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World Environment Day 2024: Ways to Restore Land

by Jahnvi Vyas June 3, 2024

Is the temperature too high or too low in your city? Have you been seeing frequent floods and droughts in your nearby areas or maybe on the news? Have you been thinking if this is due to climate change? And whether this is reversible or not. Let me bring the news to you. It is reversible to a great extent. This is why the United Nations has decided on the theme of World Environment Day on June 5th to be “land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”.

World Environment Day — Photo by Артем Дворецкий on Pexels.com

Nevertheless, while time may march on relentlessly, humanity still holds the power to mend and nurture the earth. Through efforts to restore degraded soil, cultivate new forests, and purify our water sources, we have the opportunity to coexist in harmony with our planet. Moreover, it is within our reach to not only stop further harm to the environment but also to actively participate in its rejuvenation and revitalization for future generations to come.

Additionally, droughts and desertification are especially dangerous because they magnify community relocation, water scarcity, and food insecurity. We can fight these issues and build a more resilient and sustainable future. Let’s help the future generations by reforesting and using sustainable land management techniques. The biggest international event for the environment is here…

What is World Environment Day?

World Environment Day is the largest international plan of action to reach the public about the environment. The day is celebrated every year on June 5th by millions of people globally.

World Environment Day 2024 Land Restoration — Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com

On this day, we come together to recognize the importance of the fragile relationship between humans and nature as well as the urgent issues that threaten our planet’s well-being. It is a time to reflect on the impact of our actions on the environment and to raise awareness of the need for sustainable practices. From climate change to pollution, we acknowledge the challenges that we face and commit to finding solutions for a healthier and more sustainable future.

Some History: Why do we Celebrate it?

It all started with a conference held in Stockholm, Sweden, by a group of intellectuals and national leaders. The “Stockholm Conference” or the “Conference of Human Environment” led to the foundation of this day. Almost 122 national leaders participated in this to find a common solution to preserving the human environment. It began on June 5th and ended on June 16th, 1972.

Thanks to this conference, World Environmental Day was born. As the second outcome, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was created and has played a significant role in coordinating responses to environmental issues to this day. The celebration and constitution of this were announced on 15 December 1972.

Consequently, in 1973, the UN and the world held the first Environment Day in Geneva, Switzerland, with the theme “ Only One Earth.” This theme has been repeated thrice to raise serious awareness.

How do we Celebrate the World Environment Day?

Every year, the theme differs to educate the nations and their people around the world on the pressing environmental issues.

The UN changes the host city and country each year. The theme is majorly based on the issues faced by that particular region and several other factors.

To give you an example, in 2016, the day was hosted by Angola under the theme “Zero Tolerance for the Illegal Wildlife Trade.” Illegal wildlife trafficking is a pressing issue there, and the country has been unable to manage it. Therefore, the World Environmental Day was dedicated to raise awareness about this problem. Similarly, this year, the event will be hosted by Saudi Arabia, which is facing floods and water shortages due to land degradation.

Saudi Arabia is planning to regreen deserts in their own country and outside. They want to tackle these issues that threaten especially West Asia and North Africa. Read more here.

2024 Theme: Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience

Let us see how the world is going to celebrate World Environment Day this year…

Under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration”; this year’s World Environment Day campaign focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. The global commemoration of World Environment Day in 2024 will be held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

When: 5 June 2024
Theme: Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience
Host: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
UNEP

This year, celebrating this day reminds us that we are responsible for the future of our lands. Our actions greatly affect nature and its delicate balance. However, we are full of solutions and hope that we can tackle issues such as desertification and droughts through united actions. Of course, these issues are just part of bigger problems… in fact, they relate to three global crises:

Climate change
Nature and Biodiversity loss
Pollution and Waste

Some Facts about Terrestrial Ecosystems

So, lands are important. Why? On this special day, let us learn more about terrestrial systems, commonly known as lands.

We all live on these. Terrestrial ecosystems are ecosystems on land. The tundra, taigas, temperate deciduous forests, tropical rainforests, grasslands, and deserts are terrestrial eco-worlds. Land sustains life on Earth. It makes everything possible.

60% of species live in soil, making it Earth’s most biodiverse habitat.
41% of Earth’s land surface is covered by drylands.
31% of Earth’s land area is covered by forests.
Forests are home to more than 80% of all terrestrial species of plants, animals and insects.
20% of Earth’s land area is covered by deserts.
One-fifth of Earth’s land area is degraded. This is an area more than Russia and India together.
Sources: ( Source 1, Source 2, Source 3 )

Why is Land Restoration Crucial?

Land restoration is essential as we are facing a mass extinction driven by human activities such as unsustainable land use. If you think humans are untouched by this extinction, let me tell you that is nowhere close to the truth. Your food, water, and survival depend on the diversity of species and the good health of the land and its soil. It is high time we intervene in a better way by reviving the land instead of destroying it.

Even 15% of land restoration and maintenance can avoid 60% of projected species extinction.
UNEP

2024 Land Restoration — Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

The good news is that land restoration can alter the degraded land. It enhances livelihood, reduces poverty and makes the Earth more resilient to extreme weather. On top of it, this simple natural solution can store more carbon and thus, help us lower the speed of climate change. You might wonder what you can do to help with battling this issue. Let us give you some tips on how you can join us on June 5th and jumpstart sustainable and healthy habits. Let’s make a pledge together…

Fun fact: The UN partner countries aims to restore one billion hectares, which is more than the entire nation of China.

Ways to Revive the Land: Take Pledge to Save Soil this World Environment Day

Restoring land, fighting drought and ceasing desertification. Yes, you can do it yourself, as an individual! Start by getting involved with a community of like-minded, conscious individuals such as us and continue with easy tips that will make a difference. Let us show you how:

Growing Food Sustainably

The way we grow our food is unsustainable and a major driver of land deterioration. Governments, institutions, and businesses can take action to make agricultural practices eco-friendly. By building climate-resilient crops, inculcating indigenous knowledge, and using fewer pesticides, a lot can change.

