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How Zero Waste Day is Changing the World: A Closer Look at Its Impact

by Jahnvi Vyas March 27, 2024

Hey everyone! Did you know that the world is gearing up for the second International Day of Zero Waste? It’s a crucial reminder that just because we can’t see waste doesn’t mean it’s not there.

Whether it’s lurking in landfills, floating in our oceans, or being mistaken for food by unsuspecting wildlife, waste affects us all. Imagine if our daily waste piled up at home instead of being collected—pretty gross, right?

Let’s use this day to raise awareness and take action. Together, we can make a difference and strive for a cleaner, greener future! Zero Waste Day is not just another date on the calendar—it’s a reminder to cut down on waste and make the most of the 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot.

By adopting a zero-waste lifestyle, we’re not just reducing our carbon footprint; we’re also tackling pollution and working towards a healthier planet for everyone. It’s all about preserving our environment and creating a brighter future.

So, let’s seize the opportunity! Join the movement and let’s make Zero Waste Day every day. Together, we can make a real difference for our planet!

The Beginning of International Zero Waste Day

On March 30th, we celebrate International Zero Waste Day. A date that marks a global effort to tackle waste and embrace sustainability. Turkey proposed this resolution, gaining support from 105 other nations, and the UN General Assembly adopted it in December 2022.

This day isn’t just about symbolic gestures—it’s about taking real action to prevent, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle waste. Managed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Zero Waste Day encourages everyone, from individuals to businesses, to step up their efforts for a greener future, both at local and national levels.

Why Zero-Waste Day is Important?

Well, cutting down on waste isn’t just about tidying up our surroundings—it’s about safeguarding our environment and our health. Did you know that waste in landfills releases harmful toxins and contributes to air and water pollution? By minimizing waste and reusing resources, we can make a huge impact on our planet’s health.

Plastic Waste — Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com

Zero Waste Day follows other resolutions on waste such as the “End plastic pollution: towards an internationally legally binding instrument”, adopted at the UN Environment Assembly on 2nd March 2022. It can help fast forward the goals and targets of the Sustainable Development Agenda. The two relevant goals Sustainable Development Goal 11 and Sustainable Development Goal 12 address all kinds of waste from food to electronic waste.

By minimizing all kinds of waste, reusing food refuse and optimising extraction of natural resources, we not only make a responsible choice but a choice that is a must for our planet. This way, we can reduce costs, save energy and build a healthier present and future.

Ways to Celebrate International Zero-Waste Day

Humans produce 430 million tons of plastic alone every year. Two-thirds of these products quickly become waste as they have a short lifespan. (Source: UNEP and UN-Habitat) But if we try just for one day to reduce that, together we may achieve something amazing, and start a big snowball that will motivate more people to adopt a low-waste lifestyle.

There are plenty of ways for individuals, communities, and businesses to get involved. From organizing clean-up events to reducing single-use plastics, every action counts.

Waste Clean up — Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

Communities

Organize a community clean-up or participate in a local recycling drive.
Host a clothing swap, it will be fun and will save lots of clothing from going to the landfills.

Individuals

Consider reducing single-use products and switching to reusable bags, water bottles and containers.
Buy in bulk to reduce packaging and save some money.
Start composting your food scraps.

Businesses and Organizations

Businesses can implement recycling programs and audit their whole supply chain to identify and eliminate sources of waste.
Reduce single-use products on office premises.
Source materials from ethical and eco-friendly suppliers.
Initiate educational campaigns on zero waste for employees.

My Favourite Zero-Waste Success Stories

But it’s not just about one day of action—Zero Waste Day is a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to create lasting change. By sharing success stories from around the world and raising awareness about the importance of waste reduction, we can inspire others to join the movement.

St. Valentin, Austria. Pioneering plastic waste reduction.

Zero Waste Success Story — St. Valentin, Austria

In 2018, St. Valentin, Austria, took a big step towards sustainability by passing a resolution to cut down on single-use plastics. This initiative sparked a collaborative effort among St. Valentin and four neighbouring municipalities—Ennsdorf, Ernsthofen, St. Pantaleon-Erla, and Strengberg. Together, they embarked on a journey to implement shared zero waste strategies, coordinated through the “westwinkel association. As a result, single-use bags were phased out, and guidelines have been established to minimize plastic waste at events and festivals throughout the region.

Restaurant FREA, Berlin, Germany. Committed to Sustainability in Every Detail.

The Zero-waste restaurant FREA in Berlin is an amazing example of how the hospitality industry can adopt and promote sustainability. Regarded as one of the top vegan restaurants in the German capital, it also sets a standard for sustainability by generating no-waste. Leftovers that can’t be utilized are fed into the restaurant’s compost machine. The resulting compost is then returned to local farmers who supply the restaurant’s vegetables, completing a full-circle, farm-to-fork-to-farm cycle—a true testament to a circular economy in action.

Moreover, FREA goes the extra mile by ensuring that all its furnishings are crafted from recycled or recyclable materials. Even the lampshades are made from a compostable fungus, that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability in every detail.

Meet Kamikatsu, the Most Zero-Waste Committed Community in the World.

Kamikatsu is a small town on Shikoku Island in Japan, with nearly 1500 residents. It made history by becoming Japan’s first municipality to widely commit to a zero-waste lifestyle. Here, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. Remarkably, even paper isn’t spared from meticulous sorting; residents diligently separate it into nine distinct categories, underscoring their unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship.

