What is a disposable diaper? 

Disposable diapers are made of absorbent materials and are disposed of after use. They’re usually worn by infants, young children, elderly people, people with physical or mental disability, and pet animals. 

Disposable diapers are convenient but come with a price that is twofold. They’re expensive and may put a dent on many people’s budget. The other cost associated with disposable diapers is the environmental cost. 

Disposable diapers are compatible with all current methods of solid waste management including:

• Recycling
• Incineration for energy recovery 
• Composting and biogasification
• Landfills

Why is it hard for disposable diapers to decompose?

You might be shocked to know that a disposable diaper takes up to 500 years to decompose if thrown out on a landfill. Disposable diapers are hard to decompose because they’re not made of eco-friendly materials.

A few chemicals that are known to exist in diapers include Tributyltin, Petroleum, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Dioxin. Other problematic substances that are often found in diapers are fragrances, dyes, and phthalates. Such chemical components truly explain why it takes so long for a disposable diaper to decompose.

Every year, around 20 billion disposable diapers are dumped into our landfills. Well, that’s a lot! Around 2% of the world’s landfills are made of used disposable diapers. 

Millions of tons of plastic waste in the form of disposable diapers are added to our landfills each year. These used diapers don’t decompose well in landfills. For decomposition, disposable diapers need to be exposed to oxygen and sunlight. 

Their harmful effects as waste in the environment

Disposable diapers have the potential of becoming a public health hazard. When you throw these dirty diapers into the trash, they can endanger the health of sanitation workers who might come in contact with the trash. Also, if landfills aren’t correctly constructed, bacteria from dirty diapers may go into the groundwater and can contaminate it.

Over 100 viruses can be detected in human feces and many of them can live for months outside the body.

Some of the bacteria and viruses present in human feces are gastrointestinal viruses, hepatitis, E. coli, norovirus, salmonella, and polio.

How to dispose of diapers: The proper way

Looking for ways to be sustainable? We have compiled some useful information about disposing diapers safely and how to live sustainably:

• Dump diaper content in the toilet 

Fecal matter isn’t supposed to end up in landfills. Although every mommy skips this step, the first step is to dump any fecal matter from the diaper into the toilet. It helps to reduce odor and bacteria growth while making it easier to dispose of the diaper without making a mess. To do this, you gently shake fecal matter into the toilet and flush.

• Wrap up the diaper

The next step is to wrap up the diaper as tightly as possible into a tight ball. It’ll help secure the remaining fecal waste in the diaper and reduce risk of spillage. Try to secure the diaper by wrapping the tabs on the back of the dirty diaper around the front.

• Place the diaper in a sealed container 

To keep your home smelling fresh, place the dirty diaper in a sealed container. It’ll trap the foul smell of the diapers, keeping your home smelling fresh. Places you can dispose of diapers are your home, a friend’s outdoor garbage can, park trash can, a public bathroom, and airplane trash can.

• Dispose of the diaper when you’re out

Once the diaper is safely sealed, it’s the time to decide whether to keep it or toss it. If you are at home, just throw the diaper away. However, if you are out and about, prevent others from the hazards and the residual smells of the dirty diaper. It’s best to tuck it in your bag and toss it at home.

Places to avoid disposing of diapers include doctor’s office, friend’s bathroom or kitchen, outside where there is no trash receptacle, and small, enclosed spaces.

• Wash your hands

Even if you have no visible fecal residue on your hands, you can still harbor bacteria and viruses. So, wash your hands with soap and water to keep them safe and clean. You can use a hand sanitizer if you don’t have easy access to soap and water.

Conclusion

Whether you are at your home or on the go, good hygiene is very important when disposing of a dirty diaper properly. If you’re making a switch to more sustainable living, you must learn how to dispose of diapers properly. Using these tips will keep the smell and bacteria at bay and prevent endangering others to the hazards of fecal matter.

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Shopping for sustainable winter coats

Do you know that the clothing industry contributes up to 10 percent of the pollution that’s driving the climate crisis.

Well, there are tons of sustainable brands options to help you stay eco-friendly and warm this season. Here are our top picks for ethical and sustainable winter coat brands:

• Finisterre

Finisterre has achieved a leading place for itself in the rapidly evolving field of sustainable fashion. The brand produces eco-friendly coats, waterproof raincoats, sustainable parka, and ethical jackets.

