This considered approach to harnessing resources maintains them so they can be harnessed over the long term. Sustainability has the potential to transform society with a new generation of high-longevity enterprises that are self-sustaining.

This article explains sustainability and shares 20 real-world examples of thriving businesses and projects that embrace sustainability.

What is sustainability?

Sustainability is the ability for an activity or process to be supplied and supported continuously over an indefinite period or at least a long time. Sustainable commercial or industrial activities minimize their environmental impact and consumption of natural resources.

In recent times, sustainability has come to the fore as governments, think tanks, and other stakeholders look for solutions to problems like environmental degradation and the depletion of natural resources. Sustainable business practices could lead to meaningful change and improvements regarding biodiversity loss and pollution while providing economic stimulus through innovative new sectors.

We categorize sustainability as economic, environmental, or social. Environmental sustainability is focused on resource conservation, while social sustainability involves diversity, inclusion, and equity to ensure that enterprises or projects can maximize their engagement. Ideally, environmentally and socially sustainable projects will be economically sustainable, providing long-term economic growth on a local or national scale.

20 examples of sustainability from around the world

The best way to understand sustainability is to see it in action in real-world scenarios. These 20 examples come from around the world, with businesses and organizations of all sizes finding ingenious ways to be productive in a sustainable way. Take a look at these remarkable examples of sustainability:

1. Mobius Farms’ Black Soldier Fly larvae farming in Australia

Mobius Farms in Barossa Valley, South Australia, is an excellent example of sustainable and innovative agriculture, turning food waste into a protein-rich animal feed with commercial value.

This farm breeds the black solider fly, a common fly species known for its fat and protein-rich larvae used to supplement feed for chicken and other livestock and pets.

Mobius Farns collects large volumes of food waste from hospitality businesses, breweries, and caterers. Voracious black soldier fly larvae feed on this waste and produce nutrient-rich manure that farms and community gardens can use.

These little critters are so efficient that one kilo of harvest-ready black soldier fly larvae can consume more than 4 kilos of food waste. The process is entirely sustainable and requires minimal water and land. The farm sells live, dead, and dehydrated larvae to farms and the public.

2. Sambhav’s reclamation of degraded land in India

The work of Sabarmatee and her father, Radhamohan, in Odisha State, India, is an amazing example of how degraded land can be reclaimed to become fruitful and productive long-term. 

In 1988 the father-daughter duo purchased an acre of degraded land. This was done as an experiment to see if the land could be transformed into a forest using simple organic techniques. When they began their project, organic farming was not widespread in India, so they has to acquire knowledge and expertise as they went along.

Their efforts in transforming the land into a fertile, naturally irrigated food forest were successful, and the land reclamation has grown to a humbling 90 acres and initiatives to provide local communities with food and occupation.

Sabarmatee continues her father’s work under an NGO called Sambhav, teaching organic cultivation techniques, cataloging heirloom seeds, and furthering Indian ecological conservation.

3. The Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) movement in India

The ZNBF movement is another Indian initiative creating a new, sustainable, and inclusive way of participating in agriculture. ZBNF involves farming a variety of livestock and crops without using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other agricultural materials. The cost of raising crops is kept as close to zero as possible so that the farmer can generate a profit.

With ZBNF, farms rely on locally available natural resources that can be gathered and used for free. This farming system uses special techniques based on ancient knowledge to minimize the need for irrigation and develop nourishing fertile soils.

ZBNF has been championed by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who believes that Indian agriculturalists and farmers need to relearn ancient farming techniques and sharpen and scale them for modern use. He has championed ZBNF as part of India’s ParamparagatKrishiVikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme.

4. Sustainable tourism in Yakutia, Russian Federation

The Sakha Republic (Yakutia) is Russia’slargest territory and home to a wide range of North Asian indigenous peoples who live near the arctic circle. Yakutia has some outstanding natural beauty, with almost 40% of the territory protected in a variety of nature reserves, more than double the UN’s global target of 17%.

Yakutia is harnessing the wealth of its natural beauty and extreme environments to introduce sustainable tourism to the region. Interest in this remote and unusual part of the Earth has been piqued by the success of online content that has documented the lives and culture of the various indigenous peoples of the Sakha Republic, including the popular Kiun B channel on Youtube, which boasts several million followers.

The plans for sustainable tourism in the region involve providing tourists with an immersive experience of the Yakut way of life and traditions at temperatures as low as -90 degrees Fahrenheit (-68 degrees Celsius). Participatory activities and tours are to be offered to nature enthusiasts and explorers, and participants are invited to get involved in the efforts to protect the vast Siberian wilderness for a premium price of $25,000 per person.

5. Sea salt production on the Isle of Wight, U.K

Commercial salt production is a high-energy process that involves salt mining and the forced evaporation of brine under a vacuum (PDV) to produce the typical granular table salt you find in the grocery store.

But sea salt is a far less energy-intensive and more sustainable type of salt, increasing in popularity worldwide. Many countries have a tradition of producing sea salt naturally evaporated by sun and wind in salt pans near coastal waters. Sea salt production has a carbon footprint of a quarter of rock salt and is almost 31 times smaller than PDV salt.

On the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom, Simon Davis of Wight Salt is reviving traditional sea salt making sampling clean coastal waters and evaporating them slowly to create a mineral-rich and delicious sea salt.

Davis produces his sea salt naturally and sustainably by evaporating the salt in salt basins to produce coarse and crumbly crystals that foodies love.

6. Banana leaf tableware, Tamil Nadu, India

With US states like California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and New York combatting out-of-control plastic pollution by banning single-use plastics, food vendors and caterers are searching for a suitable biodegradable alternative.

Banana Leaf Preservation Technology is an Indian company that has developed a chemical-free, proprietary method of preserving Banana leaves, which usually start to rot after approximately three days. This remarkable process is being used to produce eco-friendly disposable tableware, a multi-billion dollar global industry heavily dominated by plastics. This 100% sustainable material is chemical and water-resistant and suitable for use in the microwave or freezer.

Banana leaf preservation was developed by Tamil Nadu resident, inventor, and eco-activist Tenith Adithyaa. He worked on his process from a young age, experimenting in a homemade lab. His business provides his banana leaf preservation technology to Indian businesses.

7. The Farmer’s Market Coalition, California, USA

The National Farmers Market Coalition is a nonprofit organization that supports the development and growth of farmer’s markets as community assets that safeguard income for growers and other producers by selling directly to the public.

Farmer’s markets are known for their sustainability. The food sold is locally produced, often using less intensive, organic methods. Across the U.S., customers are flocking to local farmer’s markets to access fresh, healthy food that has been produced with environmental responsibility.

The National Farmers Market Coalition ensures that farmers can earn a good living without becoming dependent on contracts with grocery stores, where they struggle to compete with the huge corporate farms that can produce large volumes of food.

By selling via farmer’s markets, smaller farmers can profit from using sustainable farming practices to produce food that does not require high-energy transit to the consumer.

The local communities that are served by the market access healthy food at competitive prices as the farmer does not have the expense of storing or packaging it for a prolonged period before the sale.

Farmer’s markets also drastically reduce the amount of waste generated by food retail. The markets also provide a great educational opportunity, where customers can learn more about the food they eat and sustainable farming practices.

8. Fairphone, The Netherlands

Mobile phones are a massive contributor to electronic waste, with over 150 million smartphones hitting landfills each year. This is one of the worse ways to dispose of electronics, especially as they can leach toxic compounds that cause land and water pollution.

Throwing old or broken smartphones away also leads to the loss of precious metals and rare earth minerals that have to be continually mined, creating environmental damage.

Dutch mobile phone company Fairphone has sought to address these issues by designing a smartphone that is more sustainable and has a much lower environmental footprint than the mainstream models.   The company, founded in 2013, has been producing a unique modular smartphone that has components that can be easily removed and replaced by the consumer.

By making smartphones that can be repaired and customized by the consumer, the Fairphone prolongs its service life. Damage to a single part of the phone can be easily repaired without discarding the whole phone. Fairphone can reduce the CO₂ emissions associated with its phones by 30% just by increasing the lifespan of its phones by two years.

In addition, Fairphone has established fair trade relationships with miners who mine the minerals and metals used in their electronics, ensuring they are paid a living wage. Customers find it easy to recycle their phones with Fairphone, where all components will be put to good use.

9. The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), San Diego, California

The Zero Waste movement, led by the Zero Waste International Alliance, based in San Diego, California, has been successful in engaging the public in actionable and impactful consumer choices that can tangibly drive down the massive amounts of waste generated by product packaging.

The movement started in the early 2000s and developed from the Grassroots Recycling Network (GRRN) in California and a passionate desire to reduce the amount of waste that was simply being incinerated worldwide. Zero Waste focuses on five areas of action to drive down waste: 

1. Refusal of packaging
2. Reduction in consumerism
3. Reuse of items to maximize their lifespan
4. Recycling of discarded products
5. Rotting of organic matter into compost

Founders and trustees in the ZWIA include academics and industry experts on waste management and recycling. ZWIA is currently active in many countries around the world. Other champions and advocates include Bea Johnson of Zero Waste Home, who famously reduced her family’s annual trash volume to a single jar.

In many places,  the public face of this sustainability movement is Zero Waste stores. These stores shun the use of product packaging and instead encourage customers to bring and fill their containers from a bulk supply of the product they want. Many Zero Waste stores offer a comprehensive range of items that are sold by weight or volume.

10. Recycled race car tires, Tokyo, Japan

Yokohama Tires is one of the world’s leading tire manufacturers. This Tokyo-based conglomerate is renowned for the quality of its racing tires which are used in championship races in Japan. Yokohama has begun to develop performance tires using recycled tires to improve its sustainability profile.

Yokohama has been working on recycled rubber tires for many years. The company has developed a novel tire using a combination of scrap tires, rice husk silica, and natural oils. They have found that the performance of their racing tires has not been negatively impacted by these materials.

The new tires are due to make their debut in the 2023  Super Formula racing season. If successful, Yokohama has the goal of supplying tires with a minimum of 35% recycled material content.

Yokohama Tire’s sustainability drive is continuing with ongoing projects to develop a synthetic rubber material from biomass. They are also researching a recyclable thermo-reversible rubber.

11. CARIB Brewery bottle recycling, The Caribbean

Bottle recycling used to be routine across the Caribbean, with youngsters earning a few cents for every soda bottle they returned to the store. For many Caribbean people, hunting glass bottles for cash was a fun part of growing up; however, the practice has fallen off in recent years, and glass waste on the islands has increased.

This is a massive problem for CARIB Brewery, the Caribbean’s leading beverage producer, which relies on glass bottles being returned to keep its business financially viable. CARIB produces almost one million bottles of beer daily with exports across the disparate Caribbean islands, complete with logistical challenges.

As the only glass bottle producer in the English-speaking Caribbean, CARIB relies on bottles that are returned in a reusable state (up to 90%) with a proportion that will be crushed and recycled. CARIB is so desperate for returned bottles that it currently offers 30 cents per glass bottle returned and over $2 for its valuable plastic crates.

CARIB commercial director Miguel Marquez insists that the return of bottles is also essential to prevent the island of the Caribbean from being marred by waste, which also impacts tourism in the region. The company has launched a campaign in grocery stores to encourage the return of the bottles.

12. Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil, Vernon, California

Baker Commodities, a California company, has made a commodity of waste cooking oils and fasts, which it converts into high-quality biodiesel. This sustainable business has a dedicated biodiesel processing plant that produces diesel and processes rendered fats for international export.

The company has a fleet of waste fat collection vehicles which collect fats from food processors, hospitality, restaurant, food service businesses, and even the military. By collecting waste oil for biodiesel production, it does not have to be disposed of by businesses and organizations, potentially clogging drains.

Baker Commodities takes the collected yellow grease from vegetable oils, tallow, and lard and cleans and filters them. The resultant fats are refined using a transesterification process that converts the fats to high-grade biodiesel.

The company sells its New Leaf Biofuel to Southern California residents. It can be safely used in diesel vehicles. They also offer a version that is blended with petrodiesel for use in haulage fleets and other commercial vehicles.

13. Coppiced woodlands at Fooder Farm, New Zealand

Coppicing is a once-common way of managing woodlands for a sustainable wood supply. Rather than cutting down an entire tree for lumber. Young trees would be cut back to a stump or the trunk and then allowed to regrow, with periodic wood harvesting from the new growth only.

Communities relied on coppiced wood for manufacturing everyday materials like tools, utensils, charcoal, and firewood. Following the acceleration of industrialization after the world wars, the practice became less widespread, with a greater reliance on fast-growing coniferous trees for wood supply.

In New Zealand, homesteaders David and Rebecca Stuart at Fodder Farm are reviving this sustainable form of forestry. The harvested wood is in demand for various woodland crafts, including activities like green woodworking and roundwood building. The staggered harvesting of timber from the dedicated woodlot ensures the trees stay alive and minimizes disease risk.

14. Recycled textiles by Vivify Textiles, Adelaide, Australia

Textile waste is a significant waste management issue. Ninety-two million tons of clothing hits the landfill each year, the equivalent of a full dumpster truck every second. To tackle this problem, Australian company Vivify Fabrics has taken discarded textiles and transformed them into luxury fabrics used in the world’s leading fashion centers.

This unique, sustainable textile company manufactures high-quality fabrics from recycled fibers harvested from discarded clothing and textiles. This makes the business extremely sustainable as these premium fabrics are reintroduced to the luxury market.

The textile waste is shredded and unraveled into its fibers. Natural textile fibers in the textile waste are sorted by material and color to reduce the need for dying. The fibers can then be cleaned and re-spun for weaving into new fabrics or compressed into filler material for mattresses and upholstery.

Vivify Textiles has won several international awards, including the Second Hightex award from Munich Fabric Start in 2018. The Australian Government has also approved and promoted the company as a promoted export partner.

15. Co Cars Car Hire Exeter, United Kingdom

Exeter is a historic U.K. city known for its ancient cathedral, leading university, and fantastic green spaces. The long-term plan for the city involves developing a sustainable transport system that provides residents with easy access to a variety of shared transport options that reduces the need for individual car ownership and the consequent pollution.

Car hire and car clubs provide a sustainable solution for personal transport in a compact city. Exeter’s Co Cars offers residents access to a fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles and electric bikes at convenient locations across the city. Residents can register with the company and hire a vehicle whenever they want for as little as $7 per day. Members are billed per hour and benefit from access to well-maintained personal transport for as long or as little as they require.

16. Repair Cafes in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, New York

Repair Cafes are community events where people gather to learn how to repair and restore a wide range of broken and neglected items. The Repair Cafe initiative started in the Netherlands and has spread worldwide.

