Enter the Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2025. Developed by BioDB in collaboration with the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University, the NCI provides a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of biodiversity and conservation efforts across 180 countries. It evaluates nations using 26 performance indicators across four core pillars: land management, threats to biodiversity, capacity and governance, and future trends. It acts as a sophisticated diagnostic tool, translating ecological complexity into a transparent roadmap for governments, researchers, and the public alike.

The Missing Piece: The Biodiversity Intactness Index

Every year, scientific methods evolve to offer a more accurate picture of our planet’s health. The standout addition for the 2025 version of the NCI is the integration of a vital new parameter: the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII).

To understand why the BII is a game-changer, we must look at how conservation has traditionally been measured. For years, a country’s green credentials were often judged by the sheer size of its protected areas. If a nation declared 20% of its territory a national park, it received a badge of success. However, this approach created a loophole known as “paper parks”—regions that are strictly protected on a map but are, in reality, severely degraded, deforested, or devoid of wildlife.

The Biodiversity Intactness Index changes the conversation by measuring quality rather than just quantity. It models how ecological communities (animals, plants, and fungi) have changed in response to human pressures.

Instead of merely looking at a reserve’s borders, the BII estimates how much of a region’s original, natural biodiversity remains intact. A higher BII score indicates an ecosystem that is close to its original, natural state, where species thrive at sufficiently high abundances to withstand environmental shocks. By including this metric, the NCI 2025 ensures a much more honest assessment of global conservation, rewarding nations that prioritize true ecological health over empty declarations.

Why the Nature Conservation Index (NCI) Matters Now: The Imminent Climate Threat

The release of the NCI 2025 arrives at a time when climate change is no longer a distant warning for future generations; it is an imminent reality playing out in real-time. As global temperatures rise, the undeniable synergy between biodiversity loss and climate instability becomes clear.

We cannot solve the climate crisis without solving the biodiversity crisis. Healthy, intact ecosystems are the planet’s primary defense mechanisms against warming. Old-growth forests, peatlands, mangroves, and seagrass meadows function as natural carbon sinks, quietly absorbing and locking away vast amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide. When these ecosystems are degraded, they don’t just stop absorbing carbon—they actively release the carbon they’ve stored back into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.

This relationship is a two-way street. Climate change drives biodiversity loss as erratic weather patterns, severe droughts, and wildfires push species past their biological limits. In turn, a degraded ecosystem loses its resilience. A forest stripped of its natural biodiversity is far more vulnerable to disease and pests, making it less able to withstand drought or prevent soil erosion during a typhoon. The NCI 2025 highlights this loop, showing us that protecting wildlife and plants is a direct investment in atmospheric stability.

Shaping National Efforts and Global Commitments

The true value of the Nature Conservation Index 2025 lies in its ability to anchor global environmental targets to national accountability. Under the international Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, nearly 200 countries have committed to the ambitious “30×30” goal—a pledge to protect at least 30% of the world’s land and oceans by the year 2030.

While making a global pledge is simple, implementing it at the national level is incredibly complex. Every country faces unique challenges, whether from geographic constraints, economic pressures, or gaps in governance capacity. The NCI 2025 breaks down these barriers by providing localized, structured data. It allows individual nations to pinpoint exactly where their strategies are succeeding and where they are falling short.

For instance, the 2025 rankings reveal that Northern and Baltic European countries—with Estonia ranking first globally at 69.9, followed closely by Denmark and Luxembourg—are leading the charge due to strong governance and a focus on ecological integrity. Meanwhile, countries facing severe habitat conversion or limited resources rank lower on the index, signaling where international support and targeted funding need to be directed.

By utilizing the NCI, a country can ensure that its climate mitigation funds are spent effectively. Instead of funding random green initiatives, governments can use NCI data to invest in restoring highly degraded areas with immense carbon-sinking potential, or in protecting areas with high BII scores that serve as irreplaceable biodiversity strongholds.

Moving From Awareness to Action

In an era frequently dominated by overwhelming and discouraging environmental headlines, the Nature Conservation Index 2025 offers a refreshing, practical perspective. It moves the conversation away from vague political promises and anchors it firmly in measurable, verifiable outcomes.

