Greenwashing In the Fashion Industry

BY: SHANTANU SINGH

In today’s world, companies are racing to make sustainability the prevailing norm. It is the new standard the consumers look at before selecting a brand. However, many brands adopt questionable marketing strategies to captivate their audience, leading to greenwashing in the fashion industry.

What Is Greenwashing In Fashion? 

Greenwashing in fashion is a practice where brands portray themselves to be more sustainable than they are. By boasting about their minimal or sometimes non-existent sustainable practices, they tend to deceive their audience and build a positive brand image far from the actual reality of their impact on the environment.

The Fashion Industry is known to take a step back for sustainability over profit. As per the Ellen MacArthur Foundation report, the fashion industry is responsible for ~10% of global carbon emissions, more than the shipping and aviation industries combined. Further, the industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water annually and can cater to the needs of five million people! The fashion industry’s significant carbon footprint and water usage make embracing sustainable practices in the fashion world – the need of the hour. 

Statistics related to Fashion for the year 2019-2022 

Greenwashing in fashion occurs due to its low prices, rapid production cycles, and high turnover of clothing. The unfortunate part about this is that consumers tend to be apprehensive of brands claiming to be sustainable because of the existence of greenwashing in fashion. It makes the genuine efforts of other brands go unacknowledged. 

Greenwashing In Fashion – Tactics Involved 

Use Of Ambiguous and Unsubstantiated Claims 

To give an illusion of sustainability and environmental responsibility, greenwashing in fashion takes place through several strategies, such as throwing away terms like “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” without any factual proof. These labels are often meant only for a small collection of products, while the dominant part still undergoes conventional and unsustainable practices. 

Moreover, these terms are ambiguous and lack concrete evidence, making it hard for consumers to assess the impact of a product or brand. 

Highlighting Minor Initiatives 

When discussing greenwashing in fashion, a brand may claim eco-friendly product packaging without any certifications involved, but the packaging may still be adding to the environmental harm through resource consumption or inefficient waste management practices. This could also be happening whilst overlooking other aspects of its operations like supply chain practices.  

Selective Promotion 

One of the prime examples of greenwashing in fashion was Zara’s “Join Life” collection which spoke confidently about its environmentally conscious production methods. However, this collection constitutes only a fraction of Zara’s overall product range. The majority of Zara’s merchandise is still produced using traditional fast fashion processes, characterized by rapid production cycles, extensive resource consumption, and substantial waste generation. Critics argue that by highlighting the “Join Life” collection, Zara may be deflecting attention from the significant environmental impact of its main production lines, leading to accusations of greenwashing. 

Extinction Rebellion takes a stand with protests at Zara’s stores. 

Complexity Of Sustainability In Fashion 

As consumers, we must understand that using “sustainable” materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, etc. does not guarantee that the product is itself sustainable. The sustainability of products depends on how they are sourced, manufactured, and disposed of, making it a complex process. Brands must build traceability in the supply chain and measure cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of their products for reliable communication of their environmental impact.

Reliance On Carbon Offsets 

Some brands buy carbon offsets to achieve carbon neutrality and compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is established that offsetting merely diverts the issue but does not address the key goal of reducing emissions.  

Lack Of Transparency In The Supply Chain 

“There has been a long, historical narrative around supply chain issues, dating as far back as the Industrial Revolution. We must take a high-level perspective of looking at how to make things better among broad categories of issues that do not change over time, such as environmental laws, labor rights, child protection rights, or innovative business practices,” said Pietra Rivoli, an expert in finance and international business and the author of Travels of a T-shirt in a Global Economy. 

Greenwashing in fashion runs uncontrolled largely due to the lack of transparency within the supply chain. Brands often gate-keep their operations, partially or completely such as where their materials are coming from and the kind of conditions under which the material has grown like excessive use of pesticides or water-intensive farming practices, thereby leading to environmental degradation.  

Examples Of Greenwashing In Fashion 

Major brands including Shein, H&M, etc. have faced scrutiny for their greenwashing practices. These companies have been exposed for misleading consumers by making false promises about their commitment to sustainability. 

H&M

H&M came up with their ‘Conscious Collection’ which was supposed to be sustainable and eco-friendly. They were using a scorecard system to inform customers about the green credibility of products. This later came crashing down when a report by Quartz revealed that these scorecards misrepresented the products as more eco-friendly than they were. Furthermore, it also highlighted instances where H&M’s scorecards portrayed exactly the opposite of what it was, particularly in terms of their labor practices and advancements in working conditions throughout the supply chain. This served as a prime example of greenwashing in fashion. 

Shein 

Another similar example is Shein, a popular brand from China, which has time and again boasted about its eco-friendly products and decent working conditions. They even went so far as to mention how they have been certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for compliance with the “strict labor standards set by international organisations such as SA8000”. It’s worth mentioning that the ISO does not issue any certificates whatsoever, rather it simply sets standards.

Shein’s ethical claims of sustainable practices

Apart from that, Shein has also been accused of a lack of transparency in its supply chains, forced labor practices, etc.  

Navigating The Greenwashing Maze

Owing to many such examples of greenwashing in fashion, many industry standards and regulations have been put into place to ensure accountability. These standards help in backing up all the green claims made by the companies. 

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

Organic textiles are synonymous with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the certification upholding the highest standards in both social and environmental domains. It ensures that organic fibers are used without any harmful chemicals in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. 

Oeko-Tex Standard

When it comes to preventing greenwashing in fashion, the Oeko-Tex Standard is a game-changer that goes above and beyond for the safety of textile products. Through tests at every stage of production, it ensures only the safest and most reliable products reach the market. 