Finisterre takes pride in Leave No Trace garment bags that are ocean-friendly, 100% water soluble, and biodegradable. They also offer durable and sustainable backpacks for outdoorsy people.

• Patagonia

Using clean design and responsible innovation, Patagonia is an eco-friendly clothing brand that explores the connections between sustainability and style. Their sustainable long coats might make the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe. 

Patagonia ensures that 94% of their line uses recycled materials. They grow their cotton organically and have pledged 1 percent of their sales to the restoration and preservation of the natural environment.

• Askov Finlayson

Askov Finlayson is an American clothing brand founded in 2011. They strive to make a contribution to a sustainable future by creating garments with a focus on sustainability, quality, and timeless design. 

Askov Finlayson’s selection of eco-friendly clothing includes sustainable parka and other durable winter outerwear designed with high-performance features and recycled materials.

• Quince

Quince is a brand of comfy and practical winter clothing that is eco-friendly. It uses minimalistic packaging and eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. You will find both men’s and women’s high-quality, sustainable winter coats and parkas. 

• Wuxly

Inspired by a love of wildlife, Wuxly prides itself in providing high-quality, warmest, sustainable, and cruelty-free outerwear. With options for both women and men, Wuxly is a great choice for ethical and sustainable winter coats. The sizes ranges from XS to XXL in both men’s and women’s collection.

Wuxly ensures that it sources the latest eco-friendly materials that are long-lasting and cause minimal harm to the planet. This sustainable clothing brand offers the Trade-Up program for $100 off to help both humans and animals stay warm.

• Apricoat

Apricoat is a sustainable clothing brand offering classic winter coats that are sustainably produced and thoughtfully crafted. The brand uses green shipping and produces clothing that’s perfect for harsh climate and made of 100% recycled materials. 

All the sustainable winter clothing are made of recycled plastic bottles, that means less ocean plastic. Apricoat also frequently participates in numerous donation programs and donates to several causes.

• Ministry of Supply

Ministry of Supply is a sustainable clothing brand founded by two MIT graduates in 2012. The sustainable fashion brand offers great designs for both men and women

They offer winter coats that are made from some of the best eco-friendly materials. according to the highest eco-friendly and ethical standards at every step of their supply chain.

• Another Tomorrow

Another Tomorrow has reinvented the fashion industry for a more sustainable future. Their sustainable winter coats are manufactured using the most eco-friendly materials. They use sustainable materials like organic linen and cotton, TENCEL, ethical wool and recycled cashmere.

• ThokkThokk

ThokkThokk is a sustainable clothing brand that makes sustainable, vegan clothing accessible for everyone. They use eco-friendly and ethical manufacturing processes while keeping the costs of their clothing low. They use sustainable materials like TENCEL™ lyocell, organic cotton, kapok, and various other recycled materials to manufacture their products.

• MATT & NAT

Matt & Nat is a eco-friendly clothing brand with collections focusing on originality, quality, usefulness, and environmental consciousness. They create stylish, comfy, and sustainable winter coats using recyclable fabrics, such as polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride, plastic water bottles, and rubber. The company has strong emphasis on sustainability, modern look, and cruelty-free designs. 

• prAna

PrAna is a sustainable clothing brand that used a sustainable and Earth-conscious design approach. The brand offers high-quality winter coats for both men and women. There outfits are well-suited for travel, yoga, and outdoorsy people. The sizes range from XS-XL.

Conclusion 

Choosing sustainability wherever you can is just what we all need. When shopping for your next winter coat this season, just remember to go for sustainable winter coat brands. You can trust any of the eco-friendly brands featured in this article. Not all brands are unkind to the planet and animals. 

The post 11 Sustainable Long Coats and Winter Coats To Keep You Warm appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

What is sustainability?

Sustainability means the ability to meet your needs and develop without depleting the natural resources for future generations. In addition to natural resources, economic and social resources are also equally important. So, sustainability is about preserving the ecosystem when utilizing the available physical, natural, and social resources.

The main concept of sustainability is built on 3 pillars:

• Environmental Sustainability: It focuses on the well-being of the environment and includes air quality, water quality, and reduction of pollution and other environmental stressors. It involves efforts, rules and regulations to deal with environmental issues.
• Social Sustainability: It includes environmental justice, education, resource security, and human health, among other vital social elements of society. It involves planning, special initiatives, public policies, and laws supporting social issues.
• Economic Sustainability: It includes job creation, profitability, and proper accounting of ecosystem services for optimal cost-benefit analyses.

