In today's rapidly evolving hospitality landscape, the pursuit of sustainability isn't just a trend; it's a mindful choice that resonates with conscious consumers. As hoteliers and B&B owners seek ways to differentiate their offerings and foster lasting connections with guests, embracing sustainability emerges as a powerful strategy, not just for the planet, but for cultivating genuine brand loyalty.
At the heart of this movement lies a shift towards more mindful practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical consumption. Guests are increasingly drawn to establishments that reflect their values and contribute positively to the world around them. In this context, sustainable amenities play a pivotal role, serving as tangible expressions of a business's commitment to mindful hospitality.
By choosing to offer refillable shampoo, conditioners, and soaps, hotel chains and B&Bs can make a profound statement about their dedication to reducing single-use plastics and minimizing their ecological footprint. These small yet significant changes resonate with guests on a deeper level, demonstrating a shared commitment to preserving the planet for future generations.
But sustainability goes beyond mere environmentalism; it encompasses a holistic approach that considers the well-being of communities and individuals as well. Forging partnerships with young emerging brands like Nudo or sourcing organic ingredients for body care products not only supports small businesses but also enriches the guest experience, infusing it with authenticity and a sense of place.
In the realm of mindful hospitality, every decision—from the choice of bedding materials to the energy-efficient lighting fixtures—reflects a conscious effort to create spaces that nurture both people and the planet. Guests, in turn, respond to these thoughtful gestures with loyalty and appreciation, forming emotional connections that transcend mere transactions.
Moreover, embracing sustainability isn't just about attracting guests; it's about retaining them. Studies have shown that consumers are more likely to remain loyal to brands that align with their values, and sustainability is increasingly becoming a non-negotiable criterion for discerning travelers. By integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of their operations, hotel chains and B&Bs can foster long-term relationships built on trust, integrity, and shared ideals.
In conclusion, sustainable hospitality isn't just a buzzword; it's a mindful journey towards a more harmonious relationship between businesses, guests, and the planet. By embracing sustainability as a guiding principle and weaving it into the fabric of their operations, hotel chains and B&Bs can cultivate brand loyalty that transcends trends and stands the test of time. After all, in a world where conscious consumption is the new currency, sustainability isn't just a choice—it's a commitment to a better future for all.
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In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, the travel industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability. Nudo's Travel Essentials Sets epitomize this ethos, offering a holistic approach to eco-friendly travel across various sectors, from hotels and night trains to long-distance flights.
Nudo's Travel Essentials Sets transcend mere convenience; they embody a philosophy of sustainable tourism. Whether you're a guest in a hotel, a passenger on a train, or a traveler on a long-haul flight, our sets advocate for environmentally responsible practices that benefit both individuals and the planet.
Our Travel Essentials Sets consist of a curated selection of six or four compact solid products for personal hygiene and body care. From solid shampoo and solid conditioner to solid intimate cleanser and solid shaving bars, each item is meticulously formulated with natural ingredients and packaged without plastic, aligning with our dedication to sustainability. Each solid bar can be divided into two portions, with 15 g transforming into monodoses of 7.5 g each, thus contributing to a zero waste approach in product packaging and consumption.
With guests increasingly prioritizing sustainability, offering eco-friendly amenities like Nudo's Travel Essentials Sets can differentiate your establishment. These sets not only minimise waste but also elevate the guest experience with premium, natural products. By incorporating our sets into your hotel's offerings, you can elevate your sustainability ranking and appeal to environmentally conscious travelers.
Limited space and resources make trains ideal candidates for sustainable solutions like Nudo's Travel Essentials. By providing passengers with eco-conscious toiletries, train operators can promote responsible travel while enhancing customer satisfaction.
Cruise ships can benefit greatly from Nudo's solid travel essentials. With limited storage space and a focus on minimising waste, our compact and lightweight sets are an ideal solution. By offering passengers sustainable toiletries, cruise lines can enhance the guest experience while reducing their environmental footprint.
At Nudo, quality and sustainability go hand in hand. Our solid products are meticulously crafted in Italy using the finest natural ingredients, ensuring a premium experience for travelers across all sectors. Our Travel Essentials Sets exemplify the harmonious blend of quality, convenience, and sustainability.
Whether you're a hospitality provider, a transportation operator, or an aviation executive, embracing sustainable travel practices is essential for the future of the industry. By incorporating eco-friendly amenities like Nudo's Travel Essentials Sets, you're not only responding to evolving consumer preferences but also contributing to a healthier planet. Join us in our mission to redefine travel by prioritizing sustainability, journey by journey.
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In this blog post, we will discuss why eco-friendly gifts and gift sets are a great choice for weddings and explore some eco-conscious gift ideas for wedding guests.
Eco-friendly gifts are often more useful. Many common gifts tend to be forgotten or unused, but there are great variety of eco-conscious gifts such as plantable seed cards, bamboo products or hand-cut organic soaps that are practical and can be used in the everyday life. Guests will appreciate a present that they can use and enjoy, rather than one that will end up in the back of their closet. Every time a wedding gift is in use, people will be remembered of the special wedding day.
Secondly, eco-friendly gifts can be more unique, thoughtful and personal. By choosing green gifts, you can customize them to match your wedding theme, add personalised touches, or even make them yourself. Guests will appreciate a present that shows the host’s effort and thoughtfulness.
Green gifts for wedding guests can also be more socially responsible. Many eco-friendly products are made by small businesses or local artisans, which support the local economy and promote fair trade practices. By choosing eco-friendly options, you are not only supporting the environment but also supporting small businesses, indie brands and artisans.
An eco-friendly gift idea at weddings is for instance gift boxes containing hand-cut organic soaps. Combined with a handmade soap plate a simple idea turns into a useful and thoughtful present. These soap sets are not only beautiful and practical but also environmentally friendly.
Nudo‘s organic soaps are made with natural ingredients such as essential oils, herbs, and other plant-based materials. Our soaps are free from harmful chemicals and are gentle on the skin. They are also biodegradable, which means they do not harm the environment. You can chose from a range of six different soaps, depending on your own preferences. They are all manually produced and handcut in Austria and Italy. Amongst the soaps you can find a rose petal soap, a dandelion soap, a poppy seed soap or a charcoal soap with great scents for men and women.
By providing guests with eco-friendly soap sets, you are promoting sustainability and encouraging them to adopt environmentally-friendly habits. Guests can use the organic soaps and handmade soap plates in their homes, reducing the need for plastic bottles and single-use products.
Nudo’s handmade soap plate is made from natural stoneware, realized by Portuguese artisans. These soap plates not only provide a functional surface for the soap but also add a touch of elegance to any bathroom or kitchen. They are durable and can be used for many years, making them a useful and eco-friendly gift.
The idea for Earth Day was first proposed by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin in 1969, after he witnessed the devastating effects of an oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. He was inspired to create a national day of environmental education and activism, and enlisted the help of grassroots organizations, students, and scientists to raise awareness about pollution and its impact on human health and the environment.
On the first Earth Day in 1970, over 20 million Americans participated in demonstrations, rallies, and clean-up efforts across the country. The event helped to spark the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of several important environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
Today, Earth Day continues to be a time for people around the world to come together and take action to protect our planet. The theme for Earth Day 2022 was “Restore Our Earth,” which emphasises the need to address the ongoing climate crisis and protect biodiversity. This year, 2023 the theme of Earth Day will be “Invest in Our Planet” a continuation of last year’s theme.
Earth Day events and activities can take many forms, from community clean-ups and tree planting to educational programs and advocacy campaigns. Some people choose to make small changes in their daily lives, such as reducing their energy consumption or using public transportation, while others work on larger-scale projects to promote sustainability and conservation.