As an individual who wants to contribute to the change, you can buy food from local farmers to lower the transport emissions and costs. Shift the diet to be more plant-friendly, taking into account the season and area that you live in. Plus, you can even grow your own food.

Plant and Save Trees in Cities

By 2050, around two in three people will live in the cities. It is evident from the crises we face today that we are not living consciously enough. Instead of building concrete jungles, the authorities can try to make sustainable cities capable of growing their own supplies and having unique features. Infrastructure can have permeable surfaces, vertical gardens, and urban lawns to implement these. Trees in urban sites can cool the air up to 5°C. This reduces the dependency on air conditioning by 25%.

As an individual, you can create an urban oasis of your own on your balcony or window sill, which can replicate a mini jungle to some extent. This will not only enhance the aesthetics but also attract birds, insects, and small animals that get lost in the cemented cities. As a bonus, it will reduce pollution and improve air quality around your place. Remember that it is better to plant native plants and trees to avoid damaging the local ecosystem.

Do you need some herb seeds and planting beds to start with? We have them for you! This raised bed kit from Pannello can fit in any terrace or small garden and meet your requirements.

Revive Freshwater Sources Like Lakes and Rivers

Freshwater is the water we can drink and survive on. Not just humans but many living beings’ lives depend on freshwater. We use them to plant our trees, grow our food and do lots of things. The freshwater sources like rivers, canals, ponds and lakes keep the water cycle thriving.

Sustainable Living — Photo by Thirdman on Pexels.com

You can adopt a rainwater harvesting system at your place to preserve the water for longer use. If you have a garden or lawn area, you can use grey water from the kitchen to irrigate them. You can visit the local water systems and grow wild grasses and flowers around them to attract a diverse life, which is diminishing day by day.

You can use naturally produced cleaners to avoid harm to freshwater sources, as this is where our municipal water usually ends up. An example is this All-Purpose Cleaner & Refill by Ecover, which is produced using natural and biodegradable ingredients and sold in recycled and recyclable packaging.

Taking Care of the Coastal Areas and Marine Life

Where the life originated… Seas and oceans give us oxygen, trap carbon, and give us rain and seafood. More than 3 billion people directly rely on marine and coastal environments for survival. 37% of people live within 100 km of the coast. Unfortunately, plastic and marine pollution continues to threaten the sea temperature and the lives of its inhabitants.

Fish chocked on plastic — Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com

As per the World Bank, human impact has destroyed:

20% of coral reefs
20% of mangroves
30% of seagrass beds

To tackle this, you can reduce your plastic consumption and waste as a responsible individual. Businesses and governments can successfully reuse, recycle and reduce plastic up to a great extent. It is possible. Plastic doesn’t have to be everywhere – on every goods and appliances. Try to consume less and sustainably produced seafood.

Single-use plastic bottles for drinking water make up a significant portion of plastic waste, polluting our oceans. You can make the switch to a reusable water bottle. And what’s even better if it isn’t entirely plastic? This stainless steel Classic drinking bottle by Less to Z ero is durable and reduces pollution in the sea and on land.

Save the Pollinators: Bees are the Real Buzz!

Yes, they are. To be honest, bees are not the only pollinators, not the terrestrial ecosystem. Other guys like bats, butterflies, birds, beetles and a variety of insects are equally supportive. Thanks to the bats, we have our favourite fruits like bananas, mangoes and avocados all around the globe. But hey, we did nothing good for them. We have polluted the air so much and cut down trees to build unsustainable infrastructure that these just are not able to survive on the Earth.

Bees and flowers — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

But you wanna help, right? You can grow a mini hotel for them to feed or maybe a small area in the garden or terrace or balcony for them to make a home. All you need to do is grow plants with flowers and fruits that they can feed on and live and thrive. This will be enough to attract many of them for their basic survival.

But do keep it native and edible. You can use these plastic-free and natural coconut cultivation pots to grow sustainably.

The Mighty Soil and Land

Soil is where most of us feed from, directly or indirectly. It is the most diverse habitat on the Earth, with 60% of global diversity living in and under it. The majority of what we eat, 95%, comes from the soil itself in one way or the other. However, this habitat is constantly being destroyed, degraded, and overused, making it difficult for it to sustain. To give you an instance, it takes thousands of years to build 3 cm of topsoil.

To address this, you can start small but make an impact. You can use kitchen waste to convert it into compost. If you do not have a garden of your own, you can give it to farmers, nurseries or cultivators. Support organic farming. Grow crops and plants organically, if you are a farmer or a gardener.

Use organic fertilizers like mulch and compost to improve the soil fertility and porosity. You can make your own compost in your garden area with these Worm Vase from Die Wurmkiste.

On the other hand, you can just ditch soil altogether with this soilless hydroponic container Ecoltivo from For Vegan, as you are well aware of how many years it takes for the soil to revive itself.

This World Environment Day, Support in the Process of Land Restoration.

Yes, financially. Funding is still the major barrier to achieving the restored and thriving land.

You can make small amends or invest in the local organization or institution that is working toward land restoration. In addition, you can also take community initiative by gathering funds to restore the degraded land in your locality.

However, if that is not feasible for you, I have an idea. You can simply support businesses that are involved in the restoration of degraded lands and are genuinely working towards it.

Want to Learn More about Land Restoration and the World Environment Day?

Here you go…

So, this Environment Day, let us all pledge to be more sustainable individuals and support entities that do. Let us start small to Make a big impact collectively. This is only possible when everyone combines- from governments, businesses, institutions, and organizations to individuals – so that we can create a truly happy and sustainable future.

Let us restore our lands by becoming #GenerationRestoration. A very happy and sustainable World Environment Day…

Hi, I am Jahnvi Vyas. I have a Master’s in environmental science and my love for nature inspires me to be a more sustainable person. I am also an editor with a passion for graphics and video editing trying to learn new things.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these third-party sites, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are a necessary source of income to cover our costs, allowing us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.