Maintaining the functional integrity of our natural world is not a luxury or an afterthought; it is the foundation of the systems that provide our air, water, food, and climate stability. The NCI 2025 provides the clarity we need to protect what remains and restore what has been lost, proving that nature remains our greatest and most reliable ally in creating a resilient future.

Prachi Bishnoi

Prachi, an accomplished Chief-Editor at The Sustainable Brands Journal, has 15+ years of experience in Europe, the Middle East, and India, managing 90+ global sustainable brands. She’s a prolific writer in sustainability, contributing to various publications. Prachi’s unwavering passion and expertise make her a recognized authority, driving positive change and inspiring a sustainable future.

The post Mapping Ecological Health: An Introduction to the Nature Conservation Index 2025 appeared first on The Sustainable Brands Journal.

The programme is structured to help students understand the factors that impact the environment while having fun and using their creativity and experiences to engage with the topic. It will be available in Jordan, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain. The objective is to reach 1,000 children by the end of 2026, with the aim of extending the programme to other countries and schools in the Middle East.

It aligns with Veolia’s GreenUp 2027 strategic programme, which aims to accelerate the deployment of concrete solutions to depollute, decarbonize and regenerate resources. It also supports ongoing local efforts within the Near and Middle East to enhance environmental awareness through targeted educational initiatives in schools.

The programme is named after Veolia’s motto of “Resourcing the World,” and spreads across five topics: Circular Economy and Waste Management, Water, Energy, Food Waste, and Climate Change. Each module is 40 minutes and is led by a cohort of experienced teachers, equipped with digital toolkits. The modules also include quizzes, videos, in-class and at-home activities, interactive workshops, and games to ensure enhanced participation and engagement from students.

Students will also have the opportunity to visit Veolia’s plants and sites involved in wastewater treatment and waste management, gaining firsthand experience in ecological transformation from the global leader in the field.

Education is a cornerstone of Veolia’s local engagement and a key part of its strategic plan. Through programmes like Junior Resourcers, Veolia is taking action to help future generations understand environmental issues and develop the skills needed to design, implement, and sustain solutions for a more sustainable future.

SBJ Author

The post Veolia launches digital education initiative to boost environmental awareness in schools across UAE, Jordan and Kuwait appeared first on The Sustainable Brands Journal.

chemicals from desalination waste

Jubail, Saudi Arabia – Wednesday 19 November 2025 – Ebb, a pioneering water technology
company, has partnered with the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), the government entity
regulating the Kingdom’s water sector, to decarbonize desalination at an unprecedented scale.
With Saudi Arabia accounting for 22% of global desalination capacity, the partnership targets
megaton-level CO₂ removal within the next decade while improving freshwater recovery and
overall plant efficiency.
By integrating Ebb’s electrochemical system with Saudi Arabia’s desalination facilities, the
partnership aims to transform desalination brine into a valuable resource that supports
sustainable growth, water security and decarbonization. The initial deployment will take place at
SWA’s state-of-the-art research and development facility in Jubail at The Water Technologies
Innovation Institute and Research Advancements (WTIIRA), one of the world’s foremost centers
for next-generation desalination technology.
With Saudi Arabia accounting for 22% of global desalination capacity, this milestone project will
establish the foundation for scaling across SWA’s national desalination network, directly
advancing Vision 2030’s goals of environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and
technological innovation.
Ebb enters this partnership with extensive validation from multiple U.S. pilots, including multi-
year demonstrations with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory (PNNL) and Project Macoma in Washington state.
Desalination is essential to the Kingdom’s water security and economic development and
continues to expand rapidly to meet rising demand—with capacity projected to increase 10%
from 16 million to 17.8 million cubic meters per day by 2030. Historically, the brine produced by
desalination has had no value—treated simply as a waste byproduct of freshwater production.
Now, through its partnership with Ebb, the Saudi Water Authority is transforming this brine into a
valuable resource, using innovative electrochemical technology that integrates seamlessly with
existing desalination systems.
Ebb’s electrochemical system converts desalination brine into three valuable products: caustic
soda, hydrochloric acid, and a low-salinity brine that can be recycled back into the desalination
process to extract additional freshwater. Both the caustic soda and acid can be reused within
desalination plants or supplied to nearby industries—including aluminum refining, energy
operations, and other industrial processes critical to the Kingdom’s economy. The caustic soda
can also be used to enhance seawater alkalinity, kickstarting a natural process that permanently
removes CO₂ from the atmosphere. This innovation supports the Kingdom’s broader goal of

