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The Impact Of Technology On People And The Planet (& How To Mitigate It)
 

The Impact Of Technology On People And The Planet

Nowadays, our society is so dependent on technology that it is hard to believe that the telephone was only invented in 1876. 146 years later, we spend most of our days using technology, and almost all of us can affirm that we could not live without it. 

The crazy thing is that there are now more active mobile connections than people on the planet, and more than half of the world’s population is connected to the Internet! 

All these high-tech devices, electric appliances and gadgets are making our lives easier and more convenient. They help us contact people, work, research, cook, clean, and entertain, among many other things. 

Modern technology is even helping us combat climate change! But, does it mean it is sustainable? 

In this article, you will learn all about the environmental and social footprint of our tech addiction, as well as how you, as a consumer, can mitigate it and make using technology more eco-friendly. 

How technology is destroying our planet 

All our high-tech gadgets have consequences on our planet at different stages in the supply chain. 

Mining for rare minerals 

Every device we own is made with plenty of rare components, including rare earth elements and tech metals, like cobalt, lithium and tantalum. Electronics also contain other materials such as plastic, which is derived from fossil fuels, iron, aluminum, zinc, lead, copper and tin to name just a few. 

The main issue regarding all those materials is that to be extracted from the ground, they need to be mined, which causes severe threats to the environment. 

Mining is a very water and energy-intensive activity that leads to deforestation as well as water, soil and air pollution. It releases huge quantities of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into the air, thus massively contributing to global warming. 

To extract precious metals from the Earth, we need to use colossal machines that usually run on fossil fuels. Mining also comes with serious landscape degradation: the mines are often so big that we can see them from space!  

Another thing we rarely think about regarding the dangers of extracting rare earth elements from the ground is that the mines and processing plants generate a lot of toxic and radioactive waste, which often ends up in the environment.

Plus, extracting so many metals and elements from the Earth contributes to the rapid depletion of natural resources. The situation is even more critical because some of those materials are rare, meaning that if we continue extracting them at such a rate, we will quickly run out of them at some point in the future.  

It is also interesting to note that most of those materials are mined in developing countries where there is weak environmental regulation, like in China. Therefore, there are few to no incentives for companies to make the process less damaging to the environment.  

There are many examples illustrating the disastrous effects mining for precious metals and elements has on the planet! 

In the Atacama desert in Chile, lithium extraction has a huge impact on the water reserves in the region, which is already one of the driest on Earth. The groundwater table is sinking and drying out, and the mining process can contaminate drinking water. 

And here is another striking example. In the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia, there is an artificial lake created because of our worldwide addiction to high-tech gadgets. With a diameter of 5.5 miles, this lake is extremely toxic and entirely made of dangerous chemicals and black sludge, which are waste byproducts of rare earth mining. 

Those two examples are just the tip of the iceberg and illustrate only a few aspects of the environmental footprint of mining for metals and rare earth elements. 

The unsustainable production of technology

The impact our tech gadgets have on our planet does not end with the extraction of rare resources. The process that turns raw materials into a finished product is very unsustainable too. 

Suppliers all around the world use raw materials, like gold or cobalt, to create small components. The individual parts are then sent to factories where they are assembled into finished products, such as laptops or phones. After that, the brand new devices are shipped to warehouses in different countries, and finally, to retailers on all continents. 

The supply chain of our electronics is complex: our devices are made with hundreds of components from all over the world. For example, to manufacture its iPhones, Apple works with suppliers in 43 countries on six continents. 

The issue is that transporting all those products and components generates a lot of greenhouse gas emissions, and thus contributes to the climate crisis. 

Producing the products itself is also very energy-intensive and a source of air and water pollution near the factories. 

We should also mention that the Internet has an environmental footprint as well! The Internet is powered by a variety of physical infrastructures, such as data centers and transmission networks. 

It means that transferring and storing our data online comes with its own impact on the planet. For instance, data centers consume an enormous amount of electricity, 80% of which is made using fossil fuels.  

It is even estimated that browsing the Internet for less than 15 minutes generates as many CO2 emissions as driving a car over a distance of 1km. This is mind-blowing!  

Electronic waste 

Our appliances, high-tech devices and gadgets also cause significant environmental problems at the end of their lives. According to the United Nations, 53.6 million tons of electronic waste (or e-waste) were discarded worldwide in 2019, and this number should reach 74 million tons by 2030. 

In fact, e-waste is the fastest-growing domestic waste stream, and it is mainly due to the world’s skyrocketing consumption of electronics as well as planned obsolescence.  

Out of those 54 million tons of discarded electronics, only 17.4% were collected and recycled. When we think about it, it means that most metals and rare elements that went into the making of those products were burned or discarded in a landfill. 

So a huge amount of precious natural resources, which by the way are worth billions of dollars, is going to waste even though they could be reused! 

And what may be even worse is that e-waste contains hazardous chemicals and toxic substances, including heavy metals and flame retardants, that can leach into the soil when discarded in landfills. 

