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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Jillian Pretzel had a Christmas list of 20 people this year, so she decided to thrift her gifts.</li><li>At stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, she found new toys, picture frames, and books.</li></ul>A few weeks ago, as I shifted things around in my car to make room for my shopping bags, I knew my husband wouldn't give me side-eye about overspending on Christmas gifts when I came home. I'd just made some serious progress on my year-end goal of doing all my holiday shopping at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-secondhand-shopping-luxury-high-end-preloved-items-report-2023-4">secondhand stores</a>.This year my husband and I welcomed our second daughter. She reminded us of how wonderful it is to hold a tiny newborn — and how <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/diaper-prices-will-go-up-proctor-and-gamble-kimberly-clark-say-2021-4">expensive diapers can be</a>. We realized our family of four would have to be a little stricter with our finances.I also felt eco-guilt every time I bought a new toy or a new baby gadget. It's so easy and quick to order stuff online and have it shipped to my house, but I knew the things I bought and their packaging would probably end up in a landfill.<h2>I started shopping secondhand as much as possible</h2>I discovered that thrifting is a great way to save money and be eco-friendly.When I'd reach for my computer this year to order a new nursing cover or a toddler bike, I'd stop and go to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/shoppers-say-goodwill-salvation-army-pricey-as-thrifting-becomes-cool-2023-3">Goodwill</a> by my house instead. Often I was happy I did.Not only was I glad to save money and help the environment, but I found treasures I wouldn't have thought to buy. I found the same kangaroo stuffed animal I used to love as a kid, pricy clothes for myself from Lululemon and Madewell, and antique home-decor pieces.<h2>I wondered whether I could do the same with Christmas presents</h2>I had a long Christmas list of 20 friends, family members, in-laws, and neighbors. I wondered if it would be possible to thrift my gifts.I searched through several nearby Goodwill stores, one Salvation Army, and a few boutique secondhand stores.When I started shopping, I was worried. I didn't want to seem tacky or make my friends and family think I was buying them something cheap. I loved the idea of finding special one-of-a-kind items rather than grabbing something on the shelves at every big-box store.In years past I'd get a box of wine and a half-dozen gift cards and distribute them to friends as necessary. Now I was hunting for something unique for each person. This required me to think about my loved ones and their tastes and pay attention when they mentioned something they liked or were interested in.When we went out to lunch one day, a friend said she was interested in learning to play chess. When I found a cool retro wooden chess set (with all the pieces!) I knew it was perfect. Another friend is obsessed with everything Disney, so I knew she'd love a beautiful vintage Mickey and Minnie snow globe.<h2>Some items make great thrifts; others, not so much</h2>While I'm more than happy to thrift clothes for myself and my family, I was hesitant about buying clothes to give as gifts. I stuck to buying home goods, decor, games, and other non-wearables. Everything I bought was in good condition, but I did clean things before gifting them.Books became my favorite gift to thrift. My family has a tradition of getting everyone a book to read on Christmas Eve, and I used to spend at least $100 on reading materials. I bought many great books at thrift stores for just a dollar.I also like to give relatives framed family pictures. I scored a collection of beautiful wooden frames — a major upgrade from the plastic ones I usually bought. These heavy frames look expensive but cost only a few bucks. I saved another $50 at least.I was also on the lookout for vases. I like to bring flowers as host gifts, but getting bouquets arranged in vases can be expensive. I started picking up vases in thrift shops that matched my friends' or relatives' home styles and filling them with flowers in plastic wrapping. I spent about $10 on flowers with thrifted vases rather than $30 or $40 on bouquets.I bought a lot of great toys for my kids. My 3-year-old is obsessed with "Frozen," and I was excited to score an Elsa doll that usually costs $30 for $5.I also bought a few unopened rolls of wrapping paper from the thrift store and a bunch of baskets to put gifts in. Last year I spent $60 on gift bags and wrapping paper. This year I spent about $20.<h2>Shopping secondhand was a lot harder than I thought</h2>Though my goal was to buy everything secondhand, I didn't quite achieve it.There were a couple of small gifts for family members I saw at the grocery store or online that I couldn't pass up. When I was picking up bananas at Target, I saw a pair of yoga pants that screamed one friend's name. For my niece and nephew across the country, it was easier to order a gift online and have it shipped to their house. And I knew my kids' tween cousins really only wanted cash.Still, I'm proud of the thrifts I found. My Christmas budget last year was $500. With a second child, I was expecting to spend $600 this year buying everything new. By thrifting most of my gifts, I spent about $275, so I saved $325.

I saved over $300 by shopping secondhand for Christmas. My unique, eco-friendly gifts were worth the search.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>There are many eco-friendly ways in which you can prepare for the holiday season.</li><li>Recycling wrapping paper and purchasing secondhand gifts are both sustainable options.</li></ul><a href="https://www.insider.com/holiday-insider-travel-entertainment-food-gift-shopping-recommendations-for-season-2022">The holidays</a> are coming up — and no matter what you celebrate, one thing most of us have in common is the ability to celebrate sustainably. Whether it's your gift wrapping, decorations, or holiday party outfit, there are plenty of easy and inexpensive ways to enjoy the festive season while protecting the planet. Here are just a few. <h2>Recycle wrapping paper and gift bags</h2>Keep hold of any gift bags, wrapping paper, or baskets that you've been given throughout the year, and when it's time to wrap presents for your loved ones, you'll have plenty of options to recycle. Or alternatively, consider wrapping your gifts in old newspapers or brown paper, which is often made from <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?amazonTrackingID=biauto-59690-20&amp;postID=637b5e1aaca7611a3371c846&amp;site=in&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAmerican-Paper-Multipurpose-NY-Mill%2Fdp%2FB07H9GQF7J">100% recycled paper</a>. You could also consider making your own cards with recycled materials, such as biodegradable glitter.<h2>Choose secondhand gifts for a Secret Santa exchange</h2>If you celebrate a holiday that involves gift-giving, consider doing a Secret Santa-type gift exchange with your friend group, which would involve you giving just one gift and receiving one gift in return via a secret name draw. This is less expensive than giving a gift to all of your friends, and it could also work out to be more sustainable, too. In order to make your gift exchange sustainable, you could ask all participants to purchase only secondhand gifts, either from their local thrift store or online. Another option would be to ask participants to purchase gifts <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/gifts/christmas-gift-ideas-that-wont-kill-the-environment-2019-11">made only from recycled materials</a>.Another thoughtful alternative would be to gift an experience rather than an item, such as a gift voucher for the movie theatre or a spa day.<h2>Opt for sustainable style at holiday parties</h2>At this time of year, most clothing stores are filled with unlimited sparkles, glitter, and festive sweaters.But instead of buying a brand new outfit, you could re-wear something you wore in previous years or purchase items from a vintage or secondhand store. For example, some Etsy shops are selling <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?amazonTrackingID=biauto-59690-20&amp;postID=637b5e1aaca7611a3371c846&amp;site=in&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fuk%2Flisting%2F645707578%2Fvintage-ugly-christmas-sweaters-all">secondhand festive sweaters</a>.<div type="image" title="Matthew Morrison and Jane Lynch wear matching festive sweaters" height="3000" width="2395" msid="95836175" hostid="261"></div>Alternatively, if you share a clothing size with any of your friends, you could organize a festive sweater exchange which would involve you donating one of your sweaters in exchange for one already owned by your friend.<h2>Rent and reuse decorations</h2>Artificial Christmas trees are usually made from metal and plastic, making them not a very environmentally friendly choice. Not to mention, many of these trees are <a href="https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/christmas/eco-friendly-christmas-trees-real-vs-fake/#:~:text=Most%20artificial%20trees%20are%20made,racks%20up%20their%20carbon%20footprint.">made in China</a>, according to Soil Association, which means you should also consider the carbon footprint involved with shipping them to the location of your purchase.<div type="image" title="man ties up a Christmas tree at a farm in Nashua, New Hampshire" height="682" width="1024" msid="95836176" hostid="261"></div>The most sustainable option would be to buy or rent a real tree from a Christmas tree farm.When it comes to other holiday decorations, try to reuse items from previous years or create DIY decorations. And if you're at a loss on how to make your own decorations, you can find plenty of tips online on making your own wreath, advent calendar, and more.<h2>Spend and waste less on your holiday meal</h2>As BBC Good Food recommends, <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/green-christmas">using public transportation</a> to get to your local grocery store is a great way to shop for your holiday meal sustainably. If you order food online, try to get everything from one store so that multiple vehicles aren't dispatched to your home.When it comes to the meal itself, try to cut down on food waste (and expenses) by asking your guests to RSVP so that you know in advance roughly how much food you need.Nonetheless, it's only natural that there may still be some leftovers after large meals, so plan what you could <a href="https://www.insider.com/easy-pasta-dishes-make-with-thanksgiving-leftovers-2020-11">turn them into</a>, and use your freezer if you have one.