developing a circular, self-sustaining industrial ecosystem, turning what was previously
considered waste into a source of national value.
By integrating Ebb’s technology with its desalination infrastructure, the Saudi Water Authority is
unlocking new environmental value for the Kingdom. SWA’s desalination plants have the
potential to remove 85 megatons of CO₂ each year, directly contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision
2030 Net Zero objectives, while increasing plant efficiency. Beyond carbon removal, the process
also helps restore ocean chemistry by lowering acidity levels caused by excess atmospheric
carbon—benefiting marine ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf. These outcomes build on scientific
studies conducted in the United States, which demonstrated measurable improvements in
ocean chemistry when Ebb’s process is deployed.
“This partnership represents a transformative moment for both desalination and carbon removal.
By integrating Ebb’s technology with SWA’s desalination infrastructure, we’re proving that
addressing water scarcity and climate change aren’t competing priorities—they’re
complementary solutions. SWA’s forward-thinking approach demonstrates how the desalination
industry can unlock immense value and be a critical part of addressing some of the world’s most
complex challenges profitably.” Ben Tarbell, Ebb’s CEO and Co-founder.
“This groundbreaking partnership demonstrates how Saudi Arabia is leveraging its position as
the world’s largest desalinated water producer to create entirely new industries. The technology
can be manufactured locally, creating jobs and reducing our reliance on imported chemicals,
while our deployment establishes a model for the broader GCC region and water-scarce nations
worldwide. We are not simply adopting technology – we are building a domestic carbon removal
industry that supports government priorities’ economic diversification and positions the Kingdom
as an exporter of climate solutions.” Tariq Alghaffari, SWA Vice President for Research &
Promising Technologies.

-Ends-

About Ebb
Ebb is pioneering electrochemical water technology that tackles two of the world’s most urgent
challenges: the growing demand for freshwater and the need to remove gigatons of carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere. By leveraging existing global desalination infrastructure, Ebb’s
approach can unlock billions of tons of CO₂ removal potential annually while simultaneously
increasing freshwater production. Ebb was founded in 2021 by leading scientists, engineers,
and seasoned climate tech entrepreneurs with more than six decades of combined experience
developing and scaling breakthrough clean technologies at SolarCity, Tesla, and Google X.

About SWA
The Saudi Water Authority is the competent authority in the Kingdom for all water system affairs
at the supervisory and regulatory level and strategic support for the sector through regulatory

oversight and supervision, sustainable water management, improving services, enhancing
capabilities and economic growth, innovation and technology, and environmental protection.

SBJ Author

The post Saudi Water Authority partners with Ebb Carbon to launch world-first desalination appeared first on The Sustainable Brands Journal.

Learn how hydroponics, the innovative soil-free farming method, saves water, increases yields, and supports sustainable living. Discover its benefits, types, and future potential in combating soil degradation and meeting global food demands.

About Hydroponics 

When we think about growing vegetables all we can imagine are our long fields, rows of tilted soil, farmers working in the toiling sunlight. Well, though the majority of the world’s agriculture happens this way, there are other ways where we can use less water and no soil. Yes, you heard it right, growing without soil! Hydroponics is one of the most trending forms of growing clean and organic vegetables and fruits. Yet many people are not aware of what exactly hydroponics is and how can we exactly grow without soil? 