June 3, 2024 0 comment

At Home Environment Living Sustainably Soil

At Home Compost: A How-to Guide for Organic Waste

by Bibiana May 30, 2024

written by Bibiana

Do you ever toss banana peels or leftover dinner into the bin with a twinge of guilt? You’re not alone. Millions of tons of food scraps meet this fate each year, silently contributing to a massive global issue: food waste. But what if we told you there is a different way? Whether you live in a house with a garden or an apartment, you can unlock the hidden potential of your food scraps.

Composting bin with compost — Photo from Canva.com

This isn’t some eco-warrior fantasy. It’s the magic of at-home composting, a simple practice with powerful benefits. Not only does it reduce your carbon footprint, but you can also create nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants.

Intrigued? Keep reading to discover the secrets of home composting and its pivotal role in promoting sustainability!

Over 58 million tonnes of food waste are generated annually in the European Union alone, with households responsible for more than half (54%).
Eurostat, 2023

You do know where this excess food goes, right?

Yes, the landfills! Luckily, we can use these scraps to help our soil while minimizing what we send to the landfill.

What Is Composting?

Composting is a controlled process that converts organic materials into nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition. Microorganisms feed on the materials added to the compost pile during the composting process. Finally, compost as the end product can be used as a soil amendment or as a mulch, nourishing and improving the health of the soil. Simply put, it’s a win-win for you and the environment!

Ready to use compost — Photo from Canva.com

Why Compost? The Benefits Go Beyond Your Garden

Are you asking yourself, why do the extra step of composting? Well, the benefits of composting go far beyond nourishing your house plants or garden, but let me give you 5 reasons why you should compost:

1. Composting Can Reduce Landfill Waste

Did you know that up to 30% of household waste can be composted? On top of this, organic waste is difficult to decompose in landfills as it doesn’t get the air it needs. By diverting organic materials from landfills, you become a landfill reduction warrior. This not only conserves valuable space but also helps reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change. Think of yourself as a tiny superhero, saving the planet one banana peel at a time!

2. It Can Save You Some Money

Why spend money on chemical fertilizers when you can create your own nutrient-rich compost for free? Composting reduces your reliance on store-bought fertilizers, saving you money in the long run. Plus, it is chemical-free, so your body will also thank you the next time you eat your homegrown tomatoes.

3. A Quality Meal is a Privilege

In the EU alone, a staggering 19% of all food available to consumers ends up wasted – that’s enough to feed millions. This is particularly concerning when you consider that over 37 million people in the EU struggle to put a quality meal on the table every other day. Composting helps you become a conscious consumer, reducing food waste at home and contributing to a more sustainable food system.

4. Healthy Soil, Healthy Plants

Compost isn’t just plant food; it’s a soil superhero! By adding compost to your soil, you improve its structure, drainage, and water retention. This creates a healthier environment for plants to thrive, boosting their resilience to pests and diseases. It’s like giving your soil a power-up, leading to a flourishing ecosystem.

5. Joining a Greener Movement

Last but not least, composting isn’t just about you; it’s about joining a global movement towards sustainability. By embracing composting, you’re becoming part of a community dedicated to reducing waste and protecting the environment. It’s a small step with a powerful ripple effect, inspiring others to join the composting revolution!

Have I persuaded you yet? What if I tell you that composting doesn’t have to be any harder than throwing your scraps into an organic bin?

Getting Started with Composting: A Beginner’s Guide

Composting is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort and can be done in various ways, even if you live in an apartment! Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

1. Gather Your Gear

No need for fancy equipment! Just grab a shovel, countertop bin or a dedicated indoor composting system and start collecting food scraps in a closed container on your kitchen counter, under your sink, or in your fridge or freezer.

At home composting — Photo from Canva.com

We recommend getting a container with a lid to keep in the kitchen. This will make it simple and cut down on odours. You can also freeze your scraps in a container to prevent pesky odours and fruit flies. Moreover, apartment dwellers with limited space can explore the Bokashi composting bins or other convenient options that we will talk about later on.

2. What To Compost?

It’s time to give those fruits, veggies, and coffee grounds a second life! Here’s a cheat sheet for what you can add:

“Greens” like old flowers, grass clippings, spoiled produce scraps, and used tea/coffee. “Browns,” add cardboard, newspaper, dead leaves, branches, and eggshells. In fact, your organic kitchen waste, which is high in nitrogen, should be paired with outdoor organic materials like branches or stems – even coffee grounds work! This provides the carbon, which is necessary to balance the nitrogen needed for healthy compost.

Nitrogen-Rich Materials (“Greens”)	Carbon-Rich Materials (“Browns”)
Fruit and vegetable scraps	Dry leaves
Grass clippings	Plant stalks and twigs
Coffee grounds and paper filters	Shredded paper (non-glossy, uncolored) and shredded brown bags
Paper tea bags (no staples)	Shredded cardboard (no wax coating, tape, or glue)
Eggshells (crushed)	Untreated wood chips

Table by US Environmental Protection Agency

Remember, DO NOT compost pet waste, diseased plants, oil, or coal ash—these can harm the decomposition process.

3. Build Your Compost Pile

Once you have your gear prepared, you can start placing twigs or branches at the bottom of your bin to allow for drainage and air circulation. This prevents your compost from becoming smelly or soggy. Now, here’s the easy part: add your kitchen waste and top it with more straw or branches. Simply alternate your kitchen waste with dry waste each time, but don’t forget to keep it moist. Here are some more tips that can help you:

Brown materials, such as newspapers, help with the decomposition process.
Your compost should be moist like a wrung-out sponge. Add water if it feels dry, especially in drier climates. You can, for example, keep a spray bottle filled with water to adjust moisture levels in your indoor compost bin.

Step by step composting guide — Original graphic made by the author from Canva.com

Lastly, cover your compost pile with some wood or a plastic tarp and wait.