Some Shocking Facts about Waste

Still hesitant about adopting a reduced or zero-waste lifestyle? Let these eye-opening facts spur you into action:

Every year, households, small businesses, and public service providers churn out a staggering 2.1 to 2.3 billion tons of municipal solid waste—enough to circle the globe 24 times with trucks.
Shockingly, 2.7 billion people worldwide lack access to solid waste collection services, exacerbating environmental challenges.
Despite efforts, only 61-62% of municipal solid waste is managed in controlled facilities, highlighting the urgency for improved waste management practices.
Projections suggest that municipal solid waste will skyrocket to a staggering 3.8 billion tons annually by 2050, unless significant changes are made.
Developing countries in Asia and Africa bear the brunt of e-waste, with around 50 million tons being shipped there each year.
The fashion industry contributes to the problem, churning out a staggering 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually.
Water scarcity is a pressing issue, with only 0.5% of Earth’s water being usable freshwater.
Globally, one-third of food produced goes to waste, amounting to a mind-boggling 1.3 billion tons per year—a loss valued at around 1 trillion US dollars.

A Few Product Ideas that Will Help You Reduce Waste

“The most sustainable product is the one that you already have”

Of course, we don’t want you to buy things that you don’t need and we wouldn’t dream of recommending products that contribute to the waste problem. But, we’re excited to share some eco-friendly options that will help you on your journey to reducing waste. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:

Compost! This Bokashi bucket with ferment processes everything from citrus peels, onion peels and your leftover food! It turns your kitchen waste into usable plant fertilizers for your leafy friends.

How many old jeans do you have sitting around? It is time to put them to good use, making shoes for your child. This all-in gift box by Botties has everything you need to get started right away and give those denim fabrics a new life!

Ditch single-use plastic bags forever when grocery shopping. Switch to reusable cotton bags, like this Organic cotton shopping net that can handle up to 15 kg of load. It is made from organic cotton and will help you reduce plastic use and pollution.

One for the ladies!! The good old pads and tampons are expensive and contain plastic and other toxic substances that are not good for our health. The PapperlaCup menstrual cup, made from 100% medical-grade silicone, can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated from traditional products. Read more about menstrual poverty here.

Some more good reads about zero-waste lifestyle

Before you head out, we wanted to share three captivating blog articles that delve into the world of zero-waste living—a topic near and dear to our hearts:

🍲 How to transform your Kitchen into a Zero Waste Haven?

🗑️ Reviving Ancient Wisdom: Embracing Zero-Waste Living In Modern Times

📈 Repairing Instead Of Replacing. Some New Trends To Look At

These articles are sure to inspire and empower you on your journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. Happy reading and happy Zero-Waste Day!

By Jahnvi Vyas

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.

March 27, 2024 1 comment

Living Sustainably

Delicious Sustainable Valentine’s Day Menu

by Jahnvi Vyas February 12, 2024

written by Jahnvi Vyas

Is food your love language? Then probably you are thinking of cooking something on your own instead of eating at the same old restaurant this Valentine’s Day. And you would be just right because there is nothing like gifting your loved one a delicious Valentine’s Day Menu on this special occasion.

If you are someone who hates to create a lot of waste while cooking and wants to be a sustainable and responsible chef, we can say confidently, that we have got you covered with this article. We have researched sustainable companies and brought you a really special, easy, delicious, yet sustainable Valentine’s Day menu.

So keep ready to get the ingredients, portions and of course the step by step for these recipes. All you need to do is put on your apron, light some candles, and get ready to indulge in a culinary journey that is sure to make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.

1 STARTERS for Valentine’s Day: Breaded Tofu

To start our Valentine’s Day Menu, we have selected this amazing Breaded Tofu recipe by Etepetete. We love this company because they have partnered with organic farmers to rescue extravagant-looking fruit and vegetables that would end up in the rubbish and send these from the field to your front door in an organic box.

Portion – 2 persons
Preparation time – 20 minutes
Vegan
Tip: Serve with Asian cucumber salad and rice.

Ingredients

300 g natural tofu
Sesame oil (for frying)
2 spring onions
1 clove of garlic
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp agave syrup
1 tsp chilli flakes
pepper
2 tbsp water
sesame

Preparation

Cut the tofu into slices approx. 0.5 cm thick and fry on both sides with sesame oil until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside briefly.
Cut the spring onions into small rings and fry the white part in the pan with sesame oil.
Meanwhile, chop the garlic into small pieces and mix it with soy sauce, vinegar, agave syrup, chilli, pepper and water.
Add the tofu to the pan with the spring onions and finally add the sauce. Simmer on low heat for a few minutes until the liquid has boiled away.
Garnish with sesame seeds and the green part of the spring onions and voila!! your vegan entrée is ready to be enjoyed!

2 MAIN COURSE: Pumpkin Pasta

We love pasta, and who doesn’t, right? especially when it is so creamy and delicious as in this recipe, that we have kindly “stolen” from Hartkorn Spices.

This delicious pumpkin pasta with bacon, sage and freeze-dried ginger will dazzle your loved one with its richness of flavour.

Portions – 3
Preparation time – 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 Hokkaido pumpkin
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon freeze-dried ginger
1 teaspoon broth
2 tablespoons cream cheese
300 grams of whole-wheat pasta
2 sprigs of fresh sage
150 grams of bacon
Salt and pepper
Lemon

How it goes:

Wash the pumpkin, halve it, remove the seeds and cut it into hazelnut-sized cubes. Peel the onion and garlic clove and cut into cubes. Now put the pumpkin, onion and garlic cubes in a pot with a teaspoon of broth and half a teaspoon of ginger and cover with water. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the pumpkin is soft.
In the meantime, cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Cut the bacon into cubes and leave it in a pan without any fat. Once almost crispy, add the sage leaves and remove from the heat.
When the pumpkin is soft, pour off the broth but reserve it. Put the rest in a blender, add the cream cheese, puree finely and season with salt, pepper and lemon juice. If necessary, add a little broth if the sauce is too thick.
Now pour the sauce over the pasta and serve with bacon and sage as a topping.

