Tourism was one of the hardest hit industries during the Covid-19 crisis. Now that countries are opening borders, many have their sights set on faraway places for the first time since 2019. Is travel set to become more sustainable in a post pandemic world?

Covid19 has changed the way people view travel

2020 was the year many of us spent indoors—or at the very least, close to home. With the world at a virtual standstill for over eighteen months, international aviation passengers dropped by 60% during 2020. Locked down and home bound, traffic congestion in the US dropped by 73%, while in the UK traffic levels fell to those not seen since 1955. With the pandemic cleaning the air, causing pollution levels to plummet, many are now turning their attention to how we can keep the these environmental benefits pushing forward through sustainable travel.

Consumer interest in sustainability is increasing, with 2020 a distinct turning point. And travel is at the forefront of how we are set to change our habits. We’ve spent over a year exploring our own hometowns and cities and we’ve gravitated to outdoor spaces as much as possible, becoming mindful of how unlimited travel doesn’t have to mean hopping on a plane.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) presented Transforming Tourism for a resilient and sustainable post-COVID world outlining a six point plan to ensure we take advantage of the reset to choose greener, low-carbon measures which simultaneously protect biodiversity and help to rebuild the tourism industry upon which so many local communities depend.

Travel is set to become about quality not quantity

From out-of-stock products to the things we just couldn’t do and places we couldn’t go, all of us have had to adopt a simpler, slower pace of life. This includes recognizing the privileges of travel that so many of us had begun to take for granted. However, the pandemic has altered our perspectives on what matters most.

For some of us, that will mean travelling closer to home. The magic of our own neighbourhoods is abundant, and no one has explored every part of their own home state. With the shift to a simpler mindset, how we view travel has also changed. A walk along a never-before visited beach can feel like a distant getaway

But for others, the focus will become on enjoying the bucket list locations, and finding the joy in planning trips that are truly a dream come true over many so-so weekends away throughout the year. Sustainable travel is a necessity to a world with a love of exploration.

Greener travel is better than less travel

Travel is, after all, an essential human activity. It’s about more than an occasional vacation. Without the option of, ‘let’s go somewhere,’ we felt trapped, sedentary—and alone. Humans are naturally nomadic, and travel represents knowledge, experience, and hope. Restricting global mobility would be dire. The experience of travelling broadens our horizons, and new experiences in new places is integral to our societal growth.

No one needs to commit to never getting on a plane or taking a road trip again. Instead, when planning a trip, factor sustainability into your decision making. This can mean everything from the carbon footprint of your journey, to ensuring you do not undertake tourist trips that exploit wild animals (hint: if you want to see them, see them in the wild).

Travel is responsible for around 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. But telling people to reduce their vacation time is not the answer. Like all things sustainable, it’s about education and taking the right steps so that we don’t miss out, but our actions don’t cost the earth.

How you can travel more sustainably

Stay Local

When the travel bug hits, or we’re anxious to try a new experience, it can be easy to think we need to hop on a plane. Yet how many of us truly know the region where we live? Search for similar experiences in your local area and you’ll be sure to discover something that limits the distance you need to discover a whole new world.

Respect and Embrace Culture and Customs

In pre-pandemic times, tourism accounted for 10.4% of global GDP, with many areas reliant on it. However, that doesn’t mean tourists should expect a home from home. Travel is always more enriching when we take time to research local culture and customs before we go, and immerse ourselves in the lived experience of where we find ourselves.

Check the Footprint Before You Book

Research every available option to get to your destination and go to an online Carbon Calculator, like this one from World Land Trust who will not only give you the total CO2 emitted but also tell you the amount to offset it. When you do choose to offset, it’s best to also do your research. It’s a contentious subject, but options that go towards full conservation over tree planting generally offer better long-term (and in many cases indefinite) results.

Consider the eco-impact of your activities

Swimming with turtles may seem fun and harmless, but it’s always good to know exactly what impact such activities have before you book your trip. In many cases, the potential for littering alone can have a huge impact, while animal welfare is often neglected on trips into the wilderness. Exploiting the natural world is what got us into this mess in the first place but there are plenty of considered options that will still satiate human curiosity while removing potential threats and long term damage.

