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“If we do not change our lives, we may not have any lives left to change”.
By António Guterres at the opening of the 2019 Climate Summit in Madrid.
We know climate change is not a myth when we see more and more disasters and harsh temperatures. We believe something has to change, but we are waiting for national governments to take the reins and achieve the agreed targets. Deep down, we also know that this change must come from ourselves. We know that our anti-environmental habits need to be recycled and that we need to make a difference together for a promising future!
So, what is sustainability?
It serves to ensure the continued existence of the planet’s natural resources. More specifically, ecological sustainability is a balanced resource management, and those who pursue this concept understand that the earth requires time to renew itself.
Do you know how to act sustainably?
Sustainability is based on the concept of sustainable development, which means allowing the economic and human systems to develop without degrading or negatively impacting the environment. How do we put this into action? It is difficult to change our habits, but if we believe there is no planet B, this is our only reality.
It is never too much to remember that using renewable and clean energy is the right way to be sustainable. Fossil fuels not only pollute when they are burned, but they also run out. Solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal are considered clean energies. Portugal is a leader in the use of renewable energy. The 49% of clean energy we use already exceeds non-renewable energy consumption.
Who remembers the Ponto Verde advertising campaign in Portugal with the mythical main character, the chimp Gervásio? Since the campaign’s inception in 2000, the Portuguese have learned to separate and recycle waste. We do it naturally, but we need to do more and better. Under the slogan “Innovate, Evolve, and Recycle“, Gervásio is now promoting a circular economy.
Environmentally friendly transport such as bicycles and electric cars are already part of our daily lives. Bicycles, for example, can contribute to physical well-being, and also help protect our planet. In some countries, cycling is the main mode of transport to and from work, and there are dedicated cycle lanes for it. In Portugal, cycle lanes have already become common in cities, so many people have decided to leave their cars behind in favour of cycling. Are you also one of those people who would not trade their bike for anything in the world? Discover a unique wooden bicycle model in our online shop.
Do you know about environmentally friendly products?
Brands are increasingly investing in the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly products. Do you know of a material with these properties?
Cork
Portugal is the world leader in the export of this material, which has many uses. This organic-looking material is very versatile. It can be carved, cut and combined with other materials. Cork is removed from the cork oaks after twenty-five years without damaging the tree. The first cork obtained is usually less mobile and is therefore used for flooring or house panelling. After the first harvest, cork is only harvested again after nine years, and so on. It is an ecological, biodegradable, renewable and recyclable material that deserves the time it takes to be transformed.
Numerous products made from this rich, 100% Portuguese material can be found in the Mar d’Estórias shop. Discover all the products available in the shop by visiting this page.
Bamboo
This plant is known to be native to Asia, but did you know that the largest bamboo nursery in Europe is located in Portugal, specifically in the Alentejo? This herb grows quickly, has a hard consistency, and is flexible too. Growing this plant has environmental benefits because it absorbs a massive amount of carbon dioxide and produces 35 times more oxygen than a group of trees. Bamboo does not die when it is cut for the production of objects; rather, it regenerates. We can throw away products made of this material without feeling guilty because they are biodegradable and, of course, recyclable.
You can also find products made of this environmentally friendly material in Mar d’Estórias, such as Babu toothbrushes for adults and children.
Piñatex
The question you are undoubtedly asking yourself is: What is Piñatex? We’ll explain it all to you! A completely sustainable alternative to leather in clothing and accessories has been developed. The fibres of pineapple leaves are used to make non-woven fabrics, which are made from the leftovers of the fruit harvest. It is a material with the same properties as animal leather and has proven to be durable. Clothing, accessories, shoes and furniture can be made from it. Carmen Hijosa discovered this in the Philippines and came up with the idea of turning pineapple fibre into something new. Today we can say that this vegan leather is used for a variety of everyday items and that it has better properties than traditional animal leather.
“As Portuguesas” decided to combine cork and piñatex in their already well-known shoes. Mar d’Estórias has this and many other collections equally sustainable because we like to show our customers the best Portuguese products.
We must change the world and implement environmentally friendly policies. We must find people who care about the environment and support its causes. Our most important task today is to ensure that we will be able to live tomorrow!