Abhay Gupta - JustEco

Reusable Paper Towels: A First Step For Sustainable Cleaning

Abhay Gupta / September 26, 2023 / Sustainable Living, Sustainable Technology

Whether it’s cleaning the kitchen slab or desk, one will quickly grab a paper towel, use it, and throw it in the dustbin! It seems like a small issue, but do you know how these once-usable paper towels can cost the environment? Making of these can cause deforestation, soil and ocean pollution. Once-used paper towels will fill up the land and increase wastage. One paper towel has a small carbon footprint, but,in large numbers collectively, it contributes to increasing global warming! Reusable and sustainable paper towels are the best alternative for this problem. What Are Reusable Paper Towels? As the name suggests, you can use these paper towels multiple times. Most reusable paper towels are made of cellulose, cotton fibers, or bamboo. These resources, like paper, must be grown or taken from the environment before they can be used to make paper towels. However, since reusable products use fewer raw resources, they are frequently more sustainable in terms of production. Another environmental benefit of reusable paper towels is that they can be composted after usage. You can also make reusable paper towels DIY. After usage, you can compost them by dumping them in compost bins for your home. Can Reusable Paper Towels Work As Good As The Traditional Ones? Yes! Reusable Paper towels work as well as traditional ones. As you get used to the once-used paper towels, you may get annoyed slightly to wash these reusable ones. However, once you get used to them, you will never leave them! You can use them for years when you follow proper maintenance. Just follow the tips below to maintain them properly. If you follow these tips, you can get accustomed to the towel and can use it easily. What Materials Can Be Used In Making Reusable Paper Towels? Reusable paper towels are made from materials that can be easily biodegradable and compostable. Do you know making these paper towels is a green business idea? It is because the items used in making them are eco-friendly. Some of the items used to prepare reusable paper towels are organic cotton, hemp, cellulose (prepared from wood pulp), linen, and bamboo. How They Benefit The Environment? Reusable paper towels benefit the environment in many ways. The following are some of them. You can save money by using reusable towels. When you use reusable towels in the long term, you will significantly notice the money you saved by going green. How To Make Reusable Paper Towels? Materials Required Tools Required Stitch Reusable Paper Towels DIY As you now know how to make reusable paper towels, you can make them using any cotton fabric for better absorption. These towels will come a long way for years if you use them correctly. Conclusion Using reusable paper towels not only aids in sustainable living but is also cost-effective. You can make these towels at home easily. If you want to buy them, make sure to buy them from trusted brands because some brands use plastic wires as seams in towels, which are harmful to the environment. Frequently Asked Questions

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8 Things to Keep In Mind While Planning Sustainable Safari’s