It’s About Every Day too

Walk, cycle, car share; if you can choose an option that isn’t one person in one car, do it. Your everyday transportation adds up. If you’re thinking about sustainable travel, start with how you get to work, the grocery store, and appointments in your daily schedule.

photo by Sacha Verheij

The post How Can Travel Be More Sustainable Post-Pandemic? appeared first on Eco Club.

three sustainable fabric innovations

MYLO: A Sustainable Leather Alternative

Made by Bolt Threads, Mylo is a lab-grown leather that uses mycelium to recreate the soft, supple fabric so popular in fashion, with far less harm to the environment. If you watched the Netflix documentary Fantastic Fungi, you may have seen that coming!

While other so-called vegan leather alternatives do exist, many rely on plastic—which obviously poses a whole different problem for eco-enthusiasts. In contrast, Mylo is ‘certified bio-based, which means it’s made predominantly from renewable ingredients found in nature.’

Qmonos: Synthetic Spider Silk

Spiders provided the inspiration for Qmonos, a synthetic spider silk based on synthetic proteins that fuse spider silk genes and certain microbes. Like many fabric innovations, the science comes first, and Qmonos took a while to develop.

No animals are involved in the production of Qmonos fibres, which are entirely biodegradable, lightweight – and stronger than steel!

Tencel

Tencel has been around since the 1980s and it remains one of the most versatile sustainable fabrics available nowadays. From slow fashion brands to fast fashion power houses, Tencel, which is made from bamboo pulp, and Lyocell, created from wood pulp, feature regularly in eco-conscious fashion collections.

It’s a beautifully light alternative to cotton and viscose, offering softness, breathability, and durability. Other benefits that make it a mainstay of the future of fabric include the fact that it is fully biodegradable and compostable, and a manufacturing process that is ecologically sound, recovering up to 99.8% of the solvent and remaining emissions generated in its production.

How sustainable clothes are often comes down to what they are made from; traditional fabrics are part of one of our oldest industries and we cannot survive without textile manufacturing. But that also means there is a wealth of knowledge and experience available to ensure that the future of fashion has sustainability at its heart.

 Which fabric innovations are you following in the sustainable fashion industry?

Photo by Hong Nguyen

The post Three Fabric Innovations Making Fashion More Sustainable appeared first on Eco Club.

What is eco-anxiety?

Eco-anxiety is a relatively new phrase that captures the experience of those who are alarmed by the climate crisis, and is often twinned with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. It’s important to know, however, that it isn’t a recognised mental health disorder. In fact, eco-anxiety is a natural, rational response for those with an awareness and understanding of the environmental issues our beautiful planet is facing. The good news is that there are many ways to counter the effects and fear associated with eco-anxiety and, instead of focusing on the way we feel, can turn your concern into positive action for Earth, and yourself.

5 ways to manage eco-anxiety

applaud yourself for your climate positive actions

When we experience eco-anxiety, it can be easy to put pressure on ourselves as individuals to do more. Instead, why not take a step back and list all the ways that you are contributing to reversing climate change? Individual actions will not solve climate change, and the best hope we have is to find a true balance between Earth’s needs and our modern lives.

change where you get your news

Climate change is a difficult subject for many newsrooms—it’s so easy (and buzz-worthy) to fall into the doom and gloom narrative. However, every day new stories emerge that highlight how hopeful we should be. Positive News and Goodgoodgoodco both focus on good news and Mongabay offers inspirational stories from the frontline of conservation, with a detailed look at the events and innovations that are making a difference.

Some recent happy headlines include:

Daintree Forest, an Australian rainforest that covers almost 400,000 acres and borders the Great Barrier Reef was returned to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji, the original Aboriginal custodians of this land. Alongside the obvious positive of Aboriginal land being returned to rightful ownership, indigenous rights are vital to land conservation and allows for sustainable management of sites. via Nation of Change

More cities are beginning to build their own version of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor’s Mr Trash Wheel. Entirely solar and hydro-powered, this trash interceptor collects waste that flows to him, funnelling the trash into the large ‘mouth’ where it can be sorted for recycling or incinerated to generate electricity. via Good News Network

There was a huge win for the many opposed to the Keystone XL Pipeline as President Biden revoked the US permit that its developers needed this summer, marking one of the first major victories for climate activists against the fossil fuel industry. via The Guardian

enjoy green spaces

Green spaces create positive mental health effects, naturally influencing anxiety levels, including those caused by eco-anxiety. Spending time outdoors gives us time to connect with ourselves and the wider world, and areas given over to a nature are a great way of reminding ourselves that all is not lost.

rethink the way you travel

From holidays to commutes, the way we travel is one of the most tangible changes we can make to improve our carbon footprint. It’s a simple, affordable, and achievable way to make a difference—and feeling a sense of accomplishment can help combat anxiety. For shorter, daily trips, choose walking or cycling. And when you need to go further afield, consider whether the distance would be better travelled by car sharing or train than by flying. When flying is the only option, opt for direct flights as these require less fuel than multi-leg journeys.

find a community that shares your values

With the right support, conversation and shared experiences, your feelings surrounding climate change will be validated and alleviated. From your own loved ones to climate action groups, who better to talk about all the good things you’re doing to lead a more sustainable life? Sharing is caring, and you’ll learn lots more tips on how to ensure your lifestyle is green, manageable, and eco-anxiety-free.