As a result, the underlying groundwater and crops that may be planted in the soil can get contaminated. Not to mention that those pollutants usually remain there for a long time, and some might even become more toxic as time goes by!  

Also, in 2019, between 3.75 and 10.72 million tons of e-waste were shipped to developing countries. So not only are the environmental issues exported there but transporting them far away also has a significant carbon footprint. 

In those countries, electronic waste is usually dismantled, burned and shredded, which releases large amounts of dust and toxic particles into the environment. It leaves hazardous byproducts in the air, soil and water, and impacts entire ecosystems.  

The impact of technology on people

The production of our electronics is also very dangerous to the people working in that industry as they are constantly risking their health and safety. 

Workers mining for rare metals for our electronics work in extremely hard and unsafe conditions, and in a very hot environment. Mines pay them very poorly for very long days, and often do not provide them with any health and safety protections, like gloves or face masks. 

Workers regularly suffer from respiratory problems and diseases such as tuberculosis, silicosis, bronchitis and lung cancer. Being in constant contact with toxic metals can also cause leukemia and several other types of cancer. 

What’s more, human rights violations are far from uncommon, and child labor is regularly used in the mining sector. For instance, it is estimated that 40,000 children are working in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, often extracting the metal by hand.  

Plus, the extraction of rare metals in the DRC, such as gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum, also known as "conflict minerals'', has been fueling war and benefiting armed groups in the country. Miners are often beaten by soldiers and forced to work in unstable mines, which have already killed hundreds of people when some of them collapsed. 

Local populations living near the mines are also affected by the extraction of minerals from the Earth. Since mining for rare earth elements creates a lot of toxic and radioactive waste that often ends up in nature, workers and nearby residents are regularly exposed to harmful chemicals and radiation that are not without consequences for human health. 

In the Chinese city of Baotou, in Inner Mongolia, rare earth mining poisoned several villages and farms, forcing thousands of people to leave the area! 

People and workers are also affected by our modern technology at the other end of the supply chain. As we saw earlier, around one-fifth of e-waste generated worldwide gets recycled. 

While some recycling facilities act responsibly and provide their workers with protection, many others do not, putting their workers’ lives and health at risk. Those workers are exposed to dangerous chemicals and toxins that are leaching out of discarded electronics, which can cause a wide range of health problems.  

And as mentioned before, when e-waste is dismantled and burned, a significant amount of toxic particles is released into the air, soil and water. It means that the communities living nearby are also affected by how polluting e-waste is! 

How planned obsolescence is making it all worse 

All the negative impacts technology has on people and the environment make it one of the least sustainable things we can buy as consumers. 

But as if that were not enough, almost all tech companies are using a powerful tool to make things even worse: planned obsolescence. 

Planned obsolescence is a business strategy that consists in intentionally creating products that will become out of date or unusable after a certain time. For instance, companies can design products that will stop functioning properly after a given period, or launch a new, better model of the product to encourage people to choose the upgraded version. 

In the tech industry, companies are purposefully producing their products using components that begin to wear down fairly quickly and are making it hard to repair them. 

They also use new operating systems that quickly become less and less compatible with the device we already have. Not to mention that most tech brands launch new, better (as promised) models every single year! 

This strategy promotes hyper-consumerism and guarantees that consumers will keep buying new replacements for their products, thus contributing to a high demand. And when the demand is high, companies make large profits. 

Mainly because of planned (and perceived) obsolescence, people in the United States and Europe have been replacing their electronic devices like smartphones every two years on average. 

It means that all those precious resources were mined, made into small parts, which were then assembled into brand new devices, that were finally shipped all across the world to be used for only two years! 

When we are replacing our electronics that often, we are also contributing even more to the environmental damage and social impacts than if we bought new devices less frequently. We are creating a demand to extract even more resources and generating more e-waste. 

Planned obsolescence is thus considerably increasing the environmental footprint and social costs of technology, making it even more unsustainable! 

How can we make using tech more sustainable? 

Now that you have learned about how harmful our modern technology can be to the planet and human beings, you probably want to help minimize its impact. 

Fortunately, even as consumers, there are some easy things we can do in our everyday lives to mitigate the environmental and social footprint of electronics.

The first and maybe the most important thing you can do is to keep your tech gadgets and devices for as long as possible, and not upgrade them regularly if possible. Doing so will make sure that you are not creating a demand for new tech to be made and discarding fewer electronics, thus producing less e-waste. 

To be able to keep your devices for a long time, try to take good care of them and be careful not to drop them. It may also be a great idea to invest in a sturdy phone case to protect your phone and to get yourself a good quality laptop sleeve for when you are on the go with your computer. 

Whenever you need a new device, consider getting it second-hand instead of new. There are countless stores selling reconditioned tech, but you can also look for electronics on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or similar websites. 

And then, when your electronics stop working, see if you can get them fixed before replacing them. But if nothing can be done, remember to never put them in the trash and always try to find places that recycle tech.