5 eco-friendly ways to make more of the holidays with less

<ul class="summary-list"><li>When I was pregnant with my first child, I looked for <keyword id="14188039" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sustainable" source="Orion">sustainable</keyword> baby brands.</li><li>When I couldn't find any, I decided to create my own. </li></ul>I was shopping for children's clothes while I was pregnant with my first child when I noticed the lack of <a href="https://www.insider.com/sustainable-kid-products-diapers-toys-playsets-hand-me-downs-2022-3">sustainable</a> clothing brands that existed for children. It was 2018 and numerous brands were starting to use organic cotton, a good start towards <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/style/easy-sustainable-wardrobe-brands">sustainability</a>, but not the complete answer to it. There was a gap in the market for a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/gifts/eco-friendly-alternatives-for-everyday-products">sustainable</a> kids' clothing line, that not only put the environment first but also used materials that were destined for landfill. <a href="https://moncoeur.com/">Mon Coeur</a> — French for my heart — was created to address this need and to give a second life to materials that were discarded. <h2>I grew up traveling a lot</h2>My childhood began in the South of France in a small town called Mougins located between the mountain and the Mediterranean Sea. I always appreciated the sounds and sights of nature; it was inspiring and the perfect contrast to the hours I spent in a studio practicing ballet until I moved back to New York City at the age of 18.From studying in Washington DC to moving between Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong, and back to New York, I was furthering my education in business and hospitality, and I hadn't realized how much of the world I had seen.I saw first-hand the beauties that nature has to offer of untouched lands and the disastrous impact that global warming was having on crowded cities. When it came to launching Mon Coeur, I pulled inspiration and knowledge from my experiences and made it my mission to create a holistic, traceable source of children's fashion for the modern, environmentally friendly, and stylish child.<h2>I wanted to keep materials out of landfills</h2>When I launched the brand I approached it similar to my education. I spent three years researching the technology and how to turn existing materials from landfills into clothing.Through my research, I discovered that we could transform plastic bottles into polyester used in outerwear and raincoats — by melting PET bottles that create filaments — or use cotton scraps destined to landfill and use them in our yarn to avoid the usage and creation of any virgin fabrics.I was fascinated to discover every day that I could use anything already being made and give it a second life.We also want to venture into new territories and push to find new sustainable materials that we can make clothing from. For the first time ever, we released swimsuits made from recycled fishing nets.While designing our spring and summer collection, I watched this documentary on sea animals being trapped by fishing nets at the bottom of the oceans. Afterward, I looked into how we can find a way to get those finishing nets out of the ocean and give them a purpose. The future of sustainability and our planet is in the hands of younger generations and they are making more conscious choices when it comes to their buying decisions. It's important that beyond sustainable practices we continue to educate on why it's important to preserve mother earth but also to provide a sense of community — we are in this together.Since launching Mon Coeur, I have learned so much, my family has grown with the birth of my daughter and most importantly I have realized parents want better options for themselves and their kids, and that fills my heart.

I created the sustainable clothing brand for kids I couldn't find when I was pregnant. We make clothes from old fishing nets and deadstock fabric.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>My kids know more about the environment than I did at their age. </li><li>When they see littering, their first reaction is to pick up what can be recycled. </li></ul>Captain Planet taught me to save the Earth in the 1990s, but it turns out his advice was pretty worthless. As a kid, I was taught that recycling — just <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/home/plastic-recycling-numbers">recycling</a> — would protect the planet. Sure, I learned all three R's: Reduce, <a href="https://www.insider.com/creative-uses-for-things-normally-thrown-out-2020-5">reuse</a>, recycle; but my only job was recycling. Luckily, Gen A is getting a better perspective, and my 3 and 7-year-old kids are pulling me into the new world of environmental protection. <h2>My kids know way more than I did at their age</h2>When my daughter was in preschool, we played a clean-up game on the iPad together. We looked at an object and sorted it into the correct bin: trash, recycle, reuse, compost. I was surprised to see the word "compost," which was not in my '90s vocabulary, but any adult can figure out a preschool game, right? When a milk carton popped up on the screen, I told her "Recycle it!" She dragged the carton to the recycling bin. "Wrong!" The game said, "save it for a craft." At that moment, I knew a lot had changed, and rightly so. The mindset of "do your part, recycling is smart," misleads us into believing that recycling alone is enough. In reality, <a href="https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/">more than 90% of recycling ends up in landfills</a>, rather than being converted to new material. Now in second grade, my daughter has learned modern <keyword id="6369764" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="eco-friendly" source="Orion">eco-friendly</keyword> practices from school, television, games, and songs. She'd like to reuse every bottle, can, and carton for crafts. Wanting to encourage her, I picked up a book on <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFun-Easy-Crafting-Recycled-Materials%2Fdp%2F1624149081%2Fref%3Dasc_df_1624149081%2F%3Ftag%3Dhyprod-20%26linkCode%3Ddf0%26hvadid%3D385629070973%26hvpos%3D%26hvnetw%3Dg%26hvrand%3D14863106996667116162%26hvpone%3D%26hvptwo%3D%26hvqmt%3D%26hvdev%3Dc%26hvdvcmdl%3D%26hvlocint%3D%26hvlocphy%3D9005117%26hvtargid%3Dpla-850020708675%26psc%3D1%26tag%3D%26ref%3D%26adgrpid%3D78303887906%26hvpone%3D%26hvptwo%3D%26hvadid%3D385629070973%26hvpos%3D%26hvnetw%3Dg%26hvrand%3D14863106996667116162%26hvqmt%3D%26hvdev%3Dc%26hvdvcmdl%3D%26hvlocint%3D%26hvlocphy%3D9005117%26hvtargid%3Dpla-850020708675">crafting with recycled materials</a>. We don't save everything, but she tipped us in the right direction. <h2>Kids need to be kids</h2>While environmental education and media help, letting kids be kids may be equally as effective.<a href="https://dimensionsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/helpingchildrenlovetheearth.pdf">Kids naturally care about the environment</a>, but indoor lifestyles and parental fears damage that trait. Most American children play outside for only four to seven minutes per day. <a href="https://www.childinthecity.org/2019/02/28/study-finds-childrens-screen-time-has-replaced-outdoor-play/">Researchers found</a> that the spread of television and video games aligns with the decline in outdoor time. Also, today's <a href="https://letgrow.org/todays-children-dont-get-to-play-outside-unsupervised-until-they-are-two-years-older-than-their-parents-were/">parents worry more about unsupervised play</a> than previous generations, so letting kids stay inside on screens feels safe. At 3 years old, my son's natural connection to the earth is still strong.One day while walking to the library, he pointed to a soda bottle on the ground. "Mom, why did someone leave their bottle?" he said, bending to pick it up. "We need to recycle it.""Wait!" I yelled as my inner germaphobe took over. I didn't want him to touch a dirty bottle. I made up an excuse and rushed him away from the trash.That moment bugged me for weeks. I knew I handled it incorrectly, so I decided to ditch my excuses. I stocked up on biodegradable gloves and hand sanitizer. I put the gear in my car so we can clean at the playground or wherever inspiration strikes. My kids make it fun by trying to win the fullest bag, most interesting find, etc. As we spent more time outside, we discovered more eco-friendly crafts and games. Now, we feed the birds and plant a vegetable garden every year. We're using the world around us as our palette and less store-bought material. I've found my kids have more fun using their imagination instead of toys anyway. Honestly, I'm still not a shining star of sustainability, but I'm trying harder and letting go of excuses. Now, thanks to my kids, we craft with cartons, dig in the dirt, and most importantly, clean up a bottle from the sidewalk.

