Rich Cohen’s Post

Have we found the solution to biodegradable packaging? Maybe. I discovered Notpla this week which is definitely making some impressive claims. I have to begin by saying that I'm definitely in the reuse camp. Ideally we want to reuse takeaway packing and not have to manufacture new all the time. However I think we need to be realistic about the modern world we live in and what society has become accustomed to. Unfortunately reuse isn't always practical. Notpla creates a range of takeaway packaging made from seaweed which is 100% biodegradable in your paper recycling or home compost. (I would be interested to know how long it takes to decompose though, I find a lot of home compostable packaging take a lot longer than your average food waste). My next concern was that we were going to rob the ocean of seaweed, leaving it depleted, but according to Notpla's projections "if we were to replace all single-use plastic with seaweed, only 0.066% of the ocean would be needed, which is well within safe ecological boundaries." I have to say this does seem like a pretty impressive product, my only concern is that is doesn't help change people's mindset about consumption and makes the reuse narrative slightly harder, people will often choose convenience over a more sustainable solution. However this is a much better solution than single-use plastic which is definitely to be commended. I would love to know your thoughts. Jane Martin Eve Warlow Livvy Drake

Reusables are very much the right direction. I agree the educational factor is the most important factor and we all need to learn the importance of reusables across the board. Cheers

Hi all, We all know using plastic-based packaging increases CO2 emissions and also creates a waste problem we have yet to solve. In this context, if one were to introduce biodegradable plastic packaging from food sources, that might be music to our ears, right? Well picture abhi baaki hai mere dost! Watch the video and let us know if you know something else which we may have not covered in this video . . . . #ashwidea #lowwaste ##reducereuserecycle#nopackaging #reducecarbonfootprint #climatechange #biodegradableplastic If your office wants to make a switch to a more sustainable workplace, write to us at getgreen@ashwidea.in or DM us here Like and share this post and follow us for more such updates Waste Warriors Society Rainmatter Foundation Sustainability

The best eco-friendly business ideas promote sustainability by minimizing environmental impacts through products, services, or operational methods. These green initiatives are crucial as they contribute significantly to sustainable development by conserving resources, reducing pollution, and enhancing the quality of life. By integrating eco-friendly practices, businesses help protect the environment and position themselves as responsible leaders in their respective markets. The Importance of Eco-Friendly Initiatives The increasing awareness of environmental issues like climate change, deforestation, and pollution drives the shift towards eco-friendliness in business. Consumers seek businesses that reflect their values as they become more environmentally conscious. This consumer demand pushes companies to adopt greener practices, which helps reduce their ecological footprints. Additionally, eco-friendly business practices can lead to cost savings in energy usage, waste management, and materials. They also open up new market opportunities and can innovate product or service offerings. Eco-Friendly Models in Various Industries Retail - Sustainable Products and Packaging: One of the best business ideas in the retail sector is selling products made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials. Additionally, adopting biodegradable or recyclable packaging can significantly reduce plastic waste. Retailers can also implement take-back or recycling programs for used products, promoting a circular economy. Manufacturing - Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction: Manufacturing businesses substantially impact the environment. Eco-friendly manufacturing involves using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, and optimizing production processes to reduce waste. Implementing systems like lean manufacturing can also minimize waste and increase efficiency. Services - Digital Solutions and Green Consulting: Service-oriented businesses can go green by offering digital alternatives to traditional paper-based processes, significantly reducing paper use and waste. Another best business idea is providing green consulting services to help other companies implement sustainable practices. This can include energy audits, sustainability reporting, and advising on obtaining green certifications. Agriculture - Organic Farming and Permaculture: Adopting organic farming practices avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, promoting healthier soil and ecosystems. Permaculture designs that mimic natural ecosystems can also effectively ensure sustainable land use and crop production. https://lnkd.in/gpsigvnk #EcoFriendlyBusiness #SustainableDevelopment #GreenInnovation #EcoEntrepreneurs #SustainablePractices #EnvironmentalLeadership