Manufacturers usually offer to take them back, but the easiest way to go is to check if a tech or hardware store nearby has a recycling bin for electronics. For instance, in the United States, Staples and Best Buy usually take back your broken gadgets to recycle them. Your local recycling center may also accept tech, but you can always find a recycler near you on this website

To make tech more sustainable, you can also sell or donate any unused devices to give them a new life, and invest in rechargeable batteries to avoid having to constantly buy and discard single-use ones. 

Finally, to reduce the environmental footprint of the Internet, delete unnecessary emails from your inbox or unused files on your cloud, unsubscribe from newsletters that you do not read, and avoid streaming videos mindlessly if you can do something else instead. 

Final thoughts

At every stage of the supply chain, technology comes with a massive environmental and social footprint. The world’s hyperconsumption of gadgets and devices is slowly destroying our planet and harming many people. 

Big tech companies are clearly the ones who should, before anyone else, strive to make things more sustainable, but we also lack solid governmental regulation that would oblige them to make some positive changes. 

However, as consumers, it does not mean we should say “game over” and ignore those issues. There are many things we can do to mitigate the environmental and social impact of our devices, and applying these tips also usually makes us save a lot of money. Win-win!  


About the Author:

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle.

She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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WANT to find SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


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10 Best Plant Subscriptions to Suit Every Home In 2023
 

image: The Sill

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

Plant Subscriptions & Online Shops For Your Indoor Oasis

Many of us have been spending a lot more time at home since the pandemic and have been trying to turn our houses into our own private havens. Plants are an amazing way to bring more life into your home, making it a much nicer space to live and work. From Instagram inspiration to TikTok trends, we’re still seeing the popularity of houseplants growing and people want to know how they can bring more green into their homes. 

One way of exploring the world of houseplants is with a plant subscription. Perfect for beginners or wannabe plant moms, a plant subscription can provide you with fresh plants, personalised to you, delivered safely to your doorstep. A subscription service gives you an expert guide to which plants will work best for you and your lifestyle, where to position them, what they need to thrive and how to care for your new plants. Plant subscriptions can take away a lot of the worry of owning house plants and can give you the confidence to learn more about plant care, as well as reaping the benefits of having more plants in your home!

What are the benefits of having houseplants?

Houseplants have several benefits, and they can positively impact your mental and emotional well-being. One of the main benefits of having houseplants is their ability to reduce your stress levels. Studies have found that plants in your home or office can make you feel more comfortable, soothed, and natural. The simple tasks associated with houseplants like repotting or watering them can serve as mini mental breaks, giving you time to focus on one thing and be present in the moment. Apart from relieving stress, plants can also help us be more focused and productive - perfect for your home office or workspace!

Researchers have used horticultural therapy to increase feelings of well-being among people with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other conditions. And according to a 2002 study, looking at plants and flowers may speed your recovery from an illness, injury, or surgery.

Houseplants can also improve the air quality of your home via phytoremediation, the process of plants scrubbing contaminants from the air. Plants such as the rubber tree, spider plant and Ficus tree are known for their air purifying abilities. 

p.s. we recently published a post about the sustainability behind houseplants. we understand filling your home with plants brings much joy and has a lower impact than flowers, but there are a few tips to make your experience more sustainable. we suggest propagating your new plants, choosing plants which can thrive without peat, using substitute plant food like these ones and collecting rainwater to feed them.

Now, our top picks for plant subscriptions to fill your home with green:

1) Horti

Horti has thoughtfully designed its monthly plant subscription box service as a program that takes you through different levels of plant care. You’ll get the tools and the tips to help you build lasting plant-care habits. Choose from a month-to-month, 6-month or 12-month subscription, and select new to planting, pet-friendly or Horti’s pick. They ship nationwide, and the shipping costs are included in the 6 and 12-month subscriptions. 


2) Succulents Box

Launched in 2017, Succulents Box offers you 5 monthly subscription plants and more than 300 succulent varieties organically grown in California. Choose how many succulents or air plants you want each month, and then pick how many months you want the subscription to run for. Each month you’ll receive the guidance you need to look after your new plant babies and keep them happy.


3) The Sill

The Sill has a plant for everyone.

Whether you need easy-care, low-light, or pet-friendly plants, they have got you covered.

Choose from hundreds of Insta-worthy potted plants, from a cute Hoya heart succulent to a show-stopping Monstera.

The Sill is the perfect subscription service for designing your ideal green space at home. 


4) Greendigs 

With a team of industry experts, avid gardeners and plant enthusiasts, Greendigs is the place to start your houseplant journey. There are hundreds of houseplants, succulents and herbs available to choose from, each with the expert guidance you need to take care of your plant and help it thrive. In addition, each plant comes with a ceramic pot and a starter supply of plant food to give your plant the best start in its new home. 


5) Bloombox Club

Ready to dive into house plant parenthood? The Bloombox Club’s subscription service delivers a new plant to you, ranging in sizes to create your own indoor jungle! Each month you’ll receive a hand-picked plant, a ceramic pot or basket, a care card and their monthly Plants & Wellness course booklet. Plus, get a voucher to spend on plants when you pay annually, bi-annually or quarterly. 