Hydroponics is the art of growing plants in water without soil. It is a scientific method where we must mix nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and calcium in the water for better quality fresh vegetables full of nutrients. With the help of mixed nutrients and exposure to sunlight, the process of photosynthesis takes place. The roots of the plants get a chance to grow as they absorb the oxygen from the air. Hydroponics farming is a systemic process, there are panels where the plants are kept, and the water goes through. It is also known as aquaculture or tank farming. Countries like Japan, Canada, the U.S, India, U.K are widely using this method. The U.K has a huge production size of 54 million pounds followed by the U.S with 47.5 million pounds of vegetables and fruits. Vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, pakchoi, beetroots, mint, basil are widely grown in hydroponics.  

Benefits of Hydroponics Farming

1. Saves soil degradation- Since hydroponics is all about using water, air, and nutrients, it saves soil from being used for agriculture and from harmful pesticides.

2. Less Space Needed– Compared to traditional agricultural methods, hydroponics uses less space i.e., in a small area you can grow a lot!

3. Water Conservation– Hydroponics uses a lesser amount of water compared to traditional farming. In conservative farming, we waste a lot of water in the process of irrigation and for mixing toxins. So, this saves the water from being polluted as well as from being used excessively. Hydroponics can use about 99% less water than traditional farming. 
4. Locally Grown- Vegetables grown from hydroponics can be grown indoors as well in urban cities with lesser space also. Hence, it saves transportation time as well as cost. Your greens come to your door farm fresh!

5. Increased plant yields– There is a higher yield of plants and vegetables grown through hydroponics as in lesser space we can grow more as they can be placed close to each other. Use of nutrients, water, and sunlight plants tend to grow faster. 

6. Reduce wastage– In our traditional farming, wastage is quite a bit, but with hydroponics, the nutrients of water can be reused until it is depleted making it reduce wastage during the production of plants and vegetables. It is also a cleaner for farming as the soil is not used and can be done throughout the year. 
7. Contribution to Sustainable living- The growing human population and increasing demand and supply have resulted in soil depletion, deforestation, and water pollution. Agriculture has been one of the major contributors to water pollution and soil pollution. The increased use of pesticides and chemicals degraded our soil quality. Not only that, a lot of forests all over the world are being burnt so that the land could be used for agriculture. The food that is usually found in the cities lacks proper natural taste and is harmful to our health as well. So, processes like hydroponics help us save acres of land and conserve our water and soil.

 Hydroponics can result in vertical farming as it requires less space, and the temperature is also controlled. With increased awareness start-ups are now focusing on hydroponic farming, as it is the future. One of the largest hydroponic vertical farming is being built in Dubai, covering 130000 square foot land which is equivalent to 900 acres of land and is aiming to produce 6000 pounds of food every day. It aims to use less water with sustainable technologies and produce more. This is an economic decision for them as it will save them from importing food from outside the country. 

Types Of Hydroponics

There are various types of hydroponic techniques that can be used as per our budget, space, and feasibility. Below are some types which have been used widely:

1. Wick System– This is the simplest form of hydroponics and doesn’t even require the use of electricity. In this system, nylon wicks are used before sending the plants into the nutritional solution. It does not require much water and is ideal for small spaces and it can be grown by anyone!

2. Water Culture system– In this system, the plants are directly allowed to go into the nutrient water and is also another simple technique for hydroponics. Even bigger plants can be grown by this method.

3. Ebb and Flow system– This system is one of the frequently used methods as it requires the least amount of maintenance and low costs. In this method the farmers usually flood the area with nutrient water with the help of a pump, let the plants absorb the nutrient, and then drain it. 

4. Deep Water Culture– This method is widely used for growing vegetables and is easy to use and expand as well. In this method, they simply put the plants into the water with a solution of oxygen as well as nutrients. 

5. Aeroponic System– In this method, the plants are suspended in the air. There are nozzles placed near the roots of plants and spray nutrients in the form of mists. According to the size of the plants, the reservoir must be made deep. This could be an expensive method. 

Things To Be Cautious About 

As we harvest out fresh fruits and vegetables from Hydroponics, we need to be careful about the following things:

1. Food safety and cleanliness of water must be maintained as the roots of plants may get diseases like Pathogens
2. Proper storage and cleaning of plants is necessary
3. Hydroponics could be grown indoors and outdoors so one must be careful about the energy being used. Sometimes, there could be a need for artificial lighting as well! They require electricity as well. Thus, we need to make sure the energy we use is sustainable and clean.

