Our planet is facing many challenges, especially when it comes to waste production — which is estimated to be around 2.12 billion tonnes each year. Although authoritative bodies around the world have introduced schemes and initiatives to encourage recycling — most of our waste continues to end up in landfills; which is leading to severe consequences for the environment. This figure is also expected to grow to 4 billion by 2100.
Although most waste is destined for our landfills, a lot does end up in our oceans — illegally. According to some studies, 1.4 billion pounds of rubbish ends up in our waters each year which is having a profound impact on marine life — so much so, scientists have estimated that the amount of plastic will outweigh the fish by 2050.
Surprisingly, 99% of the products we buy are disposed of within six months. Because of this, more businesses around the world are looking at more sustainable ways to create their products in a bid to help better the world that we live in.
Creating Recycled Tableware
Founded in 1979, Ngwenya Glass creates incredible tableware using recycled glass. Originally set up as a Swedish Aid Project, Ngwenya Glass now trains over 60 people in the art of glassblowing to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
The company has a true commitment to helping the planet, and therefore produces hand made gifts. All products are handcrafted from 100% recycled glass, sourced from throughout eSwatini by local people. Ngwenya Glass encourages communities to come together for clean-up days along main roads in the area to gather discarded glass. Most of the glass used to be soft drink bottles!
As local people become ‘glass gatherers’, they are paid by the kilo for their efforts. The business also works with local schools to educate young people in the importance of environmentalism and recycling, and supports schools with building materials and learning resources.
Creating Eco-Friendly Bags & Coats
Fjallravenhas produced the popular Kånken bag that is recognised around the world. Originating from a small town in Sweden, the company focuses on outdoor clothing and equipment and is committed to making nature more accessible for adventurers alike while having a focus on the simplicity of their products.
Using simple colours and their logo, the design is simple but can be complex to craft. To play their part in helping the environment, they released the Re-Kånken bag which is made entirely from polyester recycled from plastic bottles. As well as this, it is dyed with SpinDye technology which ‘radically reduces’ the amount of water, energy and chemicals used.
From the same company, the Eco-Shell coat has been made. Eco-Shell is also made from recycled polyester and unlike many other products on the market, perflourinated chemicals are not involved in the creation.
Creating Wasteboards/Skateboards
Based in Amsterdam, the company Wasteboards puts a unique twist on the creation of skateboards. Benefiting the environment as research has suggested that there are 20,000 plastic bottles are being bought every second, this forward-thinking company collect plastic bottle tops to create the deck of the board.
The business asks locals to collect bottle top lids for them to use and help clean up the streets from waste. As well as this, fishermen who use the canals in Amsterdam are also asked to collect as much as they can.
As skateboards are generally targeted to younger people, this product is perfect as it fits all of their wants and needs. This company loves the idea of being sustainable and being able to sell a sustainable product, so even if your wasteboard breaks — they’ll recycle the broken plastic and create you a new one!
Naked Cosmetics Products
When you think of eco-conscious brands, you will automatically think of Lush Cosmetics. So much so they claim to be 100% vegetarian, promote ethical buying, fight animal testing, craft their products by hand and offer naked packaging products which is helping reduce the chaotic packaging crisis Britain is now facing.
Did you know that each year, you will use 200 pounds of plastic? This has highlighted a huge problem and put great responsibility upon businesses internationally and through innovative design, Lush Cosmetics were able to develop several products that didn’t require packaging to sell. As well as this, all of plastic used by Lush is 100% recycled.
Although these are our top four brands with eco-conscious motives, there are a lot more. This just proves that the ability to be creative and think outside of the box can truly have admirable benefits that help both people in the planet — could you become more ethically focused?
Sources:
http://www.theworldcounts.com/counters/shocking_environmental_facts_and_statistics/world_waste_facts
https://4ocean.com/blogs/blog/how-much-trash-is-in-our-ocean
https://ngwenyaglass.co.sz/history
http://www.artemisamsterdam.com/en/design-art/exhibitions/plastic/451-wasteboards
https://www.shemazing.net/saving-the-earth-one-bath-bomb-at-a-time-lush-expands-naked-packaging/
https://uk.lush.com/products/lushopedia/twilight-0
