SPARK & BELL’s Post

Are you aware of the impact your home textiles have on the environment? 🌍 Choosing sustainable home textiles is more than just a trend. It's a lifestyle change that can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. From organic cotton sheets to recycled fabric curtains, every choice matters. It's time we all took a closer look at the labels on our home textiles. Are you ready to make the switch to a more eco-friendly home? Let's start a conversation about sustainable living.

Ever thought about the environmental impact of your home textiles? 🌍 Making sustainable choices in our homes can be a game-changer for our planet. Just imagine, each time you choose an eco-friendly rug or a sustainable bedsheet, you're contributing to a greener world. It's not just about buying products labeled 'green' or 'eco-friendly'. It's about understanding what makes a product sustainable - from the materials used, the manufacturing process, to the lifespan of the product. Let's make our homes not just beautiful, but also kind to Mother Earth. Who's with me on this journey towards sustainable living?

At Sit Back & Relax, sustainability is one of our fundamental values, guiding our actions and decisions. Here's how we're putting it into practice as a company.

🌍 Too many furniture companies claim sustainability without giving evidence. Gat Creek CEO Gat Caperton addresses the growing issue of greenwashing in the furniture industry: "It’s not just the false claims of sustainability that are the problem. The lack of clarity around what constitutes sustainable practices muddies the water and confuses consumers." Read more about how Gat Creek is helping consumers separate facts from fiction in Furniture Today: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eV6rrZVZ #Sustainability #Greenwashing #FurnitureIndustry #ResponsibleBusiness #TheAntiGreenwashCharter #EthicalBusiness

10 sustainable lighting brands Among sustainability professionals, B Corp is considered one of the gold standards of environmental certifications. It’s not easy to achieve: a business has to demonstrate high levels of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency and score over 80 in a strict impact assessment. Despite these barriers, 10 lighting brands have made the cut and we celebrate them here: • 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤 & 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐥 Brighton-based SPARK & BELL hand makes luminaires from locally sourced parts and sustainable materials. It boasts an in-house plastic recycling workshop, a 10-year-warranty, free repair service and an end-of-life scheme. • 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 Retail lighting specialist Shoplight Ltd | B Corp™ makes spotlights and downlights with housings made from bio-polymers. At the of their life, they can be returned to the company for a credit towards new products. • 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 Trainspotters, a specialist in restoring vintage industrial lights, says its motto is ‘buy once buy well’. Recently it has made a formal commitment to give 2 per cent of its turnover to charity every year. • 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐚 Tala Lighting says that the materials it uses for its lamps and luminaires is driven by quality and longevity, so all its lamps are made from borosilicate glass not plastic. The company is also carbon neutral on all inbound shipments. • 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐎𝐟 Hackney-based houseof.com makes on-trend pendants, wall lights and freestanding luminaires in bright colours. The company says it has achieved 100 per cent climate neutrality in its scope 1 and 2 emissions. • 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 Entertainment to architectural lighting supplier White Light – officially known as d&b solutions UK – has been certified since 2022. It’s also an ISO 14001 accredited company and an Albert Supplier in the film and TV industry. • 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Long an environmental pioneer, Stoane Lighting won both a Build Back Better Award for its ReNew division, which repairs and upgrades its luminaires to give them a second life. The brand has a 25-year ‘duty of care’ for its products. • 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐭 skinflint Ltd salvages luminaires from the 1920s to 1970s. So far the company has restored over 50,000 lights and it promises to take them back in exchange for a credit under its ‘Full Circle’ buy-back pledge, an industry first. • 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐬 Phos | B Corp says that nearly all of its raw materials and components are produced within 50 miles of its factory in Hatfield. Its luminaires are designed to be modular, so components can be replaced, repair or recycled as appropriate. • Anglepoise® | B Corp™ The manufacturer of the iconic task light says all its products are designed for longevity. Its luminaires have a lifetime guarantee and the company even re-engineers spare parts from discontinued designs to keep them in service. * Full story: Link in the comments • The Circular Lighting Report is powered by Recolight