4. Patience is the Key

Every few weeks, move the pile around with a shovel to allow some oxygen to reach the bottom and promote decomposition. Depending on the size and conditions, your compost can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Once your compost has a dark, earthy smell and crumbly texture, it’s ready to use! You can use the finished compost in your apartment in a few ways.

Compost Tea

Not for you! The tea is for your lovely plants, of course. Soak your compost in water for 24-48 hours to make liquid fertilizer. Add “compost tea” to any potted plants or herbs to help them grow.

Mulch

Using compost as mulch is a great way to keep weeds down and help the soil stay moist. Spread the finished compost in a thick layer on top of the soil of your indoor plants.

Donate Your Compost

Do you have excess compost? Donate it to a local farm or community garden.

Video by Gittemary Johansen from Youtube

Composting Solutions for Every Space

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cosy apartment balcony, there’s a composting solution for you:

Compost bin

Compost bins offer a user-friendly option for both backyards and balconies. These bins keep your compost contained and manage odours, making them perfect for smaller spaces.

Bokashi composting

This indoor composting method uses a specialized bucket with a fermentation process to break down all food scraps quickly and efficiently. It’s perfect for limited spaces and can handle food scraps, such as meat and dairy, that traditional composting cannot. The two-step process makes it super easy and decreases the amount of time needed for decomposition.

Unlike traditional composting, bokashi is an anaerobic process, meaning it doesn’t require oxygen or brown materials. The compost fermentation process happens in a special airtight container, so there are no odours. This process also creates bokashi tea and pre-compost. While bokashi allows the composting of meat and dairy, the resulting pre-compost is acidic and needs further breakdown in a traditional compost pile or by burying it in the garden. The bokashi tea, also acidic, requires dilution before using on plants.

Conquer composting with a ready-made Bokashi Composting Set here.

Worm composting

This method utilizes worms to break down organic materials in a contained bin. The end product is a highly valuable and nutrient-rich fertilizer. There is no need to turn the bin since the worms can move freely throughout, mixing it for you.

Worm bins can be as large or as small as you’d like. However, the most important part of having a worm bin is making sure the worms have proper living conditions. They need to be kept in an environment that is 15-27 degrees Celsius, usually under the sink, which is an excellent place for storage.

Apartment composting made easy! Explore worm vases right here.

Traditional pile

This is the classic method ideal for those with outdoor space. Build a pile of alternating brown and green materials directly on the ground.

See, that wasn’t that hard. Composting isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about creating a win-win for you and the environment. With our step-by-step guide and tips, you can make it a reality! It’s easier than you think, with solutions for every space, from countertop bins to balcony composters. So, ditch the guilt and embrace the power of composting. Your plants (and the planet) will thank you!

If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy our article on natural cleaners.

Want to learn more about sustainability check out our Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Are you a fan of all things sustainable? Why not check out our sustainable products on Green Cloud Nine?

By Bibiana Eva Bartschova

Article by Bibiana Eva Bartschova. I am an impact-driven researcher from the Czech Republic. My passion for the circular economy led me on a journey of discovery, equipping me with research skills and a desire to contribute to a sustainable future through innovative solutions.

May 30, 2024 0 comment

Air At Home Environment Living Sustainably Soil Water With Yourself

WHAT IS GREENWASHING AND HOW TO AVOID IT?

by Lola February 23, 2022

written by Lola

Unfortunately, not everything that contains the word “green” in its name means good for the environment. People can easily be misled by “eco-friendly” product labels, which are often neither sustainable nor harmless to the environment. This is exactly what we mean by the term greenwashing.

Greenwashing: What does it mean?

Greenwashing, aka “green sheen” is a marketing spin, more precisely a form of marketing and PR propaganda that can be seen in various advertising campaigns and even in product design. It aims to misrepresent an organisation, product or service as more environmentally friendly than it actually is. In this way, companies are able to attract more interest from potential customers who want to lead a sustainable lifestyle.

The term derives from “whitewashing” and slightly differs from the so-called greenscamming and greenspeak. Greenwashing and greenscamming use the element of deception in order to portray an organisation’s activity as eco-friendly or to cover up policies and actions, which are harmful to the environment. On the other hand, although with similar motives, greenspeak is a slightly more neutral term. When a company or organisation “speaks green”, it means that it uses environmental language to falsely represent itself as sustainable. Here you can find more detailed information about greenwashing and its nuances.

Why is Greenwashing a problem?

Well, there really is no need to explain why misleading people is wrong, however, greenwashing can lead to even bigger problems. Giving false information to conscientious customers about the sustainability of a product negatively affects their views on the idea of shopping and even living environmentally friendly. When people feel betrayed, it is normal for them to lose faith in the cause. Nowadays living sustainably is not an easy task and if you fall victim to greenwashing, you are more likely to say to yourself: “There is no point.” and give up.

Another very serious issue with greenwashing is that it can directly cause damage to the environment. When, for example, a company slaps a “biodegradable” label on a product that is not, you can guess what happens. Eventually, people will treat the product as biodegradable and will throw it away as bio compostable waste. This way it will not break down effectively and will end up harming the environment.

What is more, greenwashing can turn into a problem even for the companies that are using this marketing spin. It can have the opposite effect, leading not only to a loss of trust from customers but also to scandals and lawsuits. In general, greenwashing can be detrimental to all parties involved.

Examples of Greenwashing

Greenwashing is an increasingly common problem and there are numerous examples of it:

McDonald’s

Let’s take a look at the green sheen history of McDonald’s, which is unsurprisingly rich. In 2009 the giant company changed the background colour of its logos in Europe from red to green. This way McDonald’s wants to appear more environmentally friendly to the public eye. In 2019 they introduced paper straws that eventually turned out to be non-recyclable. And in 2021 McDonald’s announced that they are going to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and accordingly were accused of greenwashing.

It is a well-known fact that the company is not exactly the greenest, having in mind that they are the largest user of beef in the world. Animal husbandry releases harmful emissions, which have a major contribution to the climate change crisis, more specifically the greenhouse effect. But that is not all. McDonald’s has a practice of using tons of unnecessary packaging that ends up polluting the environment. If you want to find out more about livestock breeding and its impact on the environment, read this article.