CONCLUSION

According to a UN projection, the global population would reach 10 billion by 2050. Our planet has limited resources and its exploitation has already cost us a lot. To conserve and consciously use our resources we need to come out with innovative ideas like hydroponics. If we manage to milk this method of farming and educate farmers as well, this could help the entire planet. People are now required to be aware of the importance and benefits of Hydroponics. Hydroponics will help save our planet from land and water pollution. It can also lessen deforestation. Hence governments and new upcoming start-ups should focus on this and produce fresh products sustainably. Let’s eat fresh greens and let our planet remain green!

Prachi

thesustainablebrandsjournal.com

The post HYDROPONICS AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING appeared first on The Sustainable Brands Journal.

Discover the transformative impact of community gardens on urban living! Learn how they combat food deserts, promote fresh produce, reduce pollution, foster sustainability, and strengthen community bonds. Explore the benefits and steps to start your own for a healthier planet and lifestyle.

Is there anything more amazing  than growing greens on your own? Well, when we live in cities, seeing greenery is rare and the adulterated food that we eat, just takes away the entire pleasure of having good food.  Our situation is not commendable as many urban cities in the world have become “Food Desert” where they don’t get fresh fruits and vegetables, all they get is food filled with harmful chemicals. This is a serious issue as it is not only harming our health but also the environment. With every problem there comes a solution, and to save our planet and start living sustainably Community Gardens are one of our major solutions. It could not only grow your fruits or vegetables it could also be there for recreational activities. 

Community gardens, as the name suggests is a garden where the members of a certain locality or community can come together and grow their fruits and vegetables. The whole idea behind community gardening is to take a break from our routine work and spend some time with nature and grow your food. This will benefit not only humans but the entire ecosystem.

Benefits of Community Gardens on the environment

 Community gardens create a sharing economy, where individuals realize how important sharing is, sharing not only with humans but all the creatures of the planet.  Below are some of the benefits of having community gardens and how can it save the environment:

• Improving the air quality: With the rise in the number of community gardens, the air that we breathe will become better. It will create greenery, more oxygen and better air quality. During the rainy season the gardens would absorb the excess of water and help keep cities cleaner. In the long run more community gardens result in reducing climate change and cleaner air. 

• Fresh Produce: The main purpose of community gardens is to produce fresh, whether it’s our fruits or vegetables. The juicy cherry tomatoes and lush green salad leaves would satisfy our taste buds. Fresh fruits and vegetables naturally increase the intake of pure food. 

Decrease in chemicals directly benefits the environment and saves the depletion of soil. It is a step forward to save our planet. 

• Concept of Composting- In our everyday lives we all produce some organic waste which could easily act as manure for the gardens. When we collectively  collect organic waste, and reuse it for our gardens,it helps us use less chemicals and makes us more conscious about reducing, reusing and recycling. 

Decomposition of plants and other organisms creates nutrients for the soil and improves the quality of soil. This naturally results in better grown food supplies. The process of decomposition helps us to encourage organic gardens and creation of better green places. 

• Increase in Physical Activity: Growing your fruits and vegetables is not easy, it requires a lot of physical work. This can become a good workout for people and benefit our mind, body and soul as it boosts your physical and mental health.

• Food Miles: Food Miles are basically the distance food is travelled to reach its final destination i.e. consumers. Everyday thousands of trucks carrying our fresh fruits and vegetables travel from one place to another. These trucks emit a lot of pollutants and greenhouse gases, and the freshness of the food doesn’t remain the same. Hence community farming reduces the food travel time and there is reduction in carbon footprints. 

• Reduction in Packaging materials: By growing our food, we are reducing the number of packaging materials, distribution and the number of middlemen involved. This reduction is an excellent solution to reduce packaging waste and goes parallel with sustainable living.

• Strengthening Communities: Community farming plays a major role in creating awareness and educating people about good food and quality living. Community farming cannot be done by a single person, it requires everyone’s contribution, and needs a leadership team who can take that extra step and work a little extra to benefit the community members.  It creates a sense of unity and bond amongst the neighbours. It improves social belongingness and enables us to explore more about what we all can do to grow our own.