My kids were more eco-friendly than me. They pushed me to go green.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Going green should be a status symbol, according to a <a href="https://report.ipcc.ch/ar6wg3/pdf/IPCC_AR6_WGIII_FinalDraft_FullReport.pdf">new report on climate change</a>.</li><li>From rented fashion to the Hydro Flask, <keyword id="6369764" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="eco-friendly" source="Orion">eco-friendly</keyword> choices have already been on the rise.</li></ul>The United Nations wants you to make an eco-friendly lifestyle a status symbol. That means working from home more, driving less, and adopting a vegetarian diet, <a href="https://report.ipcc.ch/ar6wg3/pdf/IPCC_AR6_WGIII_FinalDraft_FullReport.pdf">according to a new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a>. It found that these lifestyle changes could help reduce emissions by up to 70% by 2050. Such eco-friendly credentials have been redefining how people flaunt their status. To implement these changes, the report encourages shifting conversation away from the opposite of these behaviors to break the status quo. For example, instead of emphasizing driving a car as a status symbol, we should be emphasizing the merits of public transport. As <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-toshow-off-your-green-credentials-503zx3d2d">Lucy Siegle points out for The Times</a>, "green <keyword id="3351348" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="status-symbols" source="Orion">status symbols</keyword> are already a thing." She cites ample evidence, from the rise of rented fashion to celebrities driving electric cars, to this year's Oscar goody bags reportedly including "natural capital," a plot of land in a Scotland conservation area. <a href="https://fashionista.com/2019/12/sustainable-fashion-influencers-instagram">Sustainable fashion influencing</a> has evolved from touting sustainable clothing brands to completely rejecting the free clothes PR companies give out because they still encourage consumption. Luxury apartment increasingly offer <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/luxury-apartments-outrageous-amenities-restaurant-spa-bar-residents-only-2018-11">eco-friendly amenities</a>, and the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2020-02-23/hydro-flask-water-bottle-why-is-it-special">rise of the Hydro Flask-</a>as-accessory has also been a way to flaunt your responsible water drinking habits. The shift to eco-consciousness mirrors the evolution of status symbols, in which showing off wealth is no longer the way to signify having wealth. The top 1% have been spending less on material goods since 2007, according to Elizabeth Currid-Halkett in her book "<a href="https://elizabethcurridhalkett.com/books/">The Sum of Small Things: A Theory of an Aspirational Class</a>." Instead, she wrote, they're turning to "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/discreet-wealth-new-status-symbol-rich-people-2018-11">inconspicuous consumption</a>," investing in intangible things such as that "signal their cultural capital" to each other. "This new elite cements its status through prizing knowledge and building cultural capital, not to mention the spending habits that go with it," Currid-Halkett wrote, adding, "Eschewing an overt materialism, the rich are investing significantly more in education, retirement, and health." Investing in the future of the world is yet another immaterial means that implies to your fellow elites that you're smart enough to recognize the impact of <keyword id="6361617" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="climate-change" source="Orion">climate change</keyword>, care enough to do something about it, and have the means to do so. While some measures recommended by the UN report — like taking public transport — are relatively inexpensive, the ability to work from home is limited to knowledge workers and buying plant-based foods is heavier on the wallet. Considering that some eco shifts still involve material goods like buying a Tesla or makeup in recycled packaging, going green isn't always an inconspicuous choice. But Siegle writes, "this is not traditional conspicuous consumption — a display of wealth — but more about conscious consumption." The hope is that the more people who make an eco-friendly lifestyle a conscious status symbol, the more people will want to have the same cachet and the world will benefit from the collective change. The catch is that since status symbols are typically reserved for the elite or aspiring elite, some eco choices need to become more accessible to cohorts without means.