By repairing items rather than discarding them, Repair Cafes not only prevent landfill waste but also reduce the expenditure of resources and energy to produce new items. People become empowered to complete simple repairs themselves, saving time and money.

Repair Cafes at Hudson Valley and Catskills offer repair coaches who can help people fix:

• Clothing
• Mechanical items
• Ornaments
• Wooden items
• Small appliances
• Tools

The team can fix most items they encounter, and even when they fail, people learn that repairing items is a valid option when their fail. The cafes have been running since 2013 when volunteer organizer John Wackman brought them into the area.

17. Sustainable seafood, Alaska

Alaska is world famous for its rich stocks of quality seafood and rich fishing heritage. It is also leading the way in the adoption of sustainable fishing practices. Their holistic approach harnesses science to carefully monitor fish stocks so that the marine ecosystems of Alaska can thrive and stay productive for the fishermen.

Where fishing is undertaken sustainably, it provides an extremely environmentally efficient. Alaskan fishing is carefully regulated to ensure that fishermen maintain environmentally responsible practices. Unlike other U.S. states, sustainable fishing is written into the Alaskan state constitution.

The success of sustainable fishing relies on protecting the marine environment and the people who live and work in these fisheries. Local knowledge and expertise are highly valued as it has been handed down through generations. This, coupled with a science-based precautionary approach, means Alaskan fleets respond sensitively to ecosystem changes.

Plus, when catches are landed, the Alaskan authorities ensure that 100% of the fish is utilized to minimize any waste of this valuable natural resource.

18. Sustainable pencil production in Tokyo, Japan

Kitaboshi is one of Japan’s leading pencil companies and has produced traditional wooden pencils for over a century. In Japan, the company leads its industry in using innovative sustainable practices to minimize waste from its manufacturing processes and derive the maximum utility from the wood used.

The Sugatani family, who own the company, sources the wood for the pencils from abundant basswood species that they manage sustainably. The company is widely known for almost entirely recycling the waste wood and sawdust from pencil manufacturing.

Kitaboshi Wooden Barrel Mechanical Pencil

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Kitaboshi’s main circular economy product is a special sawdust modeling clay called Mokunen-san which dries to a hardwood finish and can be cut, drilled, varnished, and even composted. The company also produces unusual paint from wood waste, producing a uniquely textured paint finish that can be sanded or carved.

The Kitaboshi factory is open to tourists and educational visits where they demonstrate their manufacturing and wood waste recycling techniques.

19. Mellowcabs, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Mellowcabs, founded by Neil du Preez, is a South African company that makes and operates a network of lightweight electrical vehicles in urban centers nationwide. These simple, affordable vehicles provide a cost-effective taxi service that offers safe, emission-free transport for its users.

Commuters book their cabs online, via an app, or by phone and can travel within a three-mile radius of the company’s operating area. This micro transport project has been so successful that Mellowcabs is expanding its operation to include a novel van design for courier and last-mile delivery services.

20. E-Waste Jewelry from Paris, France

The jewelry sector is in the midst of a revolution, realizing that up to 7% of the world’s gold is languishing in disused and discarded electronic devices. Smart and savvy independent jewelers have realized that mining more gold is pointless when there is so much to be reclaimed from electronic waste.

French high-end jeweler Courbet uses precious metals extracted from e-waste alongside its signature lab-grown diamonds. This ecological and creative jewelry features the same fine craftsmanship and quality that the French are renowned for.

In conclusion

As you can see, sustainability is a viable and actionable way of living and working. When done well, new industries and markets are created using our existing resources rather than looking for more.

Companies and organizations that have successfully implemented sustainable practices are engaging the public, demonstrating what can be done to manage resources better and protect our environment.

Our environment is all we have. If we don’t take care of it who will? The following quotes on sustainable development are some of the many ways that we can learn and understand the importance of sustainable development.

I have compiled a list of the best quotes on sustainability to help us understand better the whole concept.

64+ quotes about sustainability

Let’s get into our list of quotes about sustainability and sustainable development. We will break out the quotes into the following categories: famous quotes, food sustainability quotes, hard-facts quotes, inspiring quotes and short quotes.

This will help you find your favorite quotes to live by and use to continually improve your sustainability efforts.

Famous quotes about sustainability

1. “The best way to predict future is to create it.”

– Peter Drucker

2. “Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

– Gro Harlem Brundtland

3. “Sustainability is a political choice, not a technical one. It’s not a question of whether we can be sustainable, but whether we choose to be.”

– Gary Lawrence

4. “There must be a better way to make the things we want, a way that doesn’t spoil the sky, or the rain or the land.”

– Paul McCartney

5. “Our biggest challenge in this new century is to take an idea that seems abstract – sustainable development – and turn it into a reality for all the world’s people.”
– Kofi Annan

6. “No matter how complex global problems may seem, it is we ourselves who have given rise to them. They cannot be beyond our power to resolve.”

– Daisaku Ikeda

7. “The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities is the bedrock of our enterprise for a sustainable world.”

– Indian Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

8. “How long can men thrive between walls of brick, walking on asphalt pavements, breathing the fumes of coal and of oil, growing, working, dying, with hardly a thought of wind, and sky, and fields of grain, seeing only machine-made beauty, the mineral-like quality of life?”

– Charles A. Lindbergh

9. “The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not try to defy them.”

– Paul Hawken

10. “Without environmental sustainability, economic stability and social cohesion cannot be achieved.”

– Phil Harding

Inspiring sustainability quotes

Here is a list of some inspirational quotes on how to adopt sustainable development.

11. “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”

– Edmund Burke

12. “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

– R. Buckminster Fuller

13. “Our ancestors did great work for humanity. What will we do for the next generations?”

– Lailah Gifty Akita

14. “Real human beings take precedence over partisan interests; however, legitimate the latter may be.”

– Pope Francis

15. “We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”

– Howard Zinn

16. “Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations.”

– Jean-Paul Richter

17. “Building a world where we meet our own needs without denying future generations a healthy society is not impossible, as some would assert. The question is where societies choose to put their creative efforts.”
– Christopher Flavin

18. “We can chart our future clearly and wisely only when we know the path which has led to the present.”

– Adlai E. Stevenson

19. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

– Margaret Mead

20. “The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.”

– Ross Perot

21. “The sustainability revolution will, hopefully, be the third major social and economic turning point in human history, following the Neolithic Revolution – moving from hunter-gathering to farming – and the Industrial Revolution.”

– Prince Charles

Quotes about sustainable food

If we negatively impact nature, water and food are some of nature’s gifts that will become a luxury. If we can’t take care of nature, nature can’t take care of us.

22. “Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man.”

– Stewart Udall

23. “A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.”

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

24. “We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.”

– Thomas Fuller

25. “Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.”

– Cree Indian Proverb

26. “Forests and meat animals compete for the same land. The prodigious appetite of the affluent nations for meat means that agribusiness can pay more than those who want to preserve or restore the forest. We are, quite literally, gambling with the future of our planet – for the sake of hamburgers.”
– Peter Singer

27. “If civilization has risen from the Stone Age, it can rise again from the Wastepaper Age.”

– Jacques Barzun

28. “Anything else you’re interested in is not going to happen if you can’t breathe the air and drink the water. Don’t sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet.”

– Carl Sagan

29. “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

– J.R.R. Tolkien

See Related: Caring for the Environment – Why It Matters

Hard-facts quotes on sustainable development

Sometimes it is not enough to just inspire people; giving them the hard facts, is some instances the best way. These are quotes on sustainable development that will help us be prudent when making some decisions.

30. “The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function.”

– Albert A. Bartlett

31. “Global warming will not end by Earth finding shade under the trees but under our hands joined together.”

– Agona Apell

32. “What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

33. “21st Century choice: Look after our planet, and it will look after us, or don’t and face the consequences.”

– Phil Harding

34. “An act of violence against nature should be judged as severely as that against society or another person.”

– Dr. Michael W.Fox

35. “It angers me when sustainability gets used as a buzz word. For 90 percent of the world, sustainability is a matter of survival.”
– Cameron Sinclair

36. “In America today, you can murder land for private profit. You can leave the corpse for all to see, and nobody calls the cops.”

– Paul Brooks

37. “People ‘over-produce’ pollution because they are not paying for the costs of dealing with it.”

– Ha-Joon Chang

38. “Because we don’t think about future generations, they will never forget us.”

– Henrik Tikkanen

39. “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

40. “Sustainable development is a fundamental break that’s going to reshuffle the entire deck. There are companies today that are going to dominate in the future simply because they understand that.”

– Francois-Henri Pinault

Funny sustainability quotes

Although these sustainability quotes may sound humorous, they are as serious as the lack of water can be to our environment. They intend to help us see the sarcasm in what we do in the name of development.

41. “Until man duplicates a blade of grass, nature can laugh at his so-called scientific knowledge.”

– Thomas Edison

42. “It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.”

– Ansel Adams

43. “Our life is frittered away by detail…Simplify, simplify, simplify! Simplicity of life and elevation of purpose.”

– Henry Thoreau

44. “The difference between animals and humans is that animals change themselves for the environment, but humans change the environment for themselves.”

– Ayn Rand

45. “Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites.”
– William Ruckelshaus

46. “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.”

– W. H. Auden

47. “Sustainable Development is more than meeting the needs of today and future generations; to my understanding, this definition better fits the sex industry.”

– M.F. Moonzajer

48. “It is not reasonable that art should win the place of honor over our great and powerful mother nature. We have so overloaded the beauty and richness of her works by our inventions that we have quite smothered her.”

– Michel de Montaigne, Cannibales

49. “A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman of the next generation.”

– James Freeman Clarke

Short sustainability quotes

50. “There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew.”

– Marshall McLuhan

51. “Sustainability is here to stay, or we may not be.”

– Niall FitzGerald

52. “We have a duty to care for the environment.”

– Lailah Gifty Akita

53. “Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.”

– Aldo Leopold

54. “We can never have enough of Nature.”

– Henry David Thoreau

55. “We can’t just consume our way to a more sustainable world.”

– Jennifer Nini

56. “He that plants trees love others besides himself.”
– Thomas Fuller

57. “When the soil disappears, the soul disappears.”

– Ymber Delecto

58. “Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them.”

– Albert Einstein

59. “Consume less; share better.”

– Hervé Kempf

60. “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

– Robert Swan

61. “Treat the Earth as though we intend to stay here.”

– Crispin Tickell

62. “One planet, one experiment.”

– E. O. Wilson

63. “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

– Robert Swan

64. “Ownership is a sine qua non of sustainable development.”

– James Wolfensohn

Want more quotes like these? Check out our list of quotes on climate change.

As the negative environmental effects of pesticides are becoming better understood, people are looking for eco-friendly alternatives that will eradicate pests without harming the environment.

In this article, we explain what eco-friendly pest control is and share 17 eco-friendly pest control methods that are commonly used.

The problem with pest control methods today

The poisons and pesticides used to tackle common pests like insects, rodents, and birds have an extremely poor ecological profile. Conventional pesticides of the 20th century, like DDT, have caused substantial environmental harm and damage to human health, and with a billion pounds of pesticides used in the US annually, their negative effects continue to the present day.

Pesticides are environmentally problematic because they can easily cause long-term contamination of the air, soils, and groundwater. Improper handling, use, and disposal can lead to effects on human health like birth defects and cancers. In the environment, pesticide contamination has impacted populations of beneficial organisms like honeybees.

Domestic pest control methods also expose people, pets, and local wildlife to poisons and baited traps. The impact of these harmful substances has led to increasing calls for the control or ban of ecologically harmful pesticides and a search for eco-friendly pest control methods that cannot do as much damage.

What exactly is ‘eco-friendly’ pest control?

Eco-friendly pest control is a broad family of pest control methods that have a low environmental impact. As the sustained negative effects of pesticides and other pest-control methods have become recognized, alternatives that have fewer negative effects on the environment are being sought.

Eco-friendly pest control has some or all of the following qualities:

Eco-friendly pest control is usually more ‘natural’

Eco-friendly pest control methods use naturally derived substances rather than synthetic chemicals that can damage the environment over a long period. Natural substances derived from plants, flowers, or microorganisms are used in the eco-friendly pest control solutions shared below.

Eco pest control is more sustainable

Ecologically friendly pest control solutions that are derived from natural substances and organisms are more sustainable than conventional pesticides and poisons created by the petrochemical industry.

Eco-friendly pest control methods are non-toxic

Many eco-friendly pest control methods are non-toxic. This means that they do not harm the health of people who handle, or are exposed to them. This means you can use them with confidence in any environment.

Eco-friendly pest control targets specific pests

The most effective pest-control methods target specific pests, rather than indiscriminately killing any insect or animal that comes into contact with it. Many eco-friendly pest control solutions are highly specific in their target species. This prevents disruption to food chains and the wider ecosystem from large numbers or beneficial organisms being killed.

Eco-friendly pest control methods spare beneficial organisms

Pesticides and other pest control methods have been responsible for reducing the population of beneficial organisms that perform vital roles in our ecosystem like pollination, decomposition, or even keeping pest numbers down. Eco-friendly pest control spares these beneficial creatures so that they can continue to perform their useful roles without being harmed.

Eco-friendly pest control does not damage plants

For pest control for plants and crops, it is essential that the substances or organisms used do not damage or destroy the plan that is treated.

Eco-friendly pesticides are eliminated quickly

One of the main problems with conventional pesticides is that they can persist in the environment for a long time. Gardeners, agriculturalists, and pest control professionals prefer eco-friendly pesticides because they quickly degrade. This means that they do not contaminate the environment, and their pesticidal effects don’t persist indefinitely.

Eco-friendly pest control is still very effective

Eco-friendly pest control still has to be effective. Many eco-friendly solutions have proven efficacy in the agricultural sector (where pest activity can significantly affect yields). However, some natural substances require repeated applications to control pests, because the concentration of the active substances is low.

17 eco-friendly pest control solutions

Many pest control options actually don’t harm the environment, so it’s crucial that we begin to adopt these. This list of 17 eco-friendly pest control solutions spans a variety of methods, substances, and organisms that can keep pests at bay without harming the environment.

1. Physical removal

Many pests, like slugs, or snails, can be picked up and thrown into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Hand-picking can be a free, easy, and surprisingly effective form of eco-friendly pest control if done in the evenings when the slugs venture into your yard to feed. Wear gloves to handle beetles and caterpillars to avoid irritating bites or spines.

2. Traps

Trapping can be an eco-friendly and humane method for removing pests from your home or garden. Eco-friendly pest traps do not contain poison, pesticides, or chemicals that can harm the environment or other animals. Solutions range from simple beer traps for slugs or sticky insect paper to complex multiple-catch devices used by pest control professionals to capture rodents.