Coca-Cola

Before we begin talking about the Coca-Cola company, one thing should be clear – they are the largest plastic polluter worldwide. Considering this, the company recently made a commitment publicly, that they would get every single bottle back by 2030 and recycle them. Of course, not long after this statement, a lawsuit was filed against Coca-Cola for their exaggerated and almost impossible promise, which makes them look more environmentally responsible than they actually are.

Starbucks

Another ridiculous greenwashing case is Starbucks. In 2018, the company introduced a lid with a built-in plastic straw as a response to the high-profile problem of plastic pollution. However, it turned out that the new straw-less lid contained more plastic than the original lid and straw combo. Starbucks must be acknowledged that this time at least the plastic was recyclable. Although, critics say that if something is recyclable it does not necessarily mean that people will recycle it.

traffic signs, attention, sign-464651.jpg

Are regulations helping us?

There are different regulations for greenwashing around the world and different countries have different conceptions about those regulations. For example, the body that deals with greenwashing in the European Union is the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). It handles investigations related to sustainability problems. Counterfeiting harmful to the environment products and services is one of the many issues OLAF regulates. This also includes greenwashing, greenscamming and other deceitful practices that are misleading about the eco-friendliness of an organisation.

On the other hand, in the USA things look a little different. The responsible body there is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which deals with environmental marketing claims. There are four green guidelines that give the right to the FTC to prosecute deceiving marketing techniques. However, the intention behind those guidelines is to be followed voluntarily and not to be enforced.

How to avoid Greenwashing?

Undoubtedly, the best method to protect yourself from greenwashing is to do a little research before you buy something branded as “environmentally friendly”. Take a look at the sustainability claims of the organisation and if they seem too unspecific and vague, there is probably something fishy. Always look for more detailed information and certifications.

Try to stay sceptical and do not trust every “eco-friendly” label you see. Also do not be afraid to ask questions. If you are feeling doubtful about the sustainability of a certain product, reach out to the company and learn more about their claims. Something very important that you should pay attention to is the organisation’s transparency. Real environmentally friendly companies are always transparent with their actions and practices.

ecology icons, recycle, save the planet-4819652.jpg

Another thing that is definitely a red light when it comes to greenwashing is green claims, which are not supported by facts. Just because there is a label that says “eco-friendly” does not mean that the product is necessarily sustainable. On the contrary, it is common for such eye-catching claims to turn out to be a trap, aiming to attract more customers.

Just like any other type of disinformation, greenwashing is hard to avoid these days. Still, it is not impossible. You just need to learn to be more careful while shopping and to not blindly trust everything you see. Read, research, ask and inform yourself. This way you can successfully prevent becoming a victim of greenwashing.

February 23, 2022 0 comment

rice field, nature, landscape-3490060.jpg

Air Environment Soil Water

20 Sustainability Facts That May Surprise You

by Lola December 8, 2021

written by Lola

The environment has so many variations, So it’s very difficult to understand it from every angle, we look at 20 fun environmental and sustainability facts.

Our top Sustainability facts

Seaweed maybe the food of the future. The farming of seaweed is becoming more and more popular. Seaweed is versatile and highly nutritious and can grow quickly when compared with on land crops. Some forms of seaweeds can be harvested in as little as six weeks. With an ever-increasing worldwide population, Seaweed really looks like an amazing way forward for food production.

The circular economy is a really useful way for products to be reused and have longer product lifecycle. Also In doing so, save thousands to the yearly budget for the average household. Would you like to learn more about the circular economy and potentially save your family a lot of money and help the environment at the same time check out our article on the Circular economy.

The indigenous population only accounts for 5 per cent of the global population but is responsible for the protection of 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. Maybe we should be looking towards the indigenous people as a trend setters and learn from their methods.

Sustainabilty facts part 2- The future of electricity

Electric cars do actually produce carbon, 17 metric tons to be exact. It is a much smaller amount when compared with a normal combustion engine car that produces around 45 metric tons. Long-term production methods can be advanced to reduce the amount of carbon electric cars produce in production.

An Ambitious project by the name of the Sahara solar breeding project aims to build solar panels by extracting silica from the desert sands. The goal is to not only produce solar panels but build solar power stations. This ambitious plan will use the electricity from previously built solar power stations to power the manufacturing of solar panels. The overall aim of the project is to build enough solar power plants to fullfill 50 per cent of the worlds energy needs. The future looks bright.

Global energy production is the world’s biggest emitter contributing to 60 per cent of all greenhouse gases. To put this into context to power the entire world with solar we would an area of 500,000 square kilometers. In context this would only use up 1/18^th of the Sahara desert. That’s just Solar alone, adding wind and hydroelectric and any other methods into the mix it looks possible that we could power the world sustainably.

If you are interested in technology and the environment check out our article on sustainable technology of the future.

Trees, trees, trees

Planting trees is the cheapest way to reduce emissions over expensive and high tech methods like carbon capture. The cheapest and best way forward is by simply planting trees. Seems obvious, now time to get on with the job ahead, we as informed customers should demand sustainably manufactured goods.

Paper from trees can be recycled up to 6 times, seems like a lot except when compared with aluminum. Aluminum can be recycled an unlimited number of times. Aluminum is a very versatile metal. It does not rust or corrode and is said to be the most abundant metal on earth.

A global initiative launched by the world-famous ethologist Jane Goodall aims to plant 1 billion trees in the next decade, which seems like a great initiative if ever there was one. Worldwide there are over 3 trillion trees.

China and India some the world’s biggest pollution emitters, plant more trees by a significant margin than any other country. With 80 per cent of all wildlife living in forests and 20 per cent of global emissions coming from forest destruction. We need to look after our forests

Now, ten more sustainability facts

Sustainabilty facts part 3- What about in your household?