Overall, Earth Day is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our planet and preserving its natural resources for future generations. By working together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable, healthy, and resilient world.
]]>From the highest top of the mountain, to the lowest ground of the sea, scientists have found alarming amounts of plastic and microplastic - even in locations which are impossible for us humans to reach. Plastic, a substance that is found all over the globe, in every corner of the earth.
Mass Tourism Polluting Mount Everest
Mount Everest in the Himalaya mountains is the tallest summit of the world and once one of earth’s most elusive locations. Since May 1953 when its peak was reached for the first time, a lot has changed. Today Mount Everest is a popular destination for extreme climbers, attracting hundreds of people during the year. Pictures captured of an overcrowded mountain, showing people queuing in lines to get to the top, recently went viral. An expensive excursion, which often is part of the to-do list of passionate climbers.
Humanity has left its traces, even at an altitude of 8848 meters: cans, plastic bottles, straws, food packaging and discarded climbing gear. All that, left behind in order to facilitate the ascent and to reach the top as light weighted as possible. Nature lovers that left a heavy environmental footprint on the mountain region. In such a life-threatening environment, one’s everyday principles and habits don’t seem to count.
More than the concern about getting on top and back down alive, climbers are now expected to bring back their trash. In 2014 the country’s tourism ministry announced that every member of an expedition must return to base camp with at least 9 kilos of trash - the average expected amount of garbage created by an individual during an expedition. Otherwise the climbers deposit, a forfeit of 4.000$, will be kept. With this rule, authorities try to avoid additional new trash to be left on the mountain.
However, only a recent cleaning campaign took care of trash that was left behind for decades and that had turned the mountain into the world’s highest garbage dump. The “Everest Cleaning Campaign” started in April 2019 and can definitely be considered one of the most challenging and ambitious clean-ups in history. In 45 days a 14-member team of volunteers, assisted by an army helicopter, collected more than 11 tons of garbage.
Continuously trying to protect Nepal’s mountain region, a ban on single-use plastics went into effect in January 2020. Part of the restrictions are plastic bottles as well as any plastic item less than 30 microns in width. Aiming at keeping the mountain clean and at restricting the tourist’s impact on the environment, local officials will work hand in hand with Trekking companies, airlines and the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The single use plastic ban is planned to be followed by an awareness campaign about plastic pollution this year.
After years of home-schooling their children in Bali, Cynthia Hardy and her husband John, dreamed about enrolling their children in an institution that offered more than education in maths, grammar and history. Inspired by Alan Wagstaff’s Book “Three Springs”, John Hardy started to envision creating such school by himself: a school applying a new educational model, with sustainability at its core. An institute that wasn’t just about teaching, but about creating a wholistic learning community.
The final impulse was given by Al Gore’s movie ”Inconvenient Truth”, calling for action to pursue the vision: educating children by focussing on sustainability, surrounded by enchanting nature.
This was back in summer of 2006. In November of the same year a bamboo bridge crossing Ayung River, supposed to lead to the future campus, was completed. Its finalisation marked the first decisive step of the idea becoming reality. A bridge entirely made of bamboo spanning 23 meters across Bali’s longest river.
In collaboration with a team of architects, designers and engineers, amongst them Hardy’s daughter Elora with her company IBUKU, a school complex was designed. Space, lightness, connecting with nature: a campus without walls, entirely made of bamboo.
From the very beginning, it was clear bamboo would be the only material used. Bamboo is a giant grass found in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant’s fibre is strong as steel, flexible at the same time and extremely light. Due to its enormous growing speed – up to one meter a day – giant bamboo is a highly efficient CO2 absorber. In 3 to 4 years the plant is ready to be harvested, without causing any deforestation. After cutting bamboo off the trunk, the remaining stem develops a new shoot, which can be harvested within a couple of years. In short, bamboo is the most sustainable existing construction material and the ideal match for an eco-conscious institution.
At Green School the meaning of green is taken to another level. Energy generated through solar panels and a hydroelectric power station by the river, contribute to the school’s renewable energy strategy. Water filtration systems assure drinkable water for the kids as well as for the entire community. For lunch mostly school-grown vegetables and fruits are served. Banana leaves used as plates get biodegraded in the school’s own compost station. In this way, no extra water for cleaning dishes is wasted. The compost formed by food leftovers is used as fertiliser for the school’s permaculture gardens. Even human waste is turned back into the cycle through a sewage system, generating fertiliser as an outcome. An eco-friendly school bus, fuelled with used cooking oil converted into biodiesel, is at the student’s disposal.
Immersed in the Balinese Jungle and rice fields, along the Ayung river, the school is located about half an hour southwest of Ubud. In 2008 Cynthia and John Hardy opened the doors to 90 students. Today over 500 children and teenagers are taught, coming from Indonesia and other 40 different counties. Even digital nomad parents can make use of the complex, having their own dedicated area, while their sons and daughters attend lessons. Green School’s students are taught in and close to nature, experimenting and learning the importance of a sustainable lifestyle. Like the no-wall building structure, there are no creative limitations whatsoever.
A modern teaching approach, focussing on hand-on and project-based-learning, is what the Green School’s education model is all about. Taking food education as an example, the students learn with real life examples from the first to the last step: they gather on a rice field, get taught by a farmer how to grow rice to then collectively harvest it. They bring it back to the school, cook dinner to finally serve it to farmers, teachers and parents.
Similarly, the project-based-learning is about getting confronted with real life problems. Students pick a topic on which they work with for the following 6 weeks - the only dogma given is a green and eco-conscious approach. A project could for instance evolve around artificial coral reefs: students actually build an artificial reef, they then place it in the ocean after taking diving lessons. This is modern problem-solving, applied by young generations.
Enrolling their children in Green School, parents want their kids to evolve critical thinking, to be prepared for life, in a world where values and norms are steadily changing. From the very beginning Green School teaches their students to believe in their ideas, to go out and “change the world” as parents say. Alumni start their own sustainable brands or become anti-plastic lobbyists confronting the Balinese government. The fashion company Nalu for instance, founded by a former Green School student, sustains Indian and Indonesian children in buying them school uniforms. At an age of 10 and 12 years, the teenage sisters Melati and Isabel Wijsen initiated the campaign Bye Bye Plastic Bags in order to fight plastic pollution on the island. Within one day their petition had more than 6.000 signatures. Vast beach clean-up campaigns followed until they got the attention of the country’s politicians. In June 2019, after the girls spent years of activism, plastic bags were banned from the island. Forbes, Time magazine and CNN named the sisters among the world's most influential teenagers. By the way, the school’s bio bus mentioned before, was brought up by a group of Green School’s students.
Since their opening, the school’s concept globally became an example, generating openings of other Green Schools around the world. Today they can be found in New Zealand, South Africa and Mexico, mostly founded by former Green School Bali parents. Since its opening the institution has become centre of expertise and innovation regarding sustainability, attracting interest from all over the globe. Famous personalities like primatologist and anthropologist Dr Jane Goodall came to visit Bali’s most famous school, to personally gain an impression and to experience the special atmosphere within the campus.
Green School is a true gem hidden in Bali’s Jungle. Somehow, it seems like it belongs to an outer world, however change does happen in Green School and could be taken as an example.