3. Proofing your property

Taking simple steps to make your property pest-proof can prevent a pest infestation that requires chemical pest control methods. Filling gaps in floorboards or wall cavities can prevent pests from accessing a property. You can minimize insect infestations by removing tree branches that are too close to a property or sealing entry points for wasps.

4. Heat treatments

Heat treatments are a popular eco-friendly pest control for house pests like bed bugs, termites, and moths. Despite using large gas-powered space heaters, pest-control professionals consider this method to be eco-friendly because it does not use chemicals that can linger and harm animals and plants.

Heat treatments involve the creation of a contained environment within a room that is heated in cycles to a temperature that indiscriminately kills any insects, eggs, or larvae present. Sensors monitor the temperature to ensure that the treated room reaches an adequate temperature to eradicate the pests.

Watch this video to see how the process works:

5. Microbial insecticides

Microbial insecticides are a group of microorganisms that can target and kill pests, either directly or via substances they produce. This class of eco-friendly pest control includes bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. To be truly eco-friendly, microbial insecticides need to be highly specific, so they do not kill beneficial insects.

Specialist producers breed or culture microbial insecticides in large quantities and sell them to gardeners and the agricultural sector. In the US, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) regulate the use of these organisms. Here are some of the most common microbial insecticides:

• Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.): This spore-producing bacterium kills insect larvae that ingest it or its endotoxin spores. Different strains of this bacteria affect different types of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and flies.

• Bacillus popollia (milky spore disease): This spore-producing bacterium kills insect larvae that ingest it or its endotoxin spores. Different strains of this bacteria affect different types of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and flies.

• Beauveria bassiana: this fungus can kill a range of arthropods. It requires appropriate temperature and humidity to perform.

• Nosema locustae: a protozoan that is used to control grasshoppers by ingestion.

6. Natural predators

Natural predators are a type of biological pest control and include any living organisms that will predate the pests you want to get rid of. This is a broad class of eco-friendly pest control that includes larvae, insects, birds, insectivores, rodents, and mammals.

Here are some examples of natural predators that can be used in eco-friendly pest control:

• Ladybugs (Coccinellidae):  Ladybugs are an effective alternative to chemical pest control as they prey on common garden pests that include aphids, asparagus beetle larvae, thrips, spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs. You can purchase ladybugs to introduce into your garden, or make your yard more attractive to these insects by planting pollen-rich flowers.

• Parasitic wasps: these insects are bred for commercial agriculture and horticulture to control pests like the tomato hornworm, aphids, cutworm, white grubs, and caterpillars. Parasitic wasp species like the ichneumon wasp or braconid wasp lay their eggs in the larvae of the pests that they target. The wasp eggs then hatch and eat the pest alive from the inside.

• Birds: Birds will gladly eat slugs, snails, and insect pests. Welcoming birds to your garden to eat any pests can help control pests and increase pollination as an added bonus. However, if you are growing food, they may also want to eat your produce when it develops, so protecting fruit with netting may be necessary.

7. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth is a mineral-rich powder that is made from the fossilized remains of diatom algae that have been milled or micronized for use as an insecticide in the home and garden. DE is a powerful desiccant that kills insects by dehydrating their exoskeletons if they touch the powder. It also dries out the environment, repelling any insects in its vicinity.

You can use DE as eco-friendly pest control by sprinkling it in the areas of your property where there are pests. DE can also tackle snails, slugs, and other garden pests if you sprinkle it around the plants you want to protect. Take care handling this power as DE is an irritant if it gets into your eyes or you inhale it.

8. Kaolin clay

Kaolin clay is a mineral-rich non-toxic insoluble clay that can protect fruit and vegetable crops from a variety of pests, including insects, mites, and microorganisms like fungi and bacteria. Growers spray a suspension of this eco-friendly pest control to create a barrier that repels pests from eating the treated produce.

Kaolin clay is an eco-friendly pest control that does not damage the treated crops (and it’s edible too). It has the additional benefit of shielding the produce from sunburn or heat stress. To maintain the protection of the crops, growers spray on the kaolin clay every 7 to 14 days.

9. Borax

Borax (sodium borate) is a household cleaning agent you can also use for eco-friendly pest control. Its white crystals are effective against household pests, including ants, cockroaches, termites, fleas, and rodents. If ingested, the borax crystals interfere with the digestion of the pest and can kill it.

You can apply borax as a powder to line entryways the pest uses, or as a liquid solution that you can inject into crevices in wood and other infested materials. Borax usually requires multiple treatments to eradicate pests.

10. Baking soda

Baking soda is a cheap and easy eco-friendly pest control. You can confidently apply bicarb to your home and garden areas to repel slugs and snails. You can also mix baking soda with vegetable oil and water to create a plant spray that prevents infestation by sap-sucking pests like aphids and mealybugs.

11. Coffee grounds

Many gardeners use coffee grounds as an organic pest control. When placed on the soil at the base of plants you want to protect, they act as an abrasive barrier, deterring snails and slugs that cannot go over them. The strong smell of coffee grounds also deters wasps, mosquitos, and other nuisance insects.

12. Insecticidal soaps

Insecticidal soaps are soap spray preparations that are made from the potassium salts of fatty acids. You can use these spays in the garden to tackle infestations of aphids, mealybugs, and other sap-sucking insects on your plants. Insecticidal soaps kill pests by desiccation or smothering. They are otherwise non-toxic and suitable for organic growing.

Though insecticidal soap sprays are usually safe for plants, test a small area of a plant you intend to treat before applying the spray all over. Some fatty acid sprays can cause damage to plants or produce.

13. Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum is an all-natural organic pesticide that is derived from the chrysanthemum flower family. It is an effective eco-friendly pest control solution that is non-toxic and completely biodegradable. It is even safe enough to treat head lice in medicated shampoos.

The pyrethrins in pyrethrum are a potent neurotoxin to insects and disrupt nervous system function, paralyzing, then killing the insect. For a pyrethrum formulation to be effective, it is usually mixed with another non-toxic and biodegradable insecticide, piperonyl butoxide, to ensure that the insects die.

14. Neem oil

Neem oil is a completely natural but highly effective pesticide made from the seeds of the neem tree. Neem originates from Asia, where it has been used for thousands of years to control pests in the home and garden. The active ingredient, Azadirachtin, kills and repels pests, and is concentrated in commercial products.

Neem oil is non-toxic to plants, animals, and humans. Because it has to be ingested to have its toxic effect, Neem oil targets the pests that eat plants and doesn’t affect bees or other beneficial pollinators. It also quickly degrades without polluting the soil or water. Its activity lasts only a few days, so regular reapplication is required.

15. Garlic

Raw garlic is a simple eco-friendly pest control that can be used to control pest infestations on plants. The sulfur compounds in the garlic repel a wide range of insects. Raw garlic cloves can be crushed in water to create a spray for plants. However, the plant needs to be sprayed daily for this pest-control method to be effective.

16. Essential oils

Essential oils are an important class of biopesticides. A wide range of essential oils can repel pests like insects and rodents from areas of your home and garden. They comprise a wide range of chemicals, including terpenes, benzene derivatives, and hydrocarbons. These substances have a wide range of effects on pests ranging from hormonal disruption to death.

Essential oils are a natural and sustainable eco-friendly pest control. They won’t harm beneficial insects and, once applied, degrade quickly and leave no traces in the environment. Peppermint oil, for instance, is a great natural bee repellent.

Depending on the quality and concentration of the essential oils, they can be used commercially, in gardens, or on humans and animals as they are generally non-toxic.

17. Companion plants

Companion planting is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to reduce pests in your yard. This pest control method involves planting plant species that contain or produce substances that actively repel insects. When planted near crops or other plants you want to protect, companion plants create a repellent barrier.

Examples of companion plants include:

• Basil 
• Marigolds (tagetes)
• Chrysanthemums
• Lavender 
• Sage 
• Borage 
• Thyme 
• Calendula 

As you can see, these herbs and flowers have strong scents. The strong smell of companion plants disrupts and deters potential pests that are searching for a host plant. Some companion plant combinations also have beneficial effects on the growth or the produce of the plants they are planted near.

In conclusion

As you can see, there are so many alternatives to the synthetic chemicals of conventional pesticides. These eco-friendly pest control methods are most effective when used according to a pest management plan that ensures you can control an infestation as quickly as possible.

Though these eco-friendly pest control methods are not harmful, it is still wise to minimize the use of any control agents to reduce the risk of unwanted effects.

Solaredge review: the best SolarEdge products

SolarEdge is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of solar power inverters and accessories for homes and businesses. They offer a range of PV inverters, power optimizers, smart modules, and batteries.

The brand aims to offer complete solar systems that you can easily manage through their smartphone app, so you can harvest the sun’s renewable energy to run your home, business, or even car, with SolarEdge’s EV charging solar system.

Here are our picks for the best SolarEdge products for your home or commercial solar system.

1. SolarEdge Single-Phase Inverter With HD-Wave Technology

SolarEdge is a pioneer in single-phase inverters with HD-wave technology. These DC-optimized PV inverters allow you to manage your system energy, battery storage, and other smart energy products.

This single-phase inverter can deliver up to 99% weighted efficiency, helping you process as much solar power as possible and get the maximum energy from your solar system.

These types of inverters also have a lower heat dissipation than many alternative products, helping to optimize performance and reduce the risk of equipment failure or malfunction.

This means you can enjoy steady, reliable power without worrying about your electricity dropping due to the system overheating. You can also be confident that your equipment will last for years, so you won’t have the expense of costly repairs or have to invest in new equipment.

In the unlikely event that something goes wrong with the inverter, you’re covered by SolarEdge’s standard 12-year warranty, which you can choose to extend to 20 or 25 years.

The inverter is rated for maximum AC power output of 6000 watts and input of over 9000 watts, which is suitable for home solar systems with multiple solar panels. It has a powerful DSP processor, which helps to make the inverter small and lightweight, weighing just over 26 pounds, which is great if you want to install it yourself.

Unlike many comparable products, this inverter doesn’t have a display screen. Although you may be worried this makes it less user-friendly, the company says this reduces the risk of faults and increases the product’s life expectancy.

Furthermore, you can set up and control the inverter through SolarEdge’s app, allowing you to manage all settings and track your system from your smartphone or another device.

What we like:

• Highly efficient: With 99% weighted efficiency, you’ll enjoy maximum power output from your solar panels, which is great if you only have a limited amount of roof space.
• Reliable: The inverter has low heat dissipation, so it is less likely to overheat, meaning you’ll enjoy uninterrupted power and won’t need to repair or replace your equipment.
• Easy to install and use: This compact and lightweight inverter is easy to install and simple to manage using SolarEdge’s smartphone app.
• Extendable warranty: The product comes with an impressive 12-year warranty, that you can choose to extend up to 25 years, giving you peace of mind that in the unlikely event you experience any issues, the inverter will be repaired or replaced.

What we don’t like:

• No display screen: Although you can manage your system through the app, some people may miss the ability to control the inverter using a display interface.

Like all SolarEdge optimizers, this product is specifically designed to work with the brand’s power optimizers, making it easy to set up a reliable, efficient solar system at home.

2. SolarEdge Three-Phase 20KW String Inverter

Along with single-phase solar inverters, SolarEdge also offers a range of three-phase inverters, which convert the DC power coming from the solar panels into AC power in a different way. While single-phase inverters connect to the solar panels’ power and export it in a single phase, a three-phase inverter does this across three stages.

Generally, home solar systems use single-phase inverters, as most houses only have a single-phase connection, while larger commercial systems make use of three-phase inverters. This is because commercial facilities are more likely to be set up for three phases of power and can therefor send out greater amounts of uninterrupted power.

This three-phase inverter is rated to 20 KW of power output, making it ideal for commercial and industrial home solar systems. The inverter uses fixed-voltage technology that allows you to create longer DC strings, making the system more straightforward and affordable to install, which is great for anyone on a budget.

These inverters are designed to shut down the system when they detect excessive heat automatically or if they disconnect from the grid. This helps to keep installers and firefighters safe in the event of a fire or electrical fault and promotes everyone’s safety.

The product is designed to work in a wide range of temperatures, from -13F to +140F, so it’s suitable for all kinds of commercial and industrial installations subject to extreme weather.

Like SolarEdge’s single-phase inverters, this product is also covered by a 12-year warranty that is extendable to 20 or 25 years.

What we like:

• Powerful: This inverter is rated for up to 20 KW of power out, so can handle larger commercial and industrial solar systems. This means it’s great for those looking for something more powerful than a home-use inverter.
• Safety features: The inverter will automatically detect very high temperatures and shut down the system, for better safety and security.
• Suitable for extreme temperatures: The inverter can operate in extreme hot and cold conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of facilities and applications.

What we don’t like:

• Not suitable for home use: As most households are not set up for three-phase AC power, this inverter is typically only suitable for commercial use.

As with other items in this SolarEdge review, you can connect the inverter to the brand’s user-friendly app, to analyze your system’s performance, check for errors, and troubleshoot issues. This includes being able to check each panel individually to spot any problems.

3. SolarEdge P320 Add-On Power Optimizer

Power optimizers, or Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE), are power conversion devices that connect directly to an individual solar panel. These devices are designed to maximize energy flow from your panel to the rest of the system, so you get the most out of your panel.

SolarEdge’s power optimizers are DC/DC converters, meaning that, unlike an inverter or microinverter, they don’t change the type of current. Instead, they track the PV unit’s Maximum Power Point (MPP), tracking performance, and helping you ensure that your panels are producing as much energy as possible.

They deliver an incredible 99.5% peak efficiency and 98.8% weighted efficiency. This means that you’ll be able to use almost all of the energy generated by your solar panels.

You’ll then need to connect the optimizer to a solar inverter in order to convert the current to AC so that it can power your home appliances and devices.

SolarEdge’s optimizers are designed to work with their inverters, allowing you to build a reliable, high-performing, and efficient solar system.

Once you’ve installed a power optimizer on your solar panels, you’ll be able to track the performance of each via the SolarEdge app. If you spot any issues or deterioration in performance of any of your panels, you can swiftly address the problem and get your system back to optimal levels.

You can also use this monitoring system to ensure timely maintenance, which, in turn, will let you extend the life of your panels. This means you won’t need to replace your equipment so often, representing significant savings over the long term.

All of SolarEdge’s power optimizers come with a unique SafeDC feature that reduces DC voltage to safe levels in the case of a power outage or if the inverter shuts down. This helps to avoid the risks of electric shock or fire, keeping you and your family safe.

This P320 power optimizer is rated for 320W of DC input, meaning it can be used with solar panels up to 320 watts, which covers most residential solar panels. However, you’ll need a high-rated product for more powerful solar panels.