Obviously, community is huge for us content creators, and we hope eco club is a place to become more inspired and hopeful about living sustainably. Sign up for the eco club newsletter to get involved!

The post 5 Ways To Cope With Eco Anxiety appeared first on Eco Club.

So, what is greenwashing? Greenwashing is a marketing ploy that companies use to appear that they are doing more for the environment than they are. Greenwashing purposely deceives and misleads customers into believing their products are eco-friendly. It makes companies seem environmentally aware, their products conscious, and choices ethical. But scratch a little deeper below the surface, and you’ll discover that their green claims are unfounded.

In some instances, businesses do have environmentally sound policies and practices. But greenwashing uses grandiose claims and gross exaggerations to give the impression brands are greener than they are. They may promote their fully recyclable packaging but fail to mention the toxic, single-use plastic product inside. Greenwashing directs funds to a marketing campaign rather than funding systematic change. It distracts from a company’s unethical and unsustainable practices.

Using natural images like greenery and leaves is a subliminal signal that a product is clean, earth-friendly, and derived from nature. Although packaging might not explicitly state that it’s eco, its packaging is intended to deceive. Using buzzwords such as ‘organic,’ ‘ethical,’ and ‘eco-friendly’ are also misleading as they create an image in the consumer’s mind but carry no legal weight; companies can self-declare they are ethical even when they aren’t.

Unfortunately, most major corporations are guilty of greenwashing. Break Free from Plastic produced a damning report in 2020, listing the worst brands for greenwashing, of which Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Nestle came out on top.

photo by Nefeli Kavvada.

some examples:

• Marketed as pure, natural, untouched by man, Fiji Water was sued in 2011 for greenwashing. They willfully mislead customers into believing they were a carbon-negative company when their carbon footprint was huge: their water comes from a Fijian aquifer, their bottles from China, and their products shipped to 60 countries worldwide.
• To appear like they were eliminating single-use plastics from their restaurants, McDonalds’ switched to paper-straws. However, the new ‘eco’ straws weren’t recyclable, while the cups were still made from plastic—an ineffective marketing ruse to distract from the detrimental impact of their single-use plastic pollution.

why is it so easy to fall for greenwashing claims?

As conscious consumers who want to make ethical purchases, it is hard to believe that brands don’t hold the same values in high regard. And yet, all too many put profit over the planet, jumping on the rise in demand for eco-friendly products.

A lot of these so-called ethical products come with a higher price tag. We equate the higher expense with responsible practices, sustainable sourcing, and a fair wage for workers. Consumers are happy to pay more for an ethical product. And here’s where greenwashing brands turn a profit: they charge conscious consumers a premium price to fund their unsustainable practices. Greenwashing also plays into our climate anxiety, convincing us to make purchases that we think are the answer to the environmental crisis but which go on to devastate and destroy our planet.

three ways to avoid greenwashing

Greenwashing is not always immediately apparent, but when you know the signs, you’ll be able to spot it in the future.

Don’t be fooled by green, ‘eco’ packaging. Make sure to check the ingredients list and research any ethical claims companies make.

Avoid ambiguous statements and buzzwords. Genuinely ethical brands are specific on details. (These can usually be found on their websites.) If in doubt, reach out to the companies and see what they say.

Look for industry-standard certifications such as Fair Trade, The Vegan Society, and Organic Content Standards.

Although greenwashing misleads conscious consumers and exploits the planet further—we don’t need to despair just yet! The fact that companies are greenwashing indicates the enormous global demand for sustainable, earth-friendly alternatives. Many companies are stepping up, making ethical changes, putting the planet and people at the heart of their work. Let’s hope that more brands answer the call.

What examples of greenwashing have you come across lately?

The post What Is Greenwashing? appeared first on Eco Club.

what is the difference between vegan and cruelty-free?