6) Knock! Knock!

Knock! Knock! is a seasonally based subscription of flower arrangements for your front porch or outdoor space.

Each spring, summer, and fall, you will receive two plant arrangements delivered at the optimal growing stage, in bloom, with minimal TLC required to thrive! What a perfect, hassle-free way to give your front porch a seasonal refresh every season. 


7) My Garden Box

My Garden Box has a variety of plant subscription services, each offering a unique way to bring the outdoors into your home. The My Garden Box has everything you need to build relaxing and rewarding gardening projects, The Plant Club delivers their feature plant of the month to your door, and The Grow With Us Box is an opportunity for kids to learn and grow through gardening. They also have subscription services specifically for succulents, air plants and houseplants; just pick your style!


8) Bloomin Bin

Ideal for those looking for some more hands-on gardening, the Bloomin Box subscription services will send you seeds direct to your door along with in-depth instructions each month, designed to help any skill-level gardener plant their best garden.

Choose from fruit and vegetable seeds, flower seeds, or both and get ready to earn your green thumb from the comfort of your own home!


9) Succulent Studios

Carefully curated at the Succulent Studios second-generation farm, each subscription box comes with two unique, organically-grown 8-week-old succulents. These baby plants ship in 100% plastic-free packaging with biodegradable pots. The subscription box also comes with plant identification cards and care instructions to help you be the best plant parent you can be.


10) The House Plant Box

With 12 varieties of subscription services to choose from, The House Plant Box definitely has something for everyone!

From large indoor plants to aquatic or air plants, choose the type of plant best suited to you and your home, and get started! Each month, you’ll receive a new plant, a detailed care card, and a nursery planter with soil. 


About the Author

Sarah King is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:


 
7 Eco-Friendly Doormats for a Nice Welcome Home
 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

The Best Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Doormats

In need of a new welcome mat? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite eco-friendly and sustainable doormats to add a little charm before entering your home.

WHAT MAKES A Doormat sustainable?

Quality is essential for a sustainable doormat because they see a lot of foot traffic. Therefore, you want a doormat that can withstand all the walking, dirt, and outdoor elements for many years. Another thing to look for is the type of material used. Most doormats in this post are made from natural fibers like coir or jute and recycled materials like rubber, rope, and more.

Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly Doormats:

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+ at madetrade.com

1. Half Moon Jute Doormat

Brand | Casa Amarosa

Price | $83

Materials | Jute

Handmade by master weavers in India, this rug brings a touch of natural texture to your home. Each doormat is hand-spun, then wound and stitched in a spiral form with sustainably harvested jute. The durable jute weave is great for heavy foot traffic.


2. Rope Doormat

Brand | Wharf Wrap (Etsy)

Price | $150

Materials | 100% Reclaimed Lobster Rope

We have never seen reclaimed lobster rope used before, but it's pretty interesting. They take varying lengths of 3/8" rope and bond them into a single strand (reducing their scrap waste), then neatly weave them to create a truly unique rug. They are super durable and work well either indoors or outdoors. Plus, they are easy to clean with a hose or power washer.


eco-friendly-door-mat

3. Rainbow Woven DoorMat

Brand | GrannyBeauty (Etsy)

Price | $34-78

Materials | Recycled Cloth, Cotton, Second-Hand Clothing

We always love to find ways to reuse clothes, and for those with no hope of being rescued, how cool would it be to make something useful for your home, like a doormat? GrannyBeauty is taking old clothes and creating new things to decorate your home colorfully. They have lots of different colors to choose from!


4. Tossed Dash Doormat

Brand | West Elm

Price | $30

Materials | Natural Coir (Coconut)

We love the look of semi-circle doormats. Unfortunately, you don’t see them near as often! Artisans in India handcrafted this particular one from West Elm. As you may know, West Elm has been working a lot with Fair Trade partners over the years, and it’s great to see a more conventional store have mindfully and ethically-made products.


5. Upcycled Flip-Flop Mat

Brand | Ten Thousand Villages

Price | $44.99

Materials | Recycled Rubber Flip Flops, Metal Wire

This one is just too cool! We love when brands can reuse someone else’s trash to create something beautiful and useful. This particular doormat is ethically made by Saffy (Social Action for Filipino Youth), based in the Philippines. Artisans from this group benefit from educational seminars, vocational training, and financial and medical assistance.


eco-friendly-door-mat

6. Camper Doormat

Brand | Flagology (Etsy)

Price | $36.99

Materials | Recycled Rubber

Flagology uses strong recycled rubber (weighing only three pounds) to make one of the market's toughest, most durable doormats. They are designed for indoor and outdoor in high-traffic areas. The heavy-duty recycled rubber is non-slip, and all the vibrant colors are hand-printed in North Carolina. - note that the Scroll Tray is sold separately - find it here.