Biodegradable plastic doesn’t necessarily mean it will easily degrade, there are a number of factors, even though some plastics may say they are biodegradable they maybe only able to be recycled in a few special recycling centres. Some biodegradable plastics only degrade under very specific conditions, which could mean they end up in landfill and degrade at the same level as regular old plastics. Around 30 to 50 percent of the world’s plastic is biodegradable. Be sure you are getting easily degradable plastics when purchasing.

Running a tap for 2 minutes uses around 3.5 gallons of water, taking a shower uses around 25 gallons of water and taking a bath uses approximately 60 gallons of water. Daily tasks tend to use up a lot of water. It may make you think when running the tap and a shower is definitely a better use of water than a bath.

LED’s or energy efficient bulbs could reduce the amount of energy needed by up to 75 percent when compared with the standard incandescent bulb. Added to this these types of bulbs last up to 25 times longer than standard bulbs. Time to replace those old bulbs.

Rainwater harvesting is a great way to collect otherwise wasted water for future uses. Rainwater harvesting is more and more becoming a building requirement in warmer countries. In wetter counties the chance of collecting and potentially being partially self sufficient in water usage seems like a great way to save money and the environment.

A water faucet that leaks one drop of water per second, adds up to 165 gallons of water a month. With temperatures set to increase and demand for clean water at an all time high, making sure your leaky tap is sorted is more important than you may have thought.

The most surprising sustanability facts

Changing your font from Arial to Times new roman can save up to 30 percent of your ink usage. 30 per cent is a big number especially with the high cost of printer cartridges. Save money use Times new roman.

Laptops use much fewer resources to produce than desktops and use around 50 per cent less energy. Who would have thought laptops are so much more energy-efficient.

Wave power is a lesser talked about source of energy that could be an easier way to produce energy. Wave power is consistent and creates per meter around 30kw to 40kw of energy. With Solar and wind power being very much dependent on the weather conditions. Wave power may well be the future first choice for energy.

Plastic bags and Styrofoam take around 1,000 years to decompose, so be careful this up and coming Christmas and ensure your packaging is sustainable.

What country is the most eco friendly?

Denmark is the most ecofriendly country on the planet, followed by Luxembourg, Switzerland and then the UK. Sustainability in Denmark is built into their culture and has been part of their culture for hundreds of years. They also have a world-class green energy system.

So, That’s a wrap, so what sustainability facts are the most surprising and what sustainability facts should be common knowledge?

Want to learn more about sustainability, check out our Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, or if you need sustainable products, that have gone true rigorous testing to ensure they are in fact sustainable, check out our marketplace at Green Cloud Nine

December 8, 2021 0 comment

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Sustainable Agricultural Needs To Be Talked About More

by Lola October 26, 2021

written by Lola

Sustainable agricultural needs some work.

So, what does the average person really know about sustainable agriculture? Can it affect the environment? Yes, Is it important, of course. We take a deep dive into all things’ agriculture, what’s good what’s bad and how the future looks sustainably.

Let’s start with a definition as a basis:

According to the Merriam webster:
Agriculture is
“the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock and in varying degrees the preparation and marketing of the resulting products”.

So, cows produce lots of methane

So, most people know that cows’ stomachs digest in a complicated way. Cows produce a lot of C02 and can cause overgrazing in green areas. This causes an increase in desertification and land erosion, which is obviously bad.

Dairy and meat products are very popular, so the idea of just removing livestock and hoping this will solve the issue is not very practical. Farmers and governments need to find a balance, to keep everyone happy.

What about crops?

Crops have issues too, the use of harsh chemicals are damaging to not only the land but also to the wildlife and waterways. If good environmental practices are not kept, this has an effect on other areas too. Many staple crops are a vital part of the diet of local people. So having a happy medium is the overall goal.

Ok so let’s look a bit deeper at some sustainable agricultural issues, that we currently have.

All things livestock

There are also the problems of where the animal manure goes when it is produced. Will it seep into local water supplies? This could cause possible illness and depending on where in the world the farm is located could mean extreme sickness or even death. Water pollution really is a worldwide problem.

Planting and natural vegetation headaches

Deforestation

Farm animals need land to graze and be held. Unfortunately, in some poorer areas, the only way to do this is to cut down forests that contain valuable wildlife. These areas also balance the local ecosystem. Interestingly, It takes 20 times less land area to feed a person with a plant only based diet. This seems pretty considerable seeing as similar benefits from meat can be found in plant-based meat.

Some well-known large-scale deforestation cases have been seen in Brazil, Liberia and Ecuador. All of which have a wide range of wildlife that are being endangered and potentially wiping out some species. Reforestation has so many benefits and is a cheap way to cleaner air and healthier ecosystems.

The use of damaging chemicals, are they really that bad?

Agriculture uses a large number of different chemicals to increase yields and protect crops against potentially harmful pests. Other usages include cleaning and disease protection for animals. But obviously, some of these can be harmful too.

An example of this is the use of the fertilizer N03. If it ends up in the water supply, It could, in turn, lead to bluebottle disease for babies still in the womb.

In terms of animal life, the use of Organo-phosphates insecticides such as parathion and malathion can damage Algae in Rivers and lakes which provide oxygen for fish. The issue here is it could mean the fish can actually drown.

Farms need plastics, right?

Plastics are used in many parts of the agricultural process from the roofing of greenhouses to the plastic used for bales of hale for animal feed.

It also helps in the process of growing food that normally can’t be produced during colder seasons. Many of the plastics that are being used are difficult to recycle or even not recyclable at all, which is not so good.

Animal Agricultural, what is being done?

Amazingly, healthy animals have been shown to produce less C02 than normal, which seems like an easy place to start to reduce emissions? you might think, it can’t make that much of a difference, right? Well, animal produced emissions can be reduced by up to a staggering 30 per cent with proper dietary care, and disease control.

Next, up Vaccines, we are pretty used to this word at this stage, but how about an animal vaccine?