3 AND FOR DESSERT: Two Choices for Valentine’s Day Menu

We know you have a sweet tooth, so we have decided to finish our Valentine’s Day menu with 2 alternatives. You can of course prepare both or just go with the one that picks your fancy! Either way, you will love these easy-to-make but impressive Valentine’s Day desserts!

Chocolate mousse with raspberries

Somehow, we cannot think of a romantic dinner without chocolate and berries, so when we saw this gorgeous recipe from Artgerecht, we knew we had to share it with you.

Creamy, fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth – this quick no-bake dessert will take you and/or your loved ones to seventh chocolate heaven!

Portion – 3 persons
Preparation time – 10 minutes
Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free
Waiting period – 2 minutes

Ingredients

400 ml coconut milk
120 g dates, pitted
50g cocoa powder
1 pinch of salt
2 tbsp cocoa nibs (chopped cocoa beans)
200 g fresh berries

Preparation

Put coconut milk, dates, cocoa and a small pinch of salt in a tall container and puree with a hand blender for 2-3 minutes until a thick, homogeneous mixture is obtained.
Then pour into moulds and let cool in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours.
Sort and wash the berries.
Sprinkle the chocolate mousse with cocoa nibs and serve with the berries.

Fruit salad with Orange Cream

For our second sweet recipe, we have picked this fruity option by Die Scheune Delikatessen. This Germany-based company offers international delicacies from all over the world, sourcing from farm shops and small family businesses so we can taste the flavour of their local craft in our homes. Sounds good?

There are many variations of fruit salad recipes. So the trick is to create something clever and original, as they do with this recipe, particularly characterized by the cream served with the fruit.

Of course, you must combine delicious fruits that go well with each other. How the fruit is cut is also an important factor. The size and shape of the fruit can influence the taste, but also the visual enjoyment. In this fruit salad recipe, we mainly used fresh mango and kiwi. Not only does this bring a cheerful orange and green colour to your table, but they are also very sweet.

Preparation time: 15m

Ingredients

4 apples
2 Williams pears
3 kiwis
1 banana
1 mango
4 tangerines
Orange cream
400 milliliters of cream
5 jars of natural tangerine
orange colouring
Some roasted cocoa nibs

Instructions

Wash the fruit and cut into small 1 – 2 cm pieces. When choosing fruit for a good fruit salad recipe, it is important to have a good composition. Hard fruits like apples and pears, soft fruits like banana and mango, sweet fruits like mango and kiwi, and citrus fruits like tangerines.
Now mix the cream with the orange colouring in a small bowl and beat with a mixer until stiff. Now you have an orange cream that is ideal for decoration. You can add a few roasted cocoa nibs or coffee beans on top to give it a bit of crunch. Your dessert is ready and the simple fruit salad recipe made with lots of love can go to the table!

We are sure that you will find these Valentine’s Day recipes as delicious as romantic, and do not forget that they are environmentally friendly at the same time. So it’s about time that you impress your loved one and make their heart flutter with delight.

If you are looking for some more inspiration, check out our Tips for a Planet-Loving Valentine’s Day and some eco-friendly Gift suggestions.

One last tip! use local, organic and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. You can of course check the ones from our sustainable suppliers at Green Cloud Nine. This will not only make your meal more delicious but also will show some love to our beloved planet!!

Happy sustainable Valentine’s Day!

By Jahnvi Vyas

February 12, 2024 0 comment

At Home Living Sustainably Uncategorized Zero-Waste

OUR BEST HOLIDAY SEASON GIFT IDEAS AND TIPS

by Lola December 8, 2022

written by Lola

Tis’ the season for giving!

Christmas is around the corner and it is time to try and figure out some creative gift ideas

Of course, I love to try and make all my gifts sustainable. This time of year there is inevitably more waste and plastic, plus all of the extra emissions from manufacturing and transportation. Thankfully more and more eco-conscious brands are popping up and small family-run businesses and local second-hand shops are making it easier for us.

I thought it would be nice to share with you some examples of the gifts that I and the rest of the team at Green Cloud Nine will be choosing for our loved ones. I hope it will inspire you and help you enjoy a fun and sustainable holiday season this year.

high angle shot of gifts — Photo by Leeloo Thefirst on Pexels.com

The top gift picks from the Green Cloud Nine team

We’ve rounded up some of the loveliest eco-friendly holiday season gift ideas and tips. We hope you like them.

A gourmet, eco-friendly food present

Cooking, baking or any gift food is an excellent option for anyone on your holiday list. You can make your own food basket by reusing a nice fruit box or bread basket and including all-time favourites like homemade jams, chutneys or a sweet treat like self-made biscotti, macaroons or Christmas biscuits. This makes a really personal and unique gift.

Solar phone charger

The advancement of science and technology has brought us some amazing and creative gadgets. One of our favourites is solar-powered phone chargers that harness the sun’s energy to recharge our cell phones. These green devices are a perfect gift for the lovely nerds in the family or your phone-obsessed friend.

Organic seeds, soil and a nice pot to grow your own spices and herbs at home

There are many beautiful holiday gift sets available for the cook of the house to enhance dishes with essential spices, herbs and other ingredients. Make it more fun and exciting by providing everything needed to grow them. You will find seeds, soil and planting pots everywhere and we are sure they will love it!