It’s designed to maintain a fixed-string voltage, so it is suitable to work with string inverters and central inverters, giving you a high degree of flexibility and setting up the optimal system for you.

What we like:

• Direct monitoring: With a power optimizer on every solar panel, you can use SolarEdge’s monitoring app to check the performance of each unit and troubleshoot issues, allowing you to ensure your system is functioning at peak levels all the time.
• Versatile: Thanks to its fixed string voltage, you can use the optimizer in systems with a central inverter, or string inverters.
• Safe: The inverter has a built-in safety feature to shut down DC power in the event of power disruptions, minimizing the risk of electric shocks or electrical fires.

What we don’t like:

• Not suitable for very powerful solar panels: You can only use this optimizer with panels up to 320W, though this will serve most solar panels used for home use.

This power optimizer is a great option if you have a solar system with either a central inverter or a series of string inverters. You can also consider using microinverters, where the inverter and optimizer are integrated in a single unit attached to each solar panel.

However, SolarEdge doesn’t offer these types of products, so you’ll need to look to brands like Enphase if you want to go in that direction.

4. SolarEdge Single-Phase Inverter With EV Charger

SolarEdge’s EV charging single-phase inverter is one of the brand’s stand-out products, being the world’s first two-in-one EV charger and solar inverter. You can plug your electric vehicle directly into the device and charge it using solar power.

This is arguably the most eco-friendly way to run your vehicle, with no reliance on fossil fuels or even biofuels. It also means you won’t have to worry about finding a charging station or relying on grid electricity: you’ll always have power for your vehicle.

Like SolarEdge’s other inverters, the unit comes with 99% conversion efficiency, allowing you to optimize your energy flow and use as much of the sun’s energy as possible to charge your EV. It’s also backed up by the same HD-Wave technology, making it highly reliable.

Not only this, but it charges two and a half times faster than standard EV chargers, so your car will be up and running again in record time, which is great for people who use their EVs frequently with little downtime in between.

With compact dimensions and a weight of less than 25 pounds, the unit is easy to install, and you shouldn’t have any problems finding space for it in your home garage.

The inverter/charger wirelessly connects to SolarEdge’s monitoring app, so you can easily check or control the charging process from anywhere, as long as you have your smartphone with you. This means you can even switch on charging or turn it off when you’re out, so your vehicle will be ready to go when you get home!

The app gives you a complete picture of how long your car needs to charge, how much energy it’s using, as well as grid consumption.

What we like:

• Integrated inverter and charger: As an all-in-one solution, you don’t need to invest in a separate inverter and charger, meaning you’ll save on space and costs.
• Highly efficient: The inverter converts up to 99% of the energy from your solar panels into fuel for your vehicle, meaning you’ll be able to run your car for longer.
• Fast charging: The charging station charges your EV faster than most EV chargers, meaning less time waiting around, so you can get going!

What we don’t like:

• Fixed unit: You need to install the unit in a fixed spot, so you can only charge your car when you’re at home. However, until mobile solar EV chargers become available, this is probably the best solution for charging your EV on solar.

This product can also act as a regular solar inverter. So, even if you don’t own an EV but are planning to in the future, you could opt for this inverter/charger to meet your current energy needs and be ready for your future electric vehicle.

SolarEdge buying guide

Buying inverters, optimizers, and other solar system accessories can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the world of solar power. In the following section, we’ll take a look at the advantages of SolarEdge products, as well as what you should look for when buying their products.

Let’s start by taking a closer look at the brand.

What is SolarEdge?

SolarEdge Technologies is the third-largest manufacturer of inverters globally, behind electronic giants Huawei and Sungrow. The Israel-based company is also long-established in the industry, having offered smart energy products since 2006.

Their products use a different functionality compared to many of their competitors. While other companies use microinverters (small combined inverters and optimizers on each solar panel), SolarEdge separates these functions into two different units.

Instead, you have a power optimizer on each panel, which connects to a single central inverter or a series of string inverters.

Benefits and drawbacks of using separate inverters and optimizers

Having said that, SolarEdge has addressed these issues to at least some extent, which is why it is worth considering their products.

Why you should consider SolarEdge products

Although systems with separate inverters and optimizers typically are less efficient than using microinverters, SolarEdge has closed this gap somewhat with their high-quality products. SolarEdge inverters and optimizers offer around 99% conversion efficiency, meaning you’ll lose only a minimal amount of energy when running the current through each component.

Equally, these setups can involve high risks of fire or electrical problems because they run DC wiring between the panel and the optimizer. However, SolarEdge’s products come with built-in safety features that will shut down your system as soon as they detect any anomalies, increasing safety.

Overall, SolarEdge’s systems offer a safer, more efficient inverter and optimizer solution for a more affordable price tag than investing in microinverters.

SolarEdge monitoring platform

When you buy any SolarEdge product, you’ll get access to their monitoring platform, which is another huge benefit. The platform allows you to update system settings as well as monitor PV performance, all done wirelessly from a user-friendly smartphone app.

The app also lets you identify faults at the module, string, and system levels, so you can immediately detect and resolve any issues. This allows you to avoid safety risks or equipment damage and ensure that your system is running at optimal levels at all times.

You just need to download it from Google Play or the iTunes App Store, connect your SolarEdge inverter and power optimizer, and you’re good to go!

What to keep in mind when buying SolarEdge inverters and optimizers

So you’ve decided that SolarEdge is right for you, but how do you choose between their wide range of products? Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying the brand’s inverters and optimizers.

What are your energy requirements?

As with buying any solar equipment, starting with your energy requirements is important. If you already have solar panels installed, you’ll need to consider the DC output of each panel before buying a corresponding optimizer and the overall DC input/AC output of the entire system to determine the capacity of the inverter you’ll need.

On the other hand, if you’re setting up your system from scratch, you should start by calculating your energy needs. You can then use this to decide how many panels you need and the capacity of the optimizers and inverter you’ll require.

Is your system for home or commercial use?

Home and commercial solar systems have quite different functionalities, and so need different equipment, especially when it comes to inverters.

Generally speaking, home systems are set up for single-phase AC power, and so require a single-phase inverter. On the other hand, larger and more powerful commercial and industrial setups should run on a three-phase inverter.

What system functionality do you want?

Finally, it’s important to consider your desired system functionality. SolarEdge’s products are designed to have a power optimizer on each solar panel, which then connects to a separate central inverter or string inverter.

This is a more affordable, but slightly less efficient alternative to installing microinverters on each panel. For more on the pros and cons between these different types of functionalities, take a look at our comparison of SolarEdge vs Enphase.

Final thoughts on SolarEdge

SolarEdge provides a range of high-quality, reliable, and efficient inverters and optimizers that allow you to get the most out of your solar system for a modest investment. They also offer the world’s first EV charger that lets you convert your solar power to AC current and charge your vehicle all with the same device.

Although slightly less efficient than microinverter systems, SolarEdge’s products come with a number of features and benefits to maximize the efficiency and safety of your system.

Want to learn more about installing a solar system in your home or business? Check out our guides to how much energy solar panels produce and ultimate guide to solar panel size.

Let’s understand what exactly makes a gift sustainable, and explore 25 examples of sustainable gifts that everyone in your life can enjoy. 

What exactly are sustainable gifts?

The practice of gift-giving has become increasingly wasteful over the years and has the potential to contribute to our landfills worldwide.

In 2019, Americans alone spent around $15.2 billion on unwanted holiday gifts, and 4% of these gifts ended up in the trash can. 

And we know what happens to waste once it finds its way into a landfill – plastics can take hundreds of years to biodegrade, emitting harmful greenhouse gasses as they do so. Textile waste can also emit harmful gasses and release toxins into surrounding water and soil. 

It’s easy to forget all of the processes that went into creating that discarded gift sitting in a landfill. Manufacturing products requires copious amounts of energy, water, and raw materials like trees and fossil fuels, not to mention the resources that are expended transporting products.

Gift wrapping and packaging is particularly wasteful as well – especially items that come packaged in bubble wrap or other plastic materials that are difficult to recycle.

In light of all of the damaging effects that gift-giving can have, sustainable gifts have been rising in popularity in recent years. But what makes a gift sustainable? 

Sustainable gifts are items made from sustainable materials that will not harm the environment once they are at the end of their useful life. These materials are also extracted ethically and do not damage our natural landscape further. Sustainable gifts are also typically packaged in recycled materials that can be recycled again. 

Because of this, purchasing sustainable gifts offers environmental, economic, and social benefits while playing a part in protecting public health. 

Why shop for sustainable gifts?

If you’re aiming to live more sustainably, it’s crucial to think intentionally about the gifts you give. 

You don’t have to be an environmentalist to appreciate receiving a gift that has little to no impact on the environment. Gifting one of these sustainably-made items will not only make you feel good, but your recipient will be thankful for it as well. 

When looking for the perfect gift for a loved one or a colleague, numerous eco-friendly items can pass the test. From ethically-sourced chocolate, or slippers made from responsibly-obtained wool to vegan bags, the list is endless.

Let’s dive in – take a look at these unique sustainable gifts that you can give year round. 

Sustainable gifts for her

From self care products to comfortable pajamas and slippers – these sustainable gifts are perfect for the women in your life, no matter her age. 

1. EarthHero Assorted Self Care Gift Box

This self care gift box is a great option for a day of relaxation. Made up of items from EarthHero brands, this box includes a non-toxic soy candle, a herbal lotion bar, a detoxifying bamboo charcoal soap bar, plant clay face mask, and an exfoliating agave fiber washcloth. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• Ships plastic-free in packaging made with recycled content.
• All of the items included are handmade in small batches in the USA, and thus have less of the negative impacts of manufacturing and transport. 
• Items include all natural, paraben-free ingredients. 

2. Bambüsi Cheese Board and Knife Set

Do you have a cheese lover in your life? This Bambüsi set is an excellent choice for serving cheeses. It offers the best way for you to enjoy those Italian Ricotta slices, French Vacherine, or English Cheddar accompanied by a glass of wine.

Why it’s sustainable: 

• Handcrafted from 100% sustainable bamboo material for superior quality 
• Includes a stainless steel knife with a bamboo handle. 

3. Baabuk Mel Slippers

Looking for sustainably-made footwear for your loved one? These Baabuk slippers are the perfect cozy, high-quality option. Handmade in Nepal by local artisans and offered in eight colors from navy blue to pink, these slippers make a great addition to any outfit.

Why it’s sustainable: 

• Baabuk slippers are made of natural wool, crepe, and cotton 
• Wool is a long-lasting and renewable resource, and Baabuk gently sources their wool from New Zealand sheep twice a year

4. KicKee Women’s Short Sleeve Collared Pajama Set

Who doesn’t love a matching pajama set? This option from KicKee is extra smooth, soft, and easy to care for. KicKee’s Signature Bamboo Blend fabric is more sustainable than other fabric options. 

They come in five color options and a variety of sizes, making it easy to choose the right option for your loved one.

Why it’s sustainable:

• These pajamas are made out of organically-grown and sustainably-sourced viscose from bamboo, which is generally less chemically-intensive to produce.

5. HiBar Maintain Shampoo + Conditioner Bars

This set of Maintain HiBar shampoo and conditioner bars are a perfect gift for all hair types, these bars are 100% safe for color treated hair, and contain no sulfates, parabens, silicone, phthalates, or palm oil. 

These bars serve as a perfect replacement for single-use plastic hair care bottles, and will last as long, or longer, than a 16oz bottle when stored properly. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• This set is packaged and shipped 100% plastic free! 
• Using these products helps reduce reliance on single-use plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles, which are not typically able to be recycled.  
• When finished, these bars are able to be composted!

Sustainable gifts for him

Searching for sustainable gifts for him? Look no further – these items will inspire their recipient to cut down on single use plastics, and feel good while doing it.

6. EarthHero Sustainable Expert Kit

Have an avid hiker or camper in your life? This EarthHero set is perfect for those that are always on the go and want to cut down on single-use waste. The kit includes reusable grocery bags, reusable sandwich wraps, a utensil set, and a lunchbox. 

When it comes to sustainable gifts, this kit not only has great value but will allow its recipient to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• Each item in this kit is sustainably-sourced, made of 100% recycled materials, or stainless steel, making it an all-around sustainable option. 
• In addition, this set is packaged and shipped in recycled materials, and can also be recycled once opened.

7. Badger 3-in-1 Organic Shaving Kit

A family-owned and run company in New Hampshire, Badger’s products are made without chemicals, synthetics, fragrances, parabens, or GMOs. This 3-in-1 set of organic shaving products makes a perfect sustainable self care gift. 

This kit contains a pre-shave balm, shaving soap, and aftershave tonic. Ingredients like baobab, olive oil, witch hazel, and coconut oil create a smooth, moisturizing shave for anyone. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• These products are made of whole ingredients and free of damaging chemicals. 
• Badger’s formulas are USDA Certified Organic, and the company is a certified B Corp. 
• Each product is made locally in the United States. 
• This set is packaged in recycled material, and two products come in glass bottles.

8. Corkor Vegan Front Pocket Wallet

Corkor creates vegan wallets that are high-quality and a better option for the environment. 

This front pocket wallet fits up to ten cards, and is completely vegan. Local artisans produce Corkor products in small batches, ensuring less is wasted in the production process and quality is high. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• Corkor is a direct-to-consumer brand. This means middleman’s profits and commissions are directly passed on to you.
• All of the cork leather used for this wallet is FSC certified, ensuring the protection and adequate harvesting of the cork oak forest.
• Cork is obtained by removing the outer bark of the tree, without cutting or harming it. As the bark replenishes, cork can be harvested again and again.

9. Autumn Woods Collective Mountain Bespoke Bar Box Set

The Mountain Bespoke Bar Box Set contains a 6 oz flask and a bottle opener. The durable flask features a unique mountain design and is great for traveling or to give as a gift. Both wooden flask and bottle opener are handmade in the USA from stainless steel and sustainably harvested wood. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• Autumn Woods Collective plants a tree for every product sold – to date, they have planted over 110 thousand trees!
• Autumn Woods Collective makes their products from sustainably sourced wood that is not on the endangered species list. 

Premium sustainable gifts

These premium sustainable gifts are perfect for a big occasion or when you want to splurge on someone in your life. Take a look at these innovative items that help cut down on waste at home. 

10. Lomi Smart Waste Kitchen Composter

Have an avid gardener or chef in your life? This smart waste composter breaks down waste food and turns it into soil – right on your kitchen counter! 

The Lomi device speeds up the breakdown of organic waste into smaller fragments – quickly, and without the smell and mess. The end result is a natural source of soil nutrients that increase the organic content of soil, helping boost plant growth and soil enrichment. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• Lomi can reduce the garbage tossed in the trash each week by up to 80%. 
• This composter produces nutrient-rich soil which can be used for a garden outdoors, or houseplants alike.