Embracing Sustainability: The Timeless Appeal of Clay Products In a world that often rushes past, seeking the newest, flashiest trends, there’s something profoundly comforting about traditions that endure. At Hearty Mart, we believe in the power of natural materials to not only enhance our lives but also to contribute positively to our planet’s health. Imagine a kitchen filled with the warm glow of handmade clay pots and pans. Each piece tells a story of skilled artisans who have perfected their craft over generations. But it’s not just about aesthetics; there’s a deeper connection between clay products and our well-being. First and foremost, clay products are sustainable. Unlike plastics or metals that require extensive processing and often end up polluting our environment, clay is a natural material that can be sourced responsibly. By choosing clay products, we reduce our carbon footprint and support eco-friendly practices. But sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s also about our health. Consider the difference between cooking in a plastic-coated pan versus a clay pot. Plastics can leach harmful chemicals into our food, especially when exposed to heat. On the other hand, clay is inert and doesn’t react with food, ensuring that what we consume is pure and uncontaminated. Benefits of clay products for our health: 1. Non-Toxic Cooking: When we cook in clay pots, we eliminate the risk of ingesting harmful chemicals. This is particularly important for families with children, as their developing bodies are more sensitive to toxins. 2. Retains Nutritional Value: Clay pots are known for their ability to retain moisture and heat evenly. This gentle cooking process preserves the nutritional value of ingredients, ensuring that every meal is not just delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. 3. Enhanced Flavor: Clay imparts a unique flavor profile to food, enhancing the taste and aroma of dishes. It’s like adding a touch of tradition and earthiness to every bite. 4. Natural Cooling Properties: Clay products have natural cooling properties, making them ideal for storing water or beverages. The water remains refreshingly cool without the need for electricity, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. There’s a certain joy in knowing that what we use is not only good for us but also honors age-old craftsmanship. It’s like bringing a piece of history into our homes, connecting us to our roots and the stories of those who came before us. As for the future, the trend toward natural, sustainable living is only growing stronger. People are becoming more conscious of the impact of their choices on the planet and are actively seeking alternatives that promote a healthier, more balanced way of life. This presents a tremendous opportunity for companies like Hearty Mart to showcase the beauty and benefits of clay products to a wider audience, including the vibrant UAE market.

DIY Sustainable Home Projects Bundle --------------------------- Discover 80+ Sustainable Living Projects Whether you live rural, in the suburbs, or in the city, this book has projects to make your home more sustainable. ----------- Start making your home more sustainable today, because this book has DIY projects for everyone. -------------------- 💸 Save money: Creating a self-sustainable home saves money by providing what you need without extra expenses. 🌱 Be healthier: Grow and make your own products free from harmful chemicals, promoting better health. 🌍 Help the environment: Self-sustainable homes reduce waste and are eco-friendly. 💡 Make extra income: Explore opportunities to generate additional income through sustainability projects. --------------------------- 🌱 Grow a highly efficient vegetable garden tailored to your climate. 💧 Learn various methods to collect, store, and treat your own water. 🧼 Make natural soap and chemical-free health products. 🐓 Raise chickens for eggs or meat. 🐝 Start beekeeping at home. 🍅 Preserve your extra produce effectively. 🍞 Build efficient wood ovens for sustainable cooking. ☀️ Harness solar energy for electricity, cooking, and heating. 🥛 Create oil, flour, dairy-free milk, yogurt, and more from one plant. 🐜 Control pests naturally without chemicals or traps. --------------- get here https://lnkd.in/evVa6mPv

As sustainability gains momentum in the commercial furniture industry, more manufacturers are stepping up to show their commitment. However, it can sometimes be challenging to separate genuine efforts from marketing hype. Here’s how we can challenge potential greenwashing and make informed, responsible furniture selections: 1. Seek third-party verified, multi-attribute certifications. These certifications provide a well-rounded view of the product’s environmental impact. 2. Look for transparency and humility in a company’s sustainability journey. The best manufacturers share both their successes and the areas they’re still working to improve. 3. Choose manufacturers with sustainability in their DNA who focus on long-term changes, not just a single "green hero" product. Together, we can encourage the industry to keep progressing toward truly sustainable solutions. Let’s support the companies making thoughtful, authentic changes while building spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but also kind to our planet. 