Abhay Gupta / September 19, 2023 / Sustainable Living

In our busy schedule, everyone wants to get away from this hectic life and get some peace and relaxation. What can be the best choice for this, more than spending some quality time with nature? Today, in this blog, let us talk about safaris. Every one of us wants to go on safari at least once in our lifetime and wants to enjoy the green fields, wildlife, and beautiful nature. But do you know the importance of sustainability in safaris? Let us look at the benefits of sustainable safari trips and what we should keep in mind while planning these trips. What is Sustainable Safari? Safaris are journeys to observe wildlife and animals in their natural place. If we follow sustainable ways while enjoying these safaris, then it can be called a “sustainable safari.” In environmentally friendly safari, we leave less carbon footprint while exploring nature. We should consider a few points to follow a sustainable safari plan. It is critical to recognize the significance of sustainable safari tours, which not only safeguard and conserve biodiversity but also support local communities’ lives. Benefits of Sustainable Safari Trips Along with reducing the impacts of our doings on the environment, we all know that sustainability deals with the growth and economic and social well-being of us and our future generations. Let us explore how sustainable safari trips benefit from these points. 1. Environmental Protection Sustainable safari vacations prioritize environmental conservation by reducing the impact on wildlife and their habitats. The trips are intended to protect and preserve species and ecosystems for future generations to enjoy. 2. Encounters with Wildlife That Are Ethical Ethical wildlife encounters are prioritized in sustainable safari trips, ensuring that animals are neither exploited nor damaged for tourism targets. These trips frequently adhere to tight restrictions in order to minimize wildlife disturbance and promote safe wildlife-watching practices. 3. Helping Local Communities Sustainable safari trips frequently collaborate with local communities to provide economic possibilities and promote cultural exchange. By selecting these trips, you are promoting sustainable development in the area and directly helping the local economy. You can also buy locally made things and goods. Usually, these safaris happen in remote areas with pure air so that you can get many eco-friendly items from locals. 4. Durable Sustainability Sustainable safaris support programs that safeguard species and their habitats to guarantee conservation activities’ long-term viability. By taking part in these trips, you are supporting ongoing conservation efforts and assisting in the creation of a sustainable future for animals and ecosystems. 5. Education and Public Awareness Travelers can learn about the value of conservation and the difficulties facing ecosystems and wildlife by participating in educational components on eco-friendly safari vacations. This raised awareness contributes to a better understanding and compassion for the environment. 6. Positive Contribution to Climate Change Eco-friendly practices such as employing renewable energy sources, minimizing waste, and assisting carbon offset projects are common features of sustainable safari vacations. By taking these trips, you are lowering your carbon footprint and aiding to combat climate change. 7. Personal Development Sustainable safari vacations frequently offer opportunities for personal development. Connecting with nature and witnessing wildlife’s beauty may be a transforming experience, cultivating tremendous respect for the natural world and our responsibility in safeguarding it. 8. Mindful Tourism Mindful tourism practices, such as respecting local customs and traditions, minimizing waste, and contributing to local conservation efforts, are promoted through sustainable safari vacations. You can actively engage in mindful tourism on these tours and have a good impact on the environment. 8 Things To Keep In Mind During Sustainable Safari Trips Here, we will talk about 8 things to keep in mind when you plan your sustainable safari trip. Practice these 8 points, and you can contribute your part to save our environment from negative impacts. 1. Choose Sustainable Trip Organizations When organizing a safari holiday, choose tour companies that prioritize sustainability. Look for operators who have eco-tourism certificates or who have been recognized as respected sustainable organizations. These companies should implement strategies to reduce their environmental impact, help local communities, and encourage wildlife protection. 2. Don’t Use Single-Use Plastic Items People often carry once use plastic cups or bottles with them while traveling. These items increase wastage and also damage the environment. Safari trips are best known for their pure environment. Please don’t spoil it with waste. Carry your own reusable bottle for the trip, as you will need it during the picnics between the wildlife. 3. Be respectful of the local culture Suppose your tour operators plan safari itineraries, overlooking the importance of not only natural attractions like wildlife parks but also the local people. In that case, you should always be respectful of the local culture and remember that authenticity drives cultural tourism. Visit a local market, dine with a local community, or tour a nearby village in the wildlife park region. Explore the place but always respect their culture. 4. Don’t Interact With Animals Unethically! Remember, you are going into their territory- the animal’s territory. You shouldn’t alter their natural habits. Please do not touch or feed them with anything you bring with you. Doing this will change their eating pattern and can alter their food habits. When you choose an itinerary or safari trip, make sure that it includes the prohibition of unethical animal interaction. 5. Be Mindful While Capturing Pictures Of The Locals When you travel, you would often want to capture beautiful pictures not only of animals but also of locals. But remember, maybe everyone is not comfortable being clicked by the camera. So, ask permission from the person you want to click the picture before snapping it. 6. Follow Rules And Regulations Honestly Safari trips have rules and regulations which you need to follow honestly. The guide will explain to you all those rules. Pay attention to the minute details. For example, if they ask you to stay at least 30 meters from the animal, then you should follow it. 7. Pay Attention To The

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Importance of Sustainable Development: Practices to Follow for a Sustainable Future

