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

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Sustainable Brands producing Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Some of the top Sustainable brands producing environmental friendly water bottles are:- Borosil, Pigeon, Milton, Akinitos Technology, NUTRISTAR, and Team Giftz.

Why are Stainless Steel bottles better than their plastic counterparts?

• Stainless Steel water bottles have eco-friendly merits

Stainless Steel water bottles are the antithesis of plastic bottles. It is 100% recyclable and is in more ways than one more environmental friendly than plastic bottles which cause immeasurable harm to the environment and are the major reason for landfill pollution. On the other hand, Stainless steel is a non-polluting material with no presence of a liner. It is non-toxic and does not attract chemicals. Therefore, stainless steel water bottles are the best ones to choose for your children. It can be washed at high temperatures and has a lower risk of getting contaminated by bacteria.  

• It is a long-lasting one-time investment

Unlike plastic bottles used and discarded minutes or a few hours after usage, stainless steel water bottles are durable, reliable, and long-lasting. It is a one-time investment that can last for years altogether and hence, it is getting very popular. Parents, especially, are buying stainless steel water bottles for their children because of their non-toxic properties and their tendency to last long. 

• It is budget-friendly and thermally insulated

Stainless steel water bottles aren’t obviously as cheap as the plastic bottles. But they aren’t too expensive either. In fact, many would say that they are budget-friendly contingent on the fact that they are long-lasting. Stainless steel water bottles are also thermally insulated as they are double-walled hence cold and hot things stay the same in them. 

• Plastics are unhealthy, while stainless steel water bottles are not

Toxin like Bisphenol A (BPA) present in plastic bottles is the root cause of many health-related deficiencies such as hormonal imbalances, belly fat, cancer, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and fertility problems. Stainless steel water bottles are toxin-free and cause no health hazards.

Sustainability is a CHOICE!

Just as Rome was not built in a day, change cannot come in a day or two. In today’s rapidly changing world, making sustainable choices has become imperative for the well-being of our planet and future generations. With environmental concerns escalating, individuals are increasingly recognizing the significance of their decisions in shaping a more sustainable future. From opting for eco-friendly products to embracing renewable energy sources, every choice we make has the potential to contribute positively to the environment. Sustainable choices extend beyond personal habits to encompass businesses and governments, urging a collective responsibility for minimizing our ecological footprint. Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, supporting local and sustainable industries, or advocating for policies that prioritize environmental conservation, individuals wield the power to drive meaningful change. By adopting a mindful and eco-conscious approach to consumption and lifestyle, we can pave the way towards a more sustainable and resilient world for generations to come.

Consumer calls have also become an important yardstick for bringing about a perspicacious change. We, as consumers, should choose sustainable and environmental friendly products for the brands to be shifting gears and introducing an eco-friendly range of products and services. 

Also Read: A Guide To Finding Eco-Friendly Sustainable Clothing

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 What is the best environmental friendly water bottles? appeared first on The Sustainable Brands Journal.

1. CHOOSE “GOOD FOOD”

One of the most important green living habits that everyone should adopt is choosing good food. Good food often refers to food that is organic and does not contain pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that exploit the environment. These organic foods are healthy and sustainable because they are harvested properly in a way that is not harmful to animals and doesn’t exploit farm workers. According to a recent study, it has been found that the food grown using regenerative farming methods heals the soil to act better as a carbon sink. 

2.RECYCLE AND REUSE THE PRODUCTS

Instead of purchasing new products every time, find an innovative way of reusing them like swapping them with your friends or bartering them for someone else’s item. This will help in reducing landfills, saving energy, restraining global warming emissions, and saving the precious resources of the earth. The best way to be sustainable is to stop buying single-use products and go for reusable products instead because they not only help in restraining waste but also help in minimizing the burden on landfills. You might want to take a look at How to Save Money & the Planet with Zero Waste Toilet Paper?

3.SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Every mode of transportation whether it is through air or railways, of them ultimately leads to climate change. In order to restrain global warming emissions and air pollution, it will be good if you can travel by public transportation, bike, or even you can walk. Not only this but whenever you are on a vacation, try to choose locally owned hotels that also have organic restaurants that can help in reducing your travel footprint. Looking for sustainable vacations and travel? We have a great post for you.

4.SAVE WATER

We all are cognizant of the fact that only 1% of the water on earth is drinkable. Drinking water is very important for our day-to-day lives. It’s our duty to save water as much as we can and with climate change causing droughts worldwide, we should make conserving water a priority and our daily practice. There are numerous ways by which you can conserve water like showering for fewer minutes, installing water-saving shower heads, instead of pouring the water you don’t need anymore in the drain, give it to your plants, these small steps will help you in conserving water and making our environment better daily.