Audiobook or Ebook subscriptions & vouchers

If you know someone who is a green fan of audiobooks or ebooks, but you are not sure what they make like, a subscription or a voucher is the perfect gift. Perhaps you can even suggest your favourite books on sustainability 😉

Menstrual / period cup

49 billion single-use period products are consumed every year in the EU and they can take 500 to 800 years to decompose. Good quality menstrual cups, on the other hand, are durable, can be used for a long time, and are almost always made from medical-grade silicone which is chemical-free, body safe, and recyclable. In fact, one cup produces only about 0.4% of the plastic waste that single-use pads generate. Some period cups can last for up to 10 years and this fact alone makes this zero-waste alternative extremely sustainable.

“Zero-waste” starter gift baskets

Starter baskets are great ideas if you want to help someone jumpstart a zero-waste journey. You can check out our favourite ready starter kit here but you can also buy the items separately and build the kit yourself. Get creative and adapt the kit to the person´s interests. It may include sustainable items such as:

Bamboo utensils for the kitchen
Bamboo toothbrushes,
Reusable shopping or sandwich bags,
Beeswax cloth kitchen covers
Glass or metal straws
Solid shampoo or soap
Etc etc…

Homemade Crafts

I never believe it when people say they are not creative. We all are!! And by creating your own arts and crafts presents, you can make great personalised holiday gifts for loved ones that require neither much money nor time. Check out the Green Cloud Nine Instagram or Tiktok for ideas and suggestions.

woman sitting on a sofa while knitting a sweater — Photo by Caroline Feelgood on Pexels.com

Living Composter

Food waste does not have to end up in the garbage. This is a great gift for people that have a garden or plants around the house. Help them build a composter so their food scraps will return to the earth in a more sustainable manner using them as a natural fertilizer for their plants. You can find more details and instructions to compost in this post by trashhero.org

Recycled paper notebook

Whether you use it for drawing, journaling, as a diary, or to organize your life or business, a notebook can be an outlet for your creativity, a private place to hold your deepest secrets or to record your dreams for the future. And of course, it can be a great gift! You can find notebooks with recycled and alternative papers, eco-friendly covers and bindings, and even reusable notebooks in most stores.

But why not try to DIY it yourself? Here is a simple tutorial to create your own recycled notebook

Tote bag

Since canvas bags are a perfect replacement for plastic bags, why not have one that is trendy and fun? It will decrease the usage of plastic bags and reduce plastic pollution in the environment – and look good.
You can find many different designs perfect for your friends and family. Or take it an extra step and make/customise one. There are loads of easy tutorials online. (Side note: while you have your sewing machine out – you could make some cushion covers from old t-shirts or blankets – also a great gift)

Reusable thermal water bottle

Say no to plastic bottles!! They are responsible for a great part of the plastic pollution in our rivers and oceans so gifting a durable, reusable bottle is not only a nice gift for family and friends but also for our planet. There are so many great designs and types of water bottles out there nowadays that it will not be hard to find one that fits their taste and if it is thermal, will allow them to enjoy their cold or hot drinks for much longer. or a long time.

Train vacation & eco-friendly travel

Instead of flying, book the train for your next break away. Cutting down on air travel doesn’t mean that you have to stop travelling, in fact travelling by train in Europe can be very comfortable and economical. Also if you are booking eco-friendly accommodation it is good to check their accreditation labels, including Green Key, Earth Check and Green Growth. To know whether certifications really mean something or are just greenwashing, you can check the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) which sets the global standard for these accreditations.

Experiences

This is one of my all-time favourite gifts to give and also to receive. We all have plenty of things, our wardrobes are full of clothing, gadgets, toys etc…do we really need any more?

Time is limited so spending quality time together is the most precious gift that we can offer anyone.

a couple standing on snow covered ground with ice skates — Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Take your loved ones to a sporting event, concert, theatre or simply a nice hike in the mountains, ice skating or a walk by the sea.
You can organize a nice picnic in nature
Wine tastings and cooking workshops are excellent options to enjoy as a group.
You can buy a loved one a year-long membership to their favourite museum or swimming club

Donations / Sponsorship gifts

Why buy something at all when you can give the money away to a good cause?
Planting trees, animal conservation, ocean clean-ups, environmental lobbyists…there is plenty of good causes out there and for sure one that you or your gift recipient is passionate about. Perhaps a local cause is the closest to your loved one’s heart. Just do a bit of research and you will find the perfect fit!

And before I leave, let’s talk about holiday season gift wrapping!

Every year during Christmas, a significant amount of wrapping paper and gift bags are wasted. Many people are also not aware that shiny paper, glitter and synthetic ribbon contain plastic that ends up as microplastics polluting the environment.

However, together we can change that!

You can keep the paper and bags that are in good condition to be reused in the following years. Consider alternative wrapping materials like old newspapers and fabrics. You have probably heard about Furoshiki, the traditional Japanese cloth used for wrapping. The good news is that you don’t even need to buy them, you can also reuse fabrics that you have at home or cut them into ribbons.

photo of hands on top of gift wrapped in a cloth — Photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels.com

Did you know that packaging can also be a gift? You can pack your presents in a tote bag, a reusable basket, a nice carton box, a cookie jar, a sandwich tin, or even a casserole dish….your imagination is the limit!

We hope you liked our suggestions and tips. We are also looking forward to hearing about your own amazing alternative Christmas gifts so share with us in the comments!

December 8, 2022 0 comment

At Home Living Sustainably

How to Easily Reduce Your Meat Consumption

by Lola February 16, 2022

written by Lola

Are you trying to become a vegetarian? Or maybe you are just trying to cut down on meat? Whatever your goal, reducing your meat consumption is a great way to lead a healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Why Is This a Good Idea?

