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Writer's pictureNatasha Gates

Let's Get Ethical: How Regenerative Production and Consumerism Can Change the World



Our planet has provided us with an abundance of natural resources. However, we produce and consume far more than what our planet can provide.


The unsustainable production and consumption of goods and services across the globe is driving climate change to an alarming degree.


Here are some of the facts:


  • From 2000 to 2019, total domestic material consumption rose by more than 65% globally, amounting to 95.1 billion metric tons in 2019 (UN, 2022).

  • The weight of new plastic made yearly is equal to the weight of the world population (OECD, 2022).

  • The fashion industry dumps 2.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year - that means that 10% of worldwide CO2 comes from clothing (World Bank, 2019).

  • 60% of clothes are made from or with plastic (UNEP, 2019).

  • The personal care and beauty industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging every year globally—most of which is not recyclable (Plastic Pollution Coalition, 2023).

  • Production giant Unilever has estimated that almost 70% of its greenhouse gas footprint depends on which products customers choose and whether they dispose of them in a sustainable way (Harvard Business Review, 2019).

  • In 2020, an estimated 13.3% of the world’s food was lost after harvesting and before reaching retail markets (UN, 2022).

  • An estimated 17% of total food available to consumers (931 million metric tons) is wasted at household, food service and retail levels (UN, 2022).

  • Food that ends up in landfills generates 8-10 % of global greenhouse gas emissions (UN, 2022).

We know that these statistics are scary and overwhelming. When we read hard-hitting facts like this it can be easy to shut down and feel insignificant in the global fight against climate change. We understand and we get these feelings too. But whenever we feel overwhelmed or like these global challenges are insurmountable we like to think of these quotes:


"We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly."

- Anne Marie Bonneau


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."

- Margaret Mead

At The Human Hive, we believe that you are never too old or too young to start making a difference. Anyone can be a ChangeMaker.


More and more people - both consumers and businesses - are becoming aware of how our habits are affecting the planet. According to a recent study by Deloitte, 1 in 3 consumers have stopped purchasing from a business because they weren't "eco-conscious".


At the same time, there has been a wave of new and exciting brands in the food, clothing, beauty, and lifestyle sectors that are changing the production landscape and promoting ethical consumerism by putting regeneration at the heart of their business.


So if you are looking to make a change in your consumption habits but are feeling overwhelmed by climate anxiety or simply don't know where to start, then you have come to the right place.


We have compiled a list of some of our favourite ethical brands that are actively making a difference in the world RIGHT NOW so that you can start making a change WITH them.


 

SURI


Did you know that every year over 4 billion toothbrushes end up in landfill or in our oceans? SURI is a Certified B Corporation that put the planet first and want to make it so that our daily rituals are in harmony with Earth.


SURI makes toothbrushes that are redesigned from first principles, to be more:

○ Reusable ○ Repairable Recyclable


Their brush heads are made from plant-based corn starch and the bristles are made from castor-oil. SURI have designed their brush with these innovative materials because it makes them bio-based and reduces our reliance on petroleum-based plastics.

What is even better is that SURI will recycle the heads for free in the UK and US! How great is that?

ASPHALTE

Asphalte is an eco-conscious men's fashion brand that makes high-quality clothes that are designed to be durable and sustainable. Asphalte believe that clothes have become"throwaway" purchases often made from far away, as we're buying more of them, but binning 60% within the first year.


Their mission is to make clothes that help us to consume less, to be responsible with production through their method of pre-ordering, and to be transparent with their materials.


SMOL

Smol are an ethical and sustainable cleaning product company who make a range of products including, laundry capsules, dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid, and more.


They have started a revolution to clean up our planet.


Smol believe that sustainable swaps should be effortless, accessible and affordable so everyone can take part.

According to Smol, "when everyone is taking part, we see the greatest change"... we couldn't agree more!


So far, Smol have saved over 1,400 tonnes of plastic, over 3,700 tonnes of chemicals, and over 20,600 tonnes of carbon - WOW!


RAEBURN

Sustainable fashion brand Raeburn are changing the fashion landscape and the world through responsible design.


Founder and Creative Director Christopher Raeburn established Raeburn designs in 2009 and is a pioneer in upcycling and responsible and ethical production.


We love to see ChangeMakers making a massive difference in the world and redesigning the fast-fashion industry ♻️



RAPANUI

Rapanui is based in the Isle of Wight and makes clothes using organic materials, renewable energy, plastic-free packaging and recyclability made possible with tech.


