We have been living in a “mass consumption society” for a long time. We are trying to create comfortable conditions around us. We buy a lot of goods, not always thinking about their quality and impact on our health and the environment.
The term is often abbreviated as eco-friendly. And literally means “friendly to the environment”, “safe for the environment”, and “environmentally friendly”. It has begun to be used for products and services that minimize harm to the environment and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Recall that the conquest of the consumer market by plastic turned into the most powerful pollution of the oceans and the mass death of fish, birds, and animals that inhabit it. After all, worldwide, 73% of beach waste is plastic: cigarette filters, bottles, bottle caps, food wrappers, polystyrene containers, and cocktail straws.
The production of plastic is still so high that 8% of the world’s oil production is spent on it. However, his reputation has changed a lot. In the last decade, people have been trying to get out from under the plastic shell that has enveloped our world. And they prefer products and technologies that improve our lives. This is how the idea arose, zero waste, environmentally friendly, or environment-friendly.
An eco-friendly lifestyle is the observance of such simple rules:
less likely to use vehicles that run on internal combustion engines. If possible, walk or ride in environmentally friendly vehicles (bicycle, scooter, electric skateboard, etc.).
use natural products, and if the products are also grown in your region – great (less transport and packaging costs);
sort garbage or independently recycle plastic or glass containers;
give preference to “green” brands;
economical use of resources (water, electricity, heat);
take part in volunteer environmental events.
What products are eco-friendly?
An eco-friendly product is not necessarily a carrot plucked from the garden. By the way, not every carrot will be eco. The main condition is the absence of harm to humans or the environment. Eco-friendly can be building and finishing materials, furniture, textiles, toys, and much more.
Eco-products can be divided into the following groups:
goods with a natural composition (cosmetics, clothing).
goods that are safe for health and do not pollute the environment;
products with one environmental benefit. The last group means goods, the production of which complied with some important environmental requirement. Similar eco-labels are found on household appliances, hygiene and cleaning products, as well as paper products.
In order for the consumer to be able to easily make sure that he has really environmentally friendly products, the International Organization for Standardization has developed general criteria and labeling.
Ecolabel is a graphic image, text, or table that indicates compliance with environmental standards and production rules. It should be understood that environmental labeling of goods is not a guarantee of quality or a sign of harmlessness, although these aspects are also taken into account when issuing an appropriate decision to a trademark. It is complex and is not limited solely to the characteristics of the product itself. An environmental label is applied to the tube, box, or related documents (for example, instructions) intended for the consumer.
The first proposal to use environmental labels in foreign trade was made at a United Nations conference on the environment in 1992. The adopted agreement refers to the joint work of businessmen, governments, and other relevant groups; encouraging the promotion of information programs involving the development of eco-labels for products and the promotion of product quality information. The introduction of such measures makes it possible to make an informed choice in relation to the purchased products.
The main objectives of the development of environmental labeling of goods:
environmental care. The pledge of health is a clean environment, the more producers and consumers use environmentally friendly products, the less damage will be done to nature.
popularization of ecological innovations. The development of an incentive system for producers who care about the environment should stimulate the emergence of environmental projects.
information for consumers about production.
Eco-hotels: features, benefits, reasons for the popularity
Over the past decade, social networks and the media have been popularizing an eco-friendly lifestyle. Consumers prefer organic food. Large chains of public catering establishments are removing plastic bags and straws from everyday life. The tourism industry has also supported this trend. Green hotels are organized in different countries of the world.
How are these establishments different from ordinary hotels?
Eco-hotels are located in natural areas. Guests receive conditions similar to outdoor living. Organic products and natural water are served at the table. Guests are instilled with a sense of responsibility for nature. In a number of hotels, there is no connection to electricity, there is no mobile connection. In the evening, candles are used for lighting, the water is heated under the sun. In eco-friendly hotels, guests sleep on appropriate bedding. In everyday life, clean toiletries, and environmentally friendly detergents are used.
Features of eco-hotels
Often such establishments look like huts, houses of the indigenous population. There are no expensively furnished rooms. All rooms have a hammock, a bed, and several chairs. The furniture is made from natural materials (wood, stone, metal). Guests are additionally educated in the field of ecosystem protection. They receive information about the local flora, and fauna, and learn to reduce the harmful impact on the ecosystem. Often, representatives of the indigenous population of the area work in eco-hotels. They organize events where guests learn to appreciate local customs and preserve nature. The menu includes traditional local dishes cooked in the oven or over an open fire. For example, in a mountain eco-hotel, guests will be served lamb and dairy products. Guests in Siberia will be brought nuts, berries, games, and fish. Some establishments offer guests to get their own food. As a rule, the demand for such hotels is low.
Ritula also supports this concept and strives to supply the necessary eco-friendly disposable products for hotels. Ritula’s product range includes disposable slippers, and cosmetic liquids for hotels using natural ingredients, as well as not testing on animals. The company also offers bio-friendly shower caps and hygienic hotel kits.