• Increased employment opportunities- The purpose of community garden is to engage its members. It helps to enhance the local system and contribute to the economy by localizing production. It increases employment opportunities and hence locally reduces poverty. 

• Changing Mindsets: Community gardens could be in urban, sub urban or even rural areas. It could be started at a vacant or unused plot or in places where there is extra space like schools, hospitals. When we start creating community gardens in the school premises, they subconsciously make students aware about the importance of “reduce, reuse and recycle”. The learning that takes place during your childhood is something one can never forget, so creating one near schools and making children part of it is like making the future generation adapt to this sustainable lifestyle change. 

Community gardens also reduce crime rates, as unused land would now being used productively. 

Food is a basic human necessity and it helps to create food security and reduces waste materials as people would be able to use their organic waste as manure.

Points to think before starting a Community Garden

1. Creating a group of dedicated members who are ready to take responsibilities
2. Finding a proper plot for the garden, it cannot be very small and should be     preferably flat
3. Whether the plot receives enough sunlight and is the water supply possible for irrigation
4. Proper planned design of the garden
5. Preparing a budget
6. Wise investments in the tools that are to be used for the gardens
7. Creating rules for the garden and strictly executing them

Community Gardens are something which has always been there in human history and is a huge opportunity for everyone to contribute their share as a responsible citizen, not only for their country but for their planet as well. For instance East New York farms is one of the most famous community gardens in New York, it is a community garden where the residents promote sustainable agriculture, and believe in community led economic development. It is really interesting to actually see people help uplift each other and the entire planet. 

Creating a community garden is a significant project and if done with precise planning and utmost dedication it will not only create green spaces for the community but also will produce quality food and increase employment opportunities. With a greater number of community gardens there will be a drastic improvement in the quality of air, water, soil and our entire ecosystem. On an individual level also creating and working for community gardens would improve our health and reduce our stress levels. It is one step forward towards living a sustainable life and a better planet.Grow your own, be on your own!

Prachi

thesustainablebrandsjournal.com

The post How Can Community Gardens Help Us Save the Environment? appeared first on The Sustainable Brands Journal.

Do you have a loved one who is an environmentalist? Does your ‘special’ someone always talk about how important it is to protect the environment and gets angry when people litter or drive too fast? One way you can say “thank you” to them for all their hard work is by getting them something they would love. Be it for a birthday, anniversary or promotion, selecting the perfect gift for the occasion may seem to be the BIGGEST challenge in this world. Not to mention, things become more difficult if the recipient happens to be an ‘environmentalist’ by heart!

When it comes to gifting an environmentalist, you could be left scratching your head and thinking for hours, ‘what could be the best gift that is made of recycled items?’ Worry no more! Here, in this blog, we’ll make sure your search comes to a happy end.

The Most Popular Gifting Ideas for Environmentalists

Cork Yoga Mat

Cork. Now, what thought does it come to your mind first? We’re sure you’re remembering the last time you opened your favourite bottle of wine! While cork has been commonly used as a bottle stopper for over 400 years, its usefulness isn’t limited to just that. If your recipient is a yoga lover, considering cork yoga mats is surely a worthwhile decision.

Cork yoga mats come with numerous benefits. Firstly, derived from cork oak tree, they’re 100% eco-friendly and biodegradable. Next, cork is a poor absorbent and hence, when it gets wet, it produces a wax-like substance called ‘subarin’ that makes the material anti-slip and water-resistant. It’s got anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties as it wicks away moisture quickly. And last but not the least, cork creates a yoga mat perfectly built to endure high-performance activities. It is durable, offers a lot of traction and grip.

 

Some of the best cork yoga mats are YOGA DESIGN LAB, Lotuscrafts Cork Yoga Mat, and Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat.

---

Stainless Steel Straws

It is important to know that the pollution caused by plastic is both devastating and irreparable. The material takes ages to break down. Besides, when you add up all the different kinds- from straws in your drinks or plates at dinner to bags for carrying groceries and multi use utensils such as spoons used for eating food, the amounts become truly staggering.