5.GO NON-TOXIC

According to an EPA statistic, it has been considered that indoor air is at least 10 times more polluted and contains toxicants than outdoor air because of the toxic chemicals that we use in cleaners and other products. Scary, isn’t it? But it’s never too late, if you haven’t done anything about it then don’t worry. Whenever you go to shop for these products, simply choose non-toxic cleaning products, eco-friendly fragrances, bodycare, detergents and detergents so that you do not have toxic polluted air in your house and it’s healthier for you to live in it. Find out how you can grow a sustainable garden in the most efficient way.

6.GREEN YOUR CLOSET

Over 90 million tons of textiles are wasted every year. A person buying eco-friendly clothes is ultimately contributing to sustainable development. Instead of glutting the landfills by buying too much clothes, people should switch to purchasing eco-friendly clothes.Buy less and if you want to actually buy then go for organic stuff. Designs out of waste often are not preferred by people but kudos to brands who are doing everything to turn waste into a gorgeous piece of clothing and contributing to the environment. So, instead of throwing away your clothes, donate it or even recycle it. Discover the best sustainable sportswear brands on the market today.

7.HEAL YOUR HOME BY GOING GREEN

Whether a building or home is a new or existing one, they have a huge impact on the environment and we can restrain their impact on the environment by implementing some green features and utilising renewable and recycled salvaged materials so that the owner can live satisfyingly without getting worried about the impact on the environment. So if you are someone who wants a new house or furnishing the existing one, it’s very important for you to purchase sustainable paints as most of them contain numerous chemicals and go for sustainable furniture that are manufactured using organic material like hemp, solid wool and organic cotton. Here are some of the best ways to finance your own eco-friendly home.

8.TRY THE 30 DAY MINIMALISM CHALLENGE

The 30 day minimalism challenge is a fun challenge and also helps us in getting rid of overflowing junk. In this 30 day minimalism challenge, you need to get rid of one thing on the first day, two things on the second, three things on the third day and fourth things on the fourth day and so on. You can donate anything like furniture, clothes, towels, tools, kitchenware, decorations, bedding, electronics and collectables. After 2 weeks, the challenge gets a bit difficult because you have to donate more than a dozen items in a day. You can also play this game who is willing to minimise their stuff so that the game becomes more fun. By the end of month, one can get rid of 465 items and it’s a great practice to get rid of unnecessary items that we buy that often leads to landfills.

9.DONATE MONTHLY TO A NGO

People often prefer donating to an NGO when a hurricane hits or some other disaster or if there’s a massive outbreak of any disease. Donating is a great way and there are certain organisations that are doing their best to save the environment so even if we can’t work with them, the least we can do is donate a fixed amount $5 monthly to any organisation that aims to protect the environment. Some of the great organisations where you can donate your money are Mossy Earth, Sierra Club, Rainforest Alliance, Oceana, WWF and Whales.org. There are several NGOs across the world that are actively fighting against climate change.

10.READ AN ENVIRONMENTAL BOOK

One should know how important it is to save the environment and what precautions need to be taken for it. There are various books that comprehend everything about climate change, environmental pollution, etc. To know more about the environmental problems, measures to be taken to save the environment and the brands that are taking initiative to sustain the planet, you can find everything you are looking for in The sustainable brands journal.

Now that we have discussed the habits that one should form in order to be sustainable, if you want to see some other things to live a sustainable life, visit is there such a thing as sustainable living? To know more about sustainable life. You can also be a part of the sustainable brands community or can portray your brand highlighting your revolutionary work.

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 These 10 sustainable lifestyle habits will help you live a healthier life 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.

Agriculture has always been a chief pillar of the economy, more so for developing nations. Right from growing, transporting, and processing agricultural products, there is a significant impact on the environment. Agricultural pollution is inevitable as the process of raising livestock, growing crops, and animal feed releases contaminants and emissions into the environment. With the human population projected to rise to 9.8 billion by 2050, the demand for food supplies will also rise and so will the consequent deterioration of the planet.

Particularly, the consequences of livestock farming cannot be overstated. Farming animals for various human needs like milk, meat, wool, hides, leather, etc. poses an extreme threat to the environment, with a huge carbon footprint and high global warming potential.

How are our ecosystems being polluted?

1.The exploitation of land resources – It is no doubt that soil bears the brunt of our excessive agricultural and farming activities. The increased food demand has led to major deforestation, with forests being cleared and turned into livestock ranches and agricultural land, eroding and depleting the soil. Furthermore, the soil’s capacity to sustain people has taken a significant hit, with its nutrients being eroded by the overuse of pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals. So much so that, it is estimated that just by avoiding consuming meat and dairy products, we could save almost 75% of our land and also feed the entire world. 

2. The stressed water resources – Conventional farming requires monumental quantities of water for irrigation. Especially the widely cultivated crops like rice and cotton guzzle down water, putting the land and community at a serious threat of water scarcity.