While vegan and cruelty-free terms would seem to go hand in hand, they have wildly different meanings on a product. Vegan products will not use any animal products, and while this often does go hand in hand with no animal testing for small-batch brands, it’s not always the case, especially with more prominent household names. This is because cruelty-free is an unregulated term; items tested on animals can still claim to be vegan because of loopholes in the lack of legislation. Cruelty-free can be used if the final product has not been tested on animals by the brand or manufacturer. Still, it can also be used if individual ingredients have been tested earlier in the development stage or a third party is legally required to test the final product on animals.

photo by Ethan Medrano.

how to see if your toiletries are vegan and eco-friendly

The best way to ensure you know exactly what you’re putting in or on your body is vegan-certified is to check the label.

Does it contain official certification? This handy graphic shows the professional bodies who are offer credible certification for businesses. What’s great about these organizations is the products must not include any animal ingredients nor been tested on animals.

Similarly, the Eco Label Index contains a list of all accredited labels on cosmetics and personal care items. They cover a range of eco-credentials, from social performance to carbon neutrality.

Know your cosmetic ingredients. Unfortunately, many vegan products must rely on synthetic replacements for traditionally animal-based ingredients to ensure the quality of the product. While it’s great for animal welfare, these products may then have an increased eco-impact. To avoid falling for greenwash advertising, check the label to indicate whether the eco claims are valid.

Everyone has different standards for what they want to avoid, but a good rule is to check for the three p’s—parabens, petroleum jelly, and palm oil.

Use a trusted app to verify vegan and eco-credentials. The Think Dirty app makes checking products and their ingredients super simple. The app allows users to scan a product and will give you information on the product and ingredients, and can even suggest a better swap if you’ve picked up something heavy on the greenwash!

three easy vegan swaps to make in your bathroom today

Vegan Dental. Most toothpaste cannot be classified as vegan because of glycerin; a fat derived from animals. However, it can also be manufactured from vegetable fats, and many leading toothpaste brands are beginning to make the switch. Last year, Colgate released ‘Smile for Good’—an entirely vegan toothpaste that comes in a tube made from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), a widely recyclable plastic that is used for many other consumer bottles. 

Vegan Skincare. Skincare is essential—our largest organ deserves to be looked after, right? The amount of skincare available now is overwhelming. We need to use the proper skincare for our skin type, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help the world. Brands like eco club member Activist Skincare have combined vegan and cruelty-free with a low-waste approach, providing sustainable refills so that the packaging and the product are sustainable and vegan-friendly.

Vegan Bathing. If you’re looking for something environmentally-friendly for your shower, bar soap wins out over body wash every time. With so many wonderful small-batch bar soap companies out there offering vegan, palm-free, and cruelty-free soap in minimal packaging, this is one of your easiest vegan swaps! Think of how many plastic bottles of shower gel your household has sent to landfill in the last year alone compared with a long-lasting soap with no packaging.

If your skin type rallies against bar soap, try to find a local zero-waste store with cosmetic refills. These will almost always be vegan anyway but don’t forget to check the ingredients just in case, and you can refill your containers again and again.

Which vegan swaps have you made in your bathroom? See what else to consider before going vegan in my last post!

The post Easy Vegan Swaps for a Greener Bathroom appeared first on Eco Club.

For many vegans, there is now a major dilemma. Animal welfare and eco-friendly can’t always align. That’s not to say don’t become vegan—I haven’t touched meat since 1997—but because human needs are intersectional and varied, and not every vegan product is a sustainable choice. If your choice to remove animal products is first and foremost as a natural climate solution, it’s good to do some research into which alternatives best suit your lifestyle and beliefs. With that knowledge, you can also inform your meat-eating loved ones of the best options for them rather than demanding veganism (because we all know how that goes).

photo by Dima DallAcqua

This may mean getting your whole family involved in the cooking process—learning to cook at home can make children more mindful of where food comes from, reduces waste, and increases mindfulness around diet and meat consumption. You can also consider carbon emissions and water use in production, your attitude toward secondhand clothing made of animal-based fabrics such as wool, leather or silk, (because secondhand is always better than new), and whether ‘cruelty-free’ or ‘vegan’ labeling is more important to your overall actions.

Of course, food is the biggest change in lifestyle for any and every vegan. It is an essential part of everyday life. Luckily, vegan food is delicious. But it’s ok to acknowledge that meat-free isn’t the only eco choice.

veganism is noble – but it takes research

The most important thing to know about becoming a vegan or supporting loved ones in their plant-based journey is that it is a positive action with a positive impact. If you are concerned that your choices may still carry too much impact in contrast to your intentions, there are two effortless steps to cleaning up your diet, wardrobe, and cosmetics and reducing your carbon footprint that anyone can do.