7. Stripe Natural Fiber Doormat

Brand | Pottery Barn

Price | $39

Materials | Jute

This natural & classic doormat is handwoven of 100% Jute in India and celebrates and preserves artisan handcraft traditions. Like West Elm, we love seeing more prominent brands use eco-friendly materials and ethical production. Besides the white, you can also find this doormat in black stripes!


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


related reading you may also enjoy:

 
11 Sustainable Documentaries That Will Inspire You
 

Must See Documentaries on Sustainability

If you are interested in educating yourself about how the fashion industry is affecting people and the environment, sustainable documentaries are a great place to start. The repercussions of mass manufacturing and disposable clothing are becoming harder and harder to ignore. However, because most of the clothing Americans and westernized countries are buying is made overseas, the immediate effects are easier to overlook. 

From forced labor and unsafe working conditions to devastating environmental destruction, there is a price to pay for every piece of clothing made and not just the one on the price tag. The majority of labor workers overseas in countries like Bangladesh are paid so little that most live in poverty. They often face abuse and poor working conditions on a daily basis despite working for some of the largest and most profitable companies in the world. 

To make matters worse, our planet is also suffering. In America alone, we dispose of 11 million tons of textile waste per year. Globally, we consume about 80 billion new pieces of clothing every year. With the world’s consumption rising at an alarming rate and renewable resources becoming increasingly scarce, our planet is suffering and on the brink of irreversible damage. While this all sounds scary, hope is not lost but this is why it’s so important to educate yourself and be aware of the effects of your daily decisions. It is through awareness that we can make better choices.

This list of 11 sustainable documentaries will provide insight into the ways our consumption habits, especially our shopping habits, can change the world for better or for worse.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION DOCUMENTARIES

1) True Cost

Watch the trailerTrue Cost Trailer

If you are unfamiliar with the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh that resulted in over 1,000 casualties, you need to watch True Cost.

This documentary exposes the corrupt infrastructure that allowed abuse of labor workers, neglect for their working conditions, and the health issues caused by using genetically modified materials.

While the westernized countries focus on finding the latest fashion trends, the families featured struggle to feed their families while working nearly 90 hours a week.

This documentary is eye-opening and will shift how you evaluate the true cost of your clothes.

Watch itAmazonTubi


2) Fashionscapes: A Living Wage

Watch the trailerFashionscapes: A Living Wage Trailer

From the director of True Cost, Andrew Morgan, and co-founder of Eco-Age Olivia Firth, this documentary explores the activists and laborers holding the fashion industry accountable for allowing poverty-level wages.

Most of the men and women making the clothes sold by popular fast fashion brands are paid below a living wage despite companies raising prices and selling more clothes than ever.

This documentary allows women who have experienced injustice and poverty firsthand from working in the fashion supply chain to share their stories of what change has and has not been made, despite the global outcry and company policies set in place.

Watch it: Youtube


3) The Machinists

Watch the trailerThe Machinists Trailer

Follow the story of three female garment workers in Bangladesh who share the struggles of daily life working in factories trying to provide for their families.

They often work unlawful long hours or risk facing the reprimands of their supervisors.

Since they are the breadwinners of their families, most workers are forced into a cycle of abuse and remain in poverty due to being paid lower than a living wage. The film also features the man working to enforce a trade union in Bangladesh, where many fast fashion brands manufacture their clothes. The Machinists gives viewers insight into what it means to work in a sweatshop where forced overtime, unsafe working conditions, and pay garnishment is normalized.

Watch itYoutube


4) UDITA (Arise)

Watch the trailerUDITA Trailer

Covering five years in Bangladesh sweatshops, UDITA is a documentary that reveals the challenges female garment workers face as they fight for freedom, against industry oppression, and for a better life for themselves and the generations to come.

This film showcases stories of hope and strength but also a very real look behind the scenes at what it means to be a Bangladeshi woman trying to survive and leave their village a better place for their children.

Watch itYoutube


5) Traceable

Watch the trailerTraceable Trailer

In an effort to connect the dots between the clothes we wear and the people who make them, Traceable follows fashion designer Laura Siegel’s journey across India to produce her own clothing collection.

Through her own experience, this documentary showcases how communities are affected by the products we consume and what our dollars support when we make disposable and impulsive purchases.

Traceable also explores what “luxury” fashion really means and how clear transparency is important to be upheld throughout the supply chain so that consumers can make better-educated choices about the products they buy.

Watch itAmazon


6) The Next Black

Watch the trailerThe Next Black Trailer

What’s next in the future of fashion? Is there hope for a world that doesn’t treat garment workers as disposable as the clothes they make? The Next Black is uncovering what the future of clothing looks like and how we can innovate the fashion industry to be more sustainable. This documentary gives us hope that with industry leaders taking action and believing in a sustainable business model there can be a world where our clothes don’t destroy our planet.

