Considering our planet
We live in a world where we need to consider a lot to keep our planet happy — our skincare, food, habits and the brands we choose to purchase.
With every decision we make as a brand, we’ll consider both our bodies AND the planet. Using PCR (post consumer recycled materials) for our bottles reduces our reliance on fossil fuels and improves our environmental impact. This means less wastage going into landfill, and the carbon footprint is 60% lower than normal bottles.
Okay wait, but what is carbon footprint?
You’ve probably heard a lot of brands and businesses throw this phrase around, and you know it’s around the environment and something about climate change, but not really sure what the eff it actually means? Don’t worry, keep reading. Carbon Footprint is the measure of the total amount of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere as a result of an individual’s, organisation’s, or nation’s actions. Not that you really need to know this, but it’s measured in tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent).
Now that you know what Carbon Footprint means, let’s breakdown Greenhouse Gasses (GHG) i.e. any type of gas in the atmosphere that blocks heat from escaping. When we’re talking about your carbon footprint and climate change, the main ones to understand are carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane.
Next up is the greenhouse effect. This refers to the process of the GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere trapping heat from the sun. Don’t be fooled by this being a natural phenomenon either – although it keeps the planet habitable, our GHG emissions are causing the earth to warm up at an unnatural (and alarming) rate. See why all of this is v important stuff?
We could go further to explain climate change, global warming and fossil fuels, but we’ll save that for next time. For now, we’d love for you to start considering your own carbon footprint on this planet.
At Yours Only, we use 100% recycled materials for our bottles and 80% recycled for our send outs (we tried for 100%, but no dice on the quality).
Here’s a 5 simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint:
1. Reduce, reuse, recycle
Look at what you’re using and see where you can reduce, reuse and recycle! Take note of your single use products, can you switch them up to a reusable option? What paper are you using? Can you switch to digital or even recycled paper? Are you using a keepcup for your takeaway coffee runs? Are you reusing your food jars and taking them to bulk foods to top up your nuts and spices supplies? Are you remembering to take reusable bags for your grocery shopping? Simple switches can make a huge difference!
2. Mindful consumption
Did you know the food you’re eating can have a huuge impact on the environment? Meat and dairy, for instance, requires a lot of land, water and energy to produce. Not to mention the amount of methane and greenhouse gas production too. And anything shipped from overseas also uses a lot more resources. So, by eating fewer animal products and buying locally sourced food (while supporting your locals), you’re certainly doing your bit.
3. Treat yourself to a fancy reusable water bottle & keep-cup
This is an obvious one and we’re all sick of hearing it. BUT, if we all did it, we wouldn’t have to hear about it anymore, would we? Plus, who doesn’t want a fancy drink bottle and keep-cup to carry around everyday? Think about this when you’re traveling too. You may not be able to take liquids on the plane, but you can pack the reusable bottle & cup for refilling on the other side. The amount of carbon footprint you’re reducing by not consuming those single use plastic bottles, well, you basically deserve a medal.
4. Use public transport
We’ve heard it all before, but the reason the greenies harp on about using public transport is because petrol cars (yes, that includes Ubers and taxis) emit a lot of carbon dioxide per km. Trains, trams and buses carrying loads of people around are obviously a way more sustainable way of travel. Perk: you’re saving on parking AND you can mindfully admire the world while you get transported around. It’s a win win!
5. Switch your mindset to green
Now that you get the basics, it’s so easy to make simple switches to better the planet. Keep it in the forefront of your mind with every activity, purchase and consumption. Even travelling internationally, you can always find a more environmentally friendly approach. For example, choose green accommodation and ethical destinations. Walk, cycle, or use public transport, eat local food – think about how you can leave as light a carbon footprint as possible.
Okay, now you’re basically a carbon footprint expert. It’s time to reduce, reuse, recycle and make a difference on this planet.