The first is to be mindful of your purchases and curb the habit of impulse shopping. Instead, buy less and buy better.

Secondly, research products before purchase to see how they align with your reasons for choosing veganism. The simplest way to do this is to have a list of ingredients you commit to avoiding. There’s no doubt that palm oil should be at the top of that list, not just for vegans but for everyone. Responsible for the destruction of vast areas of Indonesia’s forests, oil palm plantations are in such high demand that in Borneo, there is now less than half the population of Orangutans that existed 100 years ago. This disrupts ecosystems, destroys biodiversity, ultimately contributing to the climate crisis. Reducing demand is a powerful tool—use it!

food produces nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions

It’s time for us to stand up and use our individual power for good.

When the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) published ‘Climate Change and Land’ in 2019, the report outlined the stark choice in front of us—we need positive action. One of the key points in the report was that with a global livestock industry producing 37% of all greenhouse gas emissions—more than the combined emissions of transportation—we need to rethink our diets, not only for environmental reasons but because we risk food insecurity, especially in impoverished nations.

You have the right to know where your food comes from, and thankfully today, it’s easier than ever to make healthy and informed choices. Researching the provenance and origin of your food takes seconds. Free mobile apps like Giki provide the actual environmental cost of your food choices, providing information on how ethical, sustainable, and responsibly-sourced products are, right down to their packaging.

It’s easy to think that individual choices won’t make a difference until global corporations begin to change. While our contributions may be small in comparison, they are still infinitely better than not making any lifestyle changes at all. Individuals are precisely where change begins.

there are livestock farms getting it right

We’ve so much reason to hope; small-scale, ecologically aware farms are on the rise to combat industrial mass-farming. They’re offering a more ethical approach to meat consumption, with improving biodiversity at the heart of their work.

And they’re desperately needed as intensive farming in areas of high deforestation is wreaking havoc on the environment. It’s estimated that cattle ranching is the cause of 80% of Amazonian deforestation. In turn, cattle ranches are responsible for 62% of all agricultural emissions. Those figures can’t be ignored.

However, small-scale, low-density farming methods, such as those used at Knepp Castle Estate in the UK, provide a picture of successful low-impact farming for free-roaming herbivores that has all-important rewilding at its heart. By allowing herds to exist naturally to the point of near-wildness, within a landscape where there is no chemical, medicinal or grain-feed interference, the wild comes back. For instance, restoring agricultural landscapes damaged by over-farming, wild flora rich in fumaric acid returns, which scientists have discovered can inhibit livestock methane production by 70%—a major natural win for a stable future.

As an individual, you’re making a huge difference when you use your informed decisions for good. You don’t have to eat the meat, but it’s essential to acknowledge that there are alternative sustainable livestock farming methods that should be celebrated and that the ecosystem-wide benefits they create are a major win for the environment, providing low carbon, local meat to those who don’t wish to become plant-based.

If a complete vegan commitment is not for you, or perhaps your family, including organic, pasture-fed meat occasionally in your diet increases the demand for responsible and ethical farming. Many companies deliver organic meat box subscriptions right to your door, so you can easily make the switch to higher-quality, ethically sourced meat.

veganism doesn’t work for everyone – really

Veganism doesn’t work on a worldwide scale. Many communities rely on animal products for survival as both food and income. One of the major criticisms of ‘Seaspiracy’ was the lack of BIPOC voices, especially from indigenous communities whose fishing methods have protected the future of the oceans for years through balanced knowledge of the land and sea. Those methods are much more environmentally sound than the increased demand for almond milk and avocados, which in large-scale farming are hugely detrimental to local regions and species, including bees. In 2018, the almond industry was responsible for the deaths of 50 million bees, which the almond industry needs for pollination.

That figure doesn’t sound particularly vegan, does it?

final thoughts

Eating seasonally and choosing local are the greenest options, with greengrocers and farmer’s markets being the best place to find optimal produce. Planning your menu in line with the seasons means that you’ll enjoy fresh produce grown locally, minimizing your carbon footprint and maximizing the variety of crops in your diet. You’ll also have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with those who grow and rear your food, learning more about the process from field to fork.

It’s important to accept that part of a sustainable future is understanding that not everyone can make the same lifestyle changes. Those of us with the privilege to make the vegan decision deserve the very best knowledge to understand it, and be able to have conversations about it. Because ultimately, becoming vegan is the greenest choice, and when you bolster that with further eco-credentials, you’re doing good.