On the other hand, stainless steel straws are not only reusable, but they can last for ages if you clean them properly. Unlike plastic which leaches harmful chemicals and interferes with the product you’re consuming – stainless consists of no such worries! Let’s not forget that stainless steel straws decrease the overall financial costs related to cleanup, easy to clean and of course, durable.

You can pick OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 4 Piece Reusable Straw Set with Case, Klean Kanteen Steel Straws, Sipwell Stainless Steel Starws  and be satisfied of your choice.

---

 

Carbon offset

What could be a better gift for a planet-loving person than a carbon offset! You can gift it on birthdays, anniversaries and practically throughout the year!

The reason is that this offset package effectively curbs carbon-dioxide emissions to decrease carbon footprint and its impacts in a year. If there is one gift that keeps on giving, it is carbon offset. That’s because it offers the most valuable gift of fresh air, adequate supply of oxygen to animals, human beings and other living beings on Earth. 

Some offset packages have even recorded checking 12 tons of carbon dioxide by planting trees and conserving the others.

---

Woollen blankets

During the freezing winter, nothing can beat the comfort of snuggling up to your cosy, fluffy blanket, right? The woollen blanket is certainly an important yet beautiful addition to the home. The blanket can be taken on a picnic or used as a cover on the living room couch. Available in various exciting colours, white, black and grey are the most popular options. Besides these three, even coloured blankets are oh-so-attractive!

The wool is derived from sheep raised in local family-owned farms. While grey, white and black colours are the three natural hues, the coloured blankets are made by adding plant-based dyes sourced from tree barks, elderberry fruits, indigo and plant leaves, among others. To cut a long story short, the woolen blankets are purely and ethically made from beginning till the end.

---

Organic bedsheet set

Your environmentally conscious friend is always anxious about the state of the Earth. Global warming is increasing rapidly, the pollution levels are also rising alarmingly. Dealing with such a distressing situation must be difficult for your planet-lover. The least you can do is gift him/her an organic bedsheet set, the key to having some good night’s sleep. And we’re confident that your recipient will remember you forever!

Organic sheets are made from 100% GOTS qualified hemp or 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. These sheets provide a world of benefits to the user, giving your recipient many reasons to be happy about! They’re not only hypoallergenic but also chemical and pesticide-free. The reason why organic bedding is highly comfortable is that it has an impressive ability to wick moisture from the body and provide excellent convenience and durability. 

---

Final Words: If you or someone in your life loves nature and the environment, then these five gift ideas may be perfect for them. These items are not only environmentally friendly but they also promote health, wellness, satisfaction as well as happiness. From reusable bags and carbon offsets to woollen blankets and organic bedsheets sets, these are gifts that anyone who cares about sustainability would love! Oh! And don’t forget to share your gift ideas or tell us which option you liked the most. Good luck!

Prachi

thesustainablebrandsjournal.com

The post 5 Awesome Gifting Options for Environment Lovers appeared first on The Sustainable Brands Journal.

Infinite growth of material consumption in a finite world is an impossibility. The sustainability movement in fashion has come a long way from its humble origins. In today’s light, all brands face backlash for their failed attempts at listening to the call of change, and the digital world isn’t any easy on them either, scrutinising ethics and overall sustainability. The prêt-à-porter fashion and straight-off-the-runway style have resulted in rapid production, which comes at the expense of workers, communities and the environment. 

Although technology has changed what the fashion season looks like, with 2020’s London Fashion Week held digitally, the space saw dominating ethical brands like never before. 

Let’s talk about sustainability 

As the dictionary defines sustainability, avoidance of the depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance. With the term’s increasing fame and use, so has the term’s progressive awareness. This awareness has brought the serious impact of our clothes on the environment to the limelight. Fashion just covers a few branches of sustainability’s vast and dense tree. The term acts as an umbrella for clothes or goods that can be essentially “sustained.”

