One of the nicest things about a brand new year is the opportunity for a fresh start. A clean slate, if you will, that often serves as a time of reflection, and an opportunity to see where we can make improvements to how we live and exist in the world. Now granted, sometimes we dream a little too big and fall off the ‘New Years Resolution’ wagon by this time in February. (ahem...we may be guilty here!) But when thinking about the bigger picture of our planet and how we contribute to its longevity, or destruction - it has never been easier to actually implement resolutions and changes that we, as earth loving humans, can stick to. From specialized recycling, to food containers that are edible or can be replanted, we are seeing more and more consumer friendly incentives for being kinder to the planet. For example, the EU intends to ban single use plastics by 2021, while the United States and Canada continue to work towards similar goals. Nearly all facets of everyday life are now geared towards the demand for more sustainable, eco friendly living with growing global initiatives like these leading the way.
Understanding the impact we humans have on our planet is becoming more clear, and more vital, as businesses and corporations of all kinds start to assume real responsibility for their role in keeping the earth healthy. As consumers, it is imperative we do the same, and educating ourselves to how we unwittingly participate in poor choices is key to understanding how change can be made. Take for example the thriving, yet destructive business of “Fast Fashion”. Did you know that last year in the U.S. alone, over 10 million pounds of textile waste was amassed, and of that, 85% ended up in landfills? Also, factories around the globe that produce fast fashion are often laden with toxic dyes and chemicals for quick solutions and turn around. More often than not, there is runoff into nearby land and water which can be quite destructive to natural surroundings. So while a new spring top from your favorite chain store may be a $20 steal, the cost to the environment is quite hefty, and definitely non-refundable.
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