Abhay Gupta / September 17, 2023 / Sustainable Living

Development is necessary for any country to progress further. But we should be mindful about the impact this development progress and ways of developing has on our environment. For example, we all know how the Industrial Revolution became the key to development for many countries. However, let’s look at the Industrial Revolution’s negative environmental impacts. The gases evolved from the factories pollute water resources and air. More importantly, these factories use natural resources, which may cause depletion! If this continues, our future generation may not get the resources we use now! That’s why it is important to follow sustainable development. What is Sustainable Development? The concept of sustainable development can be defined in a number of ways. However, the core of the subject is only one thing. That is, to obtain development that meets the needs of present people without compromising the quality of the environment for future generations. By definition, we can say that “sustainable development of a country is a development that meets the present needs of people without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” Anyone of us can practice sustainable ways to improve sustainable development. They can be social, economic, and environmental practices. For example, you can use sustainable kitchen products, sustainable ideas for schools, instead of using harmful ones. Do you know? Nowadays, we can get everything from swimwear to jewelry; you can get everything sustainably. It is high time we need to do everything we can to maintain sustainability. Importance of Sustainable Development As discussed earlier, working towards development while keeping in mind how important it is to protect the environment in which we live is known as sustainable development. For example, imagine that you are not following any sustainable eco-friendly method. To meet your needs, the production of different things will be increasing, and eventually, the environment around us will get polluted too! This will gradually increase climate change and global warming, which will make things worse! This screams the need of sustainable development. We all know how many countries across the globe are facing breathing issues of not getting pure air! This is all because of not minding about importance of sustainable development. If we don’t follow this method, we will end up giving harmful chemical-filled breathing air to our future generations, and they won’t get a chance to live for many years in that polluted environment! Not only this, but if we don’t follow sustainable development, we end up facing extreme droughts, extreme rises in sea levels, soil erosions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and health issues. Now that we know the importance of sustainable development, let us look at the practices to follow. Practices to Follow For Sustainable Development Even though sustainable development takes a much longer time, with the following practices, we can easily obtain it and give a clean environment to future generations. 1. Use Renewable Energy Resources Employing renewable energy sources, i.e., solar, wind, and hydropower, can lessen dependency on fossil fuels, which contributes to climate change. If the fossil fuels are completed, it will take years of time for them to produce again. Wind energy and solar energy are sustainable and widely available ways to produce energy. 2. Practicing Crop Rotation Crop rotation is an excellent and long-term method of increasing the vegetative potential of agricultural land. It is chemical-free, consumes less water, and minimizes the likelihood of disease in the soil. This type of sustainable development is advantageous to both agricultural businesses and household growers. 3. Opting For Green Buildings The term “green building” explains a structure as well as the usage of methods that are resource- and environmentally-conscious throughout the whole life-cycle of a building, from planning to planning, building, operation, upkeep, renovation, and dismantling. Using sustainable materials to design and build energy-efficient buildings can reduce energy use, water usage, and waste. 4. Sustainable Transportation Practices Nowadays, most of us have our own automobiles. If these automobiles are eco-friendly, then there is no serious issue. However, If you use automobiles that consume fossil fuels, practice using eco-friendly transportation. Promoting the use of public transit, walking, and cycling, as well as the usage of low-emission automobiles, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. 5. Waste Management And Recycling Implementing waste reduction and recycling programs can minimize the quantity of waste transported to landfills, conserve resources, and reduce pollution. You can also use eco-friendly recycling bins. 6. Practicing Conservation of Natural resources Natural resources on Earth include air, soil, water, plants, minerals, and animals. Conservation is the practice of protecting these resources in order for all living creatures to reap the benefits from them today and in the future. Protecting natural resources, i.e., forests, oceans, and streams, can help to maintain biodiversity, reduce climate change, and provide critical ecosystem services. 7. Following Sustainable Tourism Sustainable tourism practices, such as responsible tourism and ecotourism, can help local communities, preserve cultural heritage, and mitigate the negative environmental repercussions of tourism. Sustainable tourism can include using eco-friendly travel products, waste management, not overusing natural resources, etc. These are basic practices one should follow to implement sustainability development. However, along with these, one should raise awareness of the need of sustainable development and also follow small eco-friendly practices like using eco-friendly clothing, jewelry, etc. Also, when you celebrate any festivals, keep in mind about the environment too! For example, as Ganesh Chathurthi is coming up, buy or prepare eco-friendly Ganesha at home instead of purchasing synthetic-filled idols. Conclusion With drastic climate and environmental changes around us, it’s high time we should practice sustainable development methods. The change should start with oneself. Small positive actions, when taken by large crowds, can have a great impact. It will eventually reach a wider audience, and we can give a pure and natural environment to our future generations. Frequently Asked Questions

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Why Sustainable Fashion Is The Future Of Style