It is a well-known fact that animal husbandry has an extremely negative impact on the environment. Meat production releases harmful emissions, such as methane and carbon dioxide, which exacerbates perhaps the biggest problem associated with climate change – namely the greenhouse effect. Furthermore, it is directly linked to the pollution of water and the destruction of natural ecosystems to be turned into farming land amongst others.

But the modern intensive farming practices have not only grave effects on the environment but also on our health and I am not talking about getting high cholesterol. To be able to produce high volume and low costs, many farmers use hormones to stimulate fast growth and antibiotics to reduce the risk of diseases in the high populated stables. And yes, you guessed it right, all of those artificial chemicals end up in our bodies when we eat that meat. If you want to learn more about sustainable agriculture follow this link, where we talk more in depth on this topic.

Studies show that hypothetically if everybody removed the meat from their diet, our health would improve and greenhouse gasses would drop by 70 percent. That is why reducing your meat consumption, would help create a better future for ourselves and our planet. And it is also super easy!

Here you can find 5 useful tips to start eating more sustainably:

1. Start Slowly

First, you can try to make a weеkly meal plan, where you will write what dishes you will cook and eat. This will help you to stay on track and not lose focus on your meat reduction goal. What is more, you get a bonus because you will put an end to your every-day wondering about what to eat the following day!

Every new beginning is hard and creating new habits take time, that is why you should start adjusting to your new diet slowly. You do not want to overdo it! This can only lead to you getting frustrated and giving up. If you are so used to the taste of meat that you cannot go a day without eating bacon with your eggs or a juicy steak for dinner, try small steps like preparing meatless meals once a week. When you feel ready and confident that you can go one whole day with no meat, then try removing it from your diet twice a weеk. Gradually reducing your meat consumption is the key to a more vegetarian lifestyle.

On the other hand, on the days when you do eat meat, do not let it be the main “character” on your plate. Instead, use meat as a complementary ingredient or a side dish – the vegetables should be the real star in your meal.

Do not try changing your diet abruptly because it will not be efficient. Be patient and take your time. Step by step you will successfully reduce your meat consumption.

2. Don’t Forget Your Protein

No meat does not mean no protein. It is commonly believed that when cutting out meat, you cannot get the protein you need. Well, this is far from the truth. Grains, beans and legumes are all high-protein foods and from this point of view, they are a perfect substitute for meat. Tofu is also a great alternative and nowadays easy to find in every supermarket.

In general, eating more whole foods is always a very good idea, if you want to reduce your meat consumption. This also includes nuts and seeds, which are full of nutrition, rich in fibre and help you regulate your body weight. Basically, there really is no reason why whole foods should not be present regularly in your diet.

3. Try Plant-Based Meat

If you are all for the taste and you cannot give up meat so easily, try some plant-based alternatives. Not only are they similar in taste and texture to real meat, but they are also rich in vitamins and minerals. What is more, plant-based meat has a high protein content too.

The downside is that such plant-based alternatives tend to be slightly more expensive than regular meat products. However, “fake” meat is known to be beneficial for health, preventing, for example, the development of diabetes. To sum up, if you want to reduce your meat consumption, plant-based meat is worth a try.

4. Experiment and Enjoy Your New Diet

It is quite possible that some whole foods are not to your liking. Then simply don’t force yourself to consume them – eat what you actually enjoy. Explore new vegetarian recipes and find out what you like and what you do not. The key to reducing your meat consumption is not only to eat healthy, but also to enjoy it and make it tasty.

You should not think of the meatless diet as an obligation, but rather as a journey. Be prepared to have some difficulties in the beginning. It is perfectly normal to fail cooking once or twice but remember: Do not be afraid to experiment in the kitchen, especially with seasonings. Well-seasoned meals are always delicious.

5. Be Patient

Changing your diet is always a process and not something that happens instantly. For this reason, you need to be patient and motivated because with the right motivation you are more likely to stay committed and not give up. Know your goal and keep on chasing it!

Perseverance is the key to success

Not being patient is one of the biggest blunders you can make while adjusting to your new meatless lifestyle. Here are some other common mistakes that you should not make when starting the green adventure. And, of course, if you find it hard to make your diet more vegetarian on your own, you can always sign up for a course to guide you through this journey. The UN has a great Sustainable Diet course that can help you reduce your meat consumption and start eating more environmentally friendly. Follow this link to find out more about it.

And one last thing: Reducing your meat consumption can be fun, so do not be afraid to try it out. Just follow these tips and enjoy your new, more sustainable lifestyle!

February 16, 2022 0 comment

Environment Living Sustainably Sustainable Products Uncategorized

15 Ways Green Technology Can Save You Money

by Lola January 12, 2022

written by Lola

Green electronics that can save you money

Electronics have a bit of a reputation for being wasteful and being responsible for a considerable amount of carbon. Whether that be from their production, packaging, or their transportation. Electronics also have a reputation for being wasteful as longevity is long considered not what it used to be, buy at Christmas replace next Christmas if you’re lucky.

But it’s not always the case and with all the change that is going on in the world, not all electronics are the same. Some companies are change-makers and understand their goods need to be built for longevity, fit for purpose, and priced reasonably.

1. Green Technology-Computers:

Arguably one of the worst industry culprits for un eco-friendly methods, but what’s out there? Lenovo and Asus are selling laptops that biofuel and OLEDs. They are produced in an eco-friendly manner that means that they can produce less harmful chemicals when they go to be recycled. Apple macs have also been making changes to their production methods and have received the TCO cert, which means their laptops are at a high level of sustainability.