From bamboo to sisal, all-natural raw materials replace plastic offering an alternative to everyday products that already exist
Launched in the fall 2020, nudo is an Italian beauty brand providing personal hygiene products that are 100% natural, vegan, plastic-free and affordable. The Milan-based company, financed and supported by Italian merchandise agency Solutions Group, advocates the use of raw biodegradable materials made from fast-growing plants found in the subtropical and tropical regions of the world. This extends to nudo’s packaging in which recyclable tracing paper is used to give its products a clear appearance. German entrepreneur and founder Marijam Bieber talks about the origins of the brand over a call with corporate social responsibility manager Manuel Xueref, «Back in 2019, I was living in Rome and looking for alternatives at typical places like the eco-supermarkets, but they were very expensive. There are natural products but if you look deeper into them, there were little hidden plastic layers to make it softer or smoother, or they were packaged in plastic so there wasn’t a lot to offer in terms of natural, sustainable products with true low impact. I felt the need to change something and make them a bit more mainstream». Today, the company’s products are available to purchase online across Europe, strengthened by a new partnership with German beauty retailer Douglas, with plans to expand across the world.
The brand’s current ten product offering was clear to Bieber from the beginning. Everyday objects designed with beauty, health and the environment in mind under the values of inclusivity, transparency and accessibility. Bamboo, for example, has been used for toothbrushes made in both adult and child sizes, a comb, cotton buds, laundry clips and a nail brush featuring bristles made from sisal, a fiber from the leaves of the Agave Sisalana plant. Alongside a branded shopper made of red recycled cotton, nudo has also created a category for the skin consisting of a konjac sponge enriched with charcoal powder, reusable cotton makeup remover pads, a loofah and cotton pad to scrub the body and a two-in-one detox solid face cleanser formulated with almond oil and peach blossom extract, the only of their products that’s 100% made in Italy. Due to its natural provenance, cost and the required infrastructure and vegetation necessary to produce their items, the majority of their raw materials are sourced from and manufactured across China, where the climate is also warmer and more humid than Europe, which facilitates the plant’s growth. Each item’s country origin is stated on its packaging.
An aspect that mattered to nudo was to be completely devoid of any use of plastics, which falls under their environmental policy as a company. «For the product to be certified plastic free, we analyze the materials used in the factories to make sure. With the makeup remover pads, there are competitors who make them out of bamboo. We thought of doing the same but realized that through the manufacturing process, an element of polyester is included to create the bamboo fiber in the textile industry. It’s such a small amount that by law, people are not required to report it, but we didn’t want to use that and shifted to cotton, though it requires a lot of water», Bieber explains of their stance on the regulations towards their materials and the decisions they make for their products. Boar bristles, which are used in the industry for brushes, were substituted with a vegan alternative of sisal, rather than the standard alternative of nylon or polyester. «We found a way to shift it to a vegan solution that isn’t plastic or animal derived and does the same thing. The only alternative we did not find was for toothbrushes which have bristles made out of bio-based nylon, as sisal would be too hard on your gums», Xueref adds. To ensure a carbon footprint as low as possible on the detail, the selected bio-based nylon is one of the most expensive nylons to produce due to its eco-friendlier manufacturing process in comparison to the common petrol-based nylon.
nudo follows a policy to never use airfreights for transport, only shipping via trucks, train rails or sea to ensure that the lifecycle of their products have a reduced carbon footprint. This applies in particular to their bamboo products, which make up more than half of their offering and are made of the highly CO2 absorbent Moso bamboo. Sourced from the Shenzhen and Ningbo provinces, the raw material has a relatively short agricultural period due to its fast-growing nature and is harvestable after three to four years. Across all products, the average production period for them to reach Milan after harvest takes around ninety to one hundred and twenty days, a choice made by the company to maintain a lower carbon footprint. The company is currently looking into shipping options via the transatlantic railway that runs from the North of China directly to Europe, «the most eco-friendly transportation we’re going to use in the future» according to Xueref. Policies in their Milan office follow a similarly low carbon footprint principle through the use of hybrids and new technology. The heating and cooling systems are all new and changed this year. Recycling bins are divided and collected by a third-party company on a monthly basis who also ensures that all their trash is responsibly managed on a waste basis. A report is then provided at the end of the month on the kilos of different materials that have been recycled.
On the selection process for the factories they partner with, expertise is of concern alongside its environmental, ethical and labor policies, Xueref adds, «for our bamboo products, we select factories who work with and manufacture bamboo on a regular basis. For the other items like sisal, we work with companies that manufacture for multinationals such as L’Oreal, LVMH through Solutions group. From the plantations the materials go via trucks to the factories where they are produced and manufactured and then shipped via railway or sea. The whole product is finished, including the paper for the packaging, and assembled in China». The impact of activities and processes of their manufacturing partners are also held accountable through the support of Solutions groups who have their own audit in affiliation with certifying body Intertek and the L’Oreal audit to verify good working standards and freedom of associations across the factories. «We make sure that all the factories we use are the same ones used by these big players who have audited and investigated them to ensure the whole supply chain is as clean and fair as possible. In deciding these factories, when we requested these certifications, we knew they already had them, and these are renewed on a yearly basis. On top of that, we use Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) certifications, which have whole sections that evaluate them under environmental policies, water and waste management. We also supply a self-assessment questionnaire that asks them about all these policies they have in place which are certified with the BSCI certifications or audits. We make them sign a supplier code of conduct and have on-site audits through Solutions group with production managers that go and control the factories themselves», Xueref finishes. For the production of their face soap bars in Italy, nudo works with small artisanal companies near Milan and analyses the practices and processes themselves. The recycled cotton for the shopper is purchased directly from an importer who sources it from India to Europe and is Global Organic Textile Standard certified.
nudo is also Ecovadis-certified to verify their environmental and labour policies, ethics and sustainable procurements are holistic across company processes, as well as ISO 14001 managed. In addition, they work with US certification body Social Accountability International to attain the SA80000 standard which assesses the ethical standards within the company and labour workforce. These certifications are available across their website but kept off packaging for stylistic reasons to ensure minimalism. «We do write eco-friendly and vegan on the packaging but we don’t want to use too many logos and crowd the packaging. We try to keep it as simple as possible because the final goal of nudo is to bring eco-friendly products to the mainstream with an accessible price. The fact that we want the product to look good was one of the elements we looked out for and crowding it with too many logos, information and explanations would be removing from the design purpose», Xueref explains. Recycled tracing paper is used for the packaging and took the longest to research. Wanting to create a product that was more modern and stylish in design, Marijam initially struggled to find a plastic-free material that could attract new targets outside of those already eco-conscious, «I was thinking of using glass but then I figured out it has a huge CO2 footprint during shipping. Then I found this transparent paper that architects use––my dad is an architect so I’ve seen him use it––and we decided to go with that because it’s still paper, but you can see through to the products, so it has this plastic effect». From the stickers and the packaging to the products inside and the cartons used to ship them, all of nudo’s items are made out of organic materials, making them recyclable and biodegradable to blend back with nature over time.
For nudo, long production times with processes that require heavy research and are more cost-intensive are worth the challenge as a young company if it means they can provide natural alternatives to a wider audience. They are not creating new products. Their goal is to «bring a sensibility to people to shift these items necessary for self-hygiene to products that don’t have a plastic component so it can be thrown away without a negative impact». Marijam concludes on her hopes for the future of nudo: «There’s so much potential everywhere because the whole world is not very eco-friendly and it’s all these disposable products used every day that are made of plastic. We would never say we are sustainable because we’re producing and part of the economy. We try to keep our products clean, so this is one part of our impact. Our goal is to grow, raise awareness and enter other industries and sectors».
Based in Milan, nudo offers select body care products made from 100% natural, plastic-free and vegan raw materials. From bamboo toothbrushes to reusable cotton makeup pads, their products can be found online and on retail partner Douglas across Europe.