The latest status symbol is showing off your eco-friendly lifestyle

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Laura Davies and David Buchanan live in an <keyword id="1697562" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="earthship">Earthship</keyword> in Almeria, Spain. Their <keyword id="6363870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home">home</keyword> is autonomous, meaning that they rely on energy from the sun and water from rain. </li><li>The couple started building the Earthship in 2007. Over a decade later, they are still working on home improvements. </li><li>The building features many of the traditional Earthship elements, like south-facing windows and planters, but the couple has also added their own elements, like a geodesic dome.</li></ul>Laura Davies and David Buchanan celebrated their 50th birthday by moving into a new home.It wasn't a house with state-of-the-art appliances or the latest technology. It was a home, in essence, made from trash.The couple spent seven years designing and building an <a href="http://www.earthship.es/">Earthship</a>, which is a house built from upcycled materials, like tires, bottles, cans, and doors. "Sometimes I'll wake up, and I'll say to Dave, 'Did we really build this?'" Davies told Insider. "There is a real sense of achievement, not in a sort of bragging way, but more the wonder that you can actually do it."The couple moved to Spain in 2002 for a change of pace. They initially purchased a Cortijo home, which is a traditional Spanish home, to renovate. After living there for a few years, the couple decided they wanted a home that was a little more remote.When searching for where to move next, Davies and Buchanan focused on two things: low costs and a smaller environmental footprint.They came across Michael Reynold's <a href="https://www.earthshipglobal.com/">Earthship</a> concept, which seemed to accomplish both."Firstly, they're just so beautiful, so handmade. And the concept was really good. I just thought, 'Wow, we could actually build this ourselves,'" Davies said.<h2>Michael Reynolds built the first Earthship in the 1970s in a response to the growing awareness around trash and clear-cutting forests</h2>"There was an observation that the way we live on this planet is not really that stable and that secure, not to mention that ecological," Reynolds told Insider in a <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-its-like-living-in-earthship-off-grid-sustainable-home-2020-5">previous interview</a>. "I observed those things and started trying to build a building that addressed them."Reynolds designed a home that encompassed what he believes are the six functions humans need to survive: food, energy, clean water, shelter, garbage management, and sewage treatment. An Earthship is designed to be autonomous and off-grid, which means it captures its own electricity and water, and it grows its own food.Earthships rely on passive solar to heat the building. South-facing windows are angled to collect sunlight to warm the inside of the home. This makes Earthships more successful in certain climates with arid, sunny environments, like New Mexico, and fortunately, southern Spain, where Buchanan and Davies live. <h2>The couple decided to adopt Reynolds' <keyword id="6373314" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Design">design</keyword> for a home on their 50 acres in Almeria, Spain</h2>Originally, they had planned to test-build a one-bedroom home. After that, the plan was to build a larger Earthship as the main home and the first structure would act as a guest home.Thirteen years later and more planning, work, and time than they could have imagined, the intended guest home is now their permanent residence."I just think it's brilliant," she said. "When we first came to Spain, we never dreamed we'd do anything like this."<div type="image" title="entrance_plants2 (1)" height="800" width="1067" msid="76145143" hostid="261"></div><h2>The couple spent seven years building the home before they moved in</h2>The couple started building their 860-square-foot home in 2007. With help from friends and volunteers, the couple would spend one day each week building their Earthship. The couple told Insider they had no goal time to complete the project.And throughout the build they were met with multiple setbacks: Buchanan had a handsaw accident, hot Spanish summers prevented them from working, and the planning process took time to get approval. <div type="image" title="dining_area" height="1152" width="911" msid="76145146" hostid="261"></div>The couple worked with the local planning department and local architects to get approval to build the unconventional home. In Spain, a vast majority of homes are built from concrete. But it wasn't the tires or cans that made the local planning department pause, it was the wood. "It took us seven years to build it, and it took us seven years to wade through the planning process," Davies said.In 2014, the Earthship was finally livable. Davies and Buchanan moved in and continued to build. "Six years later, and we still haven't finished it," Davies said. "We've had so many other things going on."So the home remains a work-in-progress. "The building will stop," Buchanan told Insider. "Not because it's finished, but because it's not that important to finish."<div type="image" title="earthship bedroom" height="2912" width="4368" msid="76145149" hostid="261"></div><h2>The geodesic dome is the home's iconic <keyword id="6399502" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="feature">feature</keyword> </h2>Sitting atop their home is a bright white dome. The couple modeled the design after the Moorish domes, which are popular throughout the southern region in Spain.While the domes are typically smooth, the couple added a modern take with skylights. Buchanan and Davies described the dome as the most challenging part of the build, as it took two years to finish. But it was worth it, the couple said. The Earthship also features an open kitchen and living room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and a utility room. Davies and Buchanan use solar panels to power the home and collect rainwater."We catch all our own water, so everything that we use for us and our animals and the garden is all caught on the roof of the Earthship," Davies said. <div type="image" title="exterior_dome_blossom" height="839" width="1118" msid="76145153" hostid="261"></div>Davies' favorite part is the temperature. The south-facing windows are designed to trap heat in the winter, and the home always hovers around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. So when it's in the 30 degrees outside, it's warm inside without a heating bill."The first winter we were here, it was snow outside, minus 3 degrees Celsius, and it worked," Buchanan said."To be in a comfortable 17 degrees without any heating, that was just absolutely wonderful."The couple has the traditional Earthship planters built along the glass-side of their home. While they're currently not filled with anything, Davies said she plans to grow herbs and other ornamental plants."It's just a beautiful place to live," Davies said.Outside of the home, the couple has also built a few other buildings on the property. Two sheds, animal shelters, and a few other projects have been constructed over the years. <div type="image" title="earthship orch entrace" height="856" width="1141" msid="76145155" hostid="261"></div><h2>Materials for the home were collected from the garbage </h2>Aluminum cans, bottles, and tires all played an important role in the construction of the home. Davies estimates that the 860-square-foot home used over 300 compacted tires. Bottles were used to create the structure and design for the Earthship. Buchanan described weekly trips to automobile stores in search of old tires. The couple was constantly on the hunt for items sitting outside of bins, like old doors, which now line their porch. <div type="image" title="thumping_tyres" height="1145" width="861" msid="76145158" hostid="261"></div>These materials also helped the couple save money. Although they haven't tallied the cost of the home, they estimate that a builder could create their living room and kitchen area (about 375 square feet) with around $12,000.The materials might not cost much compared to a traditional home, but it takes a lot of effort and construction, which is why some Earthships can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. <div type="image" title="geodesic_interior_cat" height="1144" width="856" msid="76145160" hostid="261"></div><h2>While the couple loves their home, it does present some challenges</h2>The couple is met with unique challenges in the concrete-flooded town. They've struggled with critters, including termites and woodworms."It's what most homeowners have to deal with," Davies said. However, Buchanan and Davies have no regrets in their style of living. "The main thing is that you can build them yourself," Davies said. "Obviously it takes time and work, but I find that so exciting and so liberating."<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-its-like-living-in-earthship-off-grid-sustainable-home-2020-5">What life is like for people living in off-grid, sustainable homes called Earthships — and why lockdowns have created a wave of interest in the lifestyle</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/friends-stay-in-instagram-villa-hideout-bali-lockdown-2020-5">A group of friends escaped to one of Bali's most sought-after villas right before the island went on lockdown</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/man-traveling-every-country-without-flying-torbjorn-pedersen-2020-4">A man is 9 places away from visiting every country without stepping on a plane, but now he's stuck in Hong Kong with no end in sight</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/family-quarantining-tree-house-village-dominican-republic-2020-4">What life is like for a family quarantining in an empty treehouse village that usually accommodates 52 people</a></li></ul>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/couple-spain-earthship-home-constructed-tires-bottles-photos-2020-5">Insider</a>

A couple lives in an off-grid Earthship made out of bottles, tires, and other materials collected from the trash