🌿 Sustainable Sourcing in Hospitality: What’s on the Radar? 🌿 Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword in hospitality anymore — it’s becoming a core focus! Here are some of the products making a difference: 🥬 Locally-Sourced Food and Drinks: Think fresh produce from nearby farms, organic meats, and fair trade coffee. Supporting local suppliers not only reduces carbon footprints but also brings unique, local flavors to the table. 🧼 Eco-Friendly Amenities: From bamboo toothbrushes to refillable dispensers and non-toxic cleaning supplies, hotels and resorts are opting for biodegradable and reusable options to cut down on waste. 📦 Sustainable Packaging: Restaurants and cafes are moving towards compostable or recyclable packaging materials — like cornstarch-based containers and recycled paper bags — to minimize plastic use. 💡 Energy-Efficient Equipment: More properties are switching to LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and smart HVAC systems to lower energy consumption and cut down on costs. 🏗️ Eco-Friendly Building Materials: Renovations and new builds are focusing on materials like recycled wood, low-VOC paints, and sustainably sourced textiles to create spaces that are both stylish and sustainable. 🚿 Water-Saving Fixtures: Hotels are installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce water use — a win for the environment and the bottom line. 🖼️ Local and Sustainable Décor: Embracing decor made by local artisans using sustainable materials adds a unique touch while supporting the community. Sustainable sourcing is more than just a trend — it’s a necessity for the future of hospitality. 🌍 What sustainable products are you exploring or excited about? 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments!

♻️ 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable marketing, connecting with consumers on an emotional level is paramount. Among the color spectrum, green reigns supreme as a symbol of nature, growth, and well-being. By embracing the psychology of green, you can foster a sense of harmony, resonate with environmentally conscious consumers, and propel your sustainable brand forward. Why Green? The Science of Harmony and Growth: Natural Associations: Green is deeply linked to the natural world, evoking feelings of peace, balance, and renewal. This connection resonates with consumers increasingly concerned about environmental well-being. Growth and Freshness: Green embodies the essence of growth and new beginnings. Leveraging this association allows sustainability brands to position themselves as facilitators of positive environmental change. A Universally Positive Color: Across cultures, green is generally associated with positive emotions. This universality makes it a safe and effective choice for brands aiming to reach a global audience. Harnessing the Power of Green: Lush Greenery: Incorporate rich, vibrant greens reminiscent of lush forests or meadows. These evoke a sense of tranquility and connection with nature, ideal for eco-friendly products or wellness initiatives. Earthy Tones: Utilize calming, earthy tones like olive or sage green. These hues convey a sense of groundedness and stability, perfectly aligning with sustainable practices and responsible consumption. Complementary Colors: While green stands strong on its own, explore the power of complementary colors. Pairing green with accents of blue or yellow can add a touch of vibrancy and optimism, creating a visually appealing and balanced brand identity. Building a Sustainable Brand with Green: Beyond aesthetics, utilize green strategically to cultivate a genuine connection with environmentally conscious consumers: Showcase Eco-Conscious Practices: Highlight your commitment to sustainability through your visuals. Display images of nature, recycling processes, or eco-friendly packaging to reinforce your brand's values. Communicate Transparency: Consumers appreciate honesty. Utilize clear and transparent language to communicate your sustainability efforts and environmental impact. Foster a Community of Growth: Green fosters a sense of shared responsibility. Encourage consumer participation in sustainable practices through educational content, community initiatives, or loyalty programs that reward eco-friendly choices. Embrace the Power of Green: By understanding the psychology of green and implementing strategic color choices, your sustainable brand can cultivate a sense of harmony, foster well-being, and resonate with environmentally conscious consumers. #colorpsychology #sustainablemarketing