Animal-based commodities have an even higher water requirement. Did you know that 2000 gallons of water are needed to produce just one gallon of milk? Whereas, to produce 1 pound of meat, we need a staggering 2500 gallons of water!

The demand for agriculture is only expected to rise and this demand is already putting communities and ecosystems in a dire situation.

3. The contribution to Greenhouse Gases – Methane, one of the powerful greenhouse gases and a primary contributor to ground-level ozone and hazardous air pollutants, is produced from the manure of livestock animals and their gaseous releases. Not just livestock, huge paddy fields also create optimum conditions for methane-emitting bacteria.

Limiting the amount of methane released into the atmosphere is the first step in slowing down climate change and global warming because even though methane does not persist in the atmosphere for as long as carbon dioxide, it is 80% more potent at warming than carbon dioxide.

How can we address the problem?

Being responsible and aware of the current situation is the first step. As an individual, we can opt for a diet – like vegetarian, flexitarian, or vegan diet – which is responsible and does burden the food system. We should include native ingredients, and reduce food waste to further curb the impact of the food system on the environment.

But this might not be enough. The fact remains that conventional methods of farming and animal rearing are a threat to the longevity and health of the human population and the planet. 

There is a dire need to change how we grow and manage our produce. Some innovative methods that have gained prominence for sustainable farming are:

1. Hydroponics: Hydroponics is one of the best alternatives to traditional farming. It is the art of cultivating plants in water without using soil and it is actually easier than it sounds!

Hydroponics is a scientific method where plants are grown in a controlled environment with the help of nutrient-rich solutions and water. It allows you to control the amount of sunlight received by the plants and monitor the pH levels. As the environment is tailored to the plants’ needs, this system allows for much rapid plant growth and higher yields. It also effectively reduces the risk factors associated with soil, such as pests and fungus, and also eliminates the need for fertilizers.

Moreover, Hydroponics requires far less space to grow plants, and if combined with vertical farming techniques, it can save a significant portion of land. It requires a lesser amount of water, and the nutrient-filled water can be reused, making it ideal for sustainable farming. 

 Hydroponics has gained immense popularity over the years. 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 popular choices for hydroponics but the application is not limited to these. 

2. Regenerative agriculture: The name itself highlights the focus on the regeneration of soil and ecosystem. This farming method focuses on improving soil health, expanding biodiversity, decreasing water pollution through farming, and by extension, reversing climate change. Intended to increase organic matter in the soil, this technique allows the soil to become an efficient carbon sink, maintaining arable topsoil and contributing to a better food system. Regenerative farming focuses on the following things:

1. Minimize soil disturbance by avoiding agricultural practices like tilling
2. Promote soil and local ecosystem diversity by growing a variety of native crops and vegetables.
3. Avoiding chemicals and use of natural systems to improve soil health (like composting)
4. Integrating sustainable livestock practices for a more holistic and healthy balance.

3. Permaculture: It is an ecological system designed for sustainable living, inclusive of plants, animals, humans, buildings, and communities while conserving natural biodiversity. Simply put, it can be understood as developing an innovative agricultural ecosystem in a sustainable and self-sufficient manner.

The basic principles of Permaculture are:

• It focuses on understanding the issues and systems for holistic, sustainable living
• Prevention of environmental degradation
• Analysis of natural ecosystems to correct human errors
• Soil preservation by adopting a no-tillage approach 
• Minimizing ecological footprint by using innovative methods to incorporate biodegradable materials.

Though many approaches between regenerative agriculture and permaculture are similar, the goal of these sustainable approaches varies.

Regenerative agriculture focuses on capturing carbon and improving ecosystem health through sustainable farming and grazing practices, while permaculture is more dynamic and tries to build an optimized, holistic system by including the existing landscape and infrastructure.

The bottom line is, inefficient usage of resources has created a long-lasting imbalance in our ecosystem. Innovations and adoption of sustainable agricultural alternatives at every level are paramount to offset the increasing burden on our resources and ensure that population growth, economic development, and urban migration do not compromise our future.

Prachi

thesustainablebrandsjournal.com

The post Eco-Friendly Solutions to the Environmental Impact of Agriculture and Livestock Farming 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

What if you were told that the COVID-19 virus is not the only crisis the world is struggling with right now. The growing threat of climate change is changing the face of Earth, one ocean, one iceberg and one island at a time. While you would have seen Greta Thunberg or Licypriya Kangujam take center stage to talk about the pressing circumstances of climate change and igniting a spark, the world has a long way to go. We are inevitably a part of an era taking the planet to its destruction. However, the good news is that only we can prevent, reverse, and repair the damage done.

But is climate change a significant threat?

The figures stated below stand as a testimony to that.