<a href="https://www.insider.com/better-me-series-sustainable-lifestyle-health-travel-food-tips-and-advice-2022"></a><div type="image" title="African American woman washing face - stock photo" height="3360" width="4481" msid="94500204" hostid="261" sizebytes="239808"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>A dermatologist and cosmetic chemist weighed in on 2022 beauty trends that are both effective and good for the environment.</li><li>Some trends, like "slugging" and skin cycling, create less waste by encouraging the use of existing products.</li></ul>From sleeping in a Vaseline mask to taping your face, skincare trends in 2022 encouraged social media users to try out new methods for healthy skin.But many skincare trends that go viral on TikTok aren't effective, and might even damage your skin. The trends may also create unnecessary waste, which contributes to the <a href="https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/1/25/the-ugly-side-of-beauty-the-cosmetics-industrys-plastic-packaging-problem">7.9 billion units of rigid plastic</a> created by US beauty companies in a year.Insider spoke with <a href="http://www.zeichnerdermatology.com/">Dr. Joshua Zeichner</a>, an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, and <a href="https://rebrandskincare.com/">Aubri Thompson</a>, a cosmetic chemist and sustainable beauty expert, to understand which TikTok beauty trends are both good for your skin and the environment.<h2>Slugging: Dermatologist-approved, reduces waste, but uses fossil fuels</h2>Slugging is a dermatologist-approved trend that can help use up leftover Vaseline bottles instead of creating waste.Earlier this year, "<a href="https://www.insider.com/tiktok-skincare-slugging-trend-does-it-work-dry-skin-2022-2#slugging-is-a-skincare-trend-that-exploded-on-tiktok-last-year-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">slugging</a>," or the process of applying petroleum-based products like Vaseline on the face overnight to restore moisture, went viral on TikTok. The trend may have originated in Korea as it's a popular K-beauty hack for people with very dry skin. Though an overnight Vaseline mask might feel <a href="https://www.insider.com/tiktok-skincare-slugging-trend-does-it-work-dry-skin-2022-2#putting-vaseline-on-my-face-felt-incredibly-gross-3">slimy and "gross"</a> according to Insider reporter Charissa Cheong, Zeichner said slugging can help people with dry or irritated skin get an extra boost outside of their traditional moisturizer. He does not recommend the trend for people with oily or acne-prone skin that already feels greasy.Thompson said the trend can help reduce waste by using up leftover Vaseline cases. However, this trend uses a fossil fuel-based product (petroleum). She said it would be better if users tried an eco-friendly alternative, such as the <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cocokind.com%2Fproducts%2Fone-for-all-vegan-balm">One-for-all Balm by CocoKind</a>.<h2>Pore vacuums: Bad for your skin, bad for the environment</h2>"<a href="https://www.insider.com/worst-skincare-hacks-on-tiktok-according-to-a-dermatologist-2021-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pore vacuums</a>" are devices that suck oil and dirt out of the skin that some social media users say help with "<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@huangaesthetics/video/7110690709715389739?is_from_webapp=v1&amp;item_id=7110690709715389739&amp;lang=en">deep-cleaning</a>" the skin. But dermatologists don't recommend the device. Zeichner said pore vacuums won't prevent acne, and too much force can cause skin damage, especially for people using topical retinoids. Not only ineffective, pore vacuums also aren't eco-friendly. Thompson said the device encourages users to purchase a new product, thus creating waste in the environment. And since pore vacuums are electronic, their e-waste contaminates the earth with toxic substances like lead, mercury, and arsenic.<h2>Hydrocolloid bandages: Not the best skincare or eco-friendly option, despite using plant-based materials</h2><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/beauty/hydrocolloid-bandaids-pimple-patches">Hydrocolloid bandages</a>, or pimple patches, create a protective barrier around pimples to reduce bacterial contamination and prevent scratching. The patches also create a moist environment to promote healing and suck up fluid, Insider's Mara Leighton reported.Though Zeichner said the patches can stop people from picking at their pimples, they don't prevent or treat acne the same way dermatologist-prescribed products do. Thompson said hydrocolloid is derived from plant materials, meaning its biodegradable, but the bandage itself may not be compostable. She said to push companies that make pimple patches to do so in a sustainable way.<h2>Skin cycling: Dermatologist-approved and eco-friendly</h2>Dermatologist <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drwhitneybowe/?hl=en">Whitney Bowe</a> went viral on social media for her four-night skincare she calls <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/skin-cycling_l_631225cde4b09e34c394cc07" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skin cycling</a>. Bowe suggests using a chemical exfoliation the first night, a retinoid the next night, and allowing for two days of recovery before repeating.Zeichner said Bowe's method is great for sensitive skins that can't tolerate daily use of retinol or exfoliating agents. "Spacing out their use and introducing moisturizers on recovery nights can help maintain your skin barrier," he added.Like with Vaseline, skin cycling is eco-friendly because it encourages the use of existing products rather than purchasing new ones, Thompson said.<h2>Face-taping: Not an effective or eco-friendly option</h2><a href="https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/skin-care/face-taping-for-wrinkles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Face taping</a>, or applying tape (without stretching the skin) to areas where wrinkles might form, might encourage using up existing products, but non-biodegradable products will create plastic waste.Plus, the trend won't work and can actually cause irritation from the adhesive against the skin, Zeichner said.<h2>Calamine lotion: An ineffective acne treatment, but could reduce waste</h2>Calamine lotion, like pimple patches, won't treat existing pimples. They reduce waste if you already have it on hand, but Zeichner and Thompson both recommend turning to other acne-treating methods.Zeichner recommends using benzoyl peroxide, which lowers the level of acne-causing bacteria around the zit and reduces inflammation. "Plus the formula contains a blend of naturals that address the needs of the skin, including ingredients like linoleic acid to support the skin barrier," he added.<h2 style="text-align: left;">Better Me tips for sustainable living</h2>Slide through the following cards to read more expert advice on sustainable living. Then check out the rest of the stories from Insider's <a href="https://www.insider.com/better-me-series-sustainable-lifestyle-health-travel-food-tips-and-advice-2022">Better Me</a> series.

A dermatologist weighs in on the biggest TikTok skincare trends — and which ones are actually safe, effective, and eco-friendly

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12048088" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ralph-lauren" source="Orion">Ralph Lauren</keyword> said its NY flagship stores is getting color-dye technology that could let customers dye their own clothes by next year.</li><li>The project was initially developed to improve the iconic <keyword id="11899424" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="apparel" source="Orion">apparel</keyword> company's environmental footprint in the <keyword id="6362048" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="manufacturing" source="Orion">manufacturing</keyword> process.</li></ul>Ralph Lauren is putting part of its production process in the hands of customers, as businesses look to the experiential <keyword id="11893588" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="retail" source="Orion">retail</keyword> model to draw customers back to stores. The fashion company, known for its iconic polos, revealed its flagship stores will be equipped with new textile-coloring technology that could potentially let shoppers dye shirts in-store as early as next year, a partner with Ralph Lauren on the technology told CNBC.The details of the in-store dyeing process, which are still largely unknown and under development, would allow let a customer take one of Ralph Lauren's blank-slate cotton tees or polos, choose a color, and have its <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/ralph-lauren-establishes-zero-wastewater-cotton-dyeing-system-1030232018">Color on Demand</a> technology dye the product in-store right before purchase.Giving the consumer some creative agency in the the production process "has always been a powerful thing," Simeon Siegel, retail analyst at BMO Capital Markets, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/31/future-of-ralph-lauren-and-retail-may-be-coloring-clothes-in-store.html">told CNBC</a>. "Bringing the consumer into the story has always been a winning proposition."As the consumer economy re-emerges from the coronavirus pandemic, retailers will have to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retailers-physical-locaiton-outlook-predictions-post-pandemic-2021-4">balance e-commerce with their brick-and-mortar models</a>, which may mean moving toward converting larger stores into "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sc/how-brands-are-using-technology-to-amplify-the-customer-experience-2021-10">experiential retail</a>," leaning on customization and rapid production. Ralph Lauren previously allowed customers to take part in the production experience, customizing colors for its iconic horse-patch to be sewn onto clothes purchased online."The store will become more experiential each and every day," Siegel added. "The trick is how to capitalize on it to sell more things."Earlier this year, Ralph Lauren said it partnered with several materials, textile, and chemical companies, including Dow, to develop a more <keyword id="6369764" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="eco-friendly" source="Orion">eco-friendly</keyword> production process that relies on less water, energy use, and harmful chemicals. The companies announced a new system in March called "Color on Demand," including a new textile treatment called ECOFAST Pure, which uses up to <a href="https://www.wri.org/insights/apparel-industrys-environmental-impact-6-graphics">40% less water, 85% fewer chemicals, and 90% less energy than traditional dyeing processes</a>. "Ralph Lauren obviously is a big user of cotton and to dye textiles, it takes a lot of chemicals and a lot of water and you generate a lot of waste and mainly you do that because you're trying to use heat and pressure to put that dye into the fabric," CEO of chemicals company Dow, Jim Fitterling, said at a CNBC summit for corporate sustainability and environmentalism.The new color dye system could help Ralph Lauren better plan amid <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-some-retailers-win-and-lose-amid-supply-chain-chaos-2021-10">supply constraints</a> that many retailers continue to face, allowing them to "better balance inventory" and more efficiently anticipate demand for their products without having to worry about ordering details, like color.Ralph Lauren <a href="https://investor.ralphlauren.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ralph-lauren-revolutionizes-how-fashion-industry-dyes-cotton">said in a press release</a> that it is aiming to use Color on Demand in more than 80% of the company's solid color cotton products by 2025. The company also announced earlier this month it would open-source the dyeing process for the textile industry.