In New Zealand Scientists are working on a vaccine, that will alter animals’ digestive systems to reduce or even eliminate the emissions they produce. Maybe this is too good to be true, only time will tell. But if it worked and was priced appropriately and with proper government legislation in place this sounds like a game-changer.

Sustainably produced wood and paper needs to be everywhere.

How are companies are dealing with extensive deforestation?

Deforestation is now a bit of a buzzword, but with good reason. Many blame the recent extreme weather as a consequence of the extensive deforestation practices. So, what is being done to help? For many, it’s their only way to put food on the table for their families.

A good solution might be by starting with the companies that are buying the wood in the first place.

In 2020 companies like Penguin and Marks and Spencer’s signed up to buy only sustainably sourced wood and paper, which seems like it should be standardised by governments. But it’s a start.

Checking and supporting companies that follow these types of initiatives, will not only help these companies but pressure others to follow in their footsteps.

Plant-based meats- Does it really taste like meat?

So, what about agriculture? Producing plants rather than farming agriculture might be the answer. Around 50 per cent of the world, habitable land is being used for agriculture, but livestock agriculture only produces only 20 per cent of the world’s calorie count.

Plant-based meat has been massive gains in support and is already mainstream in many developed countries. Could plant-based alternatives be the answer……

Off land, the farming of seaweed is growing in momentum as seaweed can grow in many different climates and helps regulate the sea’s level of acidification. It is easy to grow in large amounts and has a large nutritional value. Seems like a win-win to me.

Natural pesticides- What are the options?

Obviously reducing the number of chemicals that help with our food production has been shown to improve our health, but with an ever-increasing world population, is that really practical?

The use of natural pesticides could be a good alternative, a good example of this is the use of rosemary plants, the rosemary plants attract predatory insects that in turn kill the insects that cause the disease.

Most interestingly In India, an army of ducks are being used to eat crop-damaging pests. Which seems like a novel approach. That is all good and well, but what about farms that have thousands of hectares of land? Well, that’s a bit more complex and chemical producers need to work less harmful pesticides for a start. Sustainable agriculture adds an extra area of complexity, but maybe the old methods just work.

Plastic, plastic everywhere

Laws in the US and in China, don’t fully push the use of biodegradable plastics in all sectors of Agricultural. The US and China are also the biggest users of such plastics. So changes in the law could cause a massive effect on the future of sustainable agriculture as a whole.

The use of biodegradable plastics is becoming more and more popular. The use of biodegradable plastics on crops seems like the most viable option but still hasn’t become mainstream. In 2019 China banned the use of low-quality plastic mulch for planting. Unfortunately, this has only seen a margin reduction in plastic waste.

The US currently has no laws at all in relation to plastic being biodegradable. Going forward all governments need to look at their plastic usage. Small Legislation changes could make a massive difference.

We at Greencloudnine only promote and sell products that have passed a sustainability audit as we believe in honest sustainability. Want to learn more about sustainability? Check out our post on green technology. Alternatively, if you are looking for tips on how to be more eco-friendly check out our post sustainable lifestyle changes.

Promote the use of planting in urban areas and your local areas,

Some unused areas are now being seen as a blank canvas to be turned into an oasis for city life. Not only can rooftops be used as communal areas, but also gardening areas, to produce fruit and vegetables for families.

In Tokyo, Japan on a train station roof, someone came up with the bright idea to create a rooftop farm. You can rent a plot that comes with the necessary tools to plant what you like. This means you and your family can benefit from cheap fresh locally produced vegetables and fruit. Seems like a win-win for everyone. This is the true meaning of sustainable agriculture.

Similarly, micro parks also known as pocket parks are becoming more popular. In urban areas, they’re ideal for locals to enjoy nature, socialize and bring down temperatures and pollution levels.

New York City has a number of micro parks, most notably the beautiful Paley Park. Micro parks are very popular and show that with limited resources, they are a very viable idea for cities worldwide.

Support your local farmers:

Why not support your local farmers? Reduce the amount of distance your food travels, and also gain all the great health benefits of very fresh produce. Ideally buying from sustainable organic producers.

Sustainable Agriculture is the way forward, it doesn’t just benefit the wildlife but us too. Sustainable agriculture promotes the air we breath and the food we eat.

So, have you enjoyed our segment on Agriculture? Why not check out our post on the wonderful Kombucha, the sustainable drink of the future. More of a social media fanatic, check out our Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn channels to keep updated on all things great in sustainability.

October 26, 2021 0 comment

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WHY THE 2021 UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE REPORT IS VITAL FOR SUSTAINABILITY

by Lola August 25, 2021

written by Lola

You have probably heard from many media sources around the world about this United Nations report. You may or may not know why this report is incredibly significant for sustainability. So let’s explain in more detail, the last report was created in 2019 and gave a very detailed account of where the climate and environment currently are and how they may change. The main body of the united nations for climate change is called the IPCC. They use science to predict and help mitigate impacts and risks now and in the future caused by climate change.

What’s most interesting about these findings are they are not just some hearsay from an unreliable source. This report is backed up by science. So how concerned should we be?

Let’s start by talking about what the actual findings are:

Co2 levels are ever increasing:

According to the IPCC report, the Co2 level as of 2019 are at the highest levels for the past 2 million years. Which sounds pretty significant. With an ever-increasing world population, and a high dependency on fossil fuels. It only looks set to increase. But only time will tell. With many hardworking environmentalist groups determined to implement change.

The Ice caps are more important than you think for climate change.

Global surface temperature is increasing year on year faster than ever before. The ice caps are melting causing an increase in sea levels. Which has already according to science been the explanation behind an increase in erosion and flooding. Most recently we have seen extreme flooding in parts of Europe. Floods in Europe of this magnitude haven’t been recorded in over 500 years.

Deforestation is destroying the environment:

There has been a consistent increase in greenhouse gases. This is caused mainly by human activity. Land and sea are absorbing around 56 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gases. With the continued deforestation worldwide and water pollution, its a cause for concern. Countries like Nigeria, which historically had almost 50 per cent of the land area covered by trees. Now it’s down to only 10 per cent. This affects poorer countries the most, with many using the forests as a livelihood.