These three intertwined categories provide a framework for managing complicated sustainability issues. They’re often referred to as the planet, people, and profit.

Sustainability: fun facts

Here are some facts about sustainability that can be very useful and interesting to know.

1. Energy accounts for at least 60 percent of the total global greenhouse gases emission.
2. China emits almost 10,357 metric CO2 tons, making it the TOP polluter in the world, followed by the USA.
3. Carbon dioxide emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 to limit problems related to climate change.
4. Housing activities and transportation are the main contributors to carbon dioxide.
5. Paper made from scratch produces almost 25 percent more emissions than recycled paper does.
6. Germany has the highest recycling rate in the whole world.
7. Recycling newspapers can save around 250 million trees per year!
8. Replacing all the light bulbs in the planet with energy-efficient ones can save around $127 billion each year!
9. Use of water-efficient appliances, fixtures, and fittings can reduce your home’s water usage by nearly 45 percent.

Some examples of sustainability include:

• Renewable energy: Renewable energy sources provide an inexhaustible energy supply that are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and less damaging for public health.
• Water treatment: It reduces the volume of water waste that is released into our ecosystem. Water treatment eliminates harmful contaminants from water and converts into clean water. 
• Crop rotation: This practice involves planting different crop types on the same land over successive seasons. Crop rotation improves soil structure, reduces soil erosion, greenhouse gas emissions, the risk of nitrate, and water pollution.

Sustainability: Zero Waste Movement: The Zero Waste movement is a great example of sustainability. It encourages people to use all the resources circularly. The ultimate goal of zero-waste is to avoid resources ending up as trash in landfills and the oceans.

Why is sustainability important?

The motivation behind sustainability is often very diverse. It’s tough to create a complete list of reasons why people are making efforts towards sustainability. 

Well, for most of us, sustainable living maintains the well-being of the environment and our future generations. Sustainability protects our ecosystem, improves the quality of our lives, and preserves the resources for future generations. 

Here are some of the benefits of sustainability:

• Sustainability means reduction in energy usage
• It reduces your carbon footprint and the number of toxins released into the atmosphere, which means less pollution
• Sustainability leads to overall reduction of operating costs
• Sustainability refers to responsible consumption and production
• Ensures a healthy living and a safe future for all

How to live a sustainable lifestyle?

Sustainability encourages businesses, people, and politicians, to make long-term decisions while taking future generations into account. Sustainable living considers more than the loss or profit involved in the short run. Here are some ideas of how to live sustainably and make a difference.

• Introduce renewable energy sources

Try to introduce renewable energy sources in your home. Any reduction in reliance on traditional energy sources will help decrease global carbon emissions.

• Cut down on plastic #GoPlasticFree 

You may not completely omit plastic from your life, but you can start cutting down on plastic waste. Avoid single-use plastic water bottles and products that are packaged in plastic. Always use reusable bags when you shop at the grocery store. #GoPlasticFree

• Purchase sustainable items

Every product that we purchase has an impact on the environment. Buy items that are considered sustainable and eco-friendly. This will encourage businesses to adapt their products and practices to serve our desires.

• Conserve water

With an ever-growing population, there’s an increased demand for water sources and risk of unprecedented droughts. You can conserve water by fixing leaky toilets, taking shorter showers, and choosing low-water appliance options.

• Swap out your single-use items

Single-use disposable items end up as trash and populate our landfills and oceans. Swapping out these single-use disposable products for more durable and reusable items can make a big difference. 

Conclusion

Our planet’s resources are finite! We can’t sustain and achieve economic growth if we deplete our natural resources.

Does sustainable living matter to you? Are you looking for ways to be sustainable and trying to live a sustainable lifestyle? We would love to know your thoughts on sustainability!

The post What is Sustainability? appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

Tentree

Very few sustainable clothing brands come close to Tentree when it comes to combining extravagance with eco-friendliness. This Canadian clothing giant is blazing the fashion trail by planting ten trees when one product is sold. These tree-planting exploits have produced over 30 million trees around the globe since the company’s inception. Other eco-friendly initiatives that Tentree undertakes include using renewable energy and recycling its packaging. 