2. Green Technology- Lights

Incandescing bulbs have been around a long time, and have done a great job, but are seen as inefficient and limited in longevity. If we compare LEDS bulbs to traditional incandescent bulbs, firstly they use approximately 75 per cent less energy. They also last considerably longer, try 25 times longer. If need to change your bulbs LEDs are an excellent money-saving option.

3.Green Technology-Energy saving monitors:

If you are getting a large bill every month and unsure what appliance is the big consumer. Time to invest in an energy-saving monitor, it gives details on what appliances are consuming what and can help with the decision-making process when something needs replacing. Also, if you run your house on solar, having consumption usage is vital.

4.Green Technology-Smart sockets/energy saving charger:

So, you have an energy-saving monitor and have found the reason for high energy usage, time to purchase these smart Energy saving devices. Smart sockets plug into a standard plug socket and cut power to electronics that enter power-saving mode. Similarly, an energy-saving charger will turn itself when a device is fully charged. It sounds simple and it really is.

5.Green Technology-Programmable thermostats:

A big reason for high energy usage is usually from heating and colling your home, so what are the options? A programmable thermostat will monitor your usage and switch on or off or modify your heating to save energy.

6.Green Technology-Home Solar Systems:

Solar on your roof is nothing new, it’s becoming more and more common as costs come down. The obvious point is that some roof positions are better than others, and you will most likely produce more energy in California rather than Britain. Right now, Solar panels are only 15 to 18 per cent efficient. Improvements have seen up to 40 per cent efficiency, this would make solar much more cost-effective and potentially power your whole house energy needs. The reality is solar can save you a considerable amount of money and they can last up to 30 years if maintained properly.

7.Green Technology-Wind Turbines:

Another option if you are based in a windier climate, is a, small wind turbine. Wind turbines could potentially reduce your energy costs significantly. Combined with solar, this could be all your energy costs covered. A 1.5kw household wind turbine with wind speeds averaging 14mph, could sufficiently cover the needs of a 300kwh per month house.

8.Green Technology-Rain collection systems:

Rain is not always bad, depending on which continent, rainfall is becoming less and less common in warm areas. Having even a basic rain collection is cheap and could be as basic as a barrel collecting water from gutters to a full filtered system that can be used for drinking and showering.

If you enjoyed this you may also enjoy, our article on The sustainable world of 2072.

9.Green Technology-Geothermal heat pump:

Warming and cooling your home is expensive already and is only set to increase, with the changes in worldwide climate. A Geothermal heat pump uses underground heat to warm a home and has almost no negative affects to the environment. The best part is they can reduce costs from between 40 to 70 per cent over more typical heating methods.

10.Green Technology-Energy saving appliances:

If you have old appliances, they were probably inefficient when you bought them and as they age, they can continue to consume more and more energy. Buying energy saving appliances usually does come with a premium over standard appliances. Energy saving appliances can save you around 25 per cent on energy, and combined with an energy monitor could see you save a significant amount, and of course lower your carbon footprint.

Dont forget these too…..

11. Eco friendly house insulation

Not necessarily technology but definitely worth mentioning with the potential cost savings. Insulation is important. Around 25 per cent of your heating is lost, through your windows, so ensuring your walls are properly insulated is important. Insulation can be as high tech as you like, possible options include Cotton and denim, which seems like an amazing way to reuse old materials. Sheep wool is becoming popular as a sustainable way to insulate your home. A well-insulated house will reduce save you money and ensure your home is warm or cool when needed.

12. Window frames and windows

We mentioned already that windows are responsible for a considerable amount of heat loss. So, what can you do? There are pros and cons to all window frames, with composite and fiber glass being notable for there insulation properties. In terms of the window pane itself, having a low e coating on the window could reduce energy by as much as 50 per cent. In the window frame, when buying windows that have gas within the pain cavity can also reduce heat loss. Knowledge is power, so ensure you know what you are getting before taking the leap.

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13. Low energy gym equipment

Even your workout has a carbon footprint, but luckily there are ways around this. You can instead use nonelectric based machines or machines that have a low energy rating. Gyms themselves generally need high levels of lighting and heating that is almost always on. Instead working out at home and using basic equipment. There is no end of free or paid at home workout programs that will save you a fortune on gym fees and save you time.

14. Swapping a laptop for a desktop

Laptops consume up to 80 percent less energy than a typical desktop. Laptops are obviously more portable too. You can also buy energy saving laptops that further increase efficiency levels. Energy saving laptops are also not that much more expensive over typical laptops.

15. Changing your computer settings:

So, you have a low energy laptop and want it to last and reduce as much energy as possible. Ensure you set it up to enter sleep mode after a certain period of being unused. Scheduled shut down is a very useful feature too, that will shut your computer at nighttime till early morning. Don’t forget to adjust your brightness levels too.

Want to learn about Green Cloud Nine and our sutainabilty mission, take a look at our Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin

January 12, 2022 1 comment

Environment Living Sustainably Uncategorized

How The Sustainable World Of 2072 Might Look

by Lola January 5, 2022

written by Lola

How the Sustainable world of 2072 might look

Did you ever think of what life will be like 50 years from now? If we look back on the last 50 years rate of progress, we see it has been consistent. The general landscape has remained arguably much the same.

We are in an era of change; the landscape has to change for future generations or disappear for good. So why not make a rough guesstimate of how we perceive the world of 2072 will look. Using current trends and sustainability as our main lens?

So, let’s breakdown what is our landscape first. We have surroundings, cities, transport, people’s health, recreation, Agriculture, Business and technology.

The environment

So let talk about our surroundings first. Deforestation, well we like to think on the positive side of things and think it will no longer be an issue. Governments in 2072 have made a large portion of the earths land reserved, deserts have also declined in size. Deserts now provide the world with most if not all of its energy supply.