Sustainable Development #Goal 12: 🌍 Ensuring Sustainable Consumption & Production Patterns for a Healthier Future 🌿 Our #planet is running out of resources, and yet populations continue to grow. By 2050, with nearly 9.8 billion people, we’ll need the equivalent of three Earths to sustain our current consumption habits. To secure the future for ourselves and generations to come, we must change our #consumption patterns today. 🚨 Why is this urgent? Economic progress has come at a cost—environmental degradation that threatens the very systems we depend on. If we don’t shift towards sustainable practices, the balance we rely on for our livelihoods will be irreversibly disrupted. Key areas for change: ♻️ Food waste: 931 million tons of food are wasted annually, while millions go hungry. Tackling this crisis requires data-driven policies and investments in infrastructure. ♻️ Energy transition: Despite progress, fossil fuel subsidies doubled from 2020 to 2021. Shifting to renewable energy sources is critical to reducing resource consumption. ♻️ Circular economy: Designing products for longevity, repairability, and recyclability, and adopting practices like reuse and recycling, are key to minimizing waste. 🌱 How can you help as a business? By understanding the environmental and social impacts of your products, you can innovate to inspire more sustainable lifestyles. Lead by example—build products that last, minimize waste, and encourage conscious consumption. How can you help as a consumer? 💡 Reduce waste: Be mindful of what you throw away, especially food. 💡 Sustainable choices: Opt for products with lower environmental impacts, support local, sustainable businesses, and pressure companies to adopt better practices. 💡 Cut plastic: Use reusable bags, avoid plastic straws, and recycle whenever possible. Together, we can create a future where our consumption patterns sustain—not deplete—our planet. Starting today! 🌎 We Make ♻️ Easy! SPORC #SustainableLiving #Goal12 #CircularEconomy #WasteLess #EcoFriendly Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) City of Houston HoustonMBDA Business Center Source: https://lnkd.in/d4Jhg9k

Wave goodbye to plastic, everybody! 🖐 Imagine a world where our oceans are no longer swimming pools for plastic straws. Where every sip doesn't tell tales of environmental catastrophe but of eco-conscious choices. This isn't a fantasy; it's a journey we choose with every drink. 🌊 Among the 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 in our oceans, plastic drinking straws play a huge polluting role. But, like every great story, a hero emerges. Enter: 𝐒𝐮𝐭𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐬.🌱 Reed straws stand out as 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 to this problem. They 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 along wetlands and shores, flourishing without additional planting or land use, just asking to be harvested once a year. This 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 proves that valuable resources can be 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞. Moreover, reed 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞, adding to its sustainability credentials. ✨ Manufactured in Saaremaa, Sutu reed straws are the best example of 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. The process is designed to 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞, as the by-products are 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 that will replace fossil plastics in everyday items like 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲. Each action we take, no matter how small, can set off a 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬. By choosing to 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐬 over plastic ones, we can each play a part in 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬. So join us, won't you? For together, we aren't just dreamers; we're doers. 💪 With a reed straw in hand, we're drinking in the possibility of a better, cleaner future. 💚 Turning the tides, one straw at a time. ----- 🖐 Hi, I’m Ailet, founder of Sutu. 🌍 We help companies save the World by replacing fossil plastic with sustainable Sutu reed material. 💚 Click follow for more information about our journey. 📧 DM for more information how YOU can join the mission.