ABLE

It is impossible to discuss sustainable turtleneck brands without mentioning ABLE. This fashion juggernaut focuses on employing and empowering women through ethical apparel production. At ABLE, stakeholders believe that such an approach is vital in ending poverty and improving community living standards. Regarding apparel production, ABLE contributes to sustainability by using fully organic cotton from a zero-waste factory. Other sustainability efforts that ABLE supports include water purification and package recycling.

Cuyana

One of the most ingenious ways to produce sustainable turtlenecks is Cuyana’s “fewer, better” policy. This policy allows the company to produce clothing responsibly by offering repair warranties, supporting donations, and reselling second-hand items. Cuyana also promotes sustainability by only working with factories that are near raw-material sources. Such a move eliminates the large amounts of greenhouse gases accompanying long-distance transportation.  

Reformation

Reformation is a climate-neutral cloth manufacturing company that prides itself on producing stylish and sustainable garments from ethically sourced materials like linen, Tencel, and recycled cotton. This fashion leader also supports sustainability by showing its customers how the manufacturing process of each product reduces carbon emissions. Other eco-friendly initiatives that Reformation undertakes include saving energy, minimizing waste, and recycling    

Made Trade  

Made trade is a fashion establishment that focuses on increasing the accessibility of ethical and sustainable home products. This retail company uses eco-friendly materials like linen, organic cotton, and hemp to produce sustainable sweaters and cardigans with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Other environmentally friendly steps that Made Trade commits to include recycling, upcycling, and zero synthetic materials.

Sézane

The one thing making Sezane one of the world’s most renowned sustainable brands is the philosophy behind its existence. This Paris-based clothing company believes in creating high-quality and stylish outfits that clients can wear forever. Sezane’s diverse pool of exceptional artisans ensures these standards are maintained by using ethically-sourced raw materials in eco-friendly ways. Such ways create unique products like sustainable cardigans and sweaters. Other sustainability efforts that Sezane undertakes include using renewable energy and shipping boxes made from recycled cardboard.

VETTA

VETTA is a clothing company that prioritizes simplicity and ethical manufacturing in creating sustainable turtlenecks, sweaters, and cardigans. This woman-owned fashion label believes in creating thoughtful wardrobes that convey respect for people and the environment. VETTA achieves such respect by ethically sourcing sustainable fabrics of the highest quality for product manufacturing. The packaging at VETTA is also recycled to support sustainability.

Pact

Pact is a clothing company that supports ethical and sustainable fashion by using organic materials and fair trade plants to create stunning outfits. This textile giant believes in establishing transparent supply chains that benefit fabric producers directly. Other efforts that make Pact stand out in sustainable clothing include excellent waste management, biodegradable packaging, and recycling.

Toad&Co

The list of sustainable clothing brands is incomplete without giving a shout-out to Toad&Co. This eco-friendly fashion label uses sustainable practices to produce stylish, seasonal outfits throughout the year. The main factor contributing to Toad&Co’s good environmental rating is incorporating organic cotton and renewable energy into its supply chain. Other sustainability efforts that Toad&Co supports include minimizing waste and providing suitable working conditions.  

Fair Indigo

Fair Indigo has been producing inspiring, eco-friendly attires under fair trade regulations for the better part of the last decade. This innovative fashion retailer offers transparency to clients by separating its products into different sustainability ratings, including organic, vegan, recycled, and USA-made. Fair Indigo also uses non-toxic dyes, water treatment, and waste management efforts to support sustainability.

Whimsy & Row

Whimsy & Row is part of the new wave of eco-friendly brands that support modern women in achieving style and sustainability. This lifestyle label contributes to sustainability by using organic fabrics and recycled materials in garment production. Whimsy & Row also engages in local manufacturing, reducing the greenhouse gas emitted during transportation.

BackBeat Co.

California-based Back Beat Co. is a fashion company that combines vintage and modern styles in producing chic and comfortable outfits. BackBeat Co. supports sustainability by using low-impact materials like recycled cotton, organic cotton, deadstock fabric, Tencel, and hemp in production. BackBeat Co. is also responsible for waste management and packaging to boost eco-friendliness.   

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! A list of the best sustainable turtleneck brands under the sun. Now you can rock up in style without worrying about hurting Mother Nature with toxic substances.