The business uses a circular supply chain, meaning that every product is designed to come back and be remade when it is worn out.


Their products are made to last but when they are no longer wearable, each item is designed to be sent back. The material Rapanui recover is reprocessed, respun and made into new products.


ALLBIRDS

Clothing brand Allbirds has an amazing sustainability strategy - they have pledged to cut their carbon footprint in half by 2025, and they are already 60% of the way there.


Allbirds has just announced the world's first ever net zero carbon shoe called "M0.0NSHOT", launching in spring, 2024.


They have achieved this by using regenerative wool and regenerative farming practices.



HISBE

HISBE (How It Should Be) a grocery shop in Brighton and Worthing that is turning grocery shopping into a march towards change.


HISBE is providing consumers with sustainable alternatives to products that they already buy.


They source primarily local and seasonal provide and support regenerative farmers and farming practices.


If you live in the Brighton or Worthing area and are looking for more organic, sustainable alternatives for your shopping then definitely go and check them out!



PIKT

Do you ever find yourself walking around the supermarket and thinking to yourself it is crazy how much of our food is packaged in plastic and how much of it is wasted?


PIKT allow you to order organic fruit and vegetable boxes straight to your home through carbon neutral delivery. And what is best is that it involves 100% plastic-free packaging!


As well as being carbon neutral, PIKT are B Corp certified and are audited every-year with the Soil Association.


THE HIVE BULK FOODS

When travelling, however ethically we might try, it can be hard to keep up with zero waste. If you live in South-East Asia or are planning a trip to Malaysia, there is an amazing store in Kuala Lumpur that sells a wide range of zero waste products that are perfect for stocking up on your travels!

Products they sell include bulk dry food products (such as rice, pasta, and fruit), refillable liquids (shampoo, shower gels, and detergent), beauty products (such as natural deodorants and soaps, face serums, and travel sized essentials), as well as sustainable feminine hygiene products, such as period underwear and menstrual cups.


What is even more incredible is that The Hive Bulk Foods stocks many products that have been made by female entrepreneurs and organic, local farmers - it is no wonder that they received the United Nations award for its dedication to advocating a zero-waste lifestyle in 2017.


WILD DEODRANT

Wild are challenging the throwaway culture of bathroom products. They have made a sustainable "deodorant for life" that uses natural ingredients.


Wild have created a reusable deodorant applicator that is made from aluminium that will last you a lifetime. You then order refills that are made from bamboo pulp. Every time you refill your case, you’ll save 30 grams of plastic going to landfill.


There are no parabens or sulphates and all of their formulas are certified vegan and cruelty-free.


So far, Wild have Diverted 80 tonnes of throwaway deodorants from landfill and planted 300,000 trees.


Wild regularly releases exciting new scents and gorgeous cases - as you can see from the photo, our social media manager loves her Wild deodorant!


RUBY MOON SWIM

RubyMoon are a sustainable and ethical swimwear and activewear social enterprise that aim to clean up our oceans and empower women worldwide.


They are also the world’s only completely circular, not-for-profit swim and active wear brand.


RubyMoon transforms ocean waste into beautiful "Gym To Swim" clothing whilst donating 100% of their profit into micro loans for women entrepreneurs globally.



All of their products are designed & manufactured according to circular, regenerative and slow fashion principles, with the mission of reducing both waste and consumption.


RubyMoon are a truly inspiring organisation making a difference in the world, regenerating People, Places, and Planet.


PERKIER

When browsing the shelves in the supermarket it can feel nearly impossible to find a snack that doesn't contain palm oil these days.


Perkier are a 100% plant-based snack bar company. They are vegan, carbon neutral, palm oil free, and use recyclable packaging - sounds pretty great, right?


They also use B Corp certified manufacturers and are on their way to becoming certified themselves!


Perkier are also tackling the major issue of food waste - which is the biggest driver of climate change currently. Perkier has less than 1% food waste through the supply chain and any spare food is donated to foodbanks.


Definitely check them out if you are looking for a healthy, sustainable snack option - the salted caramel and dark chocolate bar is our particular favourite! 😋


 

We hope you have enjoyed this compilation of some of our favourite regenerative and ethical brands right now.


There are so many more wonderful brands and organisations making a positive change for responsible production and consumption that we did not get to mention. So if you enjoyed this article give it a like or comment down below your favourite ethical, regenerative brands and they can feature in our next article! 💚



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