JustEco

June 2023

8 Sustainable Promotion Tips for Your New Etsy Store

8 Sustainable Promotion Tips for Your New Etsy Store

If you’re setting up your Etsy shop, you obviously have some sort of unique skill and a strong sense of creativity. With this combination, you can make products which are appealing and are sure to get some really good responses from potential buyers.  However, even if you have a ship with products that is like nothing else around and is excellent, it won’t succeed without the right marketing strategy. You need to make sure enough people know about the shop in order to maximize your visitor traffic and sales. Here are a few tips you should follow to promote your Etsy shop.  Create a full marketing plan The first thing you should do is write out a complete marketing plan. This will help you set things up accordingly, and also plan your budget. This marketing plan should include what mediums you’re using, how frequently you will push ads, and what the goals of your efforts will be.  This marketing plan should be ready well in advance, so make one of these on a quarterly basis, and stick to implementing it as well as you can, with flexibility for sudden events. Make sure you consider the holidays and other events going on during these quarters, and work on creating content around those. For example, you can talk about sustainable practices for celebrating Diwali.  Make custom Etsy banners Your Etsy storefront’s banner will be the first thing visitors will see when they open up the page. So, it needs to catch their attention and make them want to buy your products. Create a custom Etsy banner with your brand aesthetic, logo, and current campaign to impress visitors.  Make this process easier by simply choosing one of the templates on PosterMyWall and editing it accordingly. Try to stick to a color scheme and a family of fonts throughout your marketing material so that your design sense remains cohesive.  Offer sustainable products in your store Of course, your commitment to sustainability shouldn’t just be limited to your marketing. You should offer a wide range of sustainable products in order to appeal to a wider audience. Work on pieces like upcycled clothes, ethical jewelry, or whatever kind of products fit best with your brand.  Make it clear in your store’s branding and content that these products are sustainable, and provide as much proof as possible about your sourcing and manufacturing processes. This will build trust in your audience and improve your ratings as well.  Focus on the visual appeal  Speaking of storefronts, you need to make yours as visually appealing as possible. After all, Etsy is a platform where aesthetics is the main product. So, you should make sure your products are photographed well, with nice backdrops and themes.  In addition, work on the ‘About’ sections and other sections of the store as well. The visual appeal does not only apply to images, but also to text. Therefore, you should work on your content, and put it in the best shape possible.  Establish your position in the market While Etsy itself is an excellent platform to use, you also need to direct people to your store somehow. One of the best ways you can do this is by establishing yourself as an expert in your niche. So, make sure your products are not too generic, and you’re actually offering something not commonly available. Go for specific products like biodegradable female sanitary products, and also gather as much relevant knowledge around them as possible. Then, share this information with other market players or influencers. This will showcase your unique product and also establish you as a major player in your niche. You can even opt for guest blogging and video marketing to help you achieve this position. Utilize social media platforms This is a major part of your Etsy marketing strategies. You need to leverage your social media platforms, and steer traffic towards your store from them. Instagram is a particularly useful tool when it comes to marketing for Etsy.  Make sure you follow a similar aesthetic on your Instagram feed as your Etsy shop. In addition, add the shop link to the Link in Bio, and also add shopping links on posts you put up. Also share marketing posts and new products across your social media platforms and engage with audiences there in order to get them to visit your Etsy store.  Write a blog You need to create as many channels as possible to direct visitors to your Etsy store. A blog is a good way to do this. Use this blog as an artist website to share your vision, processes, and inspirations. Add links to your Etsy store, and to specific products in the articles you write for this blog. In addition, offer advice about sustainable gifting practices in your blog before the holiday season to increase traffic.  In addition, you can ask guest bloggers to write pieces for this blog as well, and take your brand to the next level. Make sure you’re consistent with writing and posting on this blog, and share the articles regularly across your other online platforms as well.  Work on your Etsy search ranking Etsy has its own SEO strategies, and these will help you rank high in searches for products related to you. One thing you must do is put yourself in the buyers’ shoes, and see what they would like. Also do keyword research, and label your products accordingly. However, make sure everything is cohesive, otherwise your shop will just look unprofessional. When you put effort and research into your strategies, you’re sure to elevate what you do with your Etsy shop. In addition, you should consistently keep an eye on your Etsy analytics as well, and see what sorts of product listings are working well.  In conclusion, there are many ways you can promote your Etsy store online. This will help you get those sales up and make a name for yourself. 

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Zero Waste Sunscreen: Protecting Your Skin and the Environment

Zero Waste Sunscreen

During summer, the first skincare product we all think about is sunscreen. On these heavy temperatures days, it is essential to use sunscreen for our skin. Not only during summer, but temperatures have also been changing noticeably due to climate changes. Everybody should use sunscreen during the time of high temperatures.  Whether you work in the garden or travel on a bike for work, or want to spend some time at the beach, wearing sunscreen prevents your skin from UV rays. But do you know that many sunscreens harm the environment around us?  Sunscreens that contain harmful synthetic substances cause adverse effects on our skin as well as marine life. If they have non-biodegradable packaging, many of them will increase the wastage on earth and affect the environment very badly. That’s why it is imperative to choose eco-friendly and zero waste sunscreen.  Today, let us explore more about the importance of eco-friendly and zero waste sunscreen and also explore the facts of why we should choose them.  What is zero waste sunscreen? As the name implies, zero waste sunscreen is waste-free. That means, from its formula to the material of the packaging is either biodegradable or recyclable. Most of the zero waste sunscreen products available in the market are biodegradable. These sunscreen products don’t increase the landfills and will break down easily.  Along with biodegradable packaging, the best zero waste sunscreen products should be free of harmful ingredients- oxybenzone and octinoxate. Along with this, it should be paraben-free too, and these compounds can harm marine substances. Typically, sunscreen should be made up of environmentally friendly and skin-friendly mineral-based ingredients.  What & How traditional Sunscreen Works Traditional sunscreen normally contains chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, paraben, and other chemical substances.  After applying to the skin, these substances get absorbed into the skin. When sun rays land on the skin, these chemicals absorb the rays, and a chemical reaction occurs. Because of this chemical reaction, the UV rays turn into heat, which will be released from the skin. Usually, traditional sunscreens can protect the skin either from UVA rays or UVB rays, whereas a natural sunscreen, which uses minerals, can protect the skin from both types of rays by reflecting them. Let us talk about the harm these products cause to our skin. Experts clearly say that oxybenzone is not at all safe for the skin. When it gets enters the skin, it causes hormonal imbalance, skin reactions, harm to the reproductive system, and photo allergies. It can sometimes cause breast cancer too. Octinoxate, on the other hand, will show bad effects on reproductive organs in both males and females. Studies have shown that it exhibits antiandrogenic activities- harmful effects on reproductive organs and affect fetuses.  When you go snorkeling, diving, or swimming wearing these traditional sunscreens, the sunscreen gets wiped off and enters the marine system. The chemical compounds in these products have very bad effects on coral reefs. They kill or bleach the coral reefs. Once they are bleached, it will take a minimum of 12 years to return to the normal position. But if they are killed, the process is not reversible. Do you know that 25% of marine species depend on these coral reefs at least some point in their lives? Also, coral reef ecosystems provide food, income, and coastal protection to around 500 million people globally. By wearing these chemical-filled sunscreens, we are causing irreversible effects on the ocean. That’s why places like Hawaii banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect the coral reef. They are only allowing mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreens. Why should we use eco-friendly, zero waste sunscreen? why should we use eco-friendly, zero waste sunscreen? The reason is simple. Eco-friendly, Zero waste sunscreen doesn’t have these chemical compounds which harm any ecological system and contains zero waste. Considering the need to protect the environment around us, we must shift to eco-friendly products. If you are following veganism, you can also find zero waste vegan sunscreen products online. There are many brands promoting vegan products across the globe. Things to consider to choose the best zero waste sunscreen By this point, you must have had a brief idea of what is zero waste sunscreen and how it is different and preferable from the traditional sunscreen filled with chemicals. Now let us briefly discuss things to consider while buying the best zero waste sunscreen. 1. Packaging The first thing you should consider is the packaging of the product. It is mostly the packaging that derives the product, whether it is a zero-waste product or not. Zero waste implies that, in a perfect world, you would never need to dispose of anything since you could use it repeatedly. The greatest option, if that’s not possible, is composting. Recycling should be the last option. Tin, glass, and compostable materials are frequently used to create zero waste sunscreen packaging. 2. Ingredients The ingredients of the product should be mineral based—these minerals, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, function by deflecting sunlight away from the skin. Make sure the minerals in any mineral-based sunscreen you choose aren’t nano. Nanoparticles can get through the skin’s protective barrier and lead to harmful cells, and they are not reef-safe because marine creatures can consume them. That’s why you should always choose non-nano titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Always consider this when you are buying a zero waste vegan sunscreen. 3. Broad spectrum The sunscreen should contain a broad spectrum option, which means it can protect the skin from both UVA & UVB rays. 4. Reef-safe As discussed above, the sunscreen should be reef safe, i.e., it shouldn’t contain any chemicals and nano minerals.  5. Water resistant  It is another choice to choose a water-resistant sunscreen while swimming or entering the marine world. If the sunscreen is water resistant, it not only be on your skin for a long time but also doesn’t get dissolved into the water.  Best 7 Zero Waste Sunscreen Raw Elements: Eco Formula Broad Spectrum THRIVE Natural Face Moisturizer &

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Light Up Your Life with the Eco-Friendly Organic Candles

Organic Candles

Candles in the home give us a pleasant and serene experience. But do you have an idea that many of these candles harm the environment? Nowadays, we are experiencing many climate changes, indicating the need to follow steps to protect the environment around us. Our environment may benefit greatly from even tiny sustainable and organic actions from us. Can using organic candles be one of those steps? Let’s explore more.  Candles contain paraffin wax which is a byproduct of petroleum and can be hazardous to the environment. Moreover, many candles contain artificial fragrances and pesticide and chemicals-filled wicks. Burning these not only harm the environment but also harm the person who inhales the air in that room!  However, as people are becoming more conscious and responsible towards the environment, there are many eco-friendly options growing in the market. From reusable rockets to the growth of thrift stores, people are following more sustainable lifestyles to support the environment. It’s high time we realize the effect paraffin candles have on the environment and take necessary actions. How do candles harm the environment? Anything that burns releases gases into the environment, irrespective of its size. Whether it is firewood or wildfire or candles, burning anything leaves fumes. These fumes enter the environment around us and also would be inhaled by living beings.  When using paraffin wax candles, it releases harmful gases and even sometimes carcinogens because of synthetic fragrances. You must have been thinking that it’s just a small candle but imagine its effects when millions of people are using it! Shocked? That’s why it is crucial to shift to Sustainable candles. Moreover, paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum, extracting which causes air pollution and water pollution. Moreover, extracting more petroleum decreases sources of non-renewable energy too!   All these points clearly suggest the need to shift to eco-friendly candles.  Bestselling Organic Candles on Amazon What are eco-friendly candles? As the name suggests, eco-friendly candles are made with products that don’t harm or adversely affect the environment. These candles are sustainable and made with natural wax such as beeswax, soy wax, etc.; for fragrance, the makers use essential oil instead of harmful synthetic fragrances. Lighting these candles not only gives you a serene and cozy feeling but also doesn’t harm your health. Considering the impacts of paraffin wax candles, it is always suggestible to use organic candles. Benefits of eco-friendly candles Things to Consider Before Buying Organic Candles You can find many products online with the tag “organic” and “natural.” But remember, not all may be eco-friendly. Let’s look at some considerations to make when purchasing candles. 1. Wax As discussed earlier, the type of wax plays a crucial role in sustainable candles. You can get candles made up of soy wax, coconut wax, palm wax, or ethical beeswax. If you follow veganism, you can avoid beeswax. Soy wax is prepared from soybeans. Soybeans are processed to produce soy oil, and this oil is used to prepare soy wax. Similarly, coconut wax and palm wax are prepared from coconut oil and palm oil, respectively.  2. Wick Wick is another vital thing to consider while buying a candle. Basically, there are two types of wicks available in the market. One is made up of cotton, and another is wood. Usually, wood is cut down in thin slices and used in its pure and natural form. It is biodegradable and considered to be sustainable too.  On the other hand, cotton, in its pure form, is also organic. But many companies use thin metal strips placed in the middle of the cotton wick so that it burns quickly. Some companies coat the wick with a layer of paraffin to catch the flame quickly. These companies claim their wicks as eco-friendly, but in fact, they are not!  Wood wicks which are painted or varnished are also not eco-friendly. The paint on the wick releases harmful gases on burning. Farming cotton takes more water, and cutting down an older tree can cause deforestation. However, as the wood required for a wick is very small, one tree can give trillions of wicks. So, think about all these aspects and the choice is yours!  However, if you prepare your candles at home or buy them through small-scale industries, you can find two more choices of wicks. Those are rolled paper and hemp. Hemp requires comparably low water to harvest.  3. Container  The candle’s container is also substantial. Choose a container that is eco-friendly, sustainable or biodegradable, or recyclable. Most organic candles contain glass containers, and some may have recycling materials. Wooden containers, metal containers, jars, ceramic candle containers, concrete containers, and enamel containers are also the best choices.  I recently came across some candles made up of soy wax in coconut shells. You can also prepare this type of candle at home and use your creativity to paint the shell using organic colors.  4. Essential oil There are many natural essential oils to use in the preparation of the candle. These essential oils are plant extracts in highly concentrated forms, giving a pleasant and unique aroma to the candle. For example, lemon, citrus, lavender, vanilla, lemongrass, rose, tea tree, mint, eucalyptus, etc. are some choices you can choose.   Conclusion Any significant change can happen from a slight movement. Your small step to switch towards organic candles can considerably impact the environment. You can choose any organic candles of your choice. The type of wax used, type of wick, choice of essential oil, and the containers should be considered before buying an organic candle. You can also prepare your own candle at home.  Frequently Asked Questions

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