The writer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article.
One area where a hotel, guest house or bed and breakfast can make a difference is with the amenities they provide for their guests. In particular they can switch to eco-friendly amenities in the bathroom and spa, both of which have a significant impact on a hotel’s sustainability ranking. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between wet and dry hotel amenities, and look into the advantages of becoming a sustainable vacation stay.
Hotel amenities can be categorized as either wet or dry. Wet amenities are those that are used in the hotel bathroom or hotel spa and are often disposed of after one use. Examples of wet amenities include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and soap. If not chosen carefully, wet amenities often contain chemicals, that once in the draining systems, are harmful to nature. Besides the use of chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, synthetic cosmetic products are likely to contain nano-plastics.
Examples of dry amenities include towels, linens, slippers, bathrobes, shaving kits, dental kits, combs - thus non-liquid products. Surely, there is a part of dry amenities such as towels and linens that are washed and continuously reused, however the bigger part of dry amenities is disposable.
Both wet and dry disposable hotel amenities have a significant impact on the environment, creating an unnecessary amount of everyday trash.
To lower their footprint and become more eco-conscious, hotels can switch to eco-friendly amenities in the bathroom and spa.
Eco-friendly amenities are those that are made from natural and renewable materials and are free from harmful substances. Examples of ecological wet amenities include shampoo and conditioner bars, soap bars or refillable dispenser systems.
100% natural dry amenities such as bamboo combs, bamboo toothbrushes can be taken home by the guests and can be continued to be used. These items will turn into promotional gifts and guests will always be remembered of their vacation stay while using them.
Switching to conscious and plastic-free options, hotel facilities can significantly reduce their environmental impact. For example, using refillable dispensers instead of single-use plastic bottles can reduce plastic waste by up to 90%. Switching to solid solutions like shampoo and conditioner bars can eliminate the need for plastic bottles altogether.
In general, instead of plastic packaging, a natural and highly recyclable option can be paper packaging for dry amenities.
Switching to eco-conscious amenities not only benefits the environment, it especially benefits the hotel. By reducing waste and conserving resources, hotels can save money on their operating costs.
Hotels that are committed to sustainability, obtain a higher ranking in sustainability reports and attract conscious travelers. Nowadays travelers are increasingly choosing hotels that prioritize sustainability, which can lead to increased bookings and higher revenue.
Moreover, hotels that prioritize green amenities can differentiate themselves from their competitors, and build a loyal customer base that values sustainability. By providing guests with high-quality, eco-friendly amenities, sustainable tourism creates a positive guest experience that fosters customer loyalty and increases the likelihood of repeat business.
In conclusion, hotels can obtain a higher ranking in sustainability by switching to eco-friendly amenities in the bathroom and spa. Wet amenities, in particular, have a significant impact on a hotel's sustainability ranking, and hotels can reduce their impact by switching to natural and renewable materials that are free from harmful chemicals. By doing so, they save money on their operating costs, attract sustainability-conscious travelers, and build a loyal customer base that values ecological efforts. Sustainable tourism is the future and choosing hotels that prioritize sustainability makes a holiday experience even more precious.
]]>Staying in a hotel, guests expect to find all the amenities they need in their room, including toiletries and bathroom products. However, many hotels still use plastic products, disposable products, and products with harmful ingredients, all of which can have a negative impact on the environment.
Plastic products, such as shampoo bottles and soap dispensers, are a major contributor to the global plastic pollution problem. According to the United Nations, the world produces over 300 million tons of plastic waste every year, and much of it ends up in the ocean. By using refillable dispensers made from sustainable materials, hotels can significantly reduce their use of single-use plastics. This not only reduces plastic waste, but it also saves money in the long run for the hotel, as they don't have to continuously purchase single-use products.
Similarly, disposable products, such as cotton swabs and razors, also contribute to the waste problem. These products are used once and then thrown away, adding to the landfill and ocean pollution. Hotels can switch to reusable products, such as bamboo toothbrushes, reusable cotton pads and bamboo combs, to help reduce their environmental impact.
In addition to reducing waste, using eco-friendly products in the bathroom can also help to protect the environment from harmful chemicals. Many conventional toiletries contain ingredients such as parabens, phthalates or nano-plastics, which can be harmful to both people and the environment. By choosing natural, organic products instead, hotels can help to protect both their guests and the planet.
More and more guests are choosing hotels based on sustainability, so it's essential for hotels to prioritize eco-friendly practices. According to a study by Booking.com, 87% of global travelers want to travel sustainably, and 39% of those travelers would pay more to stay at an eco-friendly accommodation. By using sustainable bathroom products, hotels can attract these eco-conscious travelers and help to create a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.
In conclusion, using eco-friendly products in the bathroom is essential for hotels that want to be more sustainable. By reducing waste and protecting the environment from harmful chemicals, hotels can attract environmentally conscious guests, make a positive impact on the planet and lift up their sustainability ranking. It's time for the hospitality industry to prioritise eco-conscious practices and start making a difference.
Sustainability must be attractive to consumers and affordable for everyone. These are the principles around which Nūdo Nature Made was born, the brand of natural, plastic-free, vegan body care products characterised by sustainable packaging founded by Marijam Bieber. In this interview, she recounts the evolution of the project: "Our aim," she explains, "is to bring to the market alternatives to products that already exist without ever using plastic - because we all understand how much damage it can cause to our planet. We aim to give consumers a green alternative, because we believe that if everyone makes a small change in their daily routine, important results can be achieved".
When I returned to live in Europe, in order to lower my environmental impact, I committed myself to looking for sustainable products, and I realised that it was not so easy to find them. Especially a few years ago, when the subject was not yet fashionable. So, from a personal need, the idea of filling this gap was born.
Certainly young people are more oriented towards an eco-friendly lifestyle. But our goal is to be more and more in physical shops, so that people of all cultural backgrounds and ages can touch our products, smell them and even recognise them in order to be able to search for them online as well. In any case, most of our customers today are in the 19-35 age group.
We have a product that is our absolute best seller, made in Italy thanks to the work of Italian craftsmen: our solid make-up remover and face cleanser.
We operate in a field that has great potential, because sustainability has not yet firmly entered the body care sector. That is why we are committed to looking around and seizing all opportunities that arise to get our message across, that of respecting the environment and eliminating plastic, including when it comes to disposable products.
Our young Milanese label has inclusivity at its core. nudo like the Italian word for naked. naked like when we are born: pure, natural, without prejudices and tolerant.
]]>Our young indie brand nudo nature made debuts at Douglas
Just a few months after the official launch of our green start-up, nudo has made its way to Douglas Germany. Starting April 7th 2021, nudo’s eco-friendly body care accessories are available on the beauty giant’s online shop. “Every step counts”! This is what we aim to communicate with our offering of natural and plastic-free body care products, from reusable cotton make-up removal pads to bamboo toothbrushes.
the nudo team has signed a contract with Douglas, one of the largest German perfumery chains, guaranteeing nationwide distribution on their online shop with our whole range of products. Our young label, first launched in October 2020, is thus getting closer to our goal: taking a step towards a more environmentally conscious lifestyle with natural, plastic-free, vegan and eco-friendly products.
In the pursuit of innovation and quality, young, independent brands like us are now getting attention from large corporations such as Douglas. The nudo team is thrilled that such a large perfumery chain is now focusing on clean and indie beauty brands like nudo nature made – this indeed we consider a huge opportunity.
More than ever we see environmentally friendly products are the future: this applies to the smallest products - such as natural body care accessories like ours - as well as to larger categories like hybrid cars and renewable energy: every sector of the economy now offers environmentally friendly alternatives. Future and sustainability have to be thought of together. Sustainability nowadays is no longer "grey and dusty". Sustainability is fun and provokes positive sensations.