Large areas of Africa may become very rich from solar production, in turn providing jobs all across Africa. The middle east is now a powerhouse energy producer but not of oil but solar.

The air quality will be at the cleanest levels ever, through the mass increase in trees being replanted and excess carbon being captured and stored. There is an increase in animal preservation and an increase in habitats being restored. This will have a positive effect on species and people within these areas.

Cities of 2072

Cities, if you haven’t seen the national geographics article on cities of the future, I suggest you check it out. According to this, Cities will be completely or almost completely self-sufficient. This may affect globalisation but will mean people will be healthier and have access to food that has much less travel involved to reach their plates.

Remote work will be even more of the norm, which will, in turn, will reduce the need for long haul transport. Electric rail will have long replaced dirty diesel railway carriages. Cities themselves will have lots more plants not only in parks but on the tops and sides of buildings for food and carbon reduction.

We will all live in cities

By 2050 it’s predicted that two-thirds of the world will live in urban areas, so this should only increase. In the UAE there is talk of a city that will be a straight-line city through the desert which aids transportation and allows convenience for residents for logistics, maybe this will become more commonplace.

People’s health:

An increase in automation will see fewer hours being needed at work. This means people will have more free time to pursue hobbies.

Pollution being at an all-time low will in turn increase life expectancy. An increase in food freshness and quality will also aid life expectancy. The death of the common commute as we know it, will see an increase in health and sleep quality.

Agriculture:

Is no longer just on large parcels of land, but all-over urban areas. Many people will care for their own fruit and vegetables. There may be a decline in the use of farmed animal meat and plant-based meat replacing animal meat. Mainly because it needs a lot less land area.

Seaweed becomes more of a staple food worldwide with many countries harvesting it and providing food for the local population.

Solar and farms

Farms not only produce food, but large areas of the land also will combine overhead solar panels and certain plant types that require shade. Known as Agrivoltaics, this will become much more commonplace with farmers supplementing their income by sending extrasolar back to the grid.

Farm machinery will be electrically powered. Already there are EV tractors available to buy, but they are expensive, so when costs decrease, they will become mainstream. Agricultural plastics will be replaced by biodegradable plastics. The use of harsh chemicals will still be used but AI will ensure fewer spillages.

The Sea

Seaweed will be modified and used in many of the regular foods we are used to. The understanding of underwater ecosystems will be much more common knowledge than ever before. Plastics will still be a problem but lesser of a problem as technology has progressed to help filter out microplastics much more effectively.

Transportation:

Long-haul transportation by electric trains will become much more common. Electric planes and possibly even hydrogen-powered planes and even airships.

Will Electric Vehicles take over?

Already many governments are counting down the years before the selling of Internal combustion engines are no longer allowed. So, by 2071 EVs are now the only vehicles on the roads and batteries will last up to million miles before needing replacing.

Space travel may now be accessible to the common man and is seen as an exciting holiday, rather than a billionaire’s glory ride.

Recreation:

Recreation and leisure will be provided within their city with Cities having easy access to more resources than ever before.

If you are enjoying this you may also enjoy our article AMAZING GREEN TECHNOLOGY THAT MAY CHANGE THE WORLD.

Business:

With more and jobs being replaced by robotics. Logistics may well be provided by driverless trucks and ordered using intelligent automated systems. Engineers or IT professionals will replace mechanics, and business as we know it will be streamlined and improved using robotics.

3D printing will allow products to be printed locally and allow products to be designed for easy access. Rather than ordering from another country. Innovative will increase as products will no longer be built to last a limited period but built for strength. The use of the circular economy will save both businesses and families lots of money which will allow them to lower costs and save money. If you would like to learn more about the Circular economy check out our article here.

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Drones and more drones

Already we have seen deliveries being tested using drones and robots, so in 50 years’ time, this should be mainstream. Meetings may be carried out using telepresence, a form of projection.

Already Elon musk is creating an internet that can be accessed anywhere in the world, this would allow skilled workers to be employed anywhere in the world and in turn decrease travel levels.

Money makes the world go round:

The currency may be digitalised, making purchasing easier and better for the environment, than ever before. Online stores will become even more popular and packaging is now fully reusable.

Businesses and employees will be more informed on sustainability than ever before, and businesses will not only be carbon neutral but carbon negative.

Fossil fuels will have completely disappeared with many never experienced any form of machine or vehicle powered by fossil fuels.

In the home:

Companies now understand how to sell and limit waste too, supermarkets will have packaging that is reusable, biodegradable, or you can bring your own containers for transportation back home.

People will be much more informed on how their food is produced and how fresh it is. With shops already being more and automated, by 2071, most if not all areas of retail will be powered by AI.

People will be in closer quarters, our population by 2050 is predicted to be 10 billion people, so land area will be much more scarce and in demand. Balancing a large worldwide population and worldwide conservation will not be an easy task.

Conclusion:

Whether you think this is a realistic image of the future or not, change needs to be implemented, and if you want to be part of that change, check out Green Cloud Nine, our sustainable online store, because we believe that small changes like buying sustainably make a big difference for the future of the planet.

To stay up to date on all things sustainable and or to check out our verified sustainable goods, check our Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.

January 5, 2022 2 comments

Environment Living Sustainably Uncategorized

Amazingly Scary Christmas Facts You Never Heard About

by Lola December 22, 2021

written by Lola

At Green Cloud Nine, we love Christmas, but also facts and sustainability. So we have put together our favourite mix of all 3. Time to up your green Christmas knowledge, let’s dive right into these Global Christmas facts.