Abhay Gupta / September 9, 2023 / Sustainable Fashion

Gone are the days when style came at the expense of the planet. Today, fashion-forward individuals are embracing a new ethos that marries aesthetics with environmental responsibility. Sustainable fashion is not just a trend; it’s a movement, a shift towards a brighter, greener future for style-conscious individuals worldwide. Imagine a world where fashion doesn’t harm the planet, where timeless elegance meets eco-consciousness. This is the promise of sustainable fashion, and in this blog, we will delve into why it’s not just a passing fad but the very future of style. So, stick to the end to explore everything about it. But first, let’s know what sustainable fashion is. What Is Sustainable Fashion? Sustainable fashion, in simple terms, is clothing created with a conscience. It’s a way of making clothes that keep the well-being of the Earth in mind. Unlike traditional fashion, which often harms the environment through pollution and waste, sustainable fashion strives to minimize its ecological footprint. Instead of using harmful chemicals, sustainable fashion uses eco-friendly materials. It aims to reduce waste by using every bit of fabric efficiently. How You Can Embrace Sustainable Fashion Now that you know what is sustainable fashion, here’s how you can get on board: 1. Buy Less, Choose Well Instead of constantly buying cheap, disposable clothing, it encourages selecting high-quality pieces you genuinely love and will wear for a long time. This approach reduces the environmental impact of fast fashion and promotes mindful consumption, saving your wallet and the planet in the process. 2. Support Sustainable Brands Supporting sustainable brands is a vital step in embracing eco-conscious fashion. These brands prioritize ethical practices and often use eco-friendly materials. This further ensures that your clothing items, like Oversized blazers or other garments, are made with care for the planet and the people who craft them. Contrary to common misconceptions, the apparel from such brands remains luxurious, featuring premium fabrics. The only difference is that they prioritize sustainability, creating a more stylish and environmentally-friendly fashion future without compromising quality or luxury. 3. DIY and Upcycling DIY and Upcycling is a creative way to embrace sustainable fashion. It involves transforming old or unused clothing items into something new and stylish. By giving these pieces a second life, you reduce waste and add a unique touch to your wardrobe. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to express your style while contributing to a more sustainable future for fashion. 4. Second-Hand Shopping Thrift stores and online vintage shops are treasure troves of sustainable fashion finds. You can discover unique items and reduce the demand for new clothing production. It’s an excellent way to find unique and affordable fashion pieces while actively participating in the effort to reduce fashion’s environmental footprint. Why Sustainable Fashion Is the Future Now, let’s get to the juicy part – why sustainable fashion is the future of style: 1. Ethical Production Ethical production is the moral compass of sustainable fashion. It means making clothes in a way that respects the rights and well-being of the people who create them. In ethical production, workers are paid fair wages, have safe working conditions, and are treated with dignity and respect. It’s a commitment to ensuring that the human side of fashion is just as important as the environmental aspect. Ethical production is like a beacon guiding you toward a fashion industry where every stitch is made relatively and meticulously. 2. Quality Over Quantity Instead of buying heaps of cheap clothes that fall apart after a few washes, sustainable fashion encourages buying fewer, high-quality pieces that last longer. For instance, Coordinated outfits from a luxury sustainable brand is like investing in a wardrobe that ages like fine wine. However, if you opt for cheap, throwaway fashion, you may constantly replace garments and contribute to fashion’s wasteful cycle.” 3. Innovative Technology Innovative technology is like the magic wand of sustainable fashion. It’s all about using cutting-edge methods and materials to make clothing that’s stylish and kind to the environment. Imagine fabrics from recycled plastics or 3D printing techniques that produce minimal waste. These technological advancements are revolutionizing the fashion industry, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly. Fashion and science are teaming up for a brighter, greener future. Conclusion In a nutshell, sustainable fashion is like the superhero of the fashion world. It not only makes you look good but also makes the planet feel good. So, next time you’re shopping for clothes, choose sustainable brands. Remember, being stylish doesn’t mean you have to harm the environment or compromise on ethics. The future of style is here, and it’s sustainable – embrace it!

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10 Eco-friendly Transportation Options for Sustainable Lifestyle