The best eco-friendly business ideas promote sustainability by minimizing environmental impacts through products, services, or operational methods. These green initiatives are crucial as they contribute significantly to sustainable development by conserving resources, reducing pollution, and enhancing the quality of life. By integrating eco-friendly practices, businesses help protect the environment and position themselves as responsible leaders in their respective markets. The Importance of Eco-Friendly Initiatives The increasing awareness of environmental issues like climate change, deforestation, and pollution drives the shift towards eco-friendliness in business. Consumers seek businesses that reflect their values as they become more environmentally conscious. This consumer demand pushes companies to adopt greener practices, which helps reduce their ecological footprints. Additionally, eco-friendly business practices can lead to cost savings in energy usage, waste management, and materials. They also open up new market opportunities and can innovate product or service offerings. Eco-Friendly Models in Various Industries Retail - Sustainable Products and Packaging: One of the best business ideas in the retail sector is selling products made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials. Additionally, adopting biodegradable or recyclable packaging can significantly reduce plastic waste. Retailers can also implement take-back or recycling programs for used products, promoting a circular economy. Manufacturing - Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction: Manufacturing businesses substantially impact the environment. Eco-friendly manufacturing involves using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, and optimizing production processes to reduce waste. Implementing systems like lean manufacturing can also minimize waste and increase efficiency. Services - Digital Solutions and Green Consulting: Service-oriented businesses can go green by offering digital alternatives to traditional paper-based processes, significantly reducing paper use and waste. Another best business idea is providing green consulting services to help other companies implement sustainable practices. This can include energy audits, sustainability reporting, and advising on obtaining green certifications. Agriculture - Organic Farming and Permaculture: Adopting organic farming practices avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, promoting healthier soil and ecosystems. Permaculture designs that mimic natural ecosystems can also effectively ensure sustainable land use and crop production. https://lnkd.in/grA3x-eX #EcoFriendlyBusiness #SustainableDevelopment #GreenInnovation #EcoEntrepreneurs #SustainablePractices #EnvironmentalLeadership

I often hear various packaging claims, and I thought it would be fun to play a little game called “Packaging Lingo Bingo!” Have you heard any of these terms in the past month? I’ve added some of my thoughts for a bit of context: Environmental – This term is so broad. Let’s be more specific about what it means. Eco – This one comes up a lot. What does it really tell us? Biodegradable – Everything breaks down eventually, but how long does it take and what does it break down into? Sustainable – Is it really sustainable? Can the process repeat and repeat without negative effects on the planet? **Here’s a picture of some eco, biodegradable leaves 😉

We’ve all seen products boasting "eco-friendly" packaging—but does it really make a difference? The short answer: Absolutely. Here’s why ⬇️ Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face today. Most single-use plastics end up in landfills or oceans, where they take hundreds of years to break down. 🌊 This has devastating consequences for our planet and wildlife. Eco-friendly packaging offers a solution by using materials that decompose faster—or can even be composted. ♻️ Not only does this help reduce waste, but it also lowers carbon footprints, using less energy and fuel in production and transportation. For businesses, it’s a win-win. Consumers are increasingly supporting brands that prioritize sustainability. And for all of us, it’s a step toward a greener, more responsible future. 🌱 Every small action counts. Each eco-conscious choice—whether made by individuals or businesses—adds up. One package at a time, we can make a difference. 💚 https://lnkd.in/eeVjzRhi

Why Compostables Aren't the Best Solution for Takeaway: The Case for Reusables In the quest for sustainability and facing new plastic bans, many businesses have turned to compostable packaging for their takeaway services. While this shift is well-intentioned, it's important to consider that compostables aren't the ultimate solution. Here's why reusables might be a better choice: 🌿 Environmental Impact: Compostable items still require resources to produce and transport, and they often end up in landfills where they decompose anaerobically, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Reusables, on the other hand, reduce the demand for single-use items and can be used many times over, significantly cutting down on waste and resource consumption. 🔄 Circular Economy: Reusables promote a circular economy by encouraging the continuous use of materials. This system not only minimises waste but also conserves natural resources and energy, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient economy. 💡 Consumer Education: Compostables can be confusing for consumers. Many don't realise that these items often require industrial composting facilities to break down properly. Without proper disposal infrastructure, compostables can contaminate recycling streams or languish in landfills. Reusables simplify the process, making it easier for consumers to make environmentally friendly choices. 💧 Water and Energy Use: While washing reusables does require water and energy, studies show that the environmental benefits of reducing single-use waste outweigh these costs. 📈 Brand Image and Loyalty: Businesses that adopt reusable programs can enhance their brand image by demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability. Customers are increasingly valuing eco-friendly practices, and offering reusables can foster loyalty and attract environmentally conscious consumers. While compostables are a step in the right direction, reusables offer a more sustainable and impactful solution for takeaway packaging. By investing in reusables, businesses can play a crucial role in reducing waste, conserving resources, and educating consumers about sustainable practices. What is your opinion on compostables? #Sustainability #ReusablePackaging #EcoFriendly #CircularEconomy #Takeaway #GreenBusiness