Sustainability Facts- Christmas Trees & Decos

Nothing evokes Christmas like a traditional Christmas tree. Families sit around them, presents get set under them…so there is no doubt that they are a centrepiece for the Christmas festivities.

family sitting beside a christmas tree — Photo by Elina Fairytale on Pexels.com

Let’s start with some impressive numbers: In the US, approximately 50 million Christmas trees are purchased annually. In Europe, the number oscillates between 50-60 million. More than half end up in landfills. This staggering statistic highlights the need for more sustainable tree options.

Did you know you can now rent a real Christmas tree? The genius concept involves selecting a tree for the festive season and returning it afterwards for replanting. Isn’t it brilliant? That way we minimise waste and contribute to a greener planet.

In the UK alone, approximately 500 million tons of fairy light find their way into landfills each year. Given their essential role in tree decoration, it’s crucial to choose lights that match your needs and are durable, ensuring they sparkle through numerous Christmases.

But what about artificial trees? While they might seem like a green alternative, the reality is diverse. Many are crafted from cheap, non-recyclable materials, leading to a short lifespan and frequent replacements. Opt for a high-quality, long-lasting artificial tree to make a more sustainable choice.

Speaking of non-recyclables, did you know that about 91% of plastic is not recycled? Of this, 12% is incinerated, leaving the remaining plastic to decompose over a staggering 400 years. Christmas is also a great time to rethink our plastic consumption and opt for eco-friendly alternatives.

Accidents around Christmas trees and decorations are a sad but also representative number. 20% of Americans are reportedly getting hurt every year preparing Christmas decorations and although we do not have found similar statistics in Europe, we can guess that we are not far behind. Fires, falls and scratches are the most common so make sure to be careful this year!

Sustainability Facts – Christmas Energy Consumption

christmas tree with decorations during nighttime — Photo by Sebi Pintilie on Pexels.com

In the US, over the Christmas period, the US uses 6.63 billion kW hours to power holiday lights. That is more electricity than some small countries consume in a year.

In Europe, energy used for Christmas lights can get out of control too. Milan (Italy) is reported to be the European city that uses the most energy, with an increase of nearly 70%, closely followed by Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Stockholm (Sweden).

Thankfully, in an attempt to cut energy costs, many cities are cutting down the number of hours for their Christmas lights or replacing them with energy-efficient alternatives. Led lights use 75 per cent less energy than standard incandescent lights. hey are not expensive to purchase, and they have a much longer lifespan than the older style of bulbs. It really doesn’t make sense anymore to have your Christmas tree lit up with any other lights other than LEDs.

As we approach the end of the year, it is a good opportunity to think again about renewable energy. According to the International Energy Agency, renewables are breaking records, which is great news!! It is hoped that by 2030, 70% of the world will be powered by renewable sources. And we are hopeful about the estimation that by 2050, 100% of all energy will come from green energy.

Sustainability Facts – Christmas and Food Waste

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In Europe, around 88 million tons of food is wasted each Christmas. Households are responsible for around half of all this waste. Planning your festive menus up front and freezing up or using up leftovers are effective ways to reduce that waste. And if after all is said and done, you still have some remnants of food, you can compost it.

What you eat plays a big part in the carbon footprint of your Christmas. Plant-based alternatives are responsible for much less carbon than beef or lamb that has been imported. For example, a kilogram of beef or lamb can generate from 643 kilograms to 749 kilograms of carbon dioxide — resulting in more greenhouse gas emissions than a passenger flying from London to New York.

Buying locally sourced and seasonal ingredients can reduce your carbon footprint by between 5 to 17 times what it would be if imported in. If you need any more convincing, it also puts money back into the local economy and will benefit you as well as your neighbours.

And of course, there is no celebration without festive drinks, right? Over 500 million cans of soft drinks are purchased in the UK alone during the Christmas period. Recycling just one of these cans can save enough energy to power a Christmas tree’s lights for two whole hours. Small efforts, big impact!

Sustainability Facts – Christmas and Climate Change

I didn’t want to finish this article without touching the general topic of Climate Change. The way we experience Christmas has an undeniable impact on Climate Change and, the way our environment is changing, also reflects on the holidays.

To start, we overindulge during the holidays without giving it much thought. But, research suggests that the average person is responsible for an additional 635 Kg of carbon emissions during Christmas—equivalent to three weeks of driving a car!

Text-based emails and mobile messages are responsible for part of that CO2. We know they emit some carbon, but how much? Each email generates around 4 grams of CO2, which is not much, but if they stay in the inbox forever, together with hundreds of other unnecessary emails, emissions will increase because email servers use energy that in turn also generates CO2. So, if you think that sending e-Christmas cards this year is carbon-free, think again.

Christmas is also the most wasteful time of the year, which is hardly shocking really, but by just how much? Over the Christmas period, there is an increase of up to 30% in extra waste. Based on stats from the UK, only 1% of consumer goods are in use after 6 months. And, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 80% of toys end up in landfills, incinerators or in the ocean. A big chunk of those before the end of January.

For an alternative eco-friendly Christmas experience including presents, check this other article.

Also, snow is becoming a scarce commodity so we should be expecting a not-so-white Christmas in the future. A dozen different climate models have projected that snow will become significantly more scarce by the end of the century. In the Alps, the number of snow days will halve by 2100.

Extreme summer heat and extensive fires are to be blamed for the short supply of Christmas trees all over the world. In some cases they killed up to 70% of seedlings planted, resulting in the price of Christmas trees going up.

To wrap it up

Christmas can be one of the most wonderful times of the year, full of magic, enjoying with family and creating lasting memories, but it can also be very damaging to our environment. So, let’s try to be more aware of our actions so also our planet can have a happy and peaceful holiday time!

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December 22, 2021 0 comment