Get ready for sweltering temperatures

Year on year increases in world temperature’s, which are only due to continue. Animal migrations are causing animals to change their behaviour, eating habits and where they migrate to. This has a knock-on effect with other animals and plants that depend on the migration. The temperatures are also causing some of the warmer areas to be uninhabitable. Some people are even being forced to leave their land . Most recently the highest ever recorded temperature was recorded in Europe with a scorching 48.8 degrees on the Italian island of Sicily. This maybe a sign of things to come.

The rainy season is crucial for monsoon life:

A Decrease in monsoon rain, likely caused by aerosol emissions (sea spray, smoke and dust). It’s surprising how the little things can have such a big effect on the environment. Changes in the levels of rain in the monsoon have a massive effect on the wildlife and people of the monsoon lands. Aerosol emissions can cause the weather to be altered. This has a considerably negative effect on people and wildlife’s sources of food, water and shelter.

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Let’s talk some more about climate conditions

Even more devastating Typhoons:

An increase has been seen in the number of tropical typhoons over the last 4 decades. Typhoons cause destruction and damage wherever they are. According to this report it is most likely the result of man-made pollution. In 2019 Japan was hit with typhoon Hagibis which was the 19^th typhoon of that season. It caused immense flooding and around 10 billion USD of damage. Is it set to continue?

More wildfires and drought?

Interestingly the IPCC report says that it is very likely that heatwaves, droughts and fire weather are likely caused by man-made practices. Most recently we have seen the Australian wildfires, which are usually started by lightning strikes or by people. Due to the extreme weather the fires spread further and lasted longer than previously seen.

So, what does it mean if the ice caps melt, just some flooding, right? Well, the ice caps surface does more than just retain water. The ice caps snowy surface amazingly is responsible for reflecting the Ultraviolet light away from the earth. But how much UV are we talking about? Clean fresh snow can reflect up to 90 percent of all the suns ultraviolet rays. This truly shows how significant the poles are for our future.

So, let’s turn this around and talk about innovative solutions, it’s not just big businesses and governments that are responsible, we are too. Why not, play your part and check out our environmentally verified vendors who care and like you want to be part of the green movement?

So, what is being done?

Well, let’s take a look at some very interesting and innovative ways environmentalists are moving the bar, for the better.

We need more flora and fauna

Sea levels: Early warning detection systems, improved floodplains and flood resistant hoses are some ways being used for low level areas. These methods are helping combat rising sea levels and saving people from relocation. But are they enough? Places like Dar es Salaam have been trying to relocate locals who are in areas most likely to be hit by floods.

But what about green initiatives? In Jakarta, Indonesia, locals are using more green space to combat flooding. The increased use of vegetation means that flood water is absorbed at a much higher rate. Protecting the surrounding areas.

Carbon capture technology seems promising

Worldwide temperatures: As the United Nations report states, there has been dramatic changes already in our climate over the last 100 years. And even more rapid changes in the last decade, the use of renewable energy, and reducing the amount of CO2 into the environment will make a incredible difference. Also the reduction or elimination of energy production that damages the environment. A massive increase in reforestation and other technologies like carbon capture, could help too.

All of these methods need to come together to aid in the reduction in global warming temperatures. This is the tip of the ice berg, in terms of progress, but its a start.

Electric vehicles and Solar power

Green houses gases: the biggest areas of responsibility for greenhouse gases are Industry, Transportation and electricity. So, finding ways to reduce or eliminate these effects will play a big part in the future of the plant. For transport we have seen increases in the use of Electric vehicles. Hydrogen also could be a very viable option if it can be produced greenly, and less labour intensively than it is currently.

Energy production: the use of renewable technology like wave, wind and solar power. These are all good viable ways to have 100 per cent renewable energy powering a country.

In industry production methods also need to be changed to combat damaging polluting effects. This Sector is a massive user of electricity, so powering it sustainably, is massively important. Sunnier countries have an ideal situation to increase solar energy levels. Provide jobs and possibly even export excess electricity to the less sunny countries.

Current solar projects include putting solar panels around the perimeter of the Sahara desert. This project could power all or some of Africa in the near future. The future for solar looks bright.

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Will carbon capture save our current and future climate ?

A more obvious method to reduce carbon is using plants and our oceans to absorb and store the C02. Scientists are finding interesting ways outside of the obvious. How about innovative C02 absorbing material, or carbon capture devices. These methods are becoming more and more common. Carbon capturing is where the carbon is taken in from the atmosphere and stored, usually underground. In highly polluted cities like Beijing, this technology is already in use. The city has seen good results from this method and many other countries are also using this technology.

Usually, this method of technology is complicated and expensive.

But some innovative companies are testing carbon capture machines on a smaller scale. They are offering carbon capture devices that are much smaller and easier to transport and cheaper to purchase. Will we see carbon capture machines in our homes? Maybe.

Fake snow

The arctic and Antarctica: We previously talked about how the ice caps reflect UV rays from the sun. The reduction in the size of the ice caps will have a negative effect on UV protection for everyone. But some scientists are testing the use of artificial snow. This is used to fill in the gaps left from melted snow. Scientists have seen positive results from this method, but it seen as a last resort.
Other possible solutions may come in the form of wind powered pumps that can make the ice in a sustainable way. Finding the ideal solution will not be easy. Our efforts are the best way to bring our environment back to being a good place for the world’s stakeholders.

Artificial rain

Heatwaves and drought: The use of artificial rain is one way that’s being looked at, Dubai is testing the use of cloud seeding. This is where scientists seed chemicals into the clouds, which makes a reaction that makes it rain. This technology has been used in the US for many years, but issues with possible water pollution from the chemicals used are still an issue.

If you’re reading this and support the ever-changing environmental movement, why not check out our new post about the amazing kombucha the drink of the future. You can also find us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook to keep updated on interesting environmental reading and green entrepreneurship.

August 25, 2021 2 comments