Bamboo cotton buds, washable make-up remover pads, konjac sponge with activated charcoal powder, bamboo toothbrushes (for children & adults), bamboo comb, bamboo nail brush with vegan sisal bristles and a loofah pad for body scrubs. In addition, various product combinations compose our 3 elegant sets: nudo Starter Kit (almost the complete line), Skin Essentials (a selection of products for your skin’s well-being) and Bamboo Essentials (our complete bamboo products selection).
When talking about Circular Economy, the easiest way to get its concept, is by thinking about a simple line, a circle and their different characteristics. Today we mainly use our products in a way, that is comparable to a straight line: there is a starting point and an end, thus a limited period of time. Objects eventually reach a point where they fall off the line, they become unusable, trash and get discarded.
Circular Economy means turning this straight line into a circle, by feeding waste back into the system. A system, going around in a circle, including all kind of materials like plastic, metal, wood, fabric, even food or human waste. It aims at increasing a product’s life span, at giving new purpose to each piece of trash. Summed up it is all about using the resources we have more intelligently.
Due to its wholistic approach, the concept is called Circular Economy, rather than Circular Products or Materials. To make the idea work, not just a single item, but the entire system needs to be changed. Hereafter, we take a look at approaches suggested by Ellen MacArthur, an inspiring woman and founder of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, who for years has been working towards an “economy that is restorative and regenerative by design”.
Language is extremely powerful. The way we talk influences the way we think, so let’s first of all take a closer look at the following two terms: use and consumption. What is it actually, that we can consume. What are we simply using? Maybe a thought, that is crucial in grasping the idea of Circular Economy.
When we eat, we are consuming, thus the food will be gone once we finish our meal. It is a very straight and linear line: production, consumption, end (disregarding food waste, that can be put back into the circle). However, when it comes to clothes or smartphones and items in general, they cannot be consumed. These things are simply being used and are ready to go right back into the loop.
Giving value to discarded materials, creating benefits, in order to stimulate industries to use waste: this is what recycling is all about. Regarding this matter there is one material that cannot be missing: plastic. Even though in the last decades a lot of effort has been put into innovating and improving processes, the recycling system fails. Plastic has become a huge problem. In one way or another plastic trash is finding its way into nature and for decades it has been polluting the environment. As little as 2% of 78 million tons are actually getting recycled and turned back into plastic of the same quality. A little sustainable model.
Rethinking the use of material in terms of circular economy, first of all there needs to be a system in which plastic fits in. This means that packaging for instance, cannot be created for only one purpose like keeping fruit, vegetables or generally food fresh and nice. Above all, plastic needs to be used more intelligently, avoided wherever possible. Secondly, from the very beginning it needs to be designed by looking ahead in order to guarantee its recyclability. There’s still a long way to go. Changing approach in designing products is the first step, but also collection structures need to be improved.
Using materials for as long as possible – a strategy used by a wide range of businesses. An example you probably have never thought of, can be the service provided by phone carriers: once a year, users replace their “old” phone with a new one. Apparently a little sustainable model. The idea behind it, is to recover as many parts as possible of the returned phone and to recycle them into a new one. Only a few new raw materials need to be added, since the components of value are kept in the system. Commonly remanufactured engines are made of up to 80% of materials deriving from broken ones: old machines are stripped down, they get ultrasonically cleaned in order to reuse its equipment. It goes without saying that not only materials have been saved, but also energy, money and time.
A major role in the Circular Economy is given to the repairing and maintaining sector. Once again it’s all about keeping in use things for as long as possible: at best, preventing from breaking through maintenance. Otherwise trying to fix items when they get dysfunctional. This could be clothes as well as phones, bikes, cars or furniture. Fix them by yourself or get support from experts. If there is no way to make it work, why not giving another purpose to an object, by inventing a new one. A wooden table could be turned into a bench, sideboard or mirror frame. Good news is that this industry is a steadily growing one.
Mobility of the future: in the Circular Economy model, the automotive industry and the way we use cars today, would be totally rethought. Vehicles would be redesigned. A car statistically is parked 90 % of the time: in front of your home, supermarket or office. Once in use, most of the time no more than one or two people are in it. A circular economy would focus on car or motorcycle sharing systems, a vehicle wouldn’t be owned, but people would have access to them. A concept that already works on a worldwide level - it would be worth elaborating and expanding it. With that in mind, manufacturers from the very beginning would build a vehicle differently, wanting the car and motorcycles to last as long as possible. Once they break, they would do anything to fix it, refurbishing as many parts of their own products as possible.
Another sector with huge potential for adapting smart ideas is the delivery sector. E-commerce is a worldwide established and growing market, but when online products are delivered, the shipping truck leaves with a full load only to return to the warehouse empty handed. An interesting solution could be the collection of used boxes from previous deliveries. This way, the used packaging can now have a second life cycle through future buyers.
Going back to the idea of sharing, especially in a city, a concentrated area with the neighbour living right next door, the concept is very well workable. Items like flint borer or ladder, a necessity, but still not often used, could be simply belong to a community. People tend to spend little money on rarely used things. The result is poor quality, an easily breakable product, that as a consequence has a short life cycle. Not every household needs to be fully equipped.
The sharing mentality in countries like China, is already one step ahead, gaining considerable traction in the fashion industry. Platforms that allow users to rent their clothes, have up to 7 million members and are considered the country’s largest wardrobes. A definitely more sophisticated manner than borrowing a flint borer, however an increasingly successful business model.
The concept is applicable to a vast variety of levels in the most different forms and shapes. Probably in one way or another you are already part of a sharing community without knowing it – just think of Spotify or Netflix. Let’s keep going in these directions.
Feeding waste back into the system: the biological cycle is about returning biodegradable waste back to nature. This could be regenerating land with food leftovers to nourish microorganisms in the soil and to restore farmland. Animals could be fed with leftover food, their faeces can be used as fertilisers. Biodegradable packaging would disappear in nature and even benefit the environment. In any manner, everything can be metabolised as long as materials are non-toxic, but harmonised with nature.
It is mind blowing when you start realising how much waste could be used in a smarter way. Take agricultural waste as an example: corn can be turned into biodegradable packaging, IKEA shows us how rice straw leftovers can be turned into furniture. Or imagine a beer brewed out of bread leftovers! This is the business model of Toast Ale, a company that fights food waste. Their motto is “saving the world can start with a beer”. Moreover, the German company Kaffeeform create value out of coffee ground, by turning it into coffee cups. Apple peals are used to create vegan leather by the start-up Frumat. They use the apple juice production’s by-product to create value from it. These are just a few examples of a new growing market. If you start thinking in a cyclic way, there’s opportunities literally everywhere.
Considering the scarcity of resources and the steadily increasing population growth, it is about time to make change happen. An economy can only run with a long term plan and this can only happen, by using the planet’s finite resources in a smart and cyclical way. A reductive approach, producing less, using less energy, traveling less does not seem enough - apart from that, restrictions in general are not very appealing. In order to make people minimise their impact, we need to provide simple solutions that work. There are a lot of economic opportunities in a Circular Economy, however so far the vast majority of businesses are rooted in a linear one. To speed up the shift to a Circular Economy, the system needs to be easy and recovering, reusing and redesigning should be mandatory. Creating waste is not a valid option. Raising awareness of solutions and changing the perception of waste, is at least a start. Good news is, the interest in the topic is slowly but steadily growing.
So ask yourself, how can you start thinking circular?
