainable life?

Important Facts About Land Erosion and How to Prevent It

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A child and his father planting trees to prevent land erosion

Land erosion is a naturally occurring process involving natural elements such as water, ice, wind, and gravity that end up removing the fertilized soil on the upper surface of the earth exposing the rocks.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to not only identify signs of land erosion but also prevent it from happening using methods such as an erosion control blanket. Below is some useful information you might want to know about this natural phenomenon:

What Areas Are Most Likely to Be Affected by Land Erosion?

There are quite a number of places that are most affected by land erosion. It is, therefore, a great idea for you to be knowledgeable about the subject so that you can know the right way to protect your soil from losing its fertility by means of rigorous erosion. The first place most affected by erosion is the valleys or slopes.

This is because of two things – gravity and rainwater. The same also goes for areas along rivers. This happens because of the constant rush of water which will, in the long run, loosen the soil around the banks and will result in massive erosion.

You’ll also realize that areas with aggressive winds, as well as snow, will be most affected by land erosion. This applies to areas known for constant snowing since the ice has the same effects as water. That said, it’s important for you to note these areas and find the best ways to eliminate the issues effectively.

What Are the Courses of Land Erosion?

There are quite a number of causes of land erosion, one of them being poor farming practices. Farmers who are always tilling land near river banks or valleys are strongly advised against tilling near the edges as it encourages land erosion due to running water as well as gravity.

As mentioned before snowing and wild winds can be incredible sources of land erosion. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways one can reduce these elements from damaging the soil as we shall discuss below. Another rather notorious cause of land erosion is deforestation.

Trees play a very important role when it comes to preventing land erosion thanks to their roots that hold the soil firmly together. They also can break the speed of the water as well as the winds. That means cutting down the trees will end up doing more harm than good.

Curbing Land Erosion and Conserving Natural Resources

The first effective way to prevent land erosion is by planting trees, as well as grass, in the areas most affected. Doing so will prevent erosion from happening since the cover and the roots will end up consolidating the soil together thus preventing the water from collecting downstream. Farmers can also stop cultivating land in sloppy areas as well as near riverbanks. This way, they won’t have to worry much about the silt running down with the water and depleting the natural resources in the soil. You can also use an erosion-curbing blanket which will protect the soil from the adverse effects of erosion. These blankets will keep the topsoil intact while the seedlings are taking root and protecting them at all times.

You can also prevent the dire effects of land erosion by adding more rocks or mulch in and around the edges of your farm. Mulch and rocks also happen to be very efficient absorbers of water and will reduce the speed of running water which will, in turn, spare the topsoil from being washed away and the natural resources with it.

Land erosion, if not put in check, can lead to a lot of unfortunate circumstances. For starters, the land will lose all of its fertility and there is also a likelihood of accidents occurring in the form of landslides or mudslides. Thankfully, following any of the above-mentioned methods can end up saving you a lot of problems by simply putting a stop to erosion altogether.

There is no shame in asking for help when it comes to curbing soil or land erosion. Thankfully, there are specialists out there who will be more than willing to be of assistance. That said, feel free to use the Internet to find much-needed assistance before the situation gets worse.

3 Fantastic Ways to Get Even Greener

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go green

go green

How to Go Green

Trying to fight the green fight can sometimes feel like a losing battle. Chimney stacks still sputter across the globe, major governments are slow to act with any kind of meaningful change and the fate of the planet seems secondary when compared to the fate of the economy.

According to political commentator and eco-activist Naomi Klein, the continued importance of capital means that environmental concerns are never fully addressed – and it could lead Earth to its doom.

This doom and gloom could make your efforts feel like little more than spitting in the wind. But the need to use your personal life as an eco-beacon to others can still make a great impact.

Even when mega-corporations and moustache-twirling oil barons are putting the world on its last legs, you can at least know that your conscience is clear.

With that in mind, we’ve come up with a few ways to help you go green.

The Correct Delivery

We’ve all got to send a parcel at some time or another. Whether it’s a keepsake to your overseas relative or a delivery to a client, it will be expending a huge amount of energy.

But whether you want to send a parcel to China or Australia, it’s important to know who your supplier is.

Before you decide to send a parcel, contact your chosen delivery team to discover what their environmental policy is. And if they outsource to third-party companies, check them too.

It can be easy to shrug off your responsibility in this area. But if you really believe in being eco-friendly, check out your post before you send it.

A Solar Option

Only a few years ago, solar panels felt like a dream purchase. They were impractical for small homes and far too expensive for the average homeowner.

So let’s thank the changing times that they’ve reduced in price. Year after year, solar panels for homes have become cheaper – all while rising in efficiency.

While countries like the UK can’t use them all the time (those fulminating grey clouds wouldn’t allow it), they can act as a perfect supplementary power source for those who wish to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and go green.

In Your Neighbourhood

Neighbours – we’re told that everyone deserves a good one. And if you want to prove that you’re a fantastic neighbor, try to help the people in your local area go green by assisting with their recycling.

Setting up a recycling programme in your area can be the ideal way to feel less like a solitary eco-maverick and more like a community in action.

Consideration was given for the editing and publication of this post.