What is your take on the vegan dilemma? What has helped you on your journey to a more sustainable lifestyle?

The post What To Consider Before Going Vegan appeared first on Eco Club.

Acetate is one of the earliest human-made synthetic fibers that uses the reaction between plant material and specific acids. Originally used as a textile before versions akin to plastic were developed, it has proved to be very versatile and is now found in many everyday objects, including felt tip pens, cigarette filters, and diapers. Its properties have allowed it to become a popular alternative to virgin plastic for eco brands. With claims of biodegradability and recyclability, it seems a logical evolution in the manufacturing of traditionally plastic wares, from sunglasses to glitter.

But are the sustainability claims too good to be true?

photo by Joanna Nix-Walkup

what is acetate, and how is it made?

Acetate is a general term that defines several different polymer substances derived from a material known as cellulose acetate. In almost all cases, it is produced from natural plant sources—usually tree pulp or wood chips, scientifically called cellulose. To make acetate, cellulose undergoes a process known as ‘acetylating’ where acids are used to create a powder before it is melted and stretched into threads or non-polymer plastics to create the final product.

It has risen in popularity with eco brands looking for alternatives to plastic, especially in the accessory and cosmetic industries. Italian firm, Mazzuchelli, is one of the leading cellulose acetate manufacturers popular with eco sunglass brands the world over. In 2011, they developed a new material known as M49 Bioplastic. With certification, they claim that their current cellulose acetate formula is 100% eco-friendly. Yet, digging deeper, their process uses fibers from cotton seeds, conifers, and broadleaves. While sustainable cotton production and tree harvesting are possible (for instance, if it is produced low-scale at a renewable site), not all manufacturers will have the same eco interests beyond greenwashing.

is acetate biodegradable, and can it be recycled?

To ensure your eco-conscience remains intact, look for brands using European or Japanese acetate manufacturers as these are leading the way in bio acetate. It’s important to remember that just because something can be sent to landfill, it doesn’t give us a fast fashion pass.

Brands creating entirely acetate sunglasses, including lenses, claim that they can be sent to landfill at the end of their life and will biodegrade in such environments. (That doesn’t take into account that you could replace the lenses if needed and skip trashing them altogether.) While acetate will biodegrade, little research has been done to allow every— or indeed any—acetate to be certified biodegradable. Research in 2010 indicated that “due to the additional acetyl groups cellulose acetate requires the presence of esterases for the first step in biodegradation.” This means that the process needs to be kickstarted if you’re hoping the glasses completely decompose. Basically, chucking them might not be as green as we’re led to believe.

Fortunately, acetate recycling IS possible, and some of the greenest companies recycle their acetate waste into other products. Unfortunately for those of us at home, there are relatively few places where that is possible. This isn’t unusual. Many types of plastic are technically recyclable but rely on the consumer sending directly to a company like TerraCycle to ensure it reaches the right recycling plant.

And currently, there are no acetate recycling facilities in the US. This is problematic and greenwashing at its most subtle; while the claim that it can be recycled is valid, it’s irrelevant if there’s nowhere to recycle them. 

The best way to make sure that your acetate can be recycled is to choose a brand that allows you to return the product directly to them for recycling and remanufacture.

does that mean all acetate is a greenwashing campaign?

It’s easy to confuse natural with environmentally friendly. After all, fossil fuels are naturally occurring substances. It’s what we do with, and how we gather, these materials that causes problems. Overall, acetate is a better choice than virgin plastic. As long as companies manufacture it responsibly and disposal can be done efficiently, bio acetates ultimately carry less of a footprint, and unlike their plastic-based counterparts, will decompose. Choose products manufactured from bio acetate produced in factories under strict regulations, such as the EU’s REACH laws for bonus sustainability points.

Natural resources used, processed, and manufactured sustainably are key to the future. This, unfortunately, leaves any material open to greenwashing. For example, while we know many of the benefits of bamboo, it still needs to be farmed sustainably. One thing to look out for is language when making your choices; consider the subtle difference between ‘ocean-bound plastic’ and ‘recycled ocean plastic’—which do you think is greener when you unpack the meaning?

final thoughts

Acetate is not a catch-all solution to the problem of plastics, but its benefits are enough to generally make it a better choice. But it pays to be diligent when it comes to communications and product descriptions. If a brand can’t back up claims with clear facts and references to suppliers, you’re right to be suspicious.