Cover Picture Blog Post | Photo Credit - Jilbert Ebrahim
When thinking about self-care items, there is probably one particular material coming to your mind. Brightly coloured objects in an infinite variety of shapes and forms: shampoo, shower gel, conditioner and co., the beauty industry’s packaging is all about plastics. Everyday basics such as toothbrush, razor or cotton buds seem little obvious, but have a considerable plastic footprint. All consists in the same synthetic material and the list goes on.
Microbeads in the cosmetic industry are not the only problem. Recycling packaging is often challenging and in many cases impossible. Small plastic containers, tiny tubes, lipstick covers or synthetic bottles are often too small for recycling systems. Mass-recycling technologies are simply not able to identify such little pieces. Unable to be processed, there is no chance for turning them back into the system, by giving them a new purpose. This also applies to black plastics. Black packaging mostly end-up in landfills, since its pigments are unrecognisable for waste sorting systems.
Moreover, studies show, people tend to priorities recycling packaging deriving from kitchen products rather than the ones we use in our bathrooms. In this area, waste often ends-up in a single bin, without being properly divided before getting discarded. Maybe you do agree, it’s time to go for a plastic-free bathroom.
Clearly, a life before plastic is hard to imagine. However, to every plastic product, there’s a natural alternative. To go plastic-free one day to another, can be overwhelming. This is why we encourage a step by step approach. Just pick an area like the bathroom for example and start from there. Finish whatever products you have left and then slowly replace them one at a time. Once you purchased a natural product, try it, use it and see how the item works for you. If you’re satisfied go on and replace the next product on your list. If you’re not convinced, look for another eco alternative suiting you better. Try to find your own approach, that works best for you.
Start looking for natural, eco-friendly and plastic-free alternatives. Creating a list with all the objects to be replaced is helpful. Here are some starting tips for you:
Bamboo Cotton Swabs: The stick from the swab does not need to be made out of plastic. It can be easily made of bamboo - a raw material that is considered one of the most sustainable plants on earth.
Reusable Make-up Remover Pads: Cotton pads aren’t necessarily containing plastic fibres. However, single-use swipes still are harmful to the planet. Get make-up remover pads that are washable and reusable. A simple and waste-free alternative to common ones.
Konjac Sponge: Knowing the amounts of microbeads intentionally added to many exfoliant products, an organic face peeling appears to be the better option. Once again nature offers all we need: the konjac plant’s root is rich in healthy, regenerating properties. Its texture is ideal for massaging and gently pealing skin. Using a natural product is the easiest way to make sure no microplastic traces will be left on your skin.
Loofah Pad: This is another example that applies to bodyscrubs through a plastic-free alternative. The more natural a product, the healthier for your body and the environment. Adapting an exfoliating structure when dry, loofah just seems to be made for body peeling. Simply add your favourite body gel or use it plain as it comes.
Bamboo Toothbrush: A plant-based toothbrush fulfils the exact same purpose as an artificial one. Biggest plus: it’s eco-friendly at once. If you prefer using your electric toothbrush, keep on doing so. No extra waste is needed. However, in case you go traveling without your electronic brush, get a bamboo toothbrush, instead of a plastic one.
Bamboo Comb: If you are looking for a comb, why not getting a 100% natural one instead of purchasing a piece of plastic? Again, bamboo is a highly sustainable raw material, easily usable in many different ways. After all, a natural item is much likely to be more beautiful.
Bamboo & Sisal Nail Brush: Looking for a natural nail brush, there’s one further challenge to overcome, avoiding animal bristles. Deriving from the succulent plant Agave Sisalana, the sisal fibre provides bristles that are both 100% cruelty free and organic. No plastic is needed and animals stay safe and untouched.
Once you enter a plastic-free mindset, solutions easily find you. In order to avoid plastic packaging, you could create some of your bath products on your own. Liquid body-care like shampoo, shower gel or conditioner can be mixed with just a few ingredients. Take coconut milk and a drop of honey honey for a healthy and natural hair conditioner. In doing so, you’re not only brining to life a conditioner rich in nutrients, but you are also sure to be using a nanoplastic-free product.
Refillable options are getting more and more trendy and zero waste supermarkets are booming. Just bring your own container to a zero waste shop and top it up. A concept designed for packaging-free food, body care products as well as laundry supply. You’ll find all sorts of bathing products, everything with a low environmental impact and – of course – entirely free of plastics, microbeads and nanoplastics. However, if there’s no such shop nearby, it would be better go to your local market instead of taking a car to reach the next zero waste shop.
In the last years more and more famous brands joined the zero waste path, offering refill solutions. Salt of the Earth for instance, offers refills of its natural deodorant. In 2018 Lush introduced a line of lipstick, that fit into old packaging - an initiative to cut down waste. The English brand, a former The Body Shop supplier, sells a huge variety of solid shampoo and body wash bars. Lush indeed is a pioneer when it comes to efficiency in trash reduction. Let’s take them as an example.
Everybody can start cutting down the use of plastic. Nobody needs to do it radically, just gradually begin changing habit. Protecting nature, minimising our own impact and contributing to a healthier system surely gives you sense of satisfaction. The zero-waste and plastic-free movement is steadily growing, however it’s the entire system that needs changing. People want easy solutions and accessibility to eco-conscious products. A start could be supermarkets offering a broader supply of eco-friendly alternatives, in order to broaden the customer’s choice.
Now, imagine roughly 8 billion people making a small change. As the Zero-Waste Chef Anne-Marie Bonneau says: “We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”
Cover Picture Blog Post | Photo - Deux Cosmetiques
Attempts to stop cosmetic products altered with plastics, have been increasing in the last years. In 2018 a UK-wide ban of microbeads in self-care items came into effect. Companies like Unilever already took the beads off their products in 2014. However, the ban does only apply to a restricted list of products. Items like lipsticks or sunscreens are excluded.
China, the world’s second largest cosmetic market, announced to prohibit the production of microbeads-containing cosmetics by the end of 2020. Sale of remaining stock can be continued until 31 December of 2022. Damin Tang, activist for Greenpeace, calls the ban "a decisive step", influencing at once international brands selling to China. Producing 1.2 million tons of cosmetic products every year, China’s ban is going to have a significant impact on a worldwide level. However, Mr. Tang points out, that microbeads are not only applied in cosmetics, but also in products like medicines.
Worldwide, only a few countries have imposed a ban on microbeads in cosmetics. Canada, Ireland, Sweden, France and the UK just to name a few. The European Union is planning on following with an overall approach regarding its member countries. However, countries that already took action against microbeads, all have their very own restrictions, applying to a limited list of products. Moreover, biodegradable microbeads mostly remain avoided by bans. Even if they do degrade, it takes some time, therefor causing harm to the environment.
The increasing focus put on this topic, has forced some companies in the cosmetic industry to act voluntarily. A few of the biggest personal care brands like L’Oréal, Beiersdorf, Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive and Johnson & Johnson have been adapting bans of microbeads in their own product lines.
Supposedly the majority of consumers is unaware of the fact that plastics is intentionally added to cosmetic products. If they would know, the majority probably would choose plastic-free alternatives.
For this purpose the campaign Beat the Microbead was born. Initiated by the Plastic Soup Foundation and sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme, the initial idea was to raise awareness, educate people and track down plastic. By providing a simple tool, more exactly the Beat the Microbead app, people can get information about products containing microbeads. This way, consumers can make a conscious choice. The foundation engages with people as well with cosmetic brands and political institutions.
Alternatively, if you want to check out a product without using a smartphone, have a look at the ingredient section.
polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP).