The effect of sustainability on fashion

Fashion is key to a discussion around sustainability, as the term has predominantly attached itself to fashion and the environmental impacts of making, wearing and caring for and disposal of clothing. The fact is it takes a huge amount of water and chemicals used to create a single garment. For this glamorous industry to start accepting sustainable values, the brands need to work towards developing a circular system, whereby garments can be recyclable, reducing the need to create virgin fibres. Although the industry players are pursuing this trait, it will take time. And that’s why CO2 emission, reducing pollution and waste, addressing overproduction, supporting biodiversity and ensuring garment workers’ fair wages and safe working conditions, are all crucial parts of the sustainable matrix.

A peek into the present and the future

Even though many brands are trying to change the narrative, too few brands are tackling complex issues, and there’s a lot of room for improvement. We as consumers need to rethink our consumption of clothes, buying “sustainable” labels isn’t good enough. We need to monitor our purchases, our purchasing powers and our buying habits. Buying less, buying better, while investing in sustainably and ethically valued brands, shopping second hand, thrifting clothes and buying vintage, are just a few of the ways we can monitor and indulge in this guilty pleasure. Avoid greenwashing, watching out for harmful chemicals, reducing water footprint and knowing materials, aids in making the right decision while reducing fashion’s environmental impact. 

Understanding ethical fashion

Even with the exponential growth sustainably and ethically, shopping through online channels despite the pandemic, consumers couldn’t find clothing at brick-and-mortar stores. And it is sure to rise despite the high costs associated with ethical fashion. This is primarily  due to the growing awareness of sustainable and ethical clothing. The ethical market of clothing consists of sales of clothing by entities primarily engaged in designing, producing, selling and purchasing ethical apparel. Looking into the future, growing awareness, social media, e-commerce growth and government initiatives are likely to drive the market. 

Why is there a sudden rise in sustainable fashion brands? 

The amplified conscientiousness of environmental impacts has brought on tangible results, with everyday consumer’s trying and investing in sustainable goods. Along with this, there is a  growing need for environmentally friendly packaging that is easily recyclable.

• Along with a good product, shoppers expect more now. They look for quality, products and brands that align with their values and personal beliefs.

• With the customer’s changing sentiment for sustainable fashion, they are now making significant lifestyle changes to reduce the damage caused. It’s around 60% of surveyed consumers that are going out of their way to purchase products with eco-friendly packaging and recycling.

• The digital-first natives are increasingly assuming monopoly over spending power as well as finding themselves with access to a plethora of information on the fashion’s environmental implications, which have subsequently funnelled into their purchasing patterns and habits.

• The fashion industry being one of the biggest culprits causing pollution, protecting the environment must top the list. This means, taking climate change seriously and buying wisely.

• As per the accumulating evidence, consumers impacted by the perceived sustainability of a brand are willing to pay a good premium for the products that value sustainability over non-sustainable brands.

• While value and ease remain prime driving factors for any purchase, sustainability is becoming a big factor as well. 

• With some brands going far and beyond with their efforts to make the sustainable dream a reality, from using the right fabrics used to correcting the manufacturing processes, even to the hangers used in-store, chosen carefully to minimise carbon footprint.

• Although there are yet many shoppers that don’t consider sustainable living a priority, the idea of “doing good’ is tempting.  

• Social Signaling is a theory that talks about buying certain things due to our surroundings, and pressures. And consuming and purchasing sustainable products signals that we’re environmentally conscious. Using Social Signaling to the nature’s benefit.

Onwards and upwards Walking towards a sustainable future will come with primarily changing purchasing habits. While the role of ethics in fashion often finds itself going back and forth across the well-worn trajectory, the change brought in has helped the industry discover more ethical iteration of consumerism. The future is definitely inclined towards sustainable businesses and practices, and the industry and consumers need to catch up. While we find many consumers ready for this change and excited about such an investment, we are still concerned with the ongoing nature damages. Following a sustainable lifestyle will provide the much-needed revolution, it will also provide the “feel good and do good” factor. And like Vivienne Westwood said, “Buy less. Choose well. Make it last.”

Prachi

thesustainablebrandsjournal.com

The post Towards A Sustainable Future: Eco-wakening appeared first on The Sustainable Brands Journal.