Hi everyone!

Surprised to hear from us again so soon? Well, you’re in luck because April 22nd is Earth Day and sustainability has never been as important as it is right now.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating, one small silver lining is the effect it has had on the environment. The New York Times reports that emissions in the United States have decreased by over 10% and are roughly 21.5% lower than 2005 levels, surpassing former President Barack Obama’s pledge that emissions would fall 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.

The positive environmental outcomes resulting from the past year were largely unintentional and due to living in lockdown. Additionally, the 21.5% statistic does not take into account the imprint that the uptick in wildfires in the west has made. As Americans continue to get vaccinated, and as life begins to resemble what it did pre-Covid, it is imperative that we do not lose sight of our impact on the environment and that we use these record-level decreases in emissions as a catalyst for further change.

Some ways to do that on an individual level?

With summer fast approaching, let’s bike to work at least one day each week, instead of driving. You can even set a mileage goal or contest within your network to incentivize those around you to reduce their carbon footprint, as well! Additionally, if you’re looking to buy a new car in the near-future, consider going electric.

There is a myriad of ways to reduce our carbon footprint just by making minor changes around the house: not only do LED lights use 85% less energy, they also last 25% longer, making it both environmentally and financially sound. (New York Times.) Streaming television and movies through a smart television, rather than a game console, uses 10% less energy, and using a laptop instead of a desktop computer has a similar effect. (Id.) And, in addition to standard recycling practices, donating old, working electronics; recycling broken electronics and car batteries; and collecting dry cell batteries are steps we can all take to ensure our waste is ending up in the most environmentally-conscious places. (Id.)

Finally, one critical step we can take to minimize our carbon footprint is to actively work to offset fast fashion. HHPLIFT is the perfect place to start! Our ecoLIFT™ line of home, office, and personal accessories is handcrafted from an eco-friendly leather alternative and its felt accents are comprised of corn- and wood-based polyester. Last, but not least, all ecoLIFT™ products are sewn by refugee women at the RefugeeOne Sewing Studio and assembled at HHPLIFT by LIFT™ Program production associates.

That’s not all! HHPLIFT is proud to be the exclusive distributor of the IKI Collection by Smateria, our social enterprise partner in Cambodia. The stylish bags in the IKI Collection are 100% recycled from industrial packaging and plastic bottles; water resistant, lightweight, and vegan; produced through fair trade practice; and provide the artisans in Cambodia free health- and day-care, and a 13-month annual salary.

Purpose + planet is very fashionable and reducing your carbon footprint has never been so stylish!

Until next time,
The HHPLIFT Team