11. AeroGarden Harvest with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit

This innovative AeroGarden indoor herb garden is perfect for food-lovers and gardeners alike. Up to six plants grow at a time in the indoor garden, and they grow in water, so no soil is required.  

The AeroGarden Harvest garden includes a seed pod kit, and a high-performance 20-watt LED grow lighting system that results in rapid natural growth of the herbs. The item comes with a control panel that indicates when to add water, plant food, and automatically turns lights on and off for your indoor herb garden. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• This supply of fresh herbs all year round can reduce reliance on single-use plastics from the grocery store. 
• The nutrients AeroGarden provides contain no harmful pesticides or herbicides. 
• AeroGarden’s seeds are sourced from large and small vendors from around the world. Many are heirloom seeds, organic sources are chosen when available, and GMO seeds are never used. 

12. Twenty39 Qarbo Sparkling Water Maker and Soda Streaming Carbonator

Soda and sparkling water lovers alike will appreciate this at-home soda streaming carbonator from Qarbo.

This product makes it easy to add unique flavors and fruit directly into water, wine, or beer, and get the perfect carbonation each time. Qarbo’s bottles are made of BPA-free PET plastic.

Why it’s sustainable:

• This product can reduce the use of single-use plastics and cans that may not be reusable – most soda bottles cannot be accepted at recycling facilities because they contain a sticky residue. 
• Making soda and carbonated beverages at home can also reduce the environmental impact of producing these products and shipping them to stores where they are typically purchased.

Sustainable gifts for foodies

Food waste can be daunting, especially when it comes to the packaging and preparation of dishes. So for the food lover in your life, take a look at these ethically-sourced treats and sustainable gifts that help reduce waste.

13. Smash Eco-friendly Bento 8-Piece Lunch Kit 

This eco-friendly lunch kit includes everything you’d need to enjoy a waste-free meal on the go: a three-compartment stainless steel lunch box, utensil kit, water bottle, and snack bowl. 

Available in three colors, this leakproof and stylish meal kit will make a great gift for your loved ones that are on the go frequently. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• This set can be reused over and over, helping to keep single-use plastics out of our waterways and landfills.

14. Flying Bird Botanicals Chocolate Lover’s Hot Chocolate Gift Box Set

As the holidays approach, hot chocolate is a favorite gift for all ages. This Flying Bird Botanicals hot chocolate is delicious and ethically-sourced. 

This box set includes four unique flavors: Chokola, Especial, Lavender Mint, and Vanilla Orange. Flying Bird Botanicals takes the extra step to ensure all ingredients are sourced ethically. Their cacao is sourced from Ecuador, one of the few locations that sustainably-grown chocolate is harvested by farmers earning a fair and living wage. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• All products included are compostable.
• Cacao used in this box set is sustainably harvested in Ecuador.
• This set comes in a reusable tin made with recycled steel, and it ships plastic-free in recycled and recyclable content.

15. Conscious Collection Gift Box

This gift will not only delight its recipient, but also has a substantial social impact. The Conscious Collection was designed to make ethical gifting effortless.

From ethically-produced dark chocolate to Earl Gray Tea that supports local tea production and education, each item in this set has a uniquely social and environmental impact.

Why it’s sustainable:

• The Buttery Shortbread Biscuits included in this box were made entirely from renewable energy. 
• The Madagascar Dark Chocolate Napolitains contribute to reforestation projects and use innovative packaging to reduce waste. 
• The Lemon-infused Sparkling Water is made from wonky lemons that would otherwise go to the landfill, helping fight food waste.

16. Ecozoi Large Bamboo Cutting Board with Containers

This Bamboo cutting board from Ecozi is an eco-friendly and BPA-free gift for the chefs in our life. 

However, this is no ordinary cutting board – it is uniquely designed to organize cut veggies and meat on the go while you are preparing your food. The set comes with 2 stainless steel organizer trays to collect the cut food items, saving time, counter space, and dish washing.

Why it’s sustainable:

• The stainless steel and bamboo materials used in this product are more sustainable alternatives than traditional plastic made to create cutting boards and food storage containers. 
• Ecozi uses zero-waste packaging that is made from recycled material.
• Ecozi products are sourced from local artisans, and a tree is planted for each purchase, contributing impactful reforestation and poverty alleviation support.

Sustainable gifts for kids

From eco-friendly beach toys to colored pencils, these sustainable gifts are great options for the little ones in your life.

17. LoveLotte Eco Beach Toy Set for Toddlers & Kids

Looking for an alternative to the plastic beach toys that break year after year? This eco-friendly beach toy set from LoveLotte is a natural, BPA-free alternative to cheap plastic toy sets that harm our environment and the health of our children. 

The deluxe soft-touch bamboo fiber that is used in this beach toy set is heavy duty and stands up to harsh waters and play. The set contains a bucket and three digging tools, perfect for children of any age to enjoy. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• These beach toys are biodegradable! If lost in the ocean or buried in the sand, they will break down into harmless organic matter within approximately 12 months. 
• Produced by a small family business, the purchase of this set will allow LoveLotte to donate a portion of their profits to Plastic Oceans to continue their work educating and promoting change.

18. Sprout Pencils Special Mix Edition

These lead-free pencils seeds in place of an eraser! For those who love drawing, you can help them channel all their artistic desires by gifting them these coloring pencils. After the pencil is used up, they can do more good to nature by planting the seed at the bottom.

The Sprout pencil pack contains eight eco-friendly and biodegradable Sprout pencils: six colored ones and two graphite ones. Each pencil has a capsule at the bottom that carries flowers, herbs, or vegetable seeds.

Why it’s sustainable:

• Sustainable and eco-friendly: the Sprout coloring pencils, as well as the graphite ones, are all lead-free and eco-friendly. They are biodegradable, non-toxic, and made from sustainable materials.
• Sprout pencils and packaging are either PEFC or FSC certified. This means that every time a tree is harvested, another one is planted.

19. Bamboo Little Soft Baby Bamboo Footie Pajamas

For the precious little one in your life, these bamboo footie pajamas make a great sustainable gift. Made out of bamboo jersey made of 95% bamboo viscose, these fabrics are breathable and hypo-allergenic, perfect for sensitive skin. 

Available in sizes from 0-24 months and fifteen colors and patterns, there’s an option for everyone. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• Bamboo plants are grown in water, pesticide-free. They also self-regenerate, making this material a sustainable alternative to other fabrics used in footie pajamas.

20. Pick a Toy Bamboo Rainstick

Music-lovers will adore this sustainably-made rainstick that creates soothing rain sounds. 

This rain shaker from Pick a Toy is made with high-quality bamboo that is easy-to-use, durable, and produces a beautiful rain sound that children of any age will enjoy. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• Bamboo is one of the most sustainable natural resources that can be used to create toys, and a great alternative to unbiodegradable plastics that are typically used.

Sustainable gifts for pets

Sustainable gifts aren’t just for people! These gifts are sure to delight any of your furry friends – without damaging the environment or their health.

21. EarthHero Pampered Pup Dog Gift Box

Have a furry friend that you want to spoil? The Pampered Pup Dog Gift Box is a perfect starter kit for a new and energetic puppy. 

This set comes with essential toys like a tugg-able hemp ball, organic cotton-stuffed dog bone, paw protection salve, and tasty calming chews to entertain any pup. These products are cruelty-free and not tested on animals. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• These products are free of dyes, parabens, chemicals, fragrance, sulfates, and detergents. 
• Every item is made from earth-friendly and plastic-free materials that are safe for pets, humans, and the planet.
• Each product is ethically made in the U.S. or China.

22. Beco Pets Natural Rubber Dog Treat Ball

This natural rubber dog treat ball from Beco Pets is an eco-upgrade to the classic tennis ball that dogs of all ages love! 

Made from 100% natural rubber with a vanilla scent, this ball features a hollow center for hiding treats. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• This item ships plastic-free in packaging made from recycled content. 
• The ball is BPA-free and responsibly-made in China. 

23. Spot Ethical Products 3 Pack of Bam-Bones

Bones are important for the health of any dog’s teeth, but can sometimes cause irritation because of their harsh materials. These Spot Ethical bam-bones are made of strong bamboo fibers that are long-lasting and won’t irritate the pup in your life! 

Why it’s sustainable:

• Bamboo is a more sustainable and gentle material than is typically used in dog toys. 

24. Beco Pets Hemp Ring Dog Toy

Do you know a pup that loves to fetch? This hemp ring dog toy from Beco Pets has you covered! 

Made from recycled cotton and sustainably-harvested hemp, this durable dog toy has tough fibers that clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. Its shape is also perfect for fetch and play indoors and outdoors. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• Hemp is a sustainable material that grows without pesticides, needs very little water and returns 60-70% of its nutrients back to the soil.
• This item ships plastic-free in packaging made from recycled and recyclable content.
• Beco Pets donates 5% of profits towards the Beco Foundation, a non-profit charity run by a third-party board that donates to charities and causes helping animals across the world!
• Beco Pets does not test on animals.

25. Honest Pet Products Eco Mouser

Cats of all ages and temperaments will love this mouse cat toy from Honest Pet Products, which is made from 100% natural hemp canvas and filled with natural catnip. If you’re looking for sustainable gifts with a conscience, then this one should fit the bill!

The purchase of this item will help to support the Americans who help make them in Wisconsin, as well as the crafters in Nepal who handmake several of the wool parts used in Honest Pet’s items. 

Why it’s sustainable:

• Hemp is a sustainable alternative to other materials frequently used in pet toys like plastic or silicone. 
• This toy is 100% biodegradable and uses sustainable materials, helping reduce our carbon footprints. 

Choose sustainable gifts for every occasion you can

As consumers around the world become more eco-conscious with their gift-giving, sustainable gifts are available everywhere. 

The environment is all we have and must take good care of it if we also want to live abundant lives. Since gifting is something most people can’t do without, why not do it in an eco-friendly way?

With the above variety of sustainable gifts, and many more available both locally and online, we can continue creating awareness for every person to do their part in preserving our environment.

In this article, we explain what a circular economy is, how it works and the benefits it may offer, along with examples of circular economies that have already been implemented. 

What is a circular economy?

A circular economy or CE describes a pattern of production and consumption where the resources used are not wasted or eliminated but instead are utilized in ways that perpetuate their use and promote sustainability, incorporating elements of the 3rs of waste management process.

The characteristic of circularity in an economic or business model contrasts with the “take, make, waste” activities of a linear economy. Instead, features of a circular economy include:

Reusing

Rather than disposing of a product, a circular economy finds ways to reuse it again. This may mean that the product is re-sold second-hand, or new and innovative uses for the product may be found. 

Refurbishing

Businesses and individuals can restore items that have reached the end of their lifespan with new materials and components to prolong their use. This reduces the demand for brand-new replacement products.

Repairing 

In a circular economy, broken items do not head straight to the landfill. Manufacturers and retailers actively promote product repair rather than replacement to reduce consumption.

Sharing 

A single item or service can be shared by multiple individuals or households to drive down demand and consumption. The shared item is carefully maintained so that it is always available for use when required.

Leasing (or hiring)

People can lease or hire items for the duration they require them, rather than many people owning their own individual items. For instance, leasing solar panels instead of buying them makes solar energy available to more people.

Recycling

Spent products and items can be recycled into raw materials that are used to produce new items. This prevents the excessive extraction of natural resources and keeps existing materials in use as long as possible. Read more about the pros and cons of recycling.

The purpose of the circular economy

Circular economies have been extensively researched and developed as a strategy for improving environmental sustainability.

Because circular economies aim to eliminate waste, reduce pollution and circulate products and materials more widely, experts hope that the widespread adoption of the CE model will lead to a significant reduction in demand for natural resources and the polluting processes of manufacturing, leading to the regeneration of nature. 

Governments and investors also expect the development of circular economies to create new business models, trades, and livelihoods. The skills associated with activities like product repair and refurbishment may provide employment opportunities across the world. The productivity generated from CE could contribute to long-term economic growth. 

How does a circular economy work?

Circular economies are based on three key principles:

1. Designing waste and pollution out of the economy.
2. Maximizing the time products and materials are kept in use. 
3. Optimizing the regeneration of natural systems.

You can visualize a CE as a linear process spanning the lifetime of the item with multiple feedback loops indicating opportunities for reuse, repair, refurbishment, or sharing. At the end of the product’s usable life, it can be recycled to recapture the raw materials that were used to create it.

Waste materials that cannot be recovered in any other way can be burnt for energy or composted to return nutrients and biomass back to the soil. Used products no longer take up landfill space. When consumers are finished any usable materials are recovered. 

When a consumer finishes using a durable product, it no longer needs to sit in a landfill. The technical cycles of the circular economy make products part of the process so they can be recovered and used to create new goods repeatedly.

What are the benefits of the circular economy concept?

Governments are actively exploring the adoption and integration of circular economies because of their economic and environmental benefits. Advantages of the circular economy approach include: 

1. Reduced waste

One of the key benefits of CE is that it can cut down on the amount of waste that goes to landfill each year. CE reuses and repurposes as much waste as possible so that it can’t have negative impacts on human health and the environment. 

2. Creation of jobs

Running circular economies requires new skills and industrial processes. The International Labor Organization (ILO) suggests that CEs could create up to 6 million new jobs. As well as addressing the environmental impact of textile, metal and plastic waste, processing of these materials as part of a CE could raise living standards in low and middle-income countries. 

3. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

As CEs consume fewer resources, there are less adverse emissions associated with the extraction, processing, and manufacturing of natural resources. By lessening landfill use, landfill gas emissions (LGE) are also reduced.

4. Business opportunities

CE can help businesses become more resilient. By using recycled or repurposed resources they do not have the expense of acquiring virgin materials. Circular economies may also mean that they can use resources more locally and save on transport costs. By lengthening the usable life of products companies can prolong customer relationships and build brand loyalty.

5. Economic growth

According to analysts at Accenture, the implementation of circular economies could generate over $4.5 trillion in economic output across innovation, new technologies, and employment. In particular, product-as-a-service (PaaS) technology could support sharing services that enable users to share products rather than own them individually. 

6. Reduced consumption

Industry leaders expect a switch from a linear model to circular economies to reduce the rate of resource consumption. There is also the benefit of reclaiming materials from existing products through repurposing and recycling goods on a greater scale. This will help finite raw materials and energy resources be used more effectively.

Circular economy examples

CE programs and strategies have been implemented in almost every industry. Applications of the circular economy include:

• Clothing rental: there have been several startups that have offered clothing rental to the public. Usually, the clothes and accessories offered are designer items. Some companies specialize in maternity wear or babywear.