Watch itYoutube


7) RiverBlue

Watch the trailerRiverBlue Trailer

Have you thought about how much water goes into making our clothes? Or what happens to the water after it’s been used in the dyeing and production process? RiverBlue examines the world’s most polluted rivers and how the fashion industry continues to contaminate our planet’s most vital resource to keep up with the demands of clothing companies.

Xintang, China is the denim capital of the world and due to the toxic runoff from the dyeing process, Pearl River is now indigo blue due to contamination, which is what inspired the name of the film. RiverBlue is narrated by Jason Priestley who is an advocate for water conservancy and a well-known actor and director.

Watch itVimeo


SUSTAINABILITY DOCUMENTARIES

8) Minimalism: A Documentary About The Important Things

Watch the trailer: Minimalism Trailer

Minimalism: A Documentary About The Important Things discusses what it means to consume less and choose to live a more meaningful lifestyle that doesn’t revolve around the latest trends and gadgets.

Josh and Ryan are two friends who wanted to explore life outside the corporate ladder and see what life would be like if they went back to basics.

Included in this award-winning documentary are interviews with people from a variety of backgrounds that have made the transition to living with less and how it has enriched their lives. This is an inspiring watch if you feel ready to pursue a lifestyle that is free from the mentality that stuff will make us happy.

Watch itAmazonVimeo

The Minimalists' follow-up documentary Less Is Now is currently streaming on Netflix.


9) A Plastic Ocean

Watch the trailerA Plastic Ocean Trailer

Our planet has a major plastic problem which is explored in A Plastic Ocean. The destruction caused by plastic in all environments around the world spares no species. From the ocean life getting tangled in it, the birds eating it to our food being grown on piles of it, plastic pollution is a problem in every corner of the world. Animals are unable to escape the pollution in their natural habitats because of the rate our society utilizes plastic products. This film will hopefully inspire you to re-evaluate the role plastic has in your lifestyle.

Watch itAmazon


10) Kiss The Ground

Watch the trailerKiss The Ground Trailer

A lot of documentaries focus on the problem and raising awareness, which has its benefits, but Kiss The Ground also explores possible solutions for healing our planet. After years of tiling, contamination, and erosion of the Earth’s lands, this film uncovers what may be the secret to fighting climate change. By using soil as the focus for regeneration efforts and innovative agricultural farming techniques, experts believe our planet has a chance to be revived if we provide it with the right care.

Actor and activist Woody Harrelson narrates this hopeful documentary that not only raises awareness but also provides sustainable solutions to our most pressing climate issues.

Watch itNetflix


11) Our Planet

Watch the trailerOur Planet Trailer

Our Planet is an Emmy award-winning nature documentary series that brings you into the natural habitats of animals in the sky, on land, and under the sea in a way you’ve never seen before.

It is as informative as it is stunning to watch and serves as a reminder that Earth is not just our home but for many other species, too. Each 45-minute episode focuses on a different part of the planet’s ecosystem and the conservation issues that plague it.

This series also shows the animals that are at risk of extinction if we don’t change our habits and begin to restore the delicate balance among the world’s ecosystems.

This documentary talks less about sustainability compared to the other films on this list but is a reminder of the role we play in the environment and showcases the beautiful world we live in that needs our help.

Watch itNetflix


About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com.


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How Sustainable Are Essential Oils?
 

ARE ESSENTIAL OILS ACTUALLY SUSTAINABLE? 

When I switched to a more sustainable, non-toxic lifestyle, I suddenly realized how popular essential oils and aromatherapy were! 

Everywhere, I would find recipes to make my own cleaning products using essential oils. Many advocates of natural, healthy living would promote products formulated with these precious plant essences that smell oh-so-good. 

Essential oils are seen as a healthier and more sustainable alternative to conventional, chemical-laden products. But are they really that sustainable? 

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the sustainability of essential oils and how to use them in a more eco-friendly way! 

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS? 

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, essential oils are “concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor of their source”. 

They can be derived from thousands of plant species, from different flowers to fruits and trees. In the United States, the most popular (by volume) are orange, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, clove, and frankincense essential oils. 

Essential oils are extremely popular nowadays all around the world. However, they have actually been used for a very long time in a wide range of different cultures! 

Evidence shows that they were already used in ancient India, Egypt, and Persia several thousand years ago. The Greeks and Romans are also known to have traded odoriferous oils and ointments with the countries of the Orient. 

Later, during the 11th century A.D., the Arabs discovered how to extract essential oils from plants using steam distillation. This new knowledge and technique quickly spread to Europe during the Middle Ages where essential oils became very widely used and incorporated into remedies.  

By the 18th century, about 100 essential oils had been introduced, but it was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that chemists really began to understand their chemical nature. As a result, we saw a massive increase in the production of essential oils. 

Since then, they have mainly been used as odorants (for instance, in perfumes and cosmetics), flavors (in food and beverages), and pharmaceuticals (in dental products and medicines). 

Essential oils are believed to have powerful antibacterial, antiviral, calming, and antidepressant properties. Many are also used for boosting immunity and energy levels, helping digestion, alleviating pain, and reducing stress. 