We are now seeing a growing number of regulations across Europe, UK, and US that enforce transparent emission reporting, strict guidelines for labelling products as sustainable, and protocol for consumer communication.

Before purchasing any product or service of any brand, we must ask ourselves: Are there third-party certifications backing the sustainability claims? Is there transparent information about environmental practices? Am I influenced by green marketing or making an informed decision? 

Penalties For Greenwashing In Fashion 

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable fashion, transparency and honesty reign supreme. The crackdown by regulatory bodies on major brands serves as a wake-up call, holding them accountable for their deceptive actions, and fueling greenwashing in fashion.  

In the UK, some of the most prominent fashion brands like Boohoo, and George at ASDA have been fined by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for making fake claims made by the brands for their products, exclusively those in conscious ranges. The authority demands that the products in these ranges must be clearly labeled and provide in-depth details in the future. 

In Canada, the sportswear brand Lululemon went through a similar instance wherein Stand.earth, an advocacy organization, asked the Competition Bureau Canada to investigate the brand’s operations. The brand launched a campaign ‘Be Planet’ in 2020 claiming sustainability in its practices. Later, Lululemon was accused of emitting twice as much greenhouse gas since the campaign launch and of using no- recyclable materials. 

Similarly, top-tier brands like Decathlon and H&M were fined $530,000 and $430,500 respectively in 2022 for making green claims with no concrete evidence on their products.  

Impact Of Greenwashing In Fashion Business 

In the larger picture, Greenwashing in fashion does a lot of harm to various aspects of a brand, primarily its consumers and reputation. 

Consumer Cynicism 

Greenwashing in fashion can fuel increased cynicism and distrust among consumers, especially those who value environmental issues. It may cause consumers to feel deceived and question the authenticity of corporate commitments to environmental responsibility. 

Loss Of Brand Loyalty 

The brand will also lose its customer loyalty by greenwashing its operations, as consumers may switch to other brands that offer genuine efforts for sustainability. 

Industry Perception 

Not only that, it affects the way they perceive sustainability in the fashion industry, as they might generalize and overlook the genuine efforts of brands. For example, H&M reported a more than 10% reduction in its Scope 3 emissions in 2023. Despite a big milestone for the industry, the news was received with a lot of skepticism. 

How To Tackle Greenwashing In Fashion  

Companies must start emphasizing open communication with consumers, emphasizing transparency and accountability in their actions. They must demonstrate a genuine effort to achieve sustainability in their operations, right from sourcing to distribution. Further, Consumer advocacy groups and fashion industry coalitions like Cascale must step up to ensure the goodwill of consumers and hold companies accountable for their actions.

Third-Party Certifications 

To assure consumers regarding their sustainable initiatives, companies should approach a reputable third-party certification to build their credibility. Brands should always avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims and foster healthy communication with consumers. Robust metrics such as LCAs, PEFs, etc. should back all claims. This is because sustainability is a never-ending process and there will always be scope for improvement. 

Earth Day April 22

Nature is our most valuable resource, and we all have a role to play in protecting it. From providing clean air and clean water to protecting our food systems and ecosystems, nature works hard for us. Let’s give thanks to nature this Earth Month with actions big and small that can help the planet.

Where to begin? Whether you’re interested in individual- or corporate-level actions, or something in between, we have put together a list of key dates and ideas to guide the way. Small actions can add up to big benefits for our planet. You’ve got this. 

2025 Key Dates

March-April 20

Give an Hour campaign

March 22

World Water Day (one month to Earth Day!)

April

Earth Month

April 22

Earth Day

How to Activate

60 Actions for the Planet guide: Explore our fully comprehensive resource for reducing your environmental footprint in a variety of ways and select an action to take on Earth Day. Actions include opting for public transport over driving, choosing reusable products when possible, reducing water use, skipping plastic bags, protecting your local rivers, and more. Download the guide here.

Give an Hour (or more) for Earth: Identify impactful, nature-friendly activities that align with your interests using our online tool, then pledge your hours and take action to become a part of a global movement to create a more sustainable future. Bank hours individually, as a community, or collect hours as a company for a corporate challenge. To maximize hours banked, the campaign will run from March to April 30. Last year, over 1.5 million hours were given for our planet by supporters in 136 countries and territories. Let’s log even more this year!

Corporate Engagement: Create an Earth Month/Day plan for your company and colleagues. Share the 60 Actions for the Planet guide as a resource. Encourage everyone to log their actions into the Hour Bank. Better yet, initiate a contest to see who or which function can log the most hours! Incentivize fundraising through match campaigns or donate-at-checkout programs with WWF. Promote various engagements via social media.

Social Media: Share nature-positive actions and pics via social media (e.g., For Earth Month, I am participating in a local river cleanup. How about you? #GiveAnHourForEarth) and tag friends and connections in your network to encourage them to get involved. It’s a “the more, the merrier” event, everyone is invited! 

Looking for guidance? If you would like to get your colleagues involved and track your total hours as a company, please reach out to Jenna Bailey.

So Last Season: The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion and Textile Waste Exports

CARMEN BERRY    |   LAST UPDATED: NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Due to a dependency on microtrends in American fashion culture, the last ten years have seen a dramatic increase in the production of single-wear garments—which has contributed to an excess of textile waste and consequent health impacts for the individuals who work in the textile manufacturing industry. 

By analyzing fast fashion through a climate justice framework which acknowledges the disproportionate environmental harm inflicted onto marginalized communities, consumers can make conscious decisions about their individual consumption and advocate for systemic changes in the fashion industry.