• Take-back programs: Clothing retailers offer gift vouchers or discounts on new clothes when old usable items are returned. These items can then be processed for textile recovery or sold second-hand. 

• Car-sharing services: Car-sharing initiatives in urban areas can help people save on the costs of car ownership. Car sharing also reduces the number of cars in busy urban areas, reducing emissions.

• Concrete recycling: The construction industry is actively reclaiming and reprocessing concrete and other building materials. Stakeholders expect the adoption of CE to help reduce the significant amount of waste that the construction industry generates. 

• Rare earth elements recovery: Heavily polluting methods are used to extract the rare earth elements used in the semiconductors of electronic products like computers and phones and batteries. Recovering these precious metals from electronics at the end of their usable life reduces the demand for virgin materials and the ecological damage that comes with them. 

Wrapping up

The circular economy offers the promise of efficiently using the resources we already have. Transitioning more of our productivity to circular economy models offers new commercial opportunities and could drive economic growth. 

Currently, CE is being implemented across disparate industries and initiatives but governments and businesses are seeking to make the adoption of the CE approach more widespread. 

The best AeroGarden products for indoor harvests

AeroGarden is one of the best-known brands offering ready-built hydroponic gardens that you can virtually unbox, plug in, and start growing your own herbs and vegetables without sunlight or soil, all year round. Thanks to their huge popularity, the brand now offers a wide range of products in various sizes and with different features.

We’ve picked out five of the best AeroGarden farm products to meet the needs of different indoor gardeners. Let’s take a look at each in detail, and discuss their features, pros, and cons.

1. AeroGarden Harvest 360

AeroGarden’s Harvest range features good, mid-size models that offer plenty of bounty without taking up too much space. Like all Harvest models, the Harvest 360 can accommodate six seed pods and up to 12-inch grow height, and we particularly like this model’s nine-inch round diameter that makes it easy to fit in different spaces.

It has a built-in control panel that prompts you when you need to add water and plant food for optimal growth and automatically controls the full-spectrum 20-watt LED lights. The AeroGarden Harvest 360 has a simple, push-button interface that makes it easy to control the system’s functions.

There’s also a handy water level indicator: a blinking red light will let you know when you need to top up the hydroponics.

The AeroGarden farm kit includes not only the hydroponics system but also enough liquid plant food for one season and six seed pods so you’ll have all you need to start growing. The domed seed pods are very easy to use: you simply place them as are in the AeroGarden: no mess, no fuss!

This model gets overwhelmingly positive reviews, but some online reviewers complain that the instruction manual is very basic and lacks a lot of information. So you’ll probably need to search online to troubleshoot issues and maximize your harvest.

Others also mention that the lights are super bright so may keep you awake if visible from your bedroom.

What we like:

• Compact: This round AeroGarden farm is just nine inches in diameter so fits easily in most spaces, making it a good option for apartment living, or for people who don’t have much countertop space.
• Versatile: Despite the small size, it has space for six different seed pods, allowing you to grow a range of different plants at the same time
• User-friendly: The simple interface is easy to use, letting you control everything at a touch of a button.

What we don’t like:

• Poor instruction manual: The limited manual doesn’t tell you too much about how to deal with problems and have a successful harvest.

Overall, the AeroGarden Harvest 360 is an excellent, all-purpose indoor garden that will suit most people’s needs. Compact and easy to accommodate on a kitchen countertop or windowsill, this user-friendly system will let you grow up to six different types of plants with minimal effort.

2. AeroGarden Harvest Elite

Like the Harvest 360, the Harvest Elite has space for six plants, up to 12 inches tall, with the same 20-watt LED lights as other Harvest models. It also comes with six seed pods and plant food.

The key difference is that the elite version has a digital display control panel with illuminated, heat-sensitive buttons that dim when the grow light is off.

This AeroGarden farm model offers advanced settings not found in the Harvest or Harvest 360 models, including a vacation mode function to look after your plants while you’re away. You can also customize the light schedule and choose when the lights turn on and off to support a wider variety of plant species.

The Harvest Elite has a rectangular base measuring 6.25 x 10.5 inches, and there’s also a slim version that is 15 inches long but only five inches wide, so you can place it on a countertop without losing too much work space.

On the downside, the AeroGarden Harvest Elite does not have any battery backup. This means that if there’s even a brief power outtage, you will need to reset the clock in order to get the light back on the right schedule.

What we like:

• Advanced controls: Features like vacation mode and a customizable light schedule gives you more control over your indoor farm.
• Different sizes: You can choose between the standard and slim versions to make the best use of your space. The slim version would be good for use on a windowsill, for example.
• Easy-to-read display: The control panel is illuminated for easy reading, and the lights dim automatically when the grow light goes off.

What we don’t like:

• No battery backup: You’ll need to reset the clock every time the power goes out, as there is no battery backup, and the clock resets whenever the power is turned off. This could be an inconvenience.

The Harvest Elite is another solid, mid-sized Aerogarden, that offers more advanced features than the Harvest range.

Some online users note that it can be worthwhile getting an external water tank, otherwise you may need to refill the water every couple of days. The tank is not included in the kit, but can be purchased separately.

3. AeroGarden Bounty Basic

If you’re looking for an AeroGarden farm that’s a little larger, with many of the same features as the Harvest Elite, AeroGarden’s Bounty range accommodates nine different types of plants.

The base of the AeroGarden Black Bounty is only a little larger at 16 x six inches. However, notably, you can grow plants up to 24 inches tall, allowing you to grow a wider variety of plants such as tomatoes, and to greater maturity.

The Bounty comes with 30-watt LED lights and an extendable lamp arm to adjust the light distance depending on the type of plants you’re growing and how tall they are. The kit comes with an attachable trellis to support taller plants, though it’s worth noting that the Bounty is much heavier than the Harvest models, so this may affect where you can place it.

This kit also includes a nine-pod heirloom salad seed kit, with pre-seeded grow pods including Black Seeded Simpson, Deer Tongue, Parris Island, Marvel or 4 Season, Rouge D’Iver, and Red Sail.

The Bounty has full controls and a touch screen to control the lights, which can be dimmed up to 30%, along with special features including vacation mode. As well as getting automatic water and plant food reminders, the screen also displays over 140 handy tips, making your indoor farm virtually foolproof.

This model also has WIFI connectivity, allowing you to control your garden remotely through an app. However, some online reviewers reported issues with the WIFI function and were unable to log into the app.

What we like:

• Allows for generous growing height: With up to 24 inches of growing height, you’ll be able to cultivate a wide range of herbs and veggies to maturity – you’re not limited to smaller plants – you can even grow things like tomatoes.
• Small footprint to save countertop space: The Bounty allows you to grow up to nine different plants, without taking up too much surface space.
• Advanced features like on-screen tips and wifi connectivity: With a range of special features, you can customize the system for different plants, with plenty of support to help you along the way.

What we don’t like:

• WIFI function can be problematic: While the majority of users reported no issues whatsoever, there were some who had issues with the app and couldn’t get the WIFI functionality working, so this is something to be aware of.

If you’re prepared to invest a little more in your AeroGarden, the Bounty Basic allows you to grow up to nine different plants up to 24 inches in a relatively small kit. With an adjustable lamp arm, detachable trellis, and a range of features, you’ll be able to grow anything from herbs and salad greens to tomatoes.

4. AeroGarden Sprout

The AeroGarden Sprout is an excellent option if you want to try indoor farming on a super small scale, or if you have very limited space to work with. You can grow up to three plants to a maximum of 10 inches high in this compact indoor garden that measures just five by 11 inches, making it perfect for small apartments, offices, and studios.

This model has a new design that is sleek and modern, with updated features including a super silent pump and a user-friendly soft-touch button that allows you to easily control the lights or start a new growth cycle.

A good introduction to hydroponics for beginners, the Sprout has energy-efficient 10-watt LED lights and comes with three herb seed kits: Genovese basil, curly parsley, and dill. Also included is a three-ounce plant nutrient bottle, which will see you through an entire growing season.

On the other hand, some users say the lights on this small model are too low, which can burn the plants.

What we like:

• Very compact: This tiny indoor AeroGarden farm takes up very little space, making it suitable for small countertops, windowsills, or even for sitting on a desk.
• Beginner-friendly: The kit is easy to use and has everything you need to get started, so it’s a good option to get you started with hydroponics if you have no experience.
• Quiet: The new pump is super silent, so won’t distract you in a small apartment or office. This means it’s super non-intrusive, so you could even place this kit on your desk at work, without it causing any issues or annoyances.

What we don’t like:

• Lamp arm is on the low side: With only 10 inches of growing height, you may find your plants get burnt when they grow too tall, so you’ll have to pay attention to what’s growing and how high! 

If you’re looking for a compact, affordable indoor hydroponic setup to grow a few herbs or lettuce, the AeroGarden Sprout is a good option. However, if you want to cultivate more than three types of plants, or grow larger veggies or flowers, you’ll need a more extensive model.

5. AeroGarden Farm 24XL

At the other end of the scale is the impressive AeroGarden Farm 24XL. This very large indoor hydroponic system can fit up to 24 different herbs, vegetables, or flowers, with an adjustable grow height of up to 36 inches.

It also features two powerful 60-watt LED grow lights that are fully customizable, and an automatic timer to control when lights turn on and off for the exact right grow time. The digital display prompts you to add water and plant food while allowing you to monitor and control your crops.

The kit comes with plant food and two salad bar seed pod kits, with nine lettuce pods, three herb pods, and 12 tomato pods.

You can also stack the Farm 24XL with other AeroGardens to make a vertical garden and maximize the yields of your indoor farms.

On the downside, some online reviewers complain that this model is pretty difficult to assemble. They report that the holes don’t line up well so you may have to make fiddly adjustments to make everything fit together.

What we like:

• Very large: Far bigger than any of the other models on this list, you can grow up to 24 different plants up to 36 inches high with this AeroGarden farm. This is great for people who want to experience more variety in the things they grow (and eat). 
• Can accommodate different types of plants: The 24XL is versatile. With an adjustable lamp arm and customizable grow lights, the farm can accommodate a range of plants and growing conditions.
• Stackable: You can combine the Farm 24XL with other models to make an extensive vertical garden.

What we don’t like:

• Can be hard to assemble: The extensive kit isn’t very user-friendly when it comes to putting it together.

If you have enough space and want to create a substantial indoor farm, the AeroGarden Farm 24XL will let you grow a bumper crop of 24 herbs, veggies, or flowers. Even though it’s the largest of the AeroGarden models on our list, it’s still a compact solution for growing fresh produce indoors easily.

What is AeroGarden?

The AeroGarden brand offers a range of high-tech, hydroponic systems that allow you to grow almost anything, year-round, without dirt or sunlight. Their kits have built-in LED lights that produce the ideal combination of blue and red light to maximize plant growth and crop yields.

The high-quality systems are designed to provide an optimal growing environment. The LEDs are arranged in the perfect pattern to help the plants to absorb more light and the kits contain everything you need to start hydroponic gardening even if you have zero experience. They feature ‘plug-and-go’ seed pods that can be ready to harvest within a couple of weeks.

AeroGarden farm advantages

AeroGarden farm products allow you to grow healthy plants by using a small amount of light, water, and nutrients, with minimal effort and virtually no mess. Let’s take a look at the benefits of using these indoor farms.

They’re ideal for beginners

One of the key advantages of AeroGarden indoor farms is that they’re incredibly easy to use, and can help you to cultivate a range of different kinds of plants even if you don’t have experience with hydroponics or even gardening in general. You could buy all the components and set up your own hydroponics system, but this would involve a lot of effort, not to mention the expertise to do things properly.

Instead, AeroGarden products come with everything you need to get started, and will also prompt you when you need to top up the water or add more plant food. Some models even have automated controls that virtually take care of everything for you.

Everything is closely controlled

Successful indoor farming involves carefully balancing a range of delicate factors, from the amount of light and number of light hours to the water levels and nutrients given. AeroGardens are precision-designed to provide the ideal growing environment, from monitoring water levels to turning the lights on and off automatically for the perfect amount of light for growth.

You can also customize many AeroGarden farm models depending on what you’re growing and how mature the plants are, by dimming the lights, adjusting the lamp arm height, or changing the lighting schedule. This way, you can grow virtually any crop in a controlled, indoor environment regardless of the season, and won’t be affected by the climate, unseasonable weather, or pests.

You’ll enjoy regular harvests

In a normal farm or garden, you’re limited in when and how often you can plant your crops because of the weather, seasons, and the need to let the earth rest between harvests. This isn’t the case with a hydroponic system: you can plant crops anytime, many will be ready within weeks, and after harvesting, you can immediately start growing more!

AeroGarden seed pods can be refilled, so you can enjoy harvest after harvest throughout the year.

They’re highly-efficient

Not only is growing plants in an AeroGarden farm incredibly easy, but it’s also a highly efficient way to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers with minimal use of energy and resources. These systems are engineered to use a minimal amount of electricity, water, and nutrients to produce an excellent harvest.

This makes them much more efficient than inferior hydroponic systems or outdoor farming.

AeroGarden farm drawbacks

Although AeroGarden farm products are high-quality, efficient, and user-friendly, they also have their disadvantages. We’ll look at both the positives and the drawbacks that can be associated with these systems.

The best models are expensive

AeroGarden products can be pretty pricey. Although there are some affordable models, like the AeroGarden Sprout, the cheapest options tend to be pretty small and fairly limited in terms of features.

If you want to be able to grow a larger number of plants or make use of the more advanced features and customization options, you’ll need to invest in one of their more expensive products.

You’ll need to buy seed pods refills

All AeroGarden kits come with enough seed pods for one harvest. However, once you’ve harvested your crops, you’ll need to refill them in order to grow more.

These pods can be refilled with new grow sponges, which you can buy on Amazon, so it requires an ongoing investment.

AeroGarden Seed Starting System

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Ongoing maintenance is required with an AeroGarden farm

Although many of the processes are automated in an AeroGarden system, it does require some degree of ongoing maintenance to keep things working properly. You’ll need to clean the reservoir, change the water and clear the roots after every harvest.

The better care you take of your AeroGarden, the longer it will keep working well. In particular, it’s important to protect the fragile pump from root debris.

Final thoughts

An AeroGarden farm offers a range of user-friendly, efficient, and high-quality indoor farms to suit a range of households. If you have very limited space or want to try out hydroponic gardening with something simple, you can start with the very compact AeroGarden Sprout.

The AeroGarden Harvest 360 and AeroGarden Harvest Elite are solid, mid-sized options, with the latter offering more advanced features. For a slightly larger, more versatile indoor garden, go for the AeroGarden Bounty Basic, or if you want to build a truly impressive hydroponic farm, consider the AeroGarden Farm 24XL.