In 2022, the global essential oil market was valued at about $21.8 billion, and it is anticipated to grow at a rate of 7.9% per year from 2023 to 2030. France is the world’s largest exporter of essential oils, followed by the United States. 

HOW BAD ARE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT? 

To understand how sustainable essential oils are, we first need to know how they are produced. 

Steam distillation is the most popular method for extracting essential oils from plants. Steam is injected into the plant to release the aroma molecules, converting them into a vapor. The vapor is then condensed back into a liquid, ready to be poured into small bottles. This method is the most cost-effective way to produce essential oils, which is why it is so widely used today. 

Other methods are used for certain essential oils such as solvent extraction, maceration, mechanical pressing, or enfleurage (extracting the oil by using fat). 

But no matter how the essential oils are extracted, we first need to harvest flowers, fruits, or trees. These are either farmed in controlled environments, or wild-harvested in nature. 

And here is the main issue: we need enormous quantities of plants to produce the tiniest amount of essential oil. 

Producing essential oils is incredibly resource-intensive

For most essential oils, hundreds of pounds of plant material are needed to make a single bottle! To illustrate a bit more, to produce a single pound of essential oil, we need: 

  • 10,000 pounds of rose petals

  • 1,500 lemons

  • 250 pounds of lavender

  • 6,000 pounds of melissa plants 

  • 250 pounds of rosemary leaves 

  • 50 pounds of eucalyptus leaves

  • 4 million jasmine buds

All essential oils are different, and some are more resource-intensive than others. For instance, certain oils are more difficult to extract from the plant, and some plants provide small yields. 

The weather can also impact how much we can extract from the plant from year to year, and thus, we may need more or less plant material to produce one pound of essential oil. 

Growing all these plants has a significant environmental impact in itself. The constant planting and harvesting affect the soil quality, and some essential oils are derived from resins, which means that trees have to be cut down to harvest the sap. So the production of essential oils can lead to deforestation. 

What’s more, the majority of brands selling essential oils source their raw materials from huge farms where pesticide usage is very common to increase yield and productivity. 

Huge quantities of water are also required to grow all the plants. Even the extraction process is very resource-intensive, and some methods use large amounts of water and energy to extract the oils. 

For example, to produce rose essential oil, roses have to go through a process called water distillation. The flowers are boiled in water, and after the water cools down, everything is condensed and separated. This way of obtaining essential oils is incredibly water-intensive!  

Overharvesting and endangered plant species 

Large, corporate farming is extremely common in the essential oil industry. These huge companies often chop down forests or convert arable lands into monoculture farming lands to grow a single plant. They usually don’t care about the environment, and their unethical and unsustainable practices often endanger local ecosystems. 

Fortunately, this is not the only way to harvest plants to produce essential oils. Wild harvesting is also very common, but it comes with its own downsides as well. 

A commonly accepted rule by harvesting communities is that they should not harvest more than 10% of any wild crop during a single harvesting session. However, many companies disregard this rule, and since there is no regulation, overharvesting is prevalent and threatening many plant species.

The production of frankincense essential oil, which is derived from tree sap, is a great example of overharvesting. Because of the rising global demand, the trees are often tapped year-round rather than seasonally, and harvesters are making more cuts per tree to extract as much sap as possible. These unsustainable harvesting methods weaken the trees, making them eventually die. As a result, these ancient forests are slowly disappearing.

Another issue is that many essential oils come from plants that are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. For instance, rosewood and atlas cedarwood, two popular essential oils, are listed as endangered species. 

Listed as vulnerable, sandalwood’s population is also decreasing mainly because of illegal harvesting and overexploitation. In India and Indonesia, sandalwood has been so overharvested that it nearly went extinct

So the increased demand for essential oils is putting a strain on certain plant species. Overharvesting plants, particularly those that are on the threatened species list, can eventually lead to the extinction of many of them. 

And when a species goes extinct, there can be many ripple effects on the local communities and ecosystems! 

Other environmental issues

Many other factors can make essential oils even less sustainable. For instance, many plants are grown in a controlled environment, which means that a lot of energy is usually used to control the temperature and humidity levels. 

We also need to take into account the carbon emissions generated during the transportation process of essential oils all around the world. 

Another thing worth mentioning is that most essential oils are very flammable. Because of that, some cities require us to throw their glass bottles in the trash instead of recycling them (they are considered household hazardous waste). The plastic bottle caps and drop dispensers also end up in a landfill. 

Finally, many essential oils are toxic to aquatic life, and they can negatively impact marine ecosystems if they are dumped down the drain or if they somehow end up in waterways. They can also be toxic to other animals. For instance, while lavender essential oil is safe for dogs when it is diluted, it should never be used around cats as it is toxic to them!

8 TIPS TO HAVE A (MORE) SUSTAINABLE ESSENTIAL OIL COLLECTION

While most essential oils are far from sustainable, it is impossible to get everyone to stop using them altogether. And in some situations, essential oils can actually be an eco-friendly option! 