Abhay Gupta / August 21, 2023 / Eco-Friendly

As the global sustainability movement has gained momentum, awareness of the negative effects of transportation on the environment has increased. Traditional forms of transportation like gasoline-powered autos cause major problems, including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Individuals can make a big difference in the fight against climate change by switching to sustainable modes of transportation. 10 eco-friendly transportation options discussed in this blog can help to create a more sustainable future. This guide is for those interested in reducing their environmental impact and seeking information about diverse eco-friendly transportation choices. Transportation and the Environment Historically, transport has served as both a catalyst for development and a cause of environmental deterioration. The carbon footprint of traditional modes of transportation, such gasoline-powered cars and airplanes, has profound effects on the health of our world. Ecosystems are put in danger and climate change is accelerated by air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. There are plenty of environmentally friendly travel options available, so do not be alarmed. 1. Bicycles Bicycles have long been held up as a model of eco-friendly mode of mobility. They don’t add to pollution, get people moving, and cut down on gridlock. The development of bicycle infrastructure in many places further enhances the convenience of riding for shorter journeys. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll to the corner shop or a bike ride to work, these activities create cleaner air in our cities by lowering traffic congestion and pollution. 2. Electric Vehicles (EVs) Electric vehicles’ rising popularity can be attributed to their pollution-free operation. Improvements in battery technology have allowed for increased runtimes between charges and shorter recharge intervals. Electric vehicles’ viability for both short and long journeys increases as charging infrastructure develops. Electric and hybrid cars have exploded into the scene of green transportation. These vehicles offer cleaner air and quieter streets by reducing or eliminating dependency on fossil fuels. 3. Public Transportation Taking public transportation like buses, trams, subways, and trains can help alleviate traffic and minimize an individual’s carbon footprint. Fewer people driving their own cars means less pollution and stress from traffic congestion if there are reliable public transit options available. You can reduce traffic congestion and cut emissions by limiting the number of individual automobiles on the road. 4. Carpooling and Ride-Sharing Sharing transportation has several benefits, including reducing pollution, saving money, and making new friends. Connecting with other passengers on the same route is simplified by ride-sharing websites. By bringing people travelling in the same direction together, carpooling and ride-sharing services reduce emissions and the cost of commuting. 5. Walking Walking is the quickest, least resource-intensive, and most pleasant way to travel short distances. It doesn’t cost anything to do and is good for your health and happiness. If you’re looking to make a positive impact on both your well-being and the planet, walking might just be the eco-friendly choice you’ve been searching for. 6. Hybrid Vehicles Hybrid vehicles are more fuel efficient and produce less pollution because they use a combination of electric motors and internal combustion engines. They represent a step in the direction of greener transportation, albeit they are not as clean as completely electric vehicles. 7. Car Sharing Programs With car sharing, people may borrow a car just when they really need one, cutting down on traffic congestion. The solution presented here reduces the necessity for individual automobile ownership while simultaneously increasing resource efficiency. Automobile sharing programmes offer more flexible and localized alternatives than conventional automobile rental services, making it simpler for consumers to locate and use vehicles as needed. 8. Pedestrian-Friendly Urban Planning By prioritizing pedestrians in urban planning, we may increase walking and decrease reliance on cars. Communities benefit from better health and economic vitality when their pedestrian infrastructure is well-planned. Urban planning that prioritizes pedestrians not only reduces traffic and pollution but also promotes a sense of belonging, good health, and overall wellbeing. Also Read: 12 Climate Change Movies and Documentaries 9. Biofuels and Hydrogen Fuel Cells It is a newly introduced technology, in which carbon footprint of biofuels is less since they are produced from sustainable resources. By mixing hydrogen and oxygen,, hydrogen fuel cells produce energy while releasing only water vapor as waste. As the world strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, these innovative technologies offer a glimpse into a greener future. 10. Scooters and Electric Scooters In the quick-moving world of urban mobility, scooters and electric scooters have quickly become a well-liked and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. In cities, electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular as a means of mobility. They’re eco-friendly, cheap, and versatile, making them a great choice for short commutes. Conclusion Sustainable transportation is impossible without addressing climate change and environmental deterioration. These ten options provide people lots of leeway in how they might lessen their personal environmental effect. Cleaner air, less traffic, and a healthier environment are all benefits of implementing these heating solutions into our everyday lives. In order to ensure the survival of our planet and future generations, it is imperative that governments, corporations, and individuals collaborate to spread awareness of and support for sustainable transportation options.

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DIY Raised Garden Beds: How a simple raised bed can be an eye-catching addition to your backyard