You may also look for a Zero Plastic Inside logo on the packaging, a recycling sing containing a zero. The logo is carried by brands that don’t use any microbeads in their products.
Microplastics, microbeads and nanoplastics: tiny particles with a massive impact. Toxic substances are rinsed down the drain, polluting nature, causing harm to animals and humans and little action is taken. In the last years plastic pollution has been increasingly gaining attention by the public, however there still is a big lack of knowledge on microbeads by consumers. Not only need we to be better informed and warned about ingredients used in products, the issue also needs to be adequately addressed by governments. Bans that came into effect regarding the cosmetic industry are incomplete and full of loopholes. Furthermore, targeting a single sector is not enough. Plastics beads are hidden in every kind of industry and it is time for a wholistic approach. Environmental norms have a huge power and it is time to apply them on a global scale.
Not every kind of plastic is visible to the naked eye. Tiny pieces only appear when taking a closer look. Diving into the micro-sphere, everything less than 5 millimeters in size is considered microplastic. Less known, but still pervasively present are the so-called microbeads, particles smaller than one millimeter. However, you could even go further. Only recently scientists started mentioning nanoplastics, particles smaller than a few micrometers. What sounds like a futuristic idea, represents a very existing problem: nanoplastics can literally get through a human skin’s surface. Let’s look at the matter step by step.
Microplastics, microbeads and nanoplastics are synthetic substances intentionally added to a wide range of products in different sectors, ranging from fashion to constructions. However, it is in particular the cosmetic market making use of its “benefits”, polluting our seas, damaging the eco-system, our environment and of course harming our bodies.
Microbeads provide simple solutions and are often relatively cheap alternatives to organic material. They extend shelf life, serve as bulking agents, release their ingredients gradually and have exfoliant and abrasive properties. Cleaning products, rinse-off and personal care items, such as face scrubs, toothpastes and shower gels, are using them the most.
In a single shower, experts estimate gels to release up to 100.000 plastic particles into the sewage system. At the same time shower gels are not even considered the major source of microbead pollution. Cosmetic products are the real danger: products like lipstick, anti-wrinkle cream, eye shadow, exfoliants or mascara are often highly concentrated with microplastic beads. Even skin protective products provide a significant quantity of microbeads. Examples could be sunscreens, insect repellents or deodorants. Experts estimate some products to consist in over 90% in plastic polymers.
As waste water treatment plants are unable to filter microplastics out, the environmental impact of the cosmetic industry is significant. Microplastics get discharged into the water bodies and make their way into rivers, lakes and oceans. Once in the sea, toxins and bacteria are attracted by them and stick to their surface. Mistaken as food, they get consumed by marine animals and through the food chain they get right back into our bodies.
Even if there are still vast knowledge gaps regarding the impact of microplastics, there is consistent evidence that exposure to plastic can lead to health complications. Once plastic particles enter our body, they are likely to interfere with our organs. Moreover many additives like BPA and BPF - Bisphenol A and F - are considered hormone disruptors. They are used to increase thickness and durability of materials. The effect of the majority of synthetic substances is still unknown, since they haven’t been tested yet. Health risks do depend on the amount of plastic beads our body is exposed to. However, it seems self-explanatory that something that unnatural cannot contribute to a wholesome system.
As mentioned before, natural alternatives do exist. Taking exfoliation characteristics an example, a broad variety of natural ingredients can replace plastic beads. A bead made of oil deriving from the jojoba plant would be a fully biodegradable option. Simple solutions as salt, coffee and rosehip seeds are valid sustainable alternatives. Somehow, they still have an impact on the environment, but certainly they do not interfere with nature the way plastic does.
An untouched environment with snow, ice and rocks being the only landscape as far as the eye can reach. In the least inhabited region and the northest part of this planet, microplastics particles are falling from the sky.
Microplastics are defined small pieces of polymers, a primary component of plastics, that are less than 5mm in diameter and that occur in the environment as a result of plastic pollution. Larger pieces of plastic, even textiles, break down into small fragments until they become so-called microplastic. Once in the environment, these plastic particles are not only harmful to animals and nature, but they also become a health risk for humans.
Traces of what we nowadays call microplastics were already described back in the 1970ies. Only since 2004 when the term was firstly introduced by the marine biologist Richard Thompson, it became part of our linguistic usage. With the word microplastic, professor Thompson tried to depict tiny pieces of plastic accumulated in European waters. Since then, microplastic pollutions have been located all over the globe, even in considerable concentrations all the way to the Arctic.
A study published in Science Advanced shows that in an unpopulated part between Greenland and the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, more precisely in the open ocean on top of ice floats, a huge quantity of plastic fibres and particles have been discovered.
Since 2002, scientists from Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research and the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, had been focussing generally on plastic found on the arctic sea floor. Due to a steady increase of plastic pollution within the years, sometimes as far as 10 folds the previous year, the research team started taking in consideration also smaller pieces, the so-called microplastics.
In a two year research study, lasting from 2015 to 2017, the group of scientists took snow samples and started measuring microplastic particles. The numbers that were uncovered by melting the arctic ice were striking: up to 12,000 particles per 34 ounces (33,814 ounces is the equivalent to one litre). A different study confirmed the Arctic Ocean’s surface to be the most microplastic polluted of all oceans in the world.
Distant to any urban centre, usually the source of micro plastic development – how is the accumulation of microplastics even in the most remote locations possible?
Even if there are still notable gaps of knowledge and information about the journey of microplastics to the north, assumptions have been made: scientists believe microplastics to come from the sky. Pollution levels to such an extent can only have been brought via air streams, experts agree. Studies about microplastics making their way not only through ocean currents, but also through air, raise concerns about health risks. According to scientists humans and animals are even likely to inhale the small particles. Arial transport of plastic particles through wind currents have also been confirmed in other studies, which were led in China and France. Travelling the atmosphere, a pathway that enables microplastics to be transported to each and every single corner of the globe.
Nowadays a life before plastic is hard to imagine. Surely a pioneering discovery, truly convenient because of its long-lasting, almost indestructible characteristics. It is exactly because of these reasons that the synthetic material became a threat to our environment and planet. Only recently people started to realise the materials double-edged nature. A material that is designed to be durable cannot be a solution for disposable products. Alarming results of divers studies show that trying to recycle plastic is not enough, the only solution is to prevent plastic waste in the first place. It is our responsibility to use sustainable alternatives, wherever plastic can be avoided. Remember that no one needs to be perfect, but everybody can contribute, by adapting new habits. Start simply, but simply start, because every step toward a cleaner future counts.
From the highest top of the mountain, to the lowest ground of the sea, scientists have found alarming amounts of plastic and microplastic - even in locations which are impossible for us humans to reach. Plastic, a substance that is found all over the globe, in every corner of the earth.
Plastic waste – not only a severe problem in distant venues like on the top of the world’s highest mountain. A tiny island, considered one of the most remote pieces of land on the planet, is struggling with huge amounts of waste. Henderson Island the largest of four, forming the Pitcairn Islands group. An uninhabited gem located between Australia and Chile in the eastern South Pacific, with no cities or industry within a radius of 5.000 kilometres. Its beautiful white beaches, covered with palm trees, wild nature and remarkable biological diversity made Henderson Island become part of the UNESCO world heritage in 1988.
An apparently untouched heavenly piece of earth, miles away from civilisation and still scientists believe the island to have the highest concentration of plastic waste in the world. Over 38 Million pieces of plastic trash are covering its beaches, weighing more than 17 tons, numbers that are increasing every day.