Unsustainable fast fashion

Rapidly changing fashion trends have encouraged the growth of so-called “fast fashion” factories, where hastily constructed plastic garments are quickly produced in the hopes of keeping up with social media trends in order to maximize profit. The effect of trend cycles on climate justice has created a reliance on fast fashion companies whose unsustainable business practices have devastating environmental health impacts, which is why consumers need to fight fast fashion by prioritizing sustainable purchasing habits and decreasing fast fashion consumption.

This leads to the unfortunate justification for near-suffocating rates of fashion launches, because trend cycles are so unpredictable—profit is fully dependent on virality. Once a style or motif becomes popular, its initial impact is degraded by constant exposure on social media until it becomes obsolete. The life cycle of a garment is tapering due to the impact of influencer culture on consumer spending habits, and this negatively affects both our self-identity and our shared environment.

The act of discarding a garment brings about its own environmental challenges as well—currently, up to half of American textile waste is shipped to nations overseas. With many of these countries having less developed municipal waste systems which are responsible for overseeing landfill procedures—this has the potential to increase the environmental damage and health impacts of these products.

Every aspect of the creation of fast fashion garments is unsustainable, from the creation of plastic-derived textiles to the construction of pieces by underpaid and overworked exploited laborers. When a good is created without longevity in mind, even if they are manufactured sustainably, which these fast fashion garments are decidedly not—they will never be fully sustainable because they are created to be thrown away.

Ethical and sustainable fashion practices

Many fast fashion companies utilize exploitative labor practices in the Global South which creates an unequal human health impact on communities of color. Unregulated labor forces increase health risks for those who work in these sweatshops—and the discarding of textile-production related byproducts increases plastic pollution which affects waterways, food production systems, and contributes to landscape degradation.

Many organizations, such as the International Labor Rights Forum are working to hold large corporations accountable for their unjust manufacturing by spreading awareness regarding the unethical treatment of workers and the environmental impacts of textile waste, but we as individual consumers can do our part to fight textile waste by repairing and mending clothes, buying second hand and practicing mindful spending habits.

By not overconsuming fast fashion items, an individual can work to minimize their eco footprint and reduce the demand for these fast fashion garments. An example of a way to reduce individual clothing waste is to implement a “capsule wardrobe” which is an assortment of minimalist, high quality clothing items which can be paired in various ways to help individuals satisfy their need for cute and trendy clothes without microtrends.

In conclusion, adopting more sustainable wardrobe practices not only helps us move away from fast fashion, but also significantly lowers our individual carbon footprints and waste production. By making mindful choices about our clothing consumption, we contribute to a more eco-conscious lifestyle, benefiting both the environment and future generations. 

Each small change in how we shop and care for our clothes can lead to a collective reduction in environmental harm, encouraging a shift towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

What is a Serum?

A serum is a skincare product that you can apply to your skin after cleansing but before moisturizing with the intent of delivering powerful ingredients directly into the skin. Serums are particularly suited to this task as they’re made up of small molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients, which makes them a great tool for targeting specific skincare concerns like wrinkles and dark spots. In this blog, we will explore serums, their benefits, and how to use them, along with spotlighting EWG-Verified serums that may be perfect for your skin type.

A Look At Serums

A serum is a lightweight, quick-absorbing skincare product that contains a large amount of active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, or vitamin C. Due to their concentration, serums are typically the most effective and fast-acting skincare products available.

Well-designed face serums are lightly viscous, which means they have a thinner consistency than creams and lotions, to absorb into the skin quickly, delivering beneficial nutrients and hydration at the cellular level. They also contain fewer fillers, thickeners, and lubricating agents than moisturizers, so the beneficial ingredients can absorb faster to optimize performance.

“Often, a serum can hydrate more effectively than even the heaviest creams. The molecules can truly penetrate the skin and hydrate on the deepest level, while the heavier creams more so sit on those top layers.” says celebrity esthetician Karee Hays. “Serums do not necessarily replace your moisturizer, but can boost the hydrating effects of your moisturizer.”

In fact, a study featuring thirty-two women aged 25 to 55 years with Fitzpatrick skin types I to V and normal or self-perceived dry skin, found that layering facial serum with a moisturizer provided rapid and long-lasting benefits in maintaining skin hydration. Additionally, 82% of the participants believed that the serum and moisturizer combo improved the appearance of their skin overall.

Pictured: A participant before trying the serum layered with moisturizer (left) and after two weeks of treatment (right)  Source: National Library of Medicine

Pictured: Reductions in investigator-graded dryness Source: Source: National Library of Medicine

The Benefits of Serums

When you use a serum that’s well suited for your skin, it can have numerous benefits. Here’s a closer look at some of the key benefits of adding a serum to your skincare routine:

Serums Can Deliver Vitamins and Nutrients

For starters, a face serum, by definition, is a skincare solution that includes core vitamins and nutrients your skin cells can use to thrive. The exact ingredient make up of a given face serum will vary from product to product, but most face serums use these common ingredients:

• Vitamin C and E are antioxidants and may contribute to long-term skin health, especially protection from free radicals.2

• Niacinamide reduces inflammation, which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions. It also minimizes pore appearance and keeps skin smooth and moisturized.3,4

• Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a gold-standard ingredient in skincare as can increase production of collagen in the skin. This results in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles by improving elasticy.5,6

• Glycolic acid stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce increased amounts of collagen. Additionally, its small molecular makeup also allows it to penetrate the skin and treat acne and other skin concerns.7,8,9

• Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant commonly found in face moisturizers. It helps hydrate the outer layers of skin, thereby improving the skin’s appearance.10,11

While our skin cells get a lot of nutrients from our diets and sunshine, as in the case of vitamin D, giving your skin cells additional nutrients through topical absorption may allow those vitamins to be more directly usable by those cells.