Ralph Lauren could let people dye their own polos next year to attract new customers

<ul class="summary-list"><li>When it comes to holiday shopping, it's always good to think responsibly.</li><li>From vouchers to homemade hampers and Lego flowers, sustainable gift options are unlimited. </li><li>Business Insider has rounded up the best gift ideas that won't hurt the planet this festive season.</li></ul>Shopping for holiday gifts can be stressful, especially if you're trying to be environmentally responsible with your choices.But it doesn't have to be. Whether you're looking for a Secret Santa exchange or something special for a loved one, there are plenty of presents that won't hurt the planet. Here are some of Business Insider's favorite sustainable gift ideas.<h2>Gift cards</h2>Some family members can be more <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/easy-trick-buying-gifts-hard-to-shop-for-people-2023">difficult to shop for</a>, either because they aren't materialistic or perhaps they're very particular.That's where gift cards can come in handy, and it's even better if you can find one for a sustainable experience rather than a product. Many websites including Virgin Experiences offer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginexperiencegifts.com/search/index?q=eco%20experience&amp;region=1">sustainable experience</a> gifts, such as eco sailing tours or sustainable <a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginexperiencegifts.com/california/san-francisco/sonoma-wine-and-distillery-tour-with-lunch">wine tours</a>.If you want to DIY it, consider making your own gift card for a homemade three-course meal using locally and responsibly sourced ingredients.<h2>Thrift store finds</h2>My partner and I have a shopping tradition that we follow every time we visit somewhere new. We usually go to a local market, set a budget, and go our separate ways in a bid to surprise one another with a gift or souvenir.<div type="image" title="A woman is photographed wrapping gifts" height="1313" width="2000" msid="105790192" hostid="261" sizebytes="155148"></div>This is something you could easily adapt for a more sustainable approach. Instead of buying your partner or BFF a brand new gift, take them to your local thrift store or an eco-friendly market and buy one another a present using a shared budget. You can't go wrong with a second-hand scarf, a wooly hat, a book, or a board game.<h2>Ethical flowers</h2>It's tempting to send flowers to loved ones over the holidays, especially if you can't be there in person to celebrate with them.But consider choosing a florist that is carbon neutral, such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flowerbx.com/us/">Flowerbx</a>, or opt for a company that forgoes or reduces plastic packaging.Alternatively, if you want to change things up, you could gift a bouquet of <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=1ecb1f0557e92bc799c018b6b1fbb36e45480978860bda463b1c8041c8a4f892&amp;postID=6560b4611b08829c5b34ba98&amp;postSlug=sustainable-holiday-gift-ideas-friends-family-2023-12&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lego.com%2Fen-us%2Fproduct%2Flotus-flowers-40647">Lego flowers</a>. The company is committed to using <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=05d7e559bd926afb14e4e7bff9380634a20552345395c20aba779c87788eeab3&amp;postID=6560b4611b08829c5b34ba98&amp;postSlug=sustainable-holiday-gift-ideas-friends-family-2023-12&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lego.com%2Fen-us%2Fsustainability%2Fenvironment%2Frenewable-materials">renewable materials</a>, and in 2018 it began making floral- and plant-themed Lego products using bio-polyethylene, a plant-based plastic made from ethically-sourced Brazilian sugarcane.The sugarcane is recognized by the <a target="_blank" href="https://bonsucro.com/chain-custody-standard/">Bonsucro Chain of Custody Standard</a> for responsible sourcing and trading, the Lego website states.<h2>Homemade gift basket</h2>Holiday baskets are a classic gift, especially during the festive season. But have you thought about creating a hamper filled with homemade gifts rather than store-bought products?If you're crafty, you could make some gifts from scratch using sustainability blogs for inspiration. For example, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/face-scrub/">Going Zero Waste</a> suggests making a homemade body scrub using natural ingredients such as sugar, unrefined raw honey, lemon, and almond oil.You could also include some baked goods, such as homemade Christmas cookies, or you could make your own chocolate treats using a mold. Make sure to wrap the goods in recycled paper or a reusable container.