Abhay Gupta / July 1, 2023 / Sustainable Living

In recent years, raised garden beds have experienced a surge in popularity among gardening enthusiasts and homeowners alike. These elevated planters offer a range of benefits that have contributed to their widespread appeal. Not only do they provide a practical solution for gardening in various circumstances, but they also enhance the visual appeal of your backyard, adding a touch of charm and sophistication to your outdoor space. One of the key reasons for the rising popularity of raised garden beds is their ability to overcome common gardening challenges. For those with limited space, such as urban dwellers or individuals with small yards, raised beds offer a vertical dimension to gardening, allowing for the cultivation of a diverse range of plants within a compact area. By utilizing the vertical space, you can make the most of every square foot, transforming even the smallest of spaces into flourishing gardens. Understanding the Benefits of Raised Garden Beds Raised garden beds offer a multitude of advantages that make them a popular choice among gardeners. Let’s delve into some of the key benefits: Improved Soil Quality One of the primary advantages of raised garden beds is the ability to have complete control over the quality of your soil. By filling the raised beds with a high-quality soil mix, you can create the ideal growing environment for your plants. This is particularly beneficial if your native soil is poor in nutrients, compacted, or unsuitable for gardening. You have the freedom to choose the specific soil composition that best suits the needs of your plants, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients, minerals, and organic matter for healthy growth. By providing your plants with a nutrient-rich soil mix, you set them up for success, promoting robust root development and abundant yields. Enhanced Drainage Another significant advantage of raised garden beds is their superior drainage compared to traditional in-ground gardens. The elevated structure allows excess water to drain away more efficiently, preventing waterlogging and the risk of root rot. This is especially crucial in areas with heavy rainfall or soils with poor drainage, such as clay soil. In raised garden beds, the excess water can easily escape through the drainage holes or porous materials, ensuring that your plants’ roots remain healthy and well-aerated. This effective drainage system not only promotes plant growth but also minimizes the risk of disease and fungal infections caused by excessive moisture. Weed and Pest Control The raised height of garden beds acts as a natural barrier against ground-dwelling weeds, reducing the need for constant weeding. The elevated position creates a physical separation between your garden soil and the surrounding ground, making it more challenging for weed seeds to reach the garden bed. This can save you significant time and effort in maintaining a weed-free garden. Additionally, the raised structure can deter pests such as slugs, snails, and burrowing animals from accessing your plants. These pests have a harder time reaching the raised beds, reducing the risk of damage and the need for chemical pesticides. By implementing raised garden beds, you can minimize the use of harmful chemicals and embrace a more eco-friendly approach to gardening. Easy Access and Maintenance The elevated height of raised garden beds offers ergonomic advantages that make gardening tasks more comfortable and accessible. Unlike traditional ground-level gardening, you can tend to your plants, sow seeds, and harvest produce without the need for excessive bending, stooping, or kneeling. This is especially beneficial for individuals with physical limitations, such as back or knee problems. The raised height reduces the strain on your joints and allows for a more enjoyable gardening experience. Additionally, raised garden beds facilitate better organization and provide clear boundaries for different crops. You can easily plan and separate your plants based on their growth requirements, making it easier to care for them individually. The defined boundaries of the raised beds also help prevent soil erosion, ensuring that your garden remains tidy and well-maintained. Incorporating raised garden beds into your backyard not only improves soil quality, enhances drainage, and minimizes weed and pest problems, but it also provides easier access for gardening tasks and promotes better organization. By harnessing these benefits, you can create a thriving and visually appealing garden space that brings joy and abundance to your outdoor sanctuary. Building Your DIY Raised Garden Bed Now that we understand the benefits of raised garden beds, let’s explore the step-by-step process of building your own: Selecting the Location When choosing the location for your raised garden bed, consider several important factors. First and foremost, select a spot that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. Most vegetables, herbs, and flowers require at least six hours of direct sunlight to thrive. Assess your backyard for areas that are not shaded by trees, buildings, or tall structures. If your yard has limited sunlight, consider placing the raised bed in a location that receives the maximum available sunlight. Choosing the Materials There are several options when it comes to selecting the materials for your raised garden bed. One popular choice is wood, particularly untreated, rot-resistant varieties like cedar or redwood. Wood is durable, easy to work with, and provides a natural look that blends well with outdoor surroundings. Another option is using stone or brick, which offers a more permanent and decorative solution. These materials can create a visually striking raised bed that adds a touch of elegance to your backyard. For those looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly approach, using recycled materials such as plastic or composite lumber can be a great choice. Measuring and Marking Before construction, it’s essential to measure and mark the area where your raised garden bed will be placed. Determine the desired dimensions based on the available space and your gardening requirements. Consider the width, length, and height of the bed. Take into account the plants’ mature sizes and their spacing requirements to ensure adequate growing space. It’s also important to leave enough space between the beds for easy movement and maintenance. Mark the boundaries of the

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8 Sustainable Promotion Tips for Your New Etsy Store

Abhay Gupta / June 26, 2023 / Eco-Friendly

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

Abhay Gupta / June 13, 2023 / Sustainable Living

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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Author name: Abhay Gupta