In other words, a face serum directly provides your skin cells with core nutrients without those nutrients being absorbed by other bodily tissues first. Plus, since serums are applied topically, your skin cells may receive those benefits more quickly.

Serums Can Improve Hydration

With the use of cleansers and exfoliators, your skin can easily dry out, leaving your face more susceptible to wrinkles and dehydration. Many serums are formulated to improve hydration, and by using them, they can potentially alleviate these side effects or prevent them from happening all together.

Serums with hyaluronic acid, for example, can help your skin’s hydration level. “Hyaluronic acid can draw moisture from the air and keep your skin moist, holding almost 1000 times its weight in water,” explained Kerry Benjamin, esthetician and the founder of best-selling hyaluronic acid serum creator, Stacked Skincare. 

Serums May Reduce Acne Flare-Ups

Serums could contribute to a long-term solution if you suffer from regular acne flare-ups, which result from hormonal shifts or an overproduction of sebum. When your skin produces too much sebum, it can collect debris and clog your skin’s pores. Over time, this can form blemishes like pimples and pustules. However, the right serum could prevent your skin from producing too much sebum.

Serums formulated with retinol, for example, can reduce acne flare-ups by literally getting under your skin as retinol consists of tiny molecules that penetrate the middle layer of your skin and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Both of these compounds reduce the appearance of pores and acne scarring over time.

Serums May Protect Skin from Certain Damage

Many of the core ingredients in serums are antioxidants, which are known to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can damage skin cells and other tissues as they bounce around in your body.

Antioxidants like CoQ10 can stabilize those free radicals by donating an electron, preventing them from causing damage. Free radicals are responsible for skin irritations and may contribute to many signs of aging or general skin cell degradation.

Some serums may also provide ancillary protective benefits against harm from toxins, environmental pollutants, and even UV radiation from the sun. If you use a face serum, you may be at less risk of sun damage to your skin, including burning, but you should always read the label of your specific product to confirm this.

Serums May Reduce Signs of Aging

Many signs of aging, including wrinkles, aging spots, and sagging skin, result from long-term skin cell degradation and dryness. While face serums can’t prevent your skin from aging overall, they may help to reduce the severity of some of those symptoms. Serums that contain vitamins C, B, and E with ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid, especially, can help to deeply hydrate skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Apply Serum

Everyone’s skin is different, but on average, you should use a serum for about seven weeks to see how your skin responds. Depending on the serum and the current state of your skin, you might see initial results — like slightly more hydrated skin — in just a few days, according to Dr. Craig Kraffert, a board-certified dermatologist.

It’s important to note that before applying a new product, you should perform a patch test. Try the product on a small area of your skin to see how it reacts, such as the inside of your elbow. Keep in mind that some serums will naturally leave your face slightly pink, but this should subside after about 10-15 minutes. If you’re having a reaction, consult your doctor.

Cold Plunge Benefits

A cold plunge, also known as cold water immersion, is a practice that has been gaining traction among wellness enthusiasts, athletes, and biohackers alike. It involves immersing the body in cold water, typically between 50°F and 59°F (10°C and 15°C), for a brief period of time. While the concept may sound intimidating, the benefits—both physical and mental—make it worth considering.

What is a Cold Plunge?

A cold plunge typically involves submerging your body in cold water for a short duration, ranging from 2 to 10 minutes. This can be done in specially designed cold plunge tubs, natural bodies of water like lakes or rivers, or even a simple ice bath at home. The practice has roots in ancient cultures, such as Scandinavian cold therapy and Japanese Misogi purification rituals.

Why Do People Do It?

The reasons for taking a cold plunge vary widely, from improving athletic recovery to enhancing mental resilience. Here are some key benefits:

1.     Reduced Inflammation: Cold water constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling, making it an excellent recovery tool for athletes after intense workouts.

2.     Improved Circulation: The body reacts to the cold by increasing blood flow to vital organs, which can improve overall circulation and cardiovascular health over time.

3.     Boosted Immunity: Regular cold exposure has been shown to enhance the immune system by increasing white blood cell production.

4.     Enhanced Mental Clarity and Mood: Cold plunges trigger the release of endorphins and norepinephrine, chemicals that boost mood, focus, and overall mental clarity.

5.     Stress Resilience: The initial shock of cold water trains the nervous system to manage stress more effectively, promoting resilience in daily life.

6.     Better Sleep: Some people find that regular cold plunges help regulate their sleep patterns, likely due to the calming effect on the nervous system.

Scientific Studies and Expert Opinions

Several clinical studies have explored the effects of cold water immersion (CWI), commonly known as cold plunging, on various aspects of health and performance.

A systematic review published in Exercise & Sport Nutrition Reviews examined CWI’s impact on the anti-inflammatory response, suggesting potential benefits in reducing inflammation post-exercise. However, an article in Science-Based Medicine highlighted that while some studies found positive effects on muscle soreness and recovery, others indicated that CWI could impair muscle adaptation and growth when used immediately after resistance training.

Experts have also weighed in on the practice. Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University, notes that deliberate cold exposure can significantly increase the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which enhance mood, focus, and attention. Dr. Andrew Jagim of the Mayo Clinic emphasizes the role of cold plunges in pre- and post-exercise recovery, noting that they can improve performance, reduce muscle damage, and alleviate soreness when used effectively.

How to Do a Cold Plunge

If you’re new to cold plunging, it’s important to ease into the practice. Here’s how you can get started safely:

1.     Prepare the Setup: You can use a cold plunge tub, an ice bath, or even a natural body of water. For beginners, start with water around 59°F (15°C).