Remember to check out the supply chain, including where the virgin plant cellulose comes from, that the product is definitely a bio acetate, and ensure you have a way to recycle or return the end product!

What other materials are you curious about? Let us know what we should look into next!

The post Is Acetate Eco Friendly? appeared first on Eco Club.

While some eco bathroom options—such as solid deodorant, shampoo bars, and menstrual cups—are slowly becoming mainstream staples, there are other surprising and simple ways that you can create a sustainable bathroom.

check your timings

It seems obvious that showers are greener than baths, but that comes with some caveats. While a short shower is the best option, the average shower still pumps out nearly 20 litres of water every minute. With the average household bathtub holding just under 140 litres, it only takes 7 minutes in the shower before the bath becomes the less wasteful option.

If you’re getting ready for work—or back home for the day—a short five-minute shower is your best choice. Just don’t put the shower on before you get in! But when you’re looking to pamper yourself, don’t feel guilty about using the tub.

swap your toilet paper

The average American goes through 141 rolls of toilet paper a year. Not only does toilet paper production lead to mass deforestation —with most toilet paper still made from virgin wood pulp rather than recycled materials—it also goes through an intensive chemical process that requires 37 litres of water to manufacture just ONE roll.

Switch to recycled toilet paper, or go one better and find a sustainably produced bamboo alternative like eco club member Reel. They not only create their toilet paper from verified sustainable bamboo crop but also help to provide access to clean toilets for those without. Most toilet paper subscription services have also eradicated plastic packaging, meaning that the parts you can’t use, can be recycled.

switch your sunscreen

No one would deny that SPF is one of the most crucial skincare steps. However, every year an average of 14,000 tonnes is believed to end up in the ocean, adding chemicals to already troubled waters. Coral reefs are particularly at harm from these toxins, but luckily there are easy ways to be reef-safe with your sunblock. The HEL List lists all the known pollutants used in sunscreen so that you can check your own before purchase.

As a general rule, opt for organic or vegan sunscreens that don’t contain parabens, petrochemicals or oxybenzone. Bonus points if you opt for blocks or creams over aerosols and choose products that come in non-plastic or recyclable packaging. 

simplify your makeup routine

An already thriving industry, the makeup and beauty world has exploded with the support of influencers using YouTube and Instagram to tell us about the latest wonder product. ‘Hauls’ of products gifted to the influencers convinced many of us to start stocking up on every must-have mascara, nail polish or hot cloth cleanser.

But you can only wear one mascara at a time, and all cosmetics have a shelf life, leading to many half-full bottles and tubes of product ending up in the trash. Instead, we should be prioritising quality over quantity. Save your money for your favourite items, choosing the best foundation, mascara, shadows and lipsticks for you. There is nothing more classic than having a signature look.

Unfortunately, ‘organic’ makeup is still unregulated, but checking the ingredients lists (Palm Oil is still found in over 70% of cosmetics and toiletries) and choosing vegan products is a good starting point.

change your towels

Traditionally towels, face cloths and bathrobes are made from cotton, one of the most chemically-intensive, water-fuelled, unsustainable materials we use. Don’t throw away any perfectly good towels; instead, look after them by avoiding fabric conditioner, adding vinegar to the wash occasionally, and using a dryer ball while laundering. But when it does come time to get some new ones in, choose towels made from that eco bathroom favourite— bamboo!

 How have you created a more sustainable bathroom? Share your tips in the comments!

The post How To Make Your Bathroom More Sustainable appeared first on Eco Club.

But are there pitfalls to this plant revolution? With many species imported from other countries and an increasing desire to be sustainable at home, more and more of us are asking how to ensure our blossoming collections can be as good for the environment as they are for us.

Here are five of the best ways to nurture sustainable houseplants:

Less is more

With so many shops and online subscriptions for houseplants cropping up, and apartment living on the rise (no green space included) it’s no wonder that people want to fill their homes with a little bit of the great outdoors. Just like with any hobby, it’s easy to get carried away as you become more knowledgeable and start to covet more exotic species to plant parent.

Like all consumerism, the best approach is to not buy on impulse and look into the implications of rarer species before making a purchase. We don’t all need a Fiddle Leaf Fig or Variegated Monstera, however beautiful they are. After all, using plants minimally doesn’t alter their impact or mood-lifting qualities. And having less means more time to take care of the ones you do have, instead of becoming overwhelmed when a passionate hobby becomes an obsession.