The 4 best sustainable gifts to give your friends and family over the holidays

<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/better-me"></a><div type="image" title="Sustainable stylist Alyssa Beltempo wears a polka dot blouse and jeans in front of an open closet" height="2395" width="3600" msid="94184922" hostid="261"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Wardrobe stylist Alyssa Beltempo advocates for slowing down clothing consumption.</li><li>She told Insider that "shopping your closet" can lead to more confidence and creativity.</li></ul>Alyssa Beltempo loves clothes. The 37-year-old Ottawa native left her job in finance to work in fashion eight years ago, and she hasn't turned back since.But when Beltempo wants to purchase a new piece, she doesn't immediately drive to her local mall or browse virtually. First, she heads over to her closet to shop.Two years into her career as a freelance wardrobe stylist and luxury boutique manager, she was asked to do a presentation on "shopping your closet" — which means wearing clothes you own before purchasing new items — and something shifted."I realized, wait a minute. This is what I do. I shop my closet now. My consumption has reduced. It was through that presentation that I did a bit of research," she told Insider.For the last six years, Beltempo has worked as a sustainable fashion stylist and "slow fashion" expert. She hosts interactive live events where viewers watch her tour a guest's wardrobe and create new looks. She also offers one-on-one virtual styling and promises clients that she'll "change the way you see your closet" <a href="https://msbeltempo.com/virtual-styling-page/">on her website</a>. When she's not working with clients, she's posting <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/AlyssaBeltempo">YouTube videos</a> about fashion tips she learned while traveling.Beltempo spoke to Insider about her journey to becoming a stylist, the challenges she faces, and how to build a sustainable wardrobe without breaking the bank.What inspired you to become a fashion stylist? I was working at [a] boutique, and we had a lot of one-on-one interactions with clients, and I realized that people aren't always satisfied with what they have. I don't know, it appealed to me at the time dressing other people. I think the psychology too around why people dress the way they do and that kind of thing really interested me.When in your career did you decide that you had an interest in sustainable fashion?It was probably after I had been working as the style director for a local shopping center. I was doing individual styling and I noticed there was an inverse relationship between the size of people's closets and their actual satisfaction with their own personal style and their clothes. At the same time in my life, we made some lifestyle changes and I had to really reevaluate what was coming into my own closet in terms of just space that I had and also financial income, because I had left my finance job.Then that's when I realized the narrative around slow fashion and sustainability put a lot of guilt onto the consumer, but also there was a lot of focus on what few sustainable brands were out there. I just thought that's not really accessible to people in the plus-size community, depending on people's financial position, etc. I realized that there was a lot missing from the conversation in terms of why can't people just use what they have.<h2>Beltempo believes that wearing clothes you already own helps boost your confidence and creativity</h2><div type="image" title="Alyssa Beltempo sits and drinks coffee in a blue shirt and jeans" height="2395" width="3600" msid="94184924" hostid="261"></div>What challenges do you face when you try to style someone sustainably? I can't imagine it's always easy.The biggest challenge is to reframe the question from being, "Where do I shop sustainably?" to "How do I shop? How do I change my shopping behavior and how do I shop less?" I think getting over that mindset hump is probably the biggest challenge. The mindset shift is tough. It's not our fault. It's literally all the messaging that we receive and the way our world is currently designed to make us consume as our first option. On the other side of that, what do you think are the biggest benefits of hiring a sustainable stylist besides the way it helps the environment? The other benefits are that people seem so much more confident in their personal style because as soon as you start using your closet and your own creativity as your jumping-off point, you just gain more confidence and develop a better understanding of who you are. You become more confident in your ability to put things together that you already have. It's almost like an assertion of your own self-expression, which is pretty powerful.Fast fashion is often frowned upon by members of the sustainability community, but with the current status of the economy and inflation, a lot of people are struggling to find affordable clothes that are also good for the environment. How do you find a balance between buying cheap clothes that can be bad for the planet and paying a higher price for a more sustainable outfit?You have to do what's best for you and your financial position. Where I think the issue is the biggest is when it's people who have the means to wait and save up for a secondhand piece. Secondhand is probably the first way to go if you want something that is good quality at a lower price. People who do have the means to afford a responsibly made piece, but still choose to shop fast fashion — I think that's the biggest issue.I don't want to exclude people in the community for whom the offerings of fast fashion are just wider, like the plus-size community or people who use mobility aids. A lot of times fast fashion is what works best in terms of functionality and sizing. I really think it's about being mindful and asking yourself, "Can I wait for this piece? Can I wait for it to come onto the secondhand market? Can I wait and save to purchase it from my local boutique instead of running to the closest fast fashion chain?"<h2>Beltempo says there are ways to shop sustainably without buying from sustainable brands</h2><div type="image" title="Alyssa Beltempo walking on a sidewalk wearing jeans and a patterned jacket" height="2395" width="3600" msid="94184926" hostid="261"></div>So what qualities should a consumer look for in a brand when they are shopping to find out if the brand actually produces sustainably made clothes? What are the things that you look for in a brand?Before even looking at whether they're produced sustainably, I would look first at the volume of inventory that they are offering and the rate that they are dropping that inventory. Even if a brand is offering vegetable-dyed, recycled hemp pants, but they have hundreds of products and they're dropping these things twice, three times a week, it's a fast fashion business model. To me, your first red flag is rate and volume. Then if you dig deeper, oftentimes you can look at the product page and check to see if they're even giving you what the materials are. If all they're saying is "made out of sustainable fabric" or "made out of recycled fabric," then usually that's not really enough information. You want to see if they have a page that is dedicated to the materials. Check to see if they are disclosing where the fabric is coming from or where the fabric has been milled. Do you think an individual can make an impact on slowing down the cycle of fast fashion and overconsumption? I think, in the last couple of years, there's been a shift of people saying, "What can one person do when there's so much of an issue?" Do you believe that one person can make a difference?Absolutely. If it's not from shopping your closet or if it's not from shopping slow fashion, it's just from tweeting your favorite brand and being like, "Hey, why are your clothes still made in a place where garment workers aren't treated right?" If that's all you can do, great. There are so many ways to participate in slow fashion. Even if you tell a friend you bought something secondhand and now that friend wants to go explore their closest charity shop or whatever, then great. Especially with the virality of social media these days? Totally.For those who want to build their wardrobe, either from scratch or add a few pieces to their closet, what are your best tips for shopping sustainably? What are your best practices?Best practice is number one, look at your closet first and let it give you clues as to what you love to wear all the time. I have a little closet audit system. It's really about taking stock of, what are the silhouettes? What are the textures? What are the colors? What are the pieces that you wear the most and what are those elements?Then look at the true gaps in your closet based on your lifestyle needs. Be realistic, not your fantasy self. Combine those elements with your lifestyle needs and then build a proper wish list — don't shop without it because it really helps you feel focused. But give yourself some leeway. Part of being human is novelty and newness and all. Be kind to yourself. Go with your list, and if you can, if it's accessible to you, shop secondhand first. Best thing.This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

I asked a sustainable stylist how to build an eco-friendly wardrobe. She said the best place to shop is your own closet.

New Delhi, Dec 6 () The government is open to adopt latest technologies and eco-friendly materials for road construction to enhance economic and environment viability of projects, Union Ministry V K Singh said on Friday.
Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Singh was addressing a conference on New and Emerging Technologies in Road Construction, organised by industry body Ficci.
"Government is open to adopt and try newer and innovative technologies for road construction by various technology promoters to improve the economic and environment viability of the projects as it is necessary to cut down construction costs by employing new materials, innovative technology, and by fast tracking decision making to avoid associated cost escalation," the minister said.
The highways construction industry should develop innovative and eco-friendly materials as well as use recovered and recycled materials to develop green transport infrastructure, he said.
Singh said the infrastructure sector, particularly highways, can spur economic momentum and it is the sector which will propel the growth of the country.
The highways sector has the potential to revive growth and cited how the US survived economic depression during 1930s because it built road infrastructure, which spurred growth in steel, cement, automotive sectors and labour market.
"There is also urgent need to streamline the Detailed Project Reports (DPR) preparing process, as in most cases the project reports are delayed, ill-conceived and not based on ground realities, which is causing undue delays in project execution and one of the main reasons for cost escalations. There is an urgent need to develop a positive, transparent, corruption free working system by adopting newer technologies ...Delayed decisions are totally unacceptable as they lead to colossal loss of time," he added.
To promote green construction, NHAI will be bringing out a new document on use of waste plastic in road construction within a month, said R K Pandey, Member Projects, NHAI.
The government should have provision on use of local construction materials in the Detailed Project Reports (DPR) so that local natural resources can be used for constructing eco-friendly sustainable roads, K K Kapila Co-chairperson, FICCI Infra Committee on Transport said. NAM BAL