2.     Start Small: Begin with short exposures, such as 1-2 minutes, and gradually increase your time as your body adapts.

3.     Focus on Breathing: Controlled breathing helps your body handle the initial shock. Take slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system.

4.     Set a Timer: Avoid staying in too long. For most people, 2-10 minutes is sufficient to reap the benefits.

5.     Warm Up After: After exiting the water, warm up gradually with a towel, warm clothing, or light exercise. Avoid hot showers immediately as it can cause dizziness.

Safety Tips and Risks

While cold plunging offers numerous benefits, it’s not for everyone. Here are some safety tips and potential risks to consider:

• Consult Your Doctor: If you have underlying health conditions such as heart problems, Raynaud’s disease, or circulatory issues, consult a healthcare provider before trying cold plunging.

• Don’t Go Alone: Always have someone nearby when attempting a cold plunge, especially in natural bodies of water.

• Avoid Hypothermia: Keep track of time to ensure you don’t stay in the water too long, as prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia.

• Listen to Your Body: If you feel faint, excessively cold, or experience tingling sensations, exit the water immediately.

Who Should Avoid Cold Plunging?

Cold plunging is not recommended for:

• Pregnant individuals

• People with uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Individuals with a history of cold-induced injuries or frostbite

Final Thoughts

Cold plunging is more than just a trendy wellness practice; it’s a scientifically supported method to enhance physical and mental well-being. With proper preparation and attention to safety, it can be a transformative addition to your self-care routine. Whether you’re looking to recover faster, build resilience, or simply invigorate your day, a cold plunge could be just the refresh you need.

Bamboo 101 for Your Household

ByElizabeth Weiss

 JAN 23, 2025

Families that are striving to live greener can make many small choices that add up to a big impact. Bamboo is a sustainable household option, if you pick the right products and places to implement it. Where does bamboo work best? Where will it have the most potential to do good? Are there any drawbacks to using bamboo?

The Pros of Bamboo

You hear “bamboo” and think panda bears, China, and oodles of bamboo forests just waiting to be munched up. This beautiful grass with a hollow stem, however, offers far more than just a source of sustenance for an endangered species. Bamboo is a sustainable, renewable, versatile material — it’s also vastly underused in the United States.

Deforestation contributes to plant disease, soil loss, erosion, and problems with the water cycle. When trees are cut down, the regulation of the climate and ecosystem are upended. Bamboo, however, is a viable alternative as one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet. It can mature in just a couple of years, compared to fully matured hardwood, which takes 30 to 50 years. Some species of bamboo can grow a whopping 35 inches in a day.

Bamboo doesn’t need as much water as trees to thrive and this hardy plant is so tough it doesn’t need chemical protection to discourage pests or boost growth. Plus, bamboo is antifungal, antibacterial, 100 percent biodegradable, and decomposes naturally in the environment. What’s not to love?

Well, back to China.

The Potential Cons of Bamboo

It’s important to consider where your bamboo products and household goods are sourced. Although bamboo cultivation offers a great opportunity for U.S. farmers, the United States imports most of the bamboo we consume. When bamboo is imported — pre- or post-production — it’s authentic bamboo, but what about the environmental impact caused by trekking these items across the globe? Imported bamboo products are likely to have a hefty transportation carbon footprint, so it’s important to weigh that aspect when you’re considering how these items fit into your lifestyle.

How bamboo is processed also makes a difference in its true sustainability. If a product hasn’t been chemically processed, like most bamboo products sold in solid form, you should be in good shape. Bamboo fabrics, however, are a different story.

Clothing and Fabrics

Bamboo is hard. Turning this plant into a soft fabric like viscose rayon takes chemical processing involving sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide. These chemicals are dangerous to a one-time wholly natural material, and they produce chemical runoff and make a major ding on the environment.

Nevertheless, there are greener bamboo fabrics, most notably bamboo lyocell, which is made using a closed-loop cycle so nothing toxic leaks into the environment. Just think twice and consider sourcing and manufacturing before buying bamboo towels, sheets, cleaning cloths, or clothing.

Household Goods

What you use to make your food, eat your food, and clean your food and dishes makes all the difference in your health and wellness. Some sustainable bamboo kitchen items include:

• Full Circle bamboo dish brush and ceramic soap dispenser

• OLA Bamboo utensil and straw set

• Bambusi collapsible bamboo dish drying rack

• NatureZway bamboo vegetable brush

• LeafLife stainless steel and bamboo tea steeper and water bottle

Personal Hygiene

Taking care of your body is about more than just the products you use, it’s about the tools you use to deliver that care, including:

• EcoTools bamboo makeup brushes

• Laluztop organic bamboo hair towel

• Nudoku biodegradable bamboo toothbrush

• Nipoo wooden hairbrush with bamboo bristles

• Who Gives A Crap bamboo toilet paper

Flooring

Solid strand bamboo flooring is an attractive, uniform option for the home. It consists of a solid slate of bamboo, unlike engineered flooring that includes only a thin top layer of bamboo. The only question is, what about the glue? “There will always be a fair amount of glue used to make bamboo flooring, since the grass will be made into strips that need to be formed into planks,” says building biologist Corinne Segura. “Most glues are fairly eco-friendly with low offgassing. You can find flooring without formaldehyde, but all replacement glues still have some offgassing of VOCs.”

While bamboo flooring can be sanded and refinished many times, just like real solid wood, it doesn’t do well in high or low humidity. And if you live in an area where water damage is a threat or large spills happen on the regular, warping could occur.

Ultimately, bamboo in solid form is the most ideal incarnation of this grass and, if you look hard enough, you can find a versatile list of household goods or personal care products made of sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo.

What's the Difference Between Global Warming and Climate Change?

Though they are used interchangeably, the terms are indeed different.

David M. Kuchta

Published January 15, 2025

The terms “global warming” and “climate change” are often used interchangeably. In the scientific literature, climate change and global warming are inextricably linked, even if they are distinct phenomena. The simplest explanation of that linkage is that global warming is the chief cause of changes in our current climate.

Here, we define both of these concepts, describe how they are measured and studied, and explain the connection between them.

What Is Global Warming?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has defined global warming as "an increase in combined surface air and sea surface temperatures averaged over the globe and over a 30-year period."1 For over a century, research has been conducted to measure and pinpoint the precise causes of global warming.

Measurements Throughout History

Earth's average surface temperature has risen and fallen throughout our planet's history. The most complete global temperature records, in which scientists have a high level of confidence, date back to 1880.2 Before 1880, observations come from farmers and scientists who, as early as the 17th century, recorded daily temperatures, rainfall measurements, and first and last frosts in their personal diaries. This data has often been found to be accurate when compared to instrumental data.3

For long-term data, paleoclimatologists (scientists who study ancient climates) rely on historical variations in pollen counts, the advance and retreat of mountain glaciers, ice cores, chemical weathering of rock, tree rings and species locations, shoreline changes, lake sediments, and other “proxy data.”

Scientists continuously refine the accuracy of the recorded data and how it is interpreted and modeled. Temperature records vary by region, altitude, instruments, and other factors, but the closer we get to the present, the more certain scientists are about the facts of global warming.

Natural events such as asteroid impacts and major volcanic eruptions, for example, can have dramatic effects on global temperatures, leading to mass extinctions. Cyclical changes in Earth's position relative to the sun, called Milankovitch cycles, can influence global temperatures and have long-term effects on the climate over the course of thousands of years—though they do not account for the shorter-term changes witnessed over the last 150 years. Indeed, for the present era, a pattern emerges from the data: Earth's average temperature has risen much more rapidly in the past 50 years than during any past warming event.

The Greenhouse Effect

Starting in the mid-19th century, scientists began identifying changes in carbon dioxide concentrations as a leading cause of global temperature changes. In 1856, American physicist Eunice Foote was the first to demonstrate how carbon dioxide absorbed solar radiation. Her suggestion that “an atmosphere of that gas would give to our earth a high temperature” is now the common understanding among scientists on the causes of global warming, the phenomenon now known as the greenhouse effect.

By 1988, James Hansen, director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, could testify to the U.S. Congress “with a high degree of confidence” that there was a “cause and effect relationship" between the greenhouse effect and the observed warming. Hansen was speaking about recent global warming, but the “high degree of confidence” applies to paleoclimatology as well. By their very existence, since the emergence of life on Earth, carbon-based lifeforms have altered levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Human-Induced Causes

Humans have caused the most rapid and severe changes in global temperatures. Since James Hansen's 1988 testimony, the level of confidence in the anthropogenic (human-induced) causes of global warming has grown to be functionally unanimous within the scientific community.

Those anthropogenic causes are not new. As early as 1800, the naturalist Alexander von Humboldt observed how deforestation raised regional atmospheric temperatures. Just as wildfires today release tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, controlled burns have been a source of added carbon for centuries.

Those traditional practices, however, are dwarfed by the number of greenhouse gases emitted since the beginning of the late 18th century with the development of the coal-powered steam engine. Coal burning expanded a hundredfold in the 19th century, grew another 50% by 1950, tripled between 1950 and 2000, then nearly doubled again between 2000 and 2015. Oil consumption followed an even faster growth curve, expanding 300-fold between 1880 and 1988, then growing another 50% to 2015. Natural gas use has risen the quickest, expanding a thousandfold between the late 1880s and 1991, then another 75% to 2015.

Fossil fuel burning, which emits greenhouse gases primarily of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, may have peaked in 2017, but still made up 82% of the world's primary energy use in 2021.

The parallel growth of fossil fuel consumption and the rise in global surface temperatures is striking. Greenhouse gas emissions have risen to levels that are “unprecedented in at least the last 800,000 years” and are "extremely likely to have been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century,” according to the IPCC.

A simple way to understand how fossil fuels contribute to global warming is to think of a blanket. Burning fossil fuel has wrapped the Earth in a blanket of pollution, which traps heat. The more fossil fuels we burn, the thicker the blanket gets, and the more heat can be trapped.

What Is Climate Change?

Climate is weather over a long duration. Changes in the climate created by human-induced global warming are having and will continue to have long-term effects. Those effects, once thought to begin occurring sometime in the near future, are increasingly visible today, with the most apparent being changes in weather patterns. But subtler changes to entire ecosystems also present a very serious threat.

Extreme Weather

Global warming has made the weather wilder and more unstable, as natural disasters have shown “exponential increases in recent decades” in both intensity and frequency. “Once-in-a-century” natural disasters such as wildfires, deadly heat waves, droughts, floods, tropical storms, hurricanes, blizzards, and avalanches have seen a 10-fold increase since 1960.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, over the last 50 years, half of all recorded disasters and 74% of related economic losses have been due to weather, climate, and water hazards like floods.

Attributing Weather to Climate Change

It is often difficult to attribute any particular extreme weather event to global warming. Natural variability in the climate is responsible for short-term, year-to-year changes in weather patterns, especially at the regional level. But the longer-term pattern of weather events reveals the hand of climate change.

What can be attributed to global warming is a changing climate, where warmer oceans and warmer air increase the likelihood and intensity of droughts, heat waves, storms, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events. Attribution of extreme events is more a question of probabilities than certainties, given that the circumstances involved often have no historical precedents.