1. Our oceans have around 5.2 trillion plastic debris, with more being added every minute.
2. As many as 7 million people die every year because of poor air quality.
3. The Arctic ice has shrunk by about 40% since 1979.
4. Almost all land areas are witnessing hotter days and heatwaves, with 2020 marked as one of the hottest years yet.
5. If the global temperature keeps rising, the Arctic will probably see ice-free summers by 2050. 

In an attempt to reverse these numbers, these 8 NGOs are thriving to make the planet a better and greener place.

1. SankalpTaru Foundation

SankalpTaru Foundation has its strong roots when it comes to saving the environment. They aim at promoting tree plantation across India, and so far, millions of trees have been planted across 21 states. Conceptualised by Apurva Bhandari in 2013, the NGO employs many digital channels to spread awareness about environmental conservation and track the progress of the plantation drives. You may know more about their work or volunteer with them as well. Click here for more information.

2. Environmental Defence Fund

Leading the way for environmental protection for over 50 years now, the Environmental Defence Fund is battling climate change in a very proactive manner. Their target is to stabilise the climate for a secure and healthy future, slash methane production to slow down global warming and make communities more resilient to climate change. This US-based NGO protects a range of Earth’s treasures, such as energy, ecosystem, oceans, health, and climate. They are a network of 2.5 million and growing; together, they have taken pragmatic efforts that benefits people and nature. Click here to donate or volunteer.

3. Chintan 

Chintan is one of the biggest names for environmental NGOs in India, and for all the right reasons. It works hard to enforce a more responsible consumption of resources in the country that are both easy on the pocket and sustainable. They are also at the forefront when it comes to proper waste management. Chintan is centred on environmental justice, with a shared goal of making sustainable production, consumption and waste disposal a default setting. For them, sustainability is a holistic concept, which we can only achieve without a lapse in any of these processes. Click here to know more about them.

4. Earth Justice

Delivering environmental justice since 1971, Earth Justice has been going to court for more than 50 years, achieving hundreds of victories for the environment and its people. They know that changes are long-lasting and impactful under the law, which is why they serve their public interest clients with top-tier legal representation in the fight for justice. They pride themselves as the legal backbone for the environmental movement, and in a quest to build a sustainable future, they represent their clients free of charge. So far, they have reversed, changed, and implemented several serious environmental issues across the USA. Check them out here.

5. Marine Conservation Institute 

The ocean life is in dire danger, and it needs our immediate attention. NGOs like Marine Conservation Institute are instrumental in aiding the beautiful aquatic life to thrive. For the past 25 years, this NGO has been building Blue Parks – a global ocean refuge system that will safeguard biodiversity in at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. So far, 21 such Blue Parks are running across various countries, successfully protecting marine life. The USA based NGO also offers courses for people who wish to build a career in marine conservation. Their efforts are making a difference, and with each year, they are only getting better. You may volunteer, donate, or know more about how they are saving the ocean here. 

6. Navdanya

Navdanya aims to empower the backbone of India, that is, the farmers. Vandana Shiva, one of the most influential environmentalists globally, is one of the founders of the organisation. Since 1984, their vision has been clear – to promote biodiversity, conservation, organic farming, seed saving, and farmers’ rights. So far, the organisation has trained more than half a million farmers in sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty. This has been possible with the help of 122 community-based seed banks throughout the country. They have also been paving the way for establishing the largest direct marketing fair trade network in India. Since farming is one of the most widespread occupations in the country, Navdanya ensures that every step of the farming process is sustainable and profitable for the farmers. Want to know how they do it? Find it here.

7. Green Cross International

Founded by the former Soviet Union President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Mikhail Gorbachev, this NGO is headquartered in Geneva. “Give humanity a chance, give Earth a future” – is the objective by which all their member organisations that spread over 30 countries abide diligently. Through various projects and advocacy, they address the interconnected global challenges of security, poverty, and environmental degradation. From smart energy, reforestation, rights to water and sanitation, ecological safety and sustainability, to providing healthcare, social care and education, the Green Cross International has been imbibing radical change since its inception in 1993. You may have a look at their work here. 

8. Friends of the Earth

With 73 national member groups and more than 5,000 local activists groups in every continent and over 2 million members worldwide, Friends of the Earth is the world’s largest grassroots environmental network. They campaign against the most pressing and urgent social and ecological issues. They ride on creating a world that is sustainable as well as socially just. Challenging today’s lop-sided economic and corporate globalisation, the organisation is making landmark changes to deliver food sovereignty, climate justice, biodiversity, and clean energy. Their work is available here.

The fight for a greener and sustainable planet is a long marathon and not a sprint. Collective and consistent efforts by each of us will shape the future of life on this planet. Every little thing counts; every little switch-over counts. If you are moved, even a little bit, by what these NGOs are doing, then make sure that you take a leaf and take a step towards conserving our planet

Prachi

thesustainablebrandsjournal.com

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