Plant swap

With so many people now enjoying living plants, why not learn to propagate and start, or join, a plant swapping community? Nothing is quite as sustainable as growing your own, and in doing so you aren’t contributing to the same level of import carbon emissions or uprooting plants from their native home.

Become a plant nurse

With so many stores now boasting houseplants for sale, it’s unsurprising that many end up neglected and on sale. While these plants might not be in great shape, they can almost always be nursed back to health and flourish. The right light and watering schedule can make all the difference alongside careful pruning of any shoots, stems and leaves that are too far gone. A leafless seedling Yucca I purchased for $1.00 now sits in pride of place in my home and is getting ready to move on to the next pot size.

Reuse plastic pots

If you’re lucky, you can find houseplants in biodegradable pots but the majority still come in the mass-produced terracotta or black plastic pots that aren’t suitable for recycling. If you’re into propagation, they’re perfect for growing and nurturing your cuttings once they reach the soil stage. Otherwise, to ensure they avoid landfill, you can ask your local garden centre if they’d like them, or offer them up on freecycle to another avid grower!

Get native

Native plants are vital to gardens as they promote healthy ecosystems. Unfortunately, there aren’t many native North American plants suitable for indoors, except for two and luckily they’re great plant genus: cacti and succulents. Some ferns can also be kept indoors, such as American Maidenhair Fern, but they often require a little more work. 

Overall, successfully caring for any plant, whether in the ground or hanging from a macrame shelf, is infinitely easier if it is native. Much of the hard work has been done for you when caring for plants already evolved to the climate you’re in. They may not have quite the same eco-prowess that a garden native would have, but with a combination of lower carbon footprints and a warm feeling of familiarity, they’re a pretty special thing to have in your home.

Which houseplants do you have? Do you have a favorite local spot for buying sustainable houseplants?

The post 5 Ways To Make Your Houseplant Collection As Green As Their Leaves appeared first on Eco Club.

Until then, weighing up which issues matter most to you is an excellent way to becoming more sustainable in your shopping habits. While these three pillars are succinct, they are built on the foundations of many other issues, and the UN Sustainability Goals are a great resource for learning about these and aligning them with your most significant concerns. Perhaps you want to support businesses with a positive labor track record, or maybe you are keen to support companies who are carbon offsetting. Nobody can solve sustainability alone, but if we all commit to one purposeful pillar, we can make a hugely positive impact overall.

It’s a popular argument, and not necessarily wrong, to say that the changes need to come from the top down; that tackling climate change is the responsibility of major corporations and governments. Yet, consumer power still exists, and if everyone committed to a better world uses the tools they do have—in this case, voice and money—to demand these values are upheld, we have a healthier future ahead of us.

Three ways to find out how sustainable a business is

1. Explore their website. Look for transparency in their policies and other literature. Do they show where their products are manufactured? Are they open about wages? Their diversity policy? Or do they fail to mention? Then, look for specifics in any environmental commitments they make, such as checking the validity of claims such as charity partners. And if the answer remains unclear, ask for one by emailing them. And if something is clear, but you think they can do better, let them know how.

2. Look for certifications. Several sustainable certifications can be awarded to businesses of any size. The best way to check the credentials of a claimed certification is to go directly to the organization providing it. There, you can learn more about how they certify a company. Two to look out for with major industries are Fair Trade (for workers’ rights) and B-Corp (for all three pillars). This doesn’t mean you should write off every business that hasn’t been certified, but it’s a helpful place to start.

3. Use an app for easy research. Many free apps are now available to help everyone shop consciously, such as Sustainable Life App which helps you discover a range of shops, products, and services near you. Ethical fashion is booming, and so are apps to help you find out how sustainable a brand is. Good on You offers a comprehensive guide for major fashion brands globally. GoodHuman features brands of all kinds. Search for your favorites, and you’ll be able to read about their overall rating plus a breakdown of their Labour, Environment and Animal policies. Just search ‘sustainability’ in your Appstore, and you’ll come up with a variety of options that can help you to build an app collection that prioritizes what matters most to you or even track the carbon impact of your purchases.

The three pillars of sustainability work beyond business plans and growth. They create accountability for every type of business, highlighting the genuine need for change for the good of everyone and everything that lives on earth, as well as the planet itself. It might not be easy for businesses of old to change but pivoting to ethical policies is a safeguard for a promising, sustainable future.

How do you find out if a company is sustainable or ethical? Let us know in the comments.

The post Here’s Why Knowing The Three Pillars of Sustainability Is So Important appeared first on Eco Club.