But by comparing current extreme events to historical ones of different intensities and different atmospheric conditions, scientists can give increasingly rigorous explanations for the role that global warming played in worsening extreme weather.

While there is often disagreement within the scientific community about the level of influence climate change has on a single extreme event, there is a solid agreement that human-induced climate change plays a leading role.

Threats to Ecosystems

More deadly than natural disasters is climate change's threat to Earth's entire biosphere, the ecosystems that support life. Species that attempt to adapt to the changing climate often fail.

Coral, for example, dies as oceans absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide and become increasingly acidic. When peatlands and coastal wetlands dry out due to rising temperatures, their dead vegetation decomposes more quickly and releases greenhouse gases, contributing to a “cascading effect” where one calamity contributes to the next. Climate-driven “tipping points,” already underway, lead to major losses in biodiversity and undermine entire ecosystems.

Climate change research still contains unknowns and uncertainties. It is easier to understand the past than to predict the future of an entire planet's physical and biological systems. Yet the key uncertainty is less about the hard science of climate change and more about the social science of how humans respond to it.

What Is Zero Waste?

Zero waste, as ZIWA puts it is "The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health." In other words, it is a lifestyle in which you do not send anything to a landfill. We, as humans, are over-consumers and don't value our belongings which in turn makes them disposable. According to the EPA the average American produces 4.4 pounds of waste a day - that's almost 1.5 trillion pounds of waste per year just from Americans. That's a lot! 

But how do you decrease that number? It's SIMPLE, reduce, reuse, and recycle♻️. 

You can start reducing your waste by thinking about if you absolutely NEED something before buying it. You really only need one general cleaner for windows, kitchen counters, bathroom, and floors - vinegar and water.

Reduce

Just by reducing your need for cleaning detergents you've decreased your waste at least 3 containers by reusing one spray bottle, plus you've decreased your cost by $50+ and it's harmful chemical free so your pets or kids stay healthy.

Reuse

Now-a-days there is almost always a reusable option for anything you could possibly need. Instead of plastic wrap there are reusable silicone lids in just about any size you can think of so you can cover bowls, fruit, cans, jars, etc to save for later then toss the lid in the dishwasher and use it over and over again. You will also save a ton of money in the long run by reusing than disposing.

Recycle

There are instances where you HAVE to buy something that is just not reusable -like canned foods - and it's not your fault but you can still make this into a zero waste situation. Just recycle the can after you've rinsed it out.

On average Americans already recycle 34.3% of their trash, however, this number should really be closer to 100%. You can help raise the percentage by only buying goods that can be recycled instead of thrown out.

Small Thoughts But HUGE Impact

It does not take a whole lot of energy to be zero waste. Next time you go to the grocery store, bring your own reusable bags instead of using the store's plastic bags, think hard about your need for something and if you do need something try to opt for the product in recyclable packaging or no packaging at all. By doing these three simple things you can make a huge impact. 

So let's work together to go from this

to this

Sources

Zero Waste Definition, Zero Waste International Alliance, 10/20/2018, 4/21/2020, http://zwia.org/zero-waste-definition/

All Credit

J&L Naturals

Winter Skin Dryness? Try Shea Butter.

As winter settles in, our skin craves extra nourishment. Enter shea butter, a natural skincare superstar that's been cherished for centuries. Let's explore why this rich, creamy ingredient might just become the best shea butter for dry skin in your winter skincare routine.

What Makes Shea Butter Special?

Shea butter, a key player in natural skincare for dry skin, comes from the nuts of the African shea tree. It's packed with vitamins and fatty acids that work wonders for your skin:

• Deep moisturization without greasiness

• Soothing properties for irritated winter skin

• Natural anti-inflammatory benefits

• Supports skin elasticity and collagen production

• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin

From Head to Toe: Your Winter Skin Savior

One of the best things about shea butter is its versatility in your winter skincare routine:

1. As a rich body moisturizer for dry, flaky skin

2. To soften and heal cracked hands and feet

3. As a nourishing lip balm for chapped lips

4. To tame frizzy hair ends in dry winter air

5. As a gentle makeup remover that doesn't strip moisture

Shea Butter: The Heart of Your Winter Skincare Routine

As the temperature drops, your skin needs extra TLC. Shea butter can be your go-to for combating winter dryness. After your shower, while your skin is still damp, apply a shea butter-rich cream to lock in moisture. Your skin will thank you!

Heliotrope

Aspen Shea Butter Moisturizer

How to Up Your Self-Care Routine with Natural Products

by halee everett November 15, 2021

Soulistic Root

How to Up Your Self-Care Routine with Natural Products

Nothing says self-care like treating your body with natural beauty & lifestyle products.

Often when we think of self-care, it involves a pink bubble bath, wrinkle creams and scented moisturizers. But what if you could enjoy this beautiful experience without the harsh chemicals and toxins?

Natural products not only give you peace of mind that you are not placing any toxins on your skin (which get absorbed straight into your body), but provide an added wellness boost thanks to the therapeutic properties of essential oils.

So choosing bath salts with added natural oils and dried herbs will soothe your nervous system and provide you aromatherapy benefits, unlike conventional bubble bath products.

This means you can fully relax into your self-care practice, knowing that you are supporting your wellness.

And choosing to incorporate natural products into your bath and beauty routines does not have to be complex. With just a few easy swaps, you’ll be able to harness the best that nature has to offer. Start with switching out your most used products for toxic-free alternatives – whether that is a shower spray, facial toner or hand sanitizer.

A simple routine with minimal products is best. You’ll probably find yourself relieved to stop using all the conventional creams and soaps you've collected in your bathroom cupboard!

