Month: February 2019

The production and use of plastics have been dated back from over 111 years ago; the production of which came as a result of its cheap price and high durability.  Many countries have adopted the production of plastics as a means of trade and global commerce. While many articles about plastics discuss top polluters due to mismanagement of waste, in this article, we will uncover the top 5 countries that produce the most plastic in the world, and what they’re doing about it now.

In the 1950s to the 70s, only small amount of plastic were produced and in this case the management of plastics were easy. In the period of the 1990s, the production of plastics tripled within two decades. Around the 2000s the rate at which plastic were produced increased drastically. Today we experience a sharp inclination in the production of plastic around the world, about 300-381 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. A lot of research has been made showing that 7.8-8.3 billion tonnes of plastic were produced since the early 1950s. Sixty percent of that plastic has ended up in landfills.
The source used to gather statistical research is from the International Trade Centre’s Trade Map, using Plastic as source of export.  Here are of the top 5 countries producing plastic in the world:

Photo Credit: REUTERS/China Photo

1. China

China tops the list of countries producing the most plastic in the world. They produce the largest quantity of plastic at nearly 60 million tones. They exported the highest dollar value worth of plastic items at US$17.9 billion. Despite topping the affairs of the production, they are considerably at the top of those who consume most. Knowing the adverse effect of the usage, China is now sitting up and enabling several strategies to reduce mismanagement of plastic such as recycling and strict regulations in handling plastic.

Photo Credit: DPA

2. Germany

About 14.5 million tonnes of plastic are produced in Germany and their exported dollar value of plastic is worth US$9 billion. The environmental minister Svenja Schulze said Germany has come up with a plan designed to tackling the level of plastic waste in Germany. The plans are a) avoiding unnecessary products and packaging; b) ensuring all products and packaging are more environmentally-friendly; c) increased recycling; d) prevention of plastic to getting into organic waste; e) international effort aimed at reducing plastic waste in oceans.

Photo Credit: Chris Urso | Times

3. USA

The United States of America are ranked the third country producing plastic in the world, they produce quantity of about 38 million tonnes and their exported dollar value of plastic is worth US$6.8 billion. They are responsible for the production of 19.5% of plastic used in the world. The US is has been proactive at regulating the usage of plastic by launching single-use plastic bans throughout major US cities. They also encourage recycling and enforce regulations on its management.

Photo Credit: European Commission for the Environment

4. Italy

Statistics show that Italy exported 4.2% of plastic items, and the dollar value worth of US$3 billion. Italy is joining the rest of the world to take action on this enemy before it destroys our ecosystem. Regulations are made, recycling is promoted and ban on plastic materials.

5. France

Research shows France export 3.7% of plastic items, and the dollar value worth of about US$2.7 billion. France’s government is taking proactive actions to get rid of plastics, their proposed measure includes tax on consumer goods. Recycling measures, ban on single use product, deposit system on plastic materials.
It’s always moving to see that in times of crisis, we as a global community somehow come together to build movements, solutions, regulations, practices and, most importantly, hope. It’s even more miraculous and moving to know that, innately in all of us, we want to protect her, our home, and for the greater good of our future.

We hope you enjoyed this blog, and if you did, please make sure to Share this blog with your friends, family, and your community, in all social platforms; but most importantly, in FaceBook Groups.  By doing so, YOU are making a difference for the planet and people. You are creating awareness, enlightening others and creating faith in humanity.

With love and compassion,

Team Karunaki

There is growing speculation about the ‘eco-friendliness’ of bamboo fabric.  Bamboo Fabric is a textile that is chemically produced by extracting cellulose from raw bamboo pulp.  Bamboo Fabric is used to make socks, bed linens, duvets, towels, and clothing materials that are popularly coined as having ultra-soft and durable fibers.

Let’s dive right in and dig deep into this speculation, the conclusion to which not only enlighten you but also encourage your stance on eco-living.

The process of extracting cellulose from bamboo pulp is a chemical process that involves hydrolysis alkalization, which makes use of chemicals like sodium hydroxide (may cause eye and skin allergies) and carbon disulphide (which is known to increase risk of neural and reproductive system disorders) to dissolve raw bamboo. This process is combined with multi-phase bleaching.

The manufacturers of such products are primarily located in developing countries where environmentally-friendly and safe chemical disposal practices are not fully followed nor enforced. Not only does this pose an increased risk of human exposure but also a risk to the ecosystem.

Did you know that the end result of this manufacturing process is a fiber colloquially known as Rayon?

Rayon is an artificial fiber made from plant cellulose. The majority of Rayon is made from raw bamboo, due to bamboo’s sustainable nature attributed to its rapid plant production, with little or no need of pesticides or fertilizer to encourage growth.  Although it’s uncommon for retailers to claim that Bamboo Fabric is a sustainable option, it certainly implies that it is because of its originating raw material. And with the sustainability movement on a rising trend, which is well-deserved, it’s rather a common marketing exercise to insinuate so.

On the flipside, one can argue that retailers of bamboo fabrics may actually be helping the sustainability movement by allowing others to become newly aware of a growing environmental problem for which the solution is to begin choosing sustainable products over non-sustainable sources.

Another may additionally argue that similar processes are used for other plant-based textiles and therefore should also come under the same scrutiny.  Although, it should be noted that bamboo is a sturdy and strong plant, and requires much less maintenance and therefore has significantly less environmental impact overall compared to other raw plant sources.