If you’ve enjoyed this AeroGarden review, take a look at our post on how to compost in an apartment for more on sustainable, indoor living.

Kyoto Protocol vs Paris Agreement: Key Differences to Know

Taking care of our environment is no longer a choice. It is something we must do if we want to guarantee a habitable environment for our future generations. That’s why countries around the world are coming together each passing day, to identify ways, and enact laws that can help preserve our planet.

Some of the famous agreements that have been made in an attempt to address the issue of climate change are the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. These two agreements were set up as a result of the rising global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions.

They are both fruits of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), which was adopted in 1992 during the United Nations Conference in Rio de Janeiro. The UNFCCC was formed to help establish strategies that would help stabilize the greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.

The participant states of the UNFCCC meet regularly at the “Conference of the Parties” (COPs) to determine the next step towards climate protection. 

But what exactly is entailed in these two agreements, and what are their key differences? In this article, we dig deep into the Kyoto protocol vs Paris agreement and see what they are all about. However, we must understand what each of the agreements means before we go any further.

See related: 13 Important Health & Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

What is the Kyoto Protocol, and What Does it Entail?

The Kyoto Protocol is a brainchild of the 1997 UNFCCC meeting, which took place in Kyoto, Japan. But due to the complex endorsement process, this document came into effect from February 2005. It currently has 192 signatory parties.

Kyoto Protocol is the first document to be approved by signatory countries, and that has legally binding obligations for greenhouse gas emission, reductions, and limits. The applicability of this document was set for the periods 2008 to 2012, and 2013 to 2020.

Typically, this document operationalizes the UNFCCC by requiring developed countries to reduce and limit greenhouse gas emissions as per the agreed terms. The participant countries are required to assume mitigation policies and measures that will help reduce and limit the GHG emission and report regularly.

This Kyoto Protocol is founded on the provisions and principles of the UNFCCC and works as per the convention’s annex-based structure. Also, the document is only binding to the developed countries, placing on them a heavier burden under the principle of “common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities.”

This is because the convention recognizes that these countries are primarily liable for the high levels of greenhouse gases present in our atmosphere.

In its first commitment period (2008 to 2012), the Kyoto Protocol set emission reduction targets that added up to an average of 5% reduction in the emission. This was in comparison to the 1990 levels.

Kyoto Protocol, Doha Amendment

In December 2012, some changes were added to the Kyoto Protocol. These changes, known as the Doha Amendment, were adopted after the conclusion of the first commitment. The amendment was meant to add some new GHG emission reduction goals for the subsequent commitment period (2013 to 2020).

Thirty-seven developed countries, together with the European Community, were part of the initial commitment, which had a 5% GHG reduction target. In the second commitment period, participating countries committed to an 18% GHG reduction in comparison to the 1990 levels.

The Doha amendment includes:

• New commitments for the countries who take part in the second commitment period
• A revised GHG list which parties must report on, during the 2013-2020 commitment
• Changes in the various Kyoto Protocol articles, especially those that pertain to the 2008-2012 commitment, and needed an update.

The endorsement of these changes to the Kyoto Protocol was a valuable move in the intended purpose of maintaining sustainable GHG levels during the second commitment.

What is the Paris Agreement?

Even beyond 2020, which is the end of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, climate change will still need to be addressed. This is why, the UNFCCC’s 21^st Conference of the Parties, held in Paris in 2015, adopted the Paris Agreement.

This agreement is a momentous environment accord whose idea was approved by virtually every nation, to handle climate change and its impacts. The agreement intends to reduce global GHG emissions in order to prevent global temperature rises. It aims at limiting the increase in global temperatures to below 2°C beyond the pre-industrial levels.

The Paris Agreement offers a chance for the developing countries to take part in the fight against global warming, hand in hand with the developed countries. The agreement requires all the major GHG emitting countries to reduce their emissions and gradually strengthen their commitments.

World leaders from 195 nations approved the accord, which included commitments from every country. All this aims to combat climate change, and enabling us to adapt to its impacts. Currently, every nation on the planet, (197 in number) is part of the Paris Agreement.

Of the 197 countries, 180 of them have formally joined the Paris Agreement. Only two nations (Iran and Turkey), have not officially joined the agreement as of the end of 2019.

Goals for the Paris Agreement

• Limit the rise of global temperatures- through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement aims at minimizing the adverse effects of climate change.
• Provide a more transparent and accountable framework that will help achieve even more ambitious targets.
• To marshal support in developing countries, for the mitigation of climate change, and adaptation to its negative effects.

See related: 15 Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Shoes that Help the Environment

Kyoto Protocol vs the Paris Agreement

Although both were set to help in combating climate change, there is a considerable difference between the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Climate Agreement. Some of the key differences between the two documents include:

• Signatories

The Kyoto Protocol was intended for developed countries only and involved legally binding targets for GHC emissions reduction. The whole burden was put on the developed countries, which made it lack ratification from various countries like the US.

Paris Agreement, on the other hand, was drafted with every nation on the planet in mind. It requires every nation (whether developed or developing), to take part in saving our environment. Each country ought to play its part. This made 195 countries to endorse the document right from the beginning.

• Goals and Targets

The Kyoto Protocol had established targets for the signatory countries to adhere to, and they came with penalties for noncompliance.

In comparison, countries in the Paris Agreement have the liberty to set up their NDCs (Nationally determined contributions). Also, it’s a non-binding document where signatories don’t incur any penalties if they fail to hit their targets.

The Paris Agreement, however, requires monitoring and reporting, as well as a reassessment of a country’s emission reduction targets over time. This helps to attain the document’s broader, long-term goals.

• Requirements

Kyoto Protocol set the targets to be achieved, although it didn’t specify a timeline for achieving them.

Paris Agreement, on the other hand, requires each nation to declare its next set of targets, after every five years.

• Nature of the Document

Kyoto Protocol was legally binding to the participating nations and had fewer countries as signatories.

But, the Paris Agreement is a flexible, non-binding agreement that is globally adopted. Almost every nation is a part of the climate accord.

And, with every nation having the liberty to set their goals, the Paris Agreement ensures that even the developing countries can be included. It also makes it easier as the world is now handling the climate change issue through collective efforts from everyone.

The Paris Agreement allows everyone to contribute to finding opportunities to slash global warming contributors and promote green living. This can be done through individual efforts, as well as local and national efforts.

Less greenhouse gas emissions mean a safer and cleaner environment for us and our future generations. As we don’t have an alternative planet to run to, everyone must take the initiative to preserve what we have.

See related: 6 Cool Renewable Energy Projects That Will Shape the Future

Withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement

President Trump announced the exit of the US from the Paris Agreement during his first year in office. But, the US is still not yet out of this agreement. This is because a country can only start the withdrawal process if the agreement has been in force for at least three years.

In the case of the US, the three years ended on 4^th November 2019. Also, the withdrawal notice takes another full year to become official. This means that the US will formally be out of the agreement in 2020, one day after the presidential election.

However, even with the US out of the Paris Agreement, the accord can still go on and succeed. While the withdrawal of the US and Canada from the Kyoto Protocol brought the treaty to an end, experts say that it might be different for the Paris Agreement. They attribute this to the differences present between the two treaties, as well as the increasing concern for the dangers posed by climate change.

As Chris Field put it, the Paris treaty was made to correct the flaws that were present in the Kyoto Protocol. Since the Paris accord is purely voluntary and presents fairness, the exit of the US may not make the accord to crumble.

Cost implications were the major reason why Trump wanted out of the Paris climate accord. The president argued that the US economy would incur around 3 trillion dollars by 2040. He also claimed that the accord would bring a loss of 2.7 million jobs by 2025.

These he claims would make the US less competitive against its rivals, China and India. But, experts say that all these statistics were exaggerated. They point out that the effects of global warming are far expensive than controlling carbon emissions.

Conclusion on Kyoto Protocol vs Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement’s ultimate goal is to cap the rise of global temperature at 1.5°C in the 21^st century. However, based on the commitments made by individual nations, studies show that these targets won’t be enough to accomplish the 1.5°C CAP. In fact, the cumulative targets will only achieve to cap the rise in global temperatures, somewhere between 2.7°C and 3.7°C.

But, with the collective effort and continued awareness, the goal can someday be achieved. And, even the 1.5°C shouldn’t be a static one. It should represent only the floor but not the ceiling. This way, we can do even better in the future.

I hope that as we continue to preserve our environment, this Kyoto Protocol vs Paris Agreement article offers you everything you needed to know about the two documents. 

Related Resources

• How Human-Environmental Interaction Works
• 9 Best Ethical, Sustainable Gifts for Eco-Lovers
• 64 Best Quotes About Sustainability (Including Inspiring, Funny & Short)

Green Coast is a renewable energy and green living community focused on helping others live a better, more sustainable life.

We believe that energy and green living has become far too complicated, so we created several different guides to build a sustainable foundation for our future.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Green living isn’t as hard as you might think. The aim of an eco-friendly lifestyle is reducing your overall consumption. Through small changes in your daily life, you can easily cut down on your carbon footprint.

What’s the perfect place to start? Your bedroom, of course. An eco-friendly bedroom not only helps the environment but it also improves your mental and physical health.

Here are a few important tips to follow on your journey to an eco-bedroom.

Why is Eco-friendly Interior Design Important?

First, let’s establish why sustainability and eco-friendliness in interior design are so important these days. Global warming is no joke. All you have to do is open the news to see how bad the Earth’s environment has gotten in the past century. 

In sum, the environment’s bad and shows no sign of getting better if scientific research is to be believed.

However, with many nations getting together to fix things on a macro-scale, we need to do our part on the micro-scale as well. Sustainable interior design is a large aspect of small-scale solutions because it’s a large part of everyday life.

Yes, your bedroom is a safe space. It should be functional and aesthetic, but it should also be sustainable. 

Things to Think About Beforehand

When doing any redesigning or redecorating, the first thing to check is your budget. While sustainable bedroom solutions are usually budget-friendly, you may need to get a few things.

Consequently, see what you’re willing to spend and in what ways you can minimize your costs.

Apart from budget, think about the space you have i.e., the layout, furniture, decoration. This is because, with eco-friendly bedroom designs, there are five key principles you need to follow:

1. Energy efficiency
2. Waste reduction
3. Health
4. Timelessness
5. Low carbon footprint

Incorporating these principles into your personal space is simple. For example, energy efficiency is easy enough. All you have to do is make sure your electrical appliances are energy efficient. 

Moreover, a low carbon footprint means using things that are sustainable and environmentally-friendly. This includes furniture, mattresses, and even decorative pieces.

The health principle means making your bedroom more clean and fresh. For instance, this means improving indoor air quality and circulation.

On the other hand, timelessness simply means getting things that are long-lasting i.e., that can be used and reused.

9 Tips for Creating an Eco-Friendly Bedroom

Now, for the main event. What things can you do to incorporate these five principles in your eco bedroom? See these nine tips to learn how. 

1. Decluttering, Reupholstering, and Recycling

Firstly, decluttering, reupholstering, and recycling are the mantras you need to adopt. This is the easiest and most budget-friendly way to transform your room into an environmentally-friendly bedroom. 

Don’t get me wrong. Depending on how much stuff you have, the task will be long and tedious. You’ll have to go through everything in your bedroom and see what to keep and what not to.

This comes under the principle of waste reduction. 

When you’re decluttering your bedroom, you’ll need to donate/recycle/reuse/reduce unnecessary things. For example, many of us keep old pens, papers, and clothing around long after we have no use for them. 

If you’ve got old or worn-out clothing, consider doing a DIY project and reupholster them into something else. For example, old T-shirts are easy to turn into new cushion covers.

Additionally, if you’ve got stacks of excess paper, give them away for recycling. Also, it’s always good to donate excess bedding. Shelters and charities are always in need of extra resources. If you decide to recycle pillows, make sure to do it responsibly, so they don’t end up in a landfill.

2. Furniture

Eco-friendly bedroom furniture is becoming more and more popular these days. Eco-friendly bedroom furniture is either used/upcycled furniture or furniture made with sustainable materials. Either way, using eco-friendly furniture is timeless and, in the long run, gives you a low carbon footprint.

If you’re looking for more eco-friendly furniture, look for things made with all-natural materials. Also, get things that don’t take too much space. The point is to get things that support you cutting down on consumerism.

Large shelves and big closets only encourage you to get needless things to fill them up. Here are some of the best sustainable furniture options. 

If you’re looking for suggestions, here are our picks:

Shelves

For example, the Way Basics Eco-friendly Shelf is both sustainable and aesthetic. Way Basics, a US-brand based in Newton Beach, CA, has been selling eco-friendly furniture, including bookcases, litter boxes, and stack tables since 2008.

Way Basics Eco Friendly Shelf

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We suggest this shelf for three reasons:

1. It’s made of recycled paper wood. Consequently, it’s non-toxic and environmentally-friendly.
2. It can hold about 30 pounds of weight, both internally and externally. You can put a lot of stuff on it without worrying about it breaking.
3. Lastly, the shelf comes assembly-free, so you don’t have to waste time with your toolbox.

However, it’s a bit expensive, so check your budget.

Beds

If you’re in the market for a new bed, you have a few options in front of you. You can either go for a second-hand bed or a new one. Etsy, for instance, sells many great quality upcycled beds. You can easily get one that suits your tastes for a great price.

Buying a completely new bed is admittedly more expensive. However, it’s also a more reliable option. Unless you’re getting it from a credible source like Etsy, second-hand shopping isn’t always a good experience.

AmeriSleep is a fantastic brand from where you can get eco-friendly beds and obtain green bedroom ideas. You can either get the AmeriSleep Foundation Bed or the AmeriSleep Adjustable Bed.

AmeriSleep is another American brand that has been manufacturing high-performance yet sustainable beds, beddings, and mattresses since 2010. The company aims to promote green bedroom designs with innovative bedroom products.

Both the AmeriSleep Foundation Bed and Adjustable Bed have:

• Sleek, minimalist frames
• 100% authentic pine wood bases
• An 8.5 design (replacing box springs, which are not biodegradable) 

They’re perfect for any sort of minimalist or bohemian style bedroom. Moreover, they’re both made with environmentally-friendly materials and also come assembly-free.

With the AmeriSleep Adjustable Bed, you have even more space in your bedroom as it folds in and out as per your needs.

3. Mattress

The next thing to think about is your mattress. Most mattresses use flame retardants or PVC, which are forms of plastic. Plastic, as you know, isn’t very environmentally-friendly. It can even be hazardous to your health. So, if you’re getting rid of things, make sure your PVC mattress goes as well.