Because after all, self-care isn’t just about treating our body – it’s about treating our soul. And as you start to live a more natural lifestyle, your body and soul will start to thank you back.

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Your Guide to Natural Shaving

Heliotrope

October 23, 2024

Let's face it: shaving can be a real pain. Razor burn, dry skin, ingrown hairs - we've all been there. But switching to a natural shaving routine with natural products might just be what your skin needs. Here's a quick rundown of what's out there and why it matters.

Why Go Natural?

Natural shaving products can make a real difference in how your skin looks and feels. They're worth trying if you're tired of irritation and want a more comfortable shave.

Natural shaving products hydrate, soothe, and protect your skin without the harsh chemicals found in conventional shaving creams and gels. Ingredients like aloe, shea butter, and cucumber extract work to keep your skin smooth and happy through every step of your shave. Plus, they're better for the environment too!

Natural shaving results in

• Less irritation

• Gentler for sensitive skin

• Moisturized skin

• Environmentally friendly use

A Simple, Eco-Friendly Natural Shave Routine

Here's a simple, natural routine that works for all skin types:

Step 1: Prep Skin

Start with clean, slightly damp skin. If you have time, a warm towel on your skin for a minute can help soften hair. Before the razor touches your skin, start with a good shave cream. For skin that is dry or prone to razor bumps, a moisturizing product can make all the difference.

Try: Aloe & Shea Butter Shave Cream by Heliotrope

This rich, hydrating shave cream is packed with organic aloe and shea butter to soften skin, reduce irritation, and leave your skin feeling moisturized. 

Step 2: Lather Up!

If you prefer a classic good lather, using a shave soap is a great way to soften hair and get a close shave.

Try: Lavender Soothing Shave Soap

This all-natural soap creates a soothing lather that preps your skin for a gentle, smooth shave. Made with shea butter, coconut oil, and calming lavender, it’s perfect for a traditional shaving experience without the dryness.

While some folks choose to use a brush to apply, it’s also possible to rub directly onto your face. 

Step 3: Shave

Use a light hand, and a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation and ingrown hairs. Splash with cool water after to close pores.

Step 4: Soothe Post-Shave

Apply a high quality, natural aftershave to prevent dryness and redness.

Try: Cucumber & Aloe Aftershave Balm

This refreshing balm is formulated with cucumber and aloe to soothe, hydrate, and protect your skin after shaving. The lightweight formula quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving it cool and moisturized without a greasy feel.

Doubles as a lightweight moisturizer, so feel free to add another squirt & apply all over the face.

Step 5: Care for Your Beard (if you have one!)

If you're maintaining facial hair, don't forget to show it some love too. Beard oils are an excellent way to keep your skin and beard healthy and soft.

Try: Organic Argan & Marula Beard Oil

Infused with organic argan and marula oils, this beard oil nourishes and hydrates both your skin and beard. It's the perfect finishing touch for a well-groomed look, taming unruly hair and adding a subtle shine.

Comes in 3 essential-oil blends (never any synthetic perfumes, which are drying). 

More Tips for a Perfect Shave:

• Avoid alcohol-based aftershaves that can dry out your skin.

• Rinse your razor regularly while shaving to prevent build-up and irritation.

• Moisturize regularly to keep your skin smooth and hydrated.
  

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Ethical Fashion: How to Start Building an Eco-Friendly Wardrobe Today

Written by Georgia Douvall

AUGUST 12, 2024

Sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. You might have heard some distressing news about the next bad turn that the environment has taken, or simply been introduced to the horrible conditions that many fast fashion companies put people through. The good news is that you’re already making great strides in living a better, eco-friendly life.

Sustainable Production vs Greenwashing: The Difference

Being sustainable is certainly trending, so you’ll hear a lot of different companies try to show you their newest sustainable collection. Some might boast things like “vegan leather” or “made with recycled polyester”.

These are claims you need to be very wary of. For example, while some true vegan leather exists (it’s typically made out of food scraps like orange peels or even mushrooms) the vegan leather you’ll come across in your day to day is simply plastic. All plastics, regardless of whether they’re recycled or not, shed and lead to the growing microplastics problem that’s worked its way so far up the food chain we eat approximately one credit card’s worth of it in a year.

What to Look For When Shopping

Your options when it comes to sustainable shopping are not just second-hand or high-end. There are many middle-ground retailers like Carve Designs that offer pesticide-free organic cotton products that were ethically manufactured. These products cost the same, if not less, compared to other brands you likely already shop at.

Limiting Your Consumption

Buying less and buying better is the best way to be sustainable. This means that the goal is to buy fewer items throughout the year, but when you do, putting more emphasis on their quality. Look at the seams, the material, the manufacturing, and then once you deem it’s of high quality (a trait that’s becoming harder to find these days) then consider how it works in your wardrobe.

A great, easy way to lower your consumption is to simply wait. If you see a product you like online, make a mental note and leave it for 48 hours. If you still can’t wait to buy it and imagine so many different outfits you can make with it, then feel free to add it to your closet. If you barely manage to remember you even made a mental note, then you simply let yourself forget about it.

Invest in Clothes Care

Maintaining your existing clothes and knowing how to take better care of anything you buy in the future is how you keep your closet looking amazing. A good place to start is to actually be more mindful of what you put in the dryer. Cotton tends to soften in the dryer, for example, so if you want that crisp new shirt to stay crisp and sharp, wash on delicate only and hang up to dry.

It's also a good idea to invest in the right soap, learn to hand wash certain delicates and wools, and get a drying rack. Doing all this can help extend the life and beauty of your clothes, and is good practice for sustainable living.

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