These are the research results of Jennifer Lavers, from Tasmania University and Alexander Bond, British Royal Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Their study focused on the examination of pieces of plastic found on the sand’s surface as well as within 10 centimetres of depth. Within the size of one square meter, the scientists counted upon 670 pieces of plastic covering the sand’s surface. Numbers became even higher, going deeper under the surface: upon 4.550 pieces of plastic per square meter were located, most of them smaller than 5 millimetres. More than 68 percent of waste was hidden within the sand. Excluding microplastic particles (fragments smaller than 5mm) and without going further than 10 centimetres, it is needless to say what the results would look like if these parameters would have been included. Apart from fishing equipment, like nets or buoys, the garbage mainly consisted in objects like toothbrushes, drinking straws and cutlery.
Carried to the sea by streams, rivers or canals, once plastic has made its way into the ocean, it starts a journey travelling broad distances around the world, reaching the most isolated places. Henderson Island is located within the powerful South Pacific Gyre, a current known for containing and distributing waste. According to the research results, plastic trash from all over the world was found, though mainly deriving from Asia and South America. Scientists believe there are many more islands in similar conditions. The amount of plastic waste that was found on Henderson Island - 17.6 tons of plastic - is the same quantity produced on a worldwide level every 2 seconds. If the use of plastic items is not going to decrease drastically, the situation of world’s hidden gems is unlikely to change.
Our solid Makeup Remover and Face Cleanser just won the category FACE CLEANSER for the best product 2021 of the BIO AWARDS 2021. The award ceremony was organised by the Italian magazine Bio & Consumi.
nudo's solid Makeup Remover & Face Cleanser was voted best product of its category by a jury consisting of both large-scale distributors and industry professionals.
Our Made in Italy solid bar is a beautiful two in one option, it cleans and removes makeup and is ideal for both men and women. Its detox benefits are super gentle on the skin and the lovely peach flower perfume is just soothing and pleasant.
We are very happy to have this product amongst our offering. So great to see how innovation is rewarded!
An Interview with Impakter and Marijam Bieber, Founder of nudo
nudo nature made is a natural beauty and body care product line, born out of an appreciation of nature, its purity and simplicity.
In October 2020, Marijam Bieber launched nudo, a line of natural body care accessories that are 100 percent plastic free, vegan, and made from plants that grow abundantly in Asia. Offering affordable ecological alternatives to everyday items we have come to think of as disposable, nudo was created in response to the dependence on plastic packaging in the organic beauty and food industry. The company only uses recyclable and biodegradable packaging and implements a no air freight policy, transporting their goods via cargo ship and rail to minimise their carbon footprint. Here Marijam talks to us about the wonders of bamboo and other subtropical flora, and the challenges of running a young sustainable brand.
You spent some time in Bali. It’s a beautiful island in a part of the world that’s disproportionately affected by the global plastic problem. How did your time in Southeast Asia influence your decision to create Nudo and how is this reflected in the brand ethos?
Already the setting and atmosphere is inspiring, as you said it’s naturally blessed. There are a lot of digital nomads living there, expats who travel and work at the same time. Everybody has their “purpose” project, their own dream that they’re pursuing. It’s so inspiring because they’re working for themselves. That already was a huge inspiration for me, I thought, “That’s so nice, I want to do that as well”.
On the other hand, as you mentioned, there’s a huge trash problem. For instance, you don’t have clean tap water to drink, so you have to go to places that have filtered water or buy plastic bottles of water. There’s a huge amount of waste created by this. I lived there during the rainy season, when the rain storms would wash up trash on the beaches. I would walk on the beach and it would be covered in trash. It was the first time I really thought, “What is happening here?” Of course, you don’t always see this phenomenon, if it were any other season, the trash would still be out there floating in the ocean or at the bottom of the sea.
Walking on the beach I would see everyday items like toothbrushes washed up. I learned that every minute there is the equivalent of one truck full of trash that’s dumped into the ocean. I started to make small changes when I moved back to Europe, like not buying products with plastic packaging. This is where the idea for Nudo grew. I was living in Rome at the time, but I couldn’t find the natural and organic products I wanted to buy. I could sometimes find them in the organic stores, but they were super expensive or they would say “natural” and “organic” but be totally covered in plastic packaging!
A konjac sponge with activated charcoal powder, a bamboo nail brush with sisal fibres – these are just some of Nudo’s products made from plants found in Asia. How did you come to learn about these materials and can you talk us through the product development process? Do you start with the material first and then think of how it could be used as a product, or vice versa?
I was already using a lot of these products for myself, I did not reinvent the wheel! I thought about what a good alternative to a plastic comb could be. Could it be made with wood or bamboo? Cotton swabs don’t need to be made of plastic, they can easily be made of biodegradable material. I was just trying to make all these little switches from plastic products to natural materials. With the sisal, I was initially thinking of doing another product with that, we had made prototypes but I realized it was way too hard. Sisal is a very tough fiber, so I thought about making a nail brush and found that its texture was perfect for that.
In the course of my research, I found other materials, like konjac, which is the root of a flower. I didn’t know these things before because I come from a different cultural background, from another part of the world, so I was just learning by doing. Konjac has been used in Japan for hundreds of years. It’s hard at the beginning but softens in water and they use it to wash babies. We enhance ours with charcoal, which has detoxing benefits, so it leaves your skin really clean and pure.
We work a lot with bamboo, the most sustainable plant on earth. It grows a meter a day and absorbs huge amounts of CO2. An oak tree, by contrast, takes 80 years just to reach maturity. Even if the bamboo I use grows in Asia and I have to transport it here to Europe, it still has a negative carbon footprint. The plants we source are cultivated, but they are just as regenerative and fast-growing as those that grow wild in the jungle.
How do you source your materials? What are things you are not willing to compromise on in your pursuit of sustainability?
We have a partner in Hong Kong who looks for the factories and takes care of assessing their certifications, as we only work with certified factories.* He also helps with the production of prototypes in the beginning to see what works and what doesn’t. When it comes to production and shipping we make sure that we keep our footprint low by not using any plastic packaging.
With the adoption of the UN 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, sustainability is an essential guiding principle for businesses everywhere. What were some of the key learnings from your own path to sustainability and what are some of the future challenges you anticipate as the beauty industry responds to the greater demand for sustainable products.
It’s not just the beauty industry, the economy in general is a disaster with regards to sustainability with all the disposable products, all the plastic packaging. Look at the food industry – even a fruit that has its own protective peel is wrapped in plastic.
But I also see a lot of change happening. Very often it comes from small businesses and startups that see the problems and have the solutions. But from my experience, it’s also these companies, the ones that are trying to make a change, that in the end are attacked the most. It’s almost as if you either do it 100 percent perfect and clean, or you’re nothing. This is a huge problem, I think. At the beginning I was really limiting myself because I thought everything had a footprint. You have to start somewhere. People in the beginning are often very critical, but you cannot do everything perfectly. This is the main reason why people have nice ideas but are scared to put themselves out there.
Looking to the future, what do you think are the greatest challenges for Nudo? How do you see the company evolving in the next five years?
The challenge is for people to get to know us. We’re super young, we launched a year ago, so people need to know about us and know that we offer easy solutions. Another challenge, which we are becoming more aware of, is that we’re not selling a Tesla here – our margins are small at the end. We have to think about how to sustain our company with our earnings. The good thing is that there are so many things to do in this world, so many possibilities! Across all industries there are disposable products that need to be replaced. In the future we might cover other areas and industries. There’s huge potential everywhere.
*nudo is a SEDEX member and ECOVADIS Gold, ISO9001, ISO14001 and SA8000 certified. Their manufacturing partners are mainly in Italy, Austria, Portugal, Turkey and China. India, Turkey, Austria and Italy.