We at Karunaki actually believe that we may be decades, or even a century or two, behind any real sustainable means to produce authentic eco-friendly textiles. There will likely be an environmental impact from raw material to end product, from packing to shipping, everything in between and implications of end-of-life disposal.  

We published this article for two reasons: the first is to give you an exercise to begin questioning where your products really come from and how they impact everything else at a global level; and second, to see some goodness in, although seemingly disagreeable,’ eco-friendly’ practices.

With that, we believe that no one ever has to drastically change their lifestyle, nor to uphold themselves to unachievable standards, in order to rightfully be labeled as eco-conscious. Our technology to produce authentic eco-friendly textiles is currently still in its infancy; we have to give it some time; and also give yourselves some space.

This is our belief: take one small change a time, live a doable eco lifestyle, and if enough people take the same small change, results in ripples of transformation and positive impact. Strength in numbers almost always wins. To illustrate, Mother Teresa put it so well, “We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.”

If you agree, we invite you to live an eco lifestyle that is not only achievable but also difference-making. Why not begin by replacing everyday products with sustainable versions? We invite you to browse through our collection and consider buying an eco-friendly product today. This is the easiest and most attainable change. And we guarantee that you will feel fulfilled, at peace and aligned with your true Self after each use.

If you’re ready to go a step further, then perhaps also take transit, ride a bike or walk instead? Maybe practice meatless Mondays or attempt Plant-Based M-F? Why not volunteer at your local shoreline or park cleanup groups? Start your own sustainable urban farm in your own backyard?

Be sure to share this article, because THAT is just as effective as doing something great for you and the planet today.  

With love and compassion,

Team Karunaki

 

Top Photo by Alex Keda on Unsplash
Second Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash
Third Photo by Raychan on Unsplash
Fourth Photo by Artem Kovalev on Unsplash
Last Photo by Andrew Spencer on Unsplash

 

How Eco Living is a Cause for Celebration. Happy Chinese New Year!

The story remains evergreen and fresh to our hearing about the courageous story of love demonstrated by St. Valentine himself. A story that tells of courage, love, and sacrifices extended by a man to all.

The miracle that Valentine’s Day brings is the opportunity to express our deepest love and share the most vulnerable parts of ourselves with the most important person or people in our life.  Whether we are partnered or not, we often consider ending the day of love with an exchange of gifts.

While some of us contemplate romantic getaways, boujee dinners, or expensive jewelry, others may contemplate on giving practical, everyday gifts, that in many ways, are just as noble, unique and priceless.

This article is for both the dreamy and the pragmatic.  

Why not give a gift that gives back?  This, in many ways, is quite romantic in itself.  Love is selfless, it’s kind. Putting aside any of the commercialism that Valentine’s Day might bring, you might see that beneath it all, there is pure intent.  It brings us closer to one another, allows us permission to love fully without constraint, and for some, a new hope for new love, and an opportunity for self-love and self-care.

A Valentine’s gift can capture these very moments where we let ourselves fall in love again and be loved, by others and ourselves. Why not give a gift that gives back?  

Here are 3 reasons why you should consider giving your loved one an eco-friendly gift on Valentine’s Day:

1. You automatically become part of a solution to a problem that has been going on for decades upon decades.  You can sleep peacefully at night knowing that you make a difference everyday, simply by choosing an eco-friendly product.

2. Eco living promotes a healthier, toxic-free lifestyle. It will strengthen your will to lead a healthier lifestyle, which in itself is self-love and self-care. Habit is a matter of practicing a certain lifestyle, and that includes using products that are aligned with your values.

3. Live guilt-free, lead by example and be the kind of person who knows what’s up with the planet; be a person who is actually doing something about it and have absolutely no fear in expressing your stand by staying true to your beliefs.  Be the kind of person that makes a difference.

Underneath all of our pretenses, fears, anger, or negative emotions, lies the truest expression of what it means to be a human being for another human being, which is unbridled expression of compassion and love for one another.

At Karunaki we believe the planet is a living being – our mother earth; breathing, giving, and forgiving…show your love back and get something completely different this Valentine’s.

Consider getting your guy, gal or pal one of our best-selling product to-date: Bamboo Tumblers styled in Naked Bamboo Wood or Obsidian Black. These stylishly unique 17 oz or 500 ml hot/cold infuser tumbler keeps you hydrated and healthy all day. We have a special offer you should take advantage of while it’s still available.  Details will be at the end of this blog.

Shown above: I LIVE ECO Bamboo Tumblers Naked Wood or Obsidian Black

We’re also happy to announce the addition of our Basic Eco Tote Bags and Urban luxe Lined Eco Tote Bags with Vegan Leather, which are sustainably fashionable, durable, washable, and has up to 684 cubic inches or 1585 cubic cm of space. Proudly support eco living by sporting the “I Live Eco” tote bag.  Spread the message, spread the love.

Basic Eco Tote Bag

 

Urban Lined Eco Tote Bag

 

Come check out at all of our other products at our online store for other eco products. We live eco, do you?

 

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SPECIAL OFFER: Take advantage of our Buy One Get One Half Off deal. Simply add 2 tumblers in one basket and the discount will be applied Only At Checkout.  Click the combinations below to go straight to Checkout Now to get the BOGO Deal:

• Buy 2 x Naked Bamboo
• Buy 2  x Obsidian Black
• Buy 1  x Naked Bamboo and 1 x Obsidian Black

 

With love and compassion,

Team Karunaki

Top Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

Middle Photo by Chris Stanley