Govt open to adopt new tech, eco-friendly material in construction sector: Singh

<ul><li>In the last few years, we have seen many brands become more environment-friendly. There has been an increasing focus on sustainability. </li><li>Globally, brands like Diageo, Unilever Limited have started reevaluating their packaging to put the environment first. </li><li>However, so far, even limited-edition packaging from big brands this Diwali is all either plastic-based or made for one-time-use. </li><li>We speak to experts to find out if brands are making sustainability a priority in their business plans, infrastructure gap that India needs to fill in to become sustainable and when can we expect to see big Indian brands becoming 100% environment-friendly.</li></ul>For Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies and beauty brands, packaging is the final point of contact with customers. Having an unforgettable packaging design and <keyword id="10254633" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="eco-friendly-packaging">eco-friendly packaging</keyword> in today’s environment can help in communicating a disruptive image and stand out in the cluttered, competitive shelves. In the last few years, we have seen many brands become more environment-friendly and increase their focus on sustainability. Due to the lockdown and increased in-home consumption, consumers became more environmentally-conscious as they saw a higher than normal packaging in their own home trash that cannot be reused or recycled. Consumers, especially Millennials and GenZ, want companies to take sustainability and greater purpose more seriously and take action towards the betterment of our country. They are even willing to shell out more money or switch to a smaller brand. According to Capgemini’s latest research study on sustainability and changing consumer behaviour, 79% of consumers are changing their purchase preferences based on social responsibility, inclusiveness, or environmental impact. 53% of consumers and 57% in the 18-24 age group have switched to lesser known brands because they were sustainable. More than half of the consumers (52%) say that they share an emotional connection with products or organisations that they perceive as sustainable. Moreover, COVID-19 has increased consumer awareness and commitment to buying sustainably: 67% of consumers said that they will be more cautious about the scarcity of natural resources due to the COVID-19 crisis, and 65% said that they will be more mindful about the impact of their overall consumption in the “new normal”. This reinforces the need for big companies to increase their commitments towards responsible business practices and migrate to sustainable solutions to contribute to a circular economy. As a result, during the pandemic, brands like Diageo and Dettol launched limited edition eco-friendly packaging to test the waters indicating that more brands in India have started reevaluating their packaging strategy to put the environment first. HUL also brought Unilever’s ‘Love Beauty and Planet’ range of skincare products to India after observing an increasing demand for <keyword id="6955069" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sustainable-products">sustainable products</keyword>. According to media reports, companies such as Marico, Bacardi, ASICS, HUL, Nestle India, Future Consumer, Coca-Cola, Pepsi-co, Parle Agro will move to 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 helping towards a sustainable future. On the other hand, Diwali is also that time of the year when brands pour in extra money to launch limited-edition festive packaging. From Kurkure to Mondelez, all packaging from big companies is either plastic-based or one-time-use this year. So we reached out to experts to find out if companies are investing in launching eco-friendly packaging on a larger scale, what are some of the hurdles that are stopping brands from launching permanent eco-friendly packaging today and when can we expect to see India a plastic-free country. Infrastructure aid Talking about resources the country needs to inch closer towards circular economy, Arnab Ray, Creative Director, Landor said, “I think resources can be created if the mindset is there. Our thinking for plastic-free/recyclable products is normally limited to a small range of products, sometimes boutique and not something associated with mass brands. India is a large country, so it also means the Government playing a large role along with corporates. According to reports, FMCG companies are aiming to go for 100% recyclable plastic packaging by 2025 in accordance to the Government’s initiatives on plastic waste management. Also, in my view, change in perspective and innovation can be answers to creating more resources on a large scale basis. One of the largest sources of plastic waste, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles used for beverage products, are being re-purposed to make apparels, footwear, and furniture by many companies. Intelligent use of recyclable material can ensure a more sustained effort towards creating products that are good for the planet.” Radha Ghai, Creative Director &amp; Senior Partner, Alok Nanda &amp; Company, said that India has enough resources for small-scale production but not for large-scale yet. She said, “We do have the resources and lots of new materials, which are environment friendly, that are being explored but not at a large scale level yet. Plastic free/recyclable solutions are being explored at smaller scale levels especially in cities where people are becoming more aware of being sensitive to the environment and are willing to pay extra for these solutions. We have the technology to produce recyclable packaging, but again not at a large-scale level yet, as in India we don’t have the infrastructure to produce for large-scale products. Cost of materials and technology is expensive unlike China, which has been the biggest market till now. The government has to support the manufacturers big time to create these solutions.” Ashwini Deshpande, Co-founder and Director, Elephant Design pointed out that we need to take a holistic view here and look at the entire packaging process. Deshpande said, “Going plastic-free is a significant and high-impact step, but we must look at all the emerging concerns like packaging materials, printing inks, distribution logistics, consumption, and recycling. Each of these decisions impacts the planet. Going plastic-free is not the end of responsibility. Nor is believing the packaging will be recycled if we put a logo on it. Sustainability is a mindset. Any change needs to start with the intent that can then convert to policy. So, this is not about having enough resources or appropriate technology. The question is whether companies selling products in plastic packaging in India (whether MNCs or Indian) have enough genuineness to move towards replacing existing practices, processes &amp; materials with sustainable ones.” Speaking about how change will only come if clients change their mindset, Deshpande added, “If there is a strong intent, they will be able to spend resources on research, innovation, and integration to meet the objectives. If replacing materials seems like a long shot, smaller measures like reducing packaging sizes to appropriate dimensions, reducing number of inks or area of ink coverage to reduce negative impact can also prove effective first steps. Recovering solvents from ink usage, greener fuels for transporting goods, incentivizing consumers for recycling would be some of the other ways to become more sustainable.” Becoming a part of usual packaging process Designers are constantly in search of materials that provide long-term hygiene efficacy, materials or processes that do least harm to the ecology. The topic of sustainability has also become a part of boardroom conversations between agency and client. “Interestingly, this subject is becoming a large part of the many conversations we have with our existing and prospective clients. From a leading Art and Stationery brand to big FMCG clients to even our clients in the Alcohol industry, environment-friendly packaging is definitely a topic of discussion, and we constantly see opportunities collaboratively with our client partners to see where discussions can turn to reality. Globally, Landor &amp; Fitch have launched a joint initiative called The Good Squad, which is a collaborative effort of all the offices in the area of sustainability, where we research, share knowledge and also map out future prospects for all categories over and above our sharp focus on FMCG. So, in my view, the topic is no longer in the back burner but very much need of the hour. The pandemic did put the subject to the background a bit but also made us realise how important protecting the earth and its environment is for a better and more sustainable future,” said Ray. Deshpande, on the other hand, shared with us that conversation on eco-friendly packaging is still not a priority. She said, “Conversations about environment-friendly materials are increasing. Most MNCs also have sustainability experts involved in the packaging design process. But honestly, it is far from becoming a priority. Marketers, designers, print converters, logistics partners, retailers, consumers, and recycling agencies must come together to form the policy and develop practices to reach the common goals. It is a challenge now because all these stakeholders are not on the same platform yet. But I see that as the only way forward.” While clients do consider environmental-friendly options, they are still not willing to loosen their purse strings. Ghai said, “When we do get packaging briefs and when we start giving packaging solutions eco-friendly options are appreciated for sure. The environmental concern is there for sure but costs become a big hurdle for clients to produce materials that are eco friendly. Hence, limited edition products do get launched for a small set of audience, but for a larger scale demand the clients are forced to continue with more cost effective options.” Can India become a 100% eco-friendly country anytime soon? According to Bain &amp; Company, 65% of global consumers are ready to shell out more for brands which use sustainable products and nine in every ten customers are also ready to switch to eco-friendly brands if price and quality were equal. While consumers are willing to shell out more money for eco-friendly products, the audience is still very small and sustainable market is still at its nascent stage in India. Speaking about some of the hurdles that are stopping India from becoming eco-friendly at a larger scale, Ghai said, “Unfortunately, there’s still a large audience that doesn’t really pay much attention to these issues. Sensitivity to the environment is there but still not very active in their head. General perception is that if it is plastic free it will not be durable or if it's organic it must be expensive. Also, other products are readily available at shops nearby or at a supermarket, so ease of picking up takes preference over specially going to a shop or to look out for eco friendly products online. Though a few brands are moving towards recyclable materials that are still not 100% eco friendly, it is going to take time.” Ray thinks it is challenging but possible. He said, “India is a large country, hence the sheer volume of products can make moving to a 100% environment-friendly market a daunting task, but not really an impossible one. Unilever, globally has reduced one-third of its packaging waste. If the government and the big companies work hand-in-glove to mobilise and fast-track the initiative, then change is certainly possible. Consumers are becoming more and more aware of the problem and are switching to eco-friendly alternatives. But again, these numbers are small, so it becomes imperative for the large companies along with the government, to raise awareness and help sustainable living become more achievable and a reality.” Deshpande opines it is a far-fetched idea but right support from the government and brands can make it happen. “While 100% is too idealistic, it will happen sooner than we all imagine if the government proactively makes it mandatory. On their own, very few Indian brands would take the steps. Also, why should the consumers bear the costs alone? The onus is also on the corporates. They cannot hope to maintain their bottom-line and recover the entire expense of saving the planet out of their consumers,” said she.

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