The post 12 Eco-Friendly Turtlenecks to Keep You Cozy This Winter appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

Fairtrade has numerous benefits beyond paying food producers more money and establishing a fair compensation plan for workers. This article is the ultimate guide to understanding the meaning, examples, facts, reasons, roles, and challenges behind the concept of fair trade. Keep on reading to learn deep insights into the application of fair trade as a solution to contemporary problems.

What is fair trade?

So, what is fair trade? The meaning of fair trade can vary depending on how each stakeholder perceives its role in benefiting them. In a general sense, fair trade is a quality control system that aims to establish equitable and sustainable trade relationships between agricultural producers in developing countries and the rest of the global economy.

Workers and farmers in such countries understand fair trade as a vehicle through which they can achieve better working conditions and higher compensation. For consumers, fair trade is a way of accessing high-quality and ethical products while supporting farmers to achieve equality in the global business environment. With such equality, we can foster climate-friendly agricultural methods and the development of women in commercial leadership. 

Although fair trade is commonly applied in food production, it can also cover other products in developing nations’ domestic markets, like handicrafts, gold, and flowers. Organizations that label such products define fair trade as an integrity and dialogue-based commercial partnership seeking greater fair play in universal trade.  

Examples and facts

The existence of fair trade for the last two and a half decades has not stopped many people from developing myths and misconceptions about it. Let us examine a few facts and examples that can debunk such myths.

Fact One – What is Fair Trade vs. Fairtrade International?

There is a vast difference between Fair Trade and Fairtrade International. Fair Trade is the equitable concept of promoting sustainable living through better international trading conditions. Such conditions include higher wages, elimination of child labor, upholding human rights, and gender equality. On the other hand, Fairtrade International is a non-governmental organization that provides certification to farmers from developing countries to help market their products.  

Fact Two- Fairtrade Producers

There are various Fairtrade production stakeholders, including producer organizations, workers, and farmers. Globally, there are 1707 producer organizations, with a country distribution of 38%. Such organizations receive a Fairtrade monetary premium that enables them to fulfill various functions, including servicing farmers, training, purchasing agricultural equipment, and housing improvements.     

Workers and farmers in the Fairtrade system are about 1.7 million, with 25% being women. On average, each Fairtrade farmer has 5 hectares of land to grow their produce. Fairtrade farmers follow specific ways to be sustainable in production. Such ways include soil improvement, pest management, using harmless chemicals, protecting biodiversity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

One of the best examples of optimal Fairtrade production is Divine Chocolate. This agricultural company which started as a cooperative is moving mountains in the global chocolate market by facilitating Fairtrade through women empowerment and advocating against child labor.

Fact Three- Fairtrade and UK consumers

Since its inception, The UK has been a significant supporter of Fair Trade, contributing an estimated 1 billion euros in sales premiums. Currently, over 80% of UK shoppers believe in the intention, certification, and production mechanisms resident in the Fair Trade system. Shopping statistics reflect this belief, with 25% of UK shoppers purchasing Fair Trade products regularly.

Why is fair trade important?

Learning how to live sustainably is impossible without understanding the importance of fair trade. Fair trade is vital in combatting the harsh effects of unfair and unethical commercial practices on the international scene. Through fair trade, farmers can receive fair monetary compensation for their produce, enabling them to feed their families and pay fair wages to their workers.

What is its role in the current state of the environment

Economic Role

One of the economic roles of Fairtrade is supporting farmers by establishing a minimum price through which they can sell their produce profitably. Fairtrade organizations also empower farmers to establish cooperative societies that give them better bargaining power within their products’ supply chain. Other economic roles of fair trade in the current state of the environment include improving access to farming services and supporting better agricultural methods.

Environmental Role

Fairtrade contributes to environmental and climatic care by establishing standards that address critical areas like green energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, eliminating GMO products, waste management, and protecting biodiversity. Such standards grant training to farmers on switching to agricultural practices that increase nutrient quality in soils and reduce pets.

Social Role

Fair trade contributes socially to farmers by encouraging them to learn and voice their rights through collective bargaining when negotiating for better working conditions. Fairtrade standards also advocate for the investment of premiums into gender equality, education, and the provision of social amenities to workers. Such investment is essential in improving life quality in rural areas.

How can we solve problems related to this

There are numerous problems related to fair trade, including costly certification, expensive products, poor distribution of administrative fees, and limited success. The best way to solve such problems is to eliminate the unethical practices that prevent fair trade gains from directly impacting the producers.  

Conclusion

Improving the global quality of life is the responsibility of all universal citizens. We can all work together to achieve sustainable living by investing in fair trade products that improve our world’s economic, social, and environmental well-being.

The post What is Fair Trade? appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

Antique Farm House

The Antique Farmhouse is one of the sustainable home brands that manufactures plant stands. This company specializes in producing affordable vintage décor for interior and exterior spaces. Such décor includes furniture, art products, and plant stands. Artwork and ornaments for shabby chic and industrial applications are also available at this store. The Antique Farmhouse supports sustainability by using upcycled materials to create its plant stands. They also use natural materials like wood and iron for framing. 

West Elm

West Elm is a home furnishings retail company that produces affordable, stylish, and sustainable residential décor. From its inception, this home furbishing giant has been environmentally friendly by using organic materials like sustainably-sourced natural wood to manufacture products. Other sustainability efforts that West Elm include using upcycled materials, reducing waste, and supporting the circular economy. West Elm is also a member of Fair Trade USA, thereby supporting community development, fair wages, and suitable working conditions for workers. 

Aspire Home Accents

If you are looking for eco-friendly brands that produce functional and fashionable plant stands, look no further than Aspire Home Accents. This contemporary home retailer makes various indoor and outdoor furniture, including mirrors, artwork, earthenware, table articles, wall clocks, and plant stands. Artisans at Aspire Home Accents mainly use iron, which is infinitely recyclable, to design their planters skillfully. Such use contributes to environmental sustainability by eliminating the greenhouse gases that accompany extracting iron from the primary ore.   

Joybird

Very few companies manufacture sustainable plant stands as uniquely as Joybird. This outdoor furnishing enterprise uses waterproof teak and sustainably-sourced wood to create chairs, tables, plant stands, and benches oozing with the rustic mid-century look. Each piece is accompanied by a lifetime warranty that ensures customers are forever satisfied with the quality and comfortable outdoor seating. Joybird also contributes to sustainability by planting trees with every purchase and supporting forest conservation campaigns.

New England Stories

We must mention New England Stories to discuss sustainable plant stand brands comprehensively. This outdoor retail company in Taunton has been selling beautiful plant stands for the last three and a half decades. Their customizable products have a lifetime warranty because they are made of natural eucalyptus wood devoid of any chemical treatment. You can therefore mount up your New England Stories plant stand without worrying about potential adverse effects on your pets, family, and the environment.  

Pottery Barn

Pottery barn is one of the longest-standing sustainable brands in the outdoor furnishing business. This home embellishing company has produced quality interior and exterior décor for over seven decades. Every Pottery Barn product is designed by resident artists using recyclable iron, which is harmless to the environment. Examples of products that Pottery Barn offers include artwork, outdoor ornaments, and plant stands.

Whole House Worlds

Whole House Worlds is one of the world’s most prominent sustainable home brands in the indoor and outdoor furnishing industry. Based in New York, this company provides exceptional house styling products for kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, patios, and gardens. Getting plant stands from Whole House Words will guarantee you beautiful and durable eco-friendly fittings made from naturally occurring wrought iron.

A&B Home

When it comes to sustainable plant stand brands, A&B Home is head and shoulders above most global players. This family-owned company prides itself on manufacturing high-quality home furnishings, including interior décor, furniture, and garden accessories. Each year, A&B Home produces numerous new ornaments and fittings using recycled iron, naturally occurring in the Earth’s crust. Using such material contributes to sustainability by eliminating the carbon-producing process of extracting new metals from their primary ore.

CB2

Crate & Barrel (CB2) is the perfect place to go if you want an outdoor home furnishing company with cheap, chic, and environmentally sustainable products. At CB2, you will find exceptional open-air dinner fittings and poolside lounges made from ethically sourced teak and recycled plastic. Using recycled plastic supports environmental sustainability by reducing the production of harmful synthetics. CB2 also contributes to community development by donating money towards child marriage eradication campaigns.    

Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse

Mentioning Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse is a must when discussing sustainable plant stand brands. This company combines the elegance of contemporary designs with traditional hospitality to create nostalgic fittings at affordable prices. Laurel plant stands are made of 100% iron to support environmental sustainability by limiting the use of carbon-produced toxic materials.   

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! A list of the best plant stand brands for sustainable living. Don’t hesitate to visit one of these premier companies for outdoor planters that combine mesmerizing style with eco-friendliness.

The post 10 Sustainable Outdoor Plant Stands to Make Your Space Full of Life appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

Like humans, pets have a carbon print that can cause rapid environmental degradation without proper management. This article will explain the best techniques pet owners can apply to ensure sustainability for their animals and the environment. Let’s dive in.  

Switch to more eco-friendly pet supplies

It is practically impossible for animal owners to learn how to live sustainably without switching to more eco-friendly pet supplies. Food is one of the main pet supplies that can harm the environment. Carnivorous pets like cats and dogs often contribute to environmental degradation by consuming large portions of unethically-sourced processed meat.

Such meat is harmful to the environment because of the greenhouse gases that accompany its production. It would therefore be wise to select eco-friendly pet supplies that are sustainably and ethically produced.    

Make homemade toys and treats

Making homemade toys and treats is one of the best ways to be sustainable in pet care. Such toys and treats should be devoid of non-degradable materials like plastics. Instead, you can use cardboard to create DIY play areas and accessories for your animals.

You can also recycle old home items like tissue tubes, plastic bottles, and paper bags by repurposing them into functional puzzle feeders and foraging toys for your pets. Such a move will help you reduce the plastic build-up of purchasing new synthetic miniature objects for your pets.       

Clean up after your pet, and be sure to dispose of their waste responsibly.

Cleaning up after your pet and disposing of their waste responsibly is a significant contributor to sustainable living. Pet waste can harm the environment without proper cleaning and disposal by exposing water bodies to toxic bacteria that negatively affect aquatic and human life. Such waste can also cause noise pollution to the environment through its unpleasant pungent smell. Experts recommend using biodegradable litter boxes and poop bags when getting rid of your pet’s waste.

Research pet-care providers near you who are committed to being sustainable

Another fantastic way to take care of your pets sustainably is to identify and engage eco-friendly pet-care providers. You can identify these providers by finding out whether they use sustainable products in the day-to-day running of their businesses. You could also determine if they have a training program that continually teaches their employees about sustainable living.

This type of training is vital in conveying the importance of sustainability beyond the staff to the community. It is also wise to evaluate your pet care providers’ network to determine if their primary stakeholders, including suppliers and investors, are sustainability champions. 

Use reclaimed or upcycled materials when making beds and litter boxes

Using reclaimed or upcycled materials when making beds and litter boxes is an excellent way to achieve sustainable pet ownership. Ecological experts recommend switching from clay litter boxes because of the environmental harm accompanying their strip mining retrieval process.

Pets can also develop health problems if they accidentally ingest bits and pieces of litter box clay. The best-upcycled materials for making your pets’ beds and litter boxes include paper, coconut, wood, corn, and wheat.

Look for locally-sourced pet food and treats

Sourcing your pet foods and treats from local providers is a fantastic way to achieve sustainable pet care. Such a step will eliminate the enormous carbon emissions from long-distance transportation. It would also be beneficial for pet owners to ship locally unavailable items in bulk to avoid the increased emissions accompanying separate shipping. 

Use natural cleaning products

Although we cannot fully control when and where our pets decide to mess, choosing the type of cleaning products to use is within our grasp. Using natural cleaning products is an excellent way to achieve eco-friendly pet care. Such products will keep you from the health issues likely to come when toxic artificial ingredients find their way into your pet’s internal body system. Using natural chemicals will also prevent the artificial toxins in processed products from polluting the environment and negatively affecting ecosystems. Some of the natural items you can use when cleaning your pets’ mess include lemon, baking soda, and vinegar.

Donate your old pet supplies

Donating old pet supplies to local shelters is an excellent way to achieve sustainable living. Such a move will drastically reduce the amount of waste going into landfill while helping animals in shelters to live better. 

Conclusion

There has never been a better time to achieve sustainability than today. You can breathe a fresh lease of life into Mother Nature by allowing your pet care routine to impact the environment positively. All you need is to follow the steps in this article, and you will be on your way to a life-changing experience with your furry four-legged friend.

The post How to Take Care of Your Pets Sustainably? appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.