For instance, cleaning your home with a non-toxic, essential oil-based cleaner is a lot more sustainable (and healthier) than if you used a toxic, chemical-laden cleaner that would pollute the air and waterways. Another example is perfume formulated with essential oils instead of harmful, synthetic fragrances. 

Also, if essential oils are helping you improve your health or reduce stress, by no means you should stop using them (as long as you use them safely). 

The key is to use them in a mindful and sustainable way. To help you do that, here are our top tips to have a more eco-friendly essential oil collection! 

Less is more

Sometimes, we can go overboard with buying essential oils, so make sure you do not buy too many. Keep track of the ones you have, and try not to buy any more before you have used them up.  

Also, avoid purchasing them in bundles because you might end up not using all of them. Always think about whether you really need the ones you intend to buy, and try not to waste them: do not use ten drops of essential oil when you know that one or two is enough. 

Remember that with essential oils, less is more. They are precious resources that we should not over-consume. 

Buy more sustainable essential oils

Before you buy new essential oils, research whether the plant species are on the Red List of Threatened Species (you can do a quick search on the website). If they are endangered or even vulnerable, refrain from purchasing them. 

Because they are so rare, endangered species are often obtained through illegal trade, and supporting this may lead to their extinction. Also, avoid purchasing the more resource-intensive ones, such as rose, jasmine, or lemon balm essential oils. 

Many essential oils have similar constituents and benefits, so see if you can choose ones that are a lot less scarce and resource-intensive.  

Prefer essential oils from wild-harvested plants produced according to ethical harvesting guidelines that do not threaten the species’ survival. 

Also, try to buy essential oils that are USDA-certified organic, or at least, ones that come from plants that are native to the land they are grown on. Non-native plants may need chemicals and artificial climate control as well as more water to grow in a foreign environment. 

Buy from transparent, sustainable brands

Before you purchase any essential oil, always research how sustainable and ethical the brand is. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are not sure about a company. 

What is the brand doing to limit its environmental impact? Does it sell products from endangered or overharvested plants? Are its harvesters and distillers following sustainable practices? 

Also, check if the brand publishes Material Safety Data Sheets for its essential oils. These provide a chemical breakdown of the composition of the essential oil, and they can help you use them safely and sustainably. 

In general, avoid buying essential oils from your grocery store, and instead, support sustainable brands that sell high-quality products. While these may be more expensive, their products will be more eco-friendly and 100% pure. 

Be sure to read our sustainable essential oil shopping guide if you are looking for a trustworthy, eco-friendly brand to buy your essential oils from! 

Dilute your essential oils

To make your essential oils last longer, dilute them in carrier oils, like coconut or jojoba oil. It is actually always recommended to do so! 

Most essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin, and using them too frequently or without reducing their potency with a carrier oil can lead to sensitization.

So diluting them is safer, more economical, and more sustainable, all at the same time! 

Learn more about how to use each essential oil

As we saw earlier, many essential oils are toxic to marine life. So before you use them in your bath or pour them down the drain, make sure that you can actually do that. Similarly, if you have pets, research whether you can use your essential oils around them. 

And of course, read about how to use them safely: are you allowed to put them onto your skin? How should you use them to avoid any harmful side effects? 

Everything should be written in the Material Safety Data Sheets provided with the essential oils. If you cannot find anything, a quick Google search should do the trick! 

Take care of your essential oils

Essential oils have a shelf life, usually ranging from 1 to 6 years. So try to use them all up before they expire to avoid waste. 

Also, store them in a dark, cool place to prevent them from becoming rancid. If you have some expired essential oils, you can safely use them in cleaning products

Dispose of them responsibly

When your essential oil bottles are empty, always research how to dispose of them in your local area. Many places do not recycle bottles that contained flammable products, but some do. So check with your local waste-management facility and follow its recommendations

If you like being creative, find ways to reuse essential oil bottles! Some brands also take them back and recycle them. 

Swap essential oils for hydrosols or CO2s

During the steam distillation process, the essential oil is extracted alongside a larger amount of hydrosol. Hydrosols are aromatic waters (one example is rose water) with similar therapeutic properties to their essential oil counterparts, but they are more sustainable as we produce a lot more hydrosol (compared to essential oil) for a given quantity of plant material. 

Another option is to swap essential oils for CO2s. These are plant essences extracted from the plant using carbon dioxide as a solvent to dissolve materials. This extraction method is the most efficient as it yields the most oil per pound of plant material! 


CONCLUSION 

Producing essential oils causes many environmental issues. Enormous quantities of plant material are needed to create a single drop, and many essential oils come from plant species that are overharvested, or worse, endangered. 

But it does not mean we should stop using them altogether! We can make better choices and choose more eco-friendly essential oils. Plus, there are many other tips we can follow to have a more sustainable essential oil collection. 

That way, we can enjoy these precious plant essences without harming the planet! 


About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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WANT to find SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


related reading you may also enjoy: