What is conscious consumerism? Why is it important?
Carbon emissions have increased by 40% since the mid-1800s and human activities are continuing to trigger the rise.
CO2 makes up around two-thirds of all GHGs in the atmosphere and the combustion of fossil fuels is the primary source. Fuel combustion is hazardous in several ways, as it produces, along with carbon dioxide, other air pollutants that are fatally damaging to human health.
While GHGs are produced naturally, anthropogenic impacts have had a significant role in further triggering toxic emissions. It is critical to recognize that the surge in carbon dioxide levels as a result of human activity and energy usage has become the primary cause of global warming with consequences all over the world.
Given that greenhouse gases are directly related to the global average temperature, any rise in CO2 levels spikes the level of global warming. According to UNEP, if carbon emissions keep rising at their present trajectory, the global warming trend would exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius cap, causing massive havoc on the entire planet— disrupting impacts on the global climate, sea levels, health, agricultural production, water supply, and all biodiversity.
The instinctive nexus connecting global warming, carbon dioxide emissions, and the circular market is fairly simple— conducting industrial transition with a regenerative approach, ie. circular economy. We can relieve the environmental burden and impede the emissions-intensive productions with a shorter lifespan and their subsequent effects by proficiently making higher-quality goods, using them for longer, and fortifying vital resources within the industrial operations. Circular economy initiatives can reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 39%, keep the globe well below a 2°C threshold, and boost the fraction from 8.6% to 17% for reused resources. Dramatic lowering of greenhouse gas emissions could also save up to 3 million premature deaths each year by 2100, and 300,000 to 700,000 premature deaths annually by 2030.
There is no doubt that the chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere has changed— half of the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations has happened since 1980, methane levels have grown 2.5 times after the dawn of the Industrial Age, and the last twenty years has paved the way for a 10% increase in annual greenhouse gas emissions. And human transactions are responsible for nearly all of the rise, according to climate.nasa.gov.
Importance Of Conscious Consumerism— Make A Difference With Your Purchasing Power
The proximity of climate change is occurring fast. It is past time to begin making efforts to protect our world from climate change, acknowledging the crucial significance of lowering our carbon footprint and toxic emissions.
Conscious consumerism is dedicating oneself to learn about the products being purchased— choosing brands that are ecologically friendly to reduce the environmental impact. Every conscientious decision promotes the more responsibly sourced items that cause less pollution and waste and can be manufactured with minimal harmful ecological repercussions. When we practice conscious consumerism, we are campaigning for environmentally beneficial products and activities through our purchase habits. The premise is that if we commit to compensating businesses that safeguard the environment, these businesses will be driven to progress further, and the ones that harm the environment will be industrially compelled to modify their practices. Human-driven impacts on the environment can be significantly reduced if each one of us embraces these small changes.
As a conscious consumer, you can take actionable measures that create change:
Do your homework before purchasing by making an effort to understand the thing you're purchasing. Empower yourself with knowledge by understanding the brand, distributors, manufacturing process, origin, and environmental impacts during the lifespan of the product.
Invest in locally produced goods as much as possible. Consuming locally benefits both the local economy and the environment— locally grown products are fresher and healthier, and transporting them uses less energy, minimizing the carbon footprint.
Choose brands that practice sustainable packaging solutions, to avoid producing garbage and wastes.
Embrace organic cotton products that are sustainable and reusable.
Decide on natural materials over synthetic materials wherever possible— choose an organic cotton tote to plastic variants.
Initiate conversations about mindful purchasing to raise awareness. The more people who actively practice these habits, the greater the collective effect will be.
A standard vehicle emits approximately 6-9 tonnes of CO2 per year. Vehicles are responsible for one-third of all air pollution in the United States, and these pollutants are extremely harmful to human health. So, choose to bike and walk more instead of driving as it benefits both the health and the environment.
As a conscious organization, your business can influence the impact of carbon emissions:
A company's carbon footprint is influenced by a variety of factors. If all business enterprises measured and put in efforts to reduce their carbon footprints, it would contribute positively to neutralizing the consequences of climate change. Monitoring carbon footprints from an organizational standpoint will help determine consumption levels, fix any bottlenecks, and establish solutions to reduce the immediate energy consumption of the organization. As a result, businesses will also save money while mitigating climate change.
What Role Does Gallant Play In Lowering Carbon Emissions?
Changing trends in the business industry and regulatory reforms are evolving owing to more businesses taking the appropriate measures to address climate crisis apprehensions. Gallant Inc. is a Certified B-corp, carbon-neutral manufacturer and supplier offering high-quality organic cotton products that assist businesses and non-profits in efficiently accomplishing their carbon emissions reduction targets.
One of the best ways to give back to the planet is to choose products empowered by the power of nature. And GOTS & Fair Trade certified organic cotton products are amongst the effective means of reducing carbon emissions. Simultaneously, it also aids in facilitating the sustainability awareness and adoption of clean, organic consumption.
The Impact Of Gallant’s Organic Cotton Products In Achieving Carbon Neutrality
Zero carbon footprint
We are CARBON NEUTRAL, we assist projects that have been accredited by internationally recognized certifiers— Gold Standard and CDM, to further reduce our carbon footprint and support sustainable development by sequestering carbon and creating fair, green employment.
Sustainable Material— caring for the environment and humanity
Our organic cotton is grown according to organic agricultural standards (National Organic Program-NOP). It is free of poisonous or harmful compounds, protecting the lives of farmers and their families from poisonous, industrial pesticides exposure while allowing the soil to retain its biodiversity in a healthy environment.
Fair Trade Certified Products
Our organic cotton products provide businesses an opportunity to support environmentally conscious businesses, empower farmers and employees, and safeguard the environment. We advocate a production process that is environmentally friendly, ethically fair, and accountable— contributing to sustainability and supporting farming communities with conscientious commodities for a positive tomorrow.
Certified B Corporation— Prioritizing people and the environment by using business as a catalyst for change.
Taking ownership for putting humans and the environment first by meeting the standards of social and ecological responsibilities— we assist businesses in educating their employees, clients, and shareholders about their carbon reduction commitments through our ethically sourced products.
Spreading awareness on the importance of carbon pollution
Over the years, we have gained the faith of hundreds of businesses specializing in beauty, technology, food, retail, promotional, and non-profit sectors. Every time our clients 'private label' our products and use them as promotional gifts, it helps in raising the awareness of global carbon emissions threats.
The Future Of Carbon Neutrality Rests On Conscious Consumerism
Increased carbon emissions awareness, whether as an outcome of collective community outcry or new administration rules, would considerably aid consumers' capacity to make better purchasing decisions. Businesses practicing supply chain transparency and informing their consumers about the environmental impact of their products will further encourage more people to embrace conscious consumerism.
One plastic bag releases 33 grams of CO2— Reach out to learn how you can reduce 3300- 23100 grams of carbon emissions per year by switching to organic cotton products.