An eco-friendly mattress should be made of:

• Wool
• Cotton
• Hemp
• Bamboo
• Food-grade polyethylene varieties

Essentially, like all eco-friendly furniture, it should be all-natural. 

As mentioned, AmeriSleep sells a great range of eco-friendly beds and mattresses. Their mattresses are made with plant based memory foam. If you need a new one, you’re sure to find many great options on the AmeriSleep website.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to AmeriSleep mattresses. It includes detailed descriptions about which AmeriSleep mattresses are best for the firm, soft, and heavy sleepers. 

4. Temperature Controls

Another way of making your bedroom eco-friendly is to forgo temperature controls. As mentioned above, an environmentally-friendly bedroom needs to be healthy and energy-efficient.

Consequently, it’s best if you don’t use temperature controls. Air conditioners and heaters, particularly central systems, use a lot of energy and emit a high carbon footprint (as they cause greenhouse gases). 

Instead of temperature controls, you can find other ways to keep your room warm or cool. In summers, use shades over your windows to prevent light from seeping in. The sunlight gets intense and heats your room. Blinds and shades help minimize this. 

On the other hand, in winter, you can remove the shade and let the sun act as a natural heating source. These temperature controls will help you conserve energy and save money along the way. Want to save more on energy?

Consider these top energy conservation methods for your home. 

5. Paint and Flooring

Additionally, VOC paints and flooring are very harmful to the environment. For those that don’t know, VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. The ‘new paint’ smell comes from VOC. It’s very toxic and hazardous to health, especially with children.

Consequently, in your eco-friendly bedroom, use either low VOC paints or anti-VOC paints. 

As for flooring, we suggest a bamboo, tile, or hardwood floor. However, if you want a carpeted floor, opt for all-natural carpets (usually made with hemp). 

Avoid carpets made with:

• Benzene
• Formaldehyde
• p-Dichlorobenzene
• 4-PC
• Xylene

These are not sustainable materials, which make carpets hard to recycle. Moreover, don’t allow the manufacturer to perform stain resistance, fire retardant, or antimicrobial treatments.

See Related: Best Sustainable Shoes to Buy

6. Bamboo vs. Wood

Speaking of flooring, is it better to get bamboo or wood? Many people get confused between the two. However, the answer to this question is that bamboo is more sustainable than wood.

Here’s why:

• It grows faster than wood
• Bamboo is a natural pest repellent
• It absorbs five times more carbon dioxide than wood and other plants
• Also, bamboo is antibacterial and antifungal (meaning it’s less prone to degradation)

Moreover, bamboo is easier to work with than wood and very strong, so it can be used for many things. The list includes furniture, fabrics, flooring, and even decor. However, before purchasing, make sure that the bamboo is unprocessed.

7. Blankets, Sheets, and Pillows

We’ve talked about beds, but what about bedding? If you’re replacing bedding, the main thing to think about is the material. The material should always be organic, whether it’s cotton, wool, or hemp. As mentioned, bamboo fabrics are also highly sustainable. One example of an eco-friendly blanket is Anjee Cooling Blanket. 

Anjee Weighted Blanket

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Organic sheets are more expensive, but they’re a good investment. Organic cotton comforters, bedding, blankets or wool comforters are warmer and softer to touch. Therefore, organic bedding is better for your skin and sleep cycle.

Avoid bedding that has:

• Teflon i.e., stain resistance
• Formaldehyde (meaning it has no iron component)
• Flame retardants (also known as flame resistants)

One more thing: don’t get anything made with leather or suede. These are animal products, and using them defeats the purpose of living a green life.

8. Scent and Ambiance

Do you like a good fragrance? If yes, you probably use a lot of air fresheners inside your bedroom. Air fresheners are not good for the environment. For one, unless you have one made with natural ingredients, air fresheners have many artificial toxins and chemicals.

Additionally, most air fresheners are use-once and throw-away. It’s better to use natural air fresheners to improve the ambiance of your bedroom. For example, you can add a few plants in your room. Plants improve the air quality in your room by removing toxins. This also improves the smell.

LEVOIT Air Purifier

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Moreover, you can make air fresheners (instead of purchasing them). You can easily find recipes for homemade air fresheners online.

Most recipes use all-natural ingredients, which is stuff you already have at home.

In sum, homemade air fresheners are:

• All-natural
• Beneficial (in terms of health)
• Cheap
• Easy to make
• Easy to store (in spray bottles)

You can also use scented candles, but make sure to use organic ones. 

9. Lighting and Electrical Appliances

Lastly, we have lighting and electrical appliances. To create an eco-friendly bedroom, you need to get energy-efficient electrical appliances. Replace all your bulbs with LED or incandescent light bulbs. In essence, avoid compact fluorescent lighting, which has mercury and other harmful elements.

Studies have proved that fluorescent lighting emits far more UVC and UVA rays than other lighting. LED lights are much safer and environmentally-friendly.

With electrical appliances, only use those that you need. For example, get rid of air humidifiers and purifiers. Plants are a great alternative to these appliances. 

Also, if you’re not using an appliance, make sure to turn it off. The same goes for lighting and fans. This not only helps cut down electricity costs but it also makes you more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible.  

Great Eagle 100W Equivalent LED Light Bulb

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Conclusion on Designing an Eco-Friendly Bedroom

Simply put, green living is very important to implement in our homes and overall lifestyle if we want to live more responsibly. The idea of green living isn’t as drastic as one might think. It’s a slow process, which you can easily get through by implementing one change at a time. 

By following these nine tips, you can easily start a more sustainable and eco-friendly phase in your life.

To conclude, we hope this guide was useful in helping you create your ideal eco-friendly bedroom. If you want to learn more about eco-friendly living, check out our additional resources below.

Top 13 Sustainability Influencers on Instagram

Do you know any sustainability influencers on Instagram? The effects of climate change harm our lives and that of the future generation.

Different individuals have taken it upon themselves the task of sensitizing the world on environmental matters using social media platforms.

Different influencers are using social media platforms to share their message with the world. Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms that has attracted a multitude of users in recent years.

Sustainability influencers have embraced this platform to inspire change in green living. The platform is today ranked number three after Facebook and YouTube.

Therefore, it’s an excellent platform that influential voices of the current generation can use to make a positive impact on the planet matters.

With the use of different sustainability hashtags such as #plasticfree, influencers share tips on how to live a waste-free or zero-waste lifestyle.

Indeed, there is a considerable rise in public awareness of environmental issues thanks to bloggers and social media influencers who are teaching the public about climate change.

These influencers are passionate about sustainability and ethical living and are promoting the growth of slow fashion by creating slow living movements.

This article is an exploration of the topmost Instagram influencers that you should follow to join in their good cause.

Top Sustainability Influencers on Instagram

Without much further ado, let’s explore the 13 sustainability influencers on Instagram:

1. Greta Thunberg @gretathunberg

Greta Thunberg is 16-year old environmental campaigner and influencer from Sweden. The girl has been leading UK schools in climate strikes. She began activism in August 2018. She initiated the school strike for the climate movement in November 2018 that heaved globally in December same year during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24).

In September, she went on a three-week long strike from school. The strike was to push the Swedish government to act fast on issues of climate change.

She did this because she was too young to get into the voting process in the general elections. Greta Thunberg actions inspire young people around the world who follow her in her mission to save our beautiful planet.

2. Elizabeth Farrell @glacier996girl

Elizabeth Farell commonly called the glacier girl is another young lady aged 22 and an eco-warrior hero. She uses her Instagram account to raise awareness of the effects of climate change.

Recently, she held an exhibition at the V&A that helped translate academic research into photography and installations about the planet.

3. Tolmeia Gregory @tollydollyposh

Since the tender age of 11 years, Tolmeia Gregory has been running her ethical fashion blog. Also, she runs an Instagram account that gives more insights on having an ethical wardrobe.

Her Instagram account emphasis on sustainable collections by the likes of G-Star RAW. She is one of the best and enthusiastic ethical influencers on Instagram.

4. Phil Torres @Phil_Torres

Phil Torres who is also called the jungle guy or the bug enthusiast is a sustainability ambassador. He grew up examining snakes and bugs behind his house in Colorado.

He later pursued environmental science in the Amazon Rainforest. Phil advocates for sustainability in the food we consume, purchases that we make, and on the sources of our products. Phil shares inspirational comments on being mindful of our future generations.

5. Immy Lucas @sustainably_vegan

When searching for environmental influencers on Instagram, you can’t miss the name Londoner Immy Lucas. She is the founder of the Low Impact Movement and uses her Instagram account to advocate for veganism, environmentalism, zero waste, and more.

She teaches people how to cut down on wastes by using them to make something useful like cosmetics and snacks.

6. Blue Ollis @blueollis

UK-based Blue Ollis is an ethical vegan that uses her Instagram account to promote intentional living. She is an ambassador for living sustainably and cruelty-free. Blue Olli shares insights on sustainability, veganism, zero-waste, and holistic wellness.

She offers inspirational yoga shots and details on how to reduce plastic consumption. Also, she has an ebook on how to be a vegan. You can get her ebook on vegan recipes if you are looking for healthy, delicious vegan meals.

See Related: Best Solar Panels to Buy Now

7. Alex and Tyler Mifflin @thewaterbrothers

Tyler and Alex are sustainability influencers that share an eco-adventure documentary series. You can follow them on Instagram @waterbrothers and explore the world together as they share different environmental issues.

The brothers have been doing a documentary series that cover multiple topics including climate change, plastic pollution, overfishing and water in space and more.

They find the problems affecting the planet as well as the solutions to help protect our precious resources.

8. Madeleine Olivia @madeleineolivia

Using her Instagram account to share insights and exciting recipes, Madeleine is a perfect person to follow if you want to learn sustainability tips. Based in Brighton, Madeleine gives her followers exciting recipes that they should try.

She also shares sustainable vegan insights and how to lead a minimalist lifestyle. Vegans believe that they reduce CO2 emissions by going dairy and meat free.

9. Tim Silverwood @Timsilverwood

Tim Silverwood runs a non-profit organization called Take 3 for the sea. He challenges people to take three pieces of garbage with them when leaving a waterway, the beach, or any other place they visit.

According to Tim, these small actions can help us reduce waste and pollution. He uses social media and particularly his Instagram account to advocate for these.

10. Jen Brownlie @jen.brownlie

Based in Scotland, Jen Brownlie uses her Instagram account to showcase how people can follow a sustainable fashion lifestyle and still possess a great wardrobe.

She focuses on slow fashion and teaches how to integrate your closet into a way that works for your lifestyle. She is one of the best sustainable influencers on Instagram to follow.

11. Clare Press @mrspress

Best known as the author of “Wardrobe crisis: How We Went from Sunday Best to Fast Fashion,” Clare Press advocates for ethical fashion and sustainable living. Besides that, she uses social media accounts and podcast to shed more light on the history as well as ethics behind what we wear.

Recently appointed “Australian Vogue’s Sustainability Editor-at-large,” she ensures that Vogue Australia maintains an environmental focus in different aspects.

12. Dave Coulson @_davecoulson

Based in Toronto, Canada, Dave Coulson is a photographer and filmmaker that use images and videos to tell people stories that connect them to nature. He aims to help translate the complicated conservation issues in a more emotional and relatable way.

He collaborates with the NGOs, publication, and other organizations to use the power of story-telling to drive change and action towards sustainability and conservation.

See Related: Best Practices for Vertical Indoor Farming

13. Ed Kashi @edkashi

Ed Kashi is a photojournalist, educator, and filmmaker who use the power of social media to document different issues that affect us, including environmental issues.

Also, he contributes to @everydayclimatechange’s and shares various matters regarding our lives and nature. He is a sustainability influencer to look out for in Instagram.

See Related: What is Sustainability?

Best (And Largest) Instagram Accounts on Sustainability and Climate Change

After we look at the 13 topmost sustainability influencers, let’s look at some of the best Instagram accounts on climate change. These accounts are ones that you probably already follow that are some of the most influential people and brands around the world. These Instagram accounts will help you realize the importance of climate change.

Here are some of the best Instagram accounts on climate change:

@the_press_tour

This is an Instagram account by Emma Watson. She was a famous actress that rose into fame in the Harry Potter movie series as Hermoine Granger. She also featured in different roles in various movies.

However, what is strikingly beautiful about her is that she uses her fame to run this Instagram account @the_press_tour that focus on teaching sustainability issues. The account displays her as an eco-conscious lady who strives to be eco-friendly in all aspects of her life.

This UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and leader in eco-fashion use her account to teach her followers about making sustainable fashion choices. She has over 500, 000 followers and tours the world as she leads in being as much as eco-friendly and ethical as possible.

@natgeo

@natgeo Instagram account is run by the National Geographic Society, which is famous in TV specials and magazine. It has inspired people to take care of the planet since 1888 and is one of the most extensive non-profit educational center as well as a scientific organization.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzBbtFsFnYd/

This account focuses on natural science, geography, cartography, archaeology, and exploration. Importantly, they have been on the front line promoting historical and environmental conservation.

@ecowarriorprincess

@ecowarriorprincess account teaches followers about eco-beauty, green technology, sustainable fashion, wellness, and other environmental issues.

Founded by Jennifer Nini, this Instagram account focuses on feminism, conscious business, social justice & policies. Jennifer is a writer, activist and a certified organic farm owner.

@leonardodicarprio

Among the list of the best sustainability Instagram accounts, we can’t leave out @leonardodicarprio. The owner of this account is an environmentalist famous from his roles in hit movies including the Titanic, Shutter Island, The man in the Iron Mask and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.

He founded a non-profit organization called the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998 dedicated to the long-term overall wellbeing and health of our planet as well as its citizens.

The foundation has been in support of over 200 projects across 50 countries and five oceans since its inception. Leonardo received an award of more than $100 million in grants for supporting 132 organizations.

The grant is dedicated towards six areas such as climate change, marine life and oceans, innovative solutions, the environment, indigenous rights, and the wildlife & landscapes.

@mindbodygreen

The @mindbodygreen is an Instagram account that shares inspirational quotes and advice on living an eco-friendly life. This account helps the followers understand that they are well placed to take care of the planet only if they have taken good care of themselves first. You can find all things related to green beauty and wellness, among others.

The account which is part of their website that goes by the same name is about taking a 360-degree approach towards wellness in physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and most of all, environmental wellbeing. According to mindbodygreen, all these issues are interconnected.

Conclusion on Sustainability Influencers on Instagram

Sustainability is a hot topic, and these individuals are doing inspirational and incredible things for the earth every day of the year. They are the best sustainability influencers on Instagram today that you should follow.

Their actions are helping more and more people become aware of the issues facing our planet. Therefore, people will start taking action to reduce the adverse impacts of climate change on us and future generations.

What are you doing to save our planet from the effects of climate change? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.

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