The truth is scary: Americans throw away about 28 billion bottles and jars every year, and make more than 200 million tons of garbage, according to the EPA.
With Earth Day quickly approaching, I sit here writing this reflecting back on my childhood when recycling was just being introduced to households. We were one of the few homes in our neighborhood that was fanatical about it. Empty cans alongside the road didn’t stand a chance if my mom drove by, she would pull over along side the road and make us pick them up while she followed along in the car. As a family of 8 we were trying to do our part in reducing our carbon footprint.
Our back patio had piles of soda cans, plastic milk jugs, grocery bags and food cans. Once they reached a certain height we would pile them in the station wagon and drive them, yes we actually had to make an effort verses sticking them out in front of the house for someone else to pick up, to the recycling bins located in random parking lots. As an adult, recycling and working toward creating a more energy efficient “green” home, is still part of daily life.
So what exactly does “GREEN” mean? Here are a few facts when it comes to choosing your next promotional bag, tote or shirt.
- Recycled polyester garment diverts approximately 10 P.E.T bottles from the landfills.
- Eco-friendly fabrics are produced using less water and eliminate tons of harmful air emissions which contribute to acid rain, global warming and smog.
- Donating second-quality garments to charitable foundations helps people in need and diverts material away from landfills and incinerators.
What types of “GREEN” fabrics are available? Great question!
BAMBOO FIBER – Bamboo is known to be the fastest growing plant on the Earth. It is a naturally renewable, eco-friendly plant that thrives without the use of harmful pesticides. A bamboo forest releases 35% more oxygen than a forest equivalent in size. Every strand of bamboo fiber boasts a luxurious soft hand, elegant sheen and durability while keeping you cooler than cotton.
BAMBOO CHARCOAL – Blending of nano bamboo charcoal polyester and quick-dry polyester yarns. Nano-particles from Moso Bamboo absorb odor- causing microbes and moisture, control temperature, and provide natural ventilation and permanent performance in knits.
RECYCLED POLYESTER – Recycled polyester fabrics, with yarns made from post consumer products, help to reduce the amount of waste in landfills, decrease energy consumption and conserve petroleum resources used in the production of virgin polyester.
BAMBOO CHARCOAL/RECYCLED POLYESTER – Eco-friendly bamboo charcoal and resilient recycled polyester are combined to deliver easy-care performance and comfort. This fabric offers many benefits when it comes to apparel.
BAMBOO FIBER/RECYCLED POLYESTER – Sustainable and renewable bamboo is combined with recycled polyester providing natural performance with anti-microbial, deodorize and moisture wicking properties.
ORGANIC COTTON – Exceptionally soft and biodegradable, organic cotton is grown using socially and ecologically responsible organic farming practices that are based on the guiding principle of working with nature rather than against it.
SOYBEAN PROTEIN – Soybean Protein fiber offers a number of great properties for both the wearer and the environment. It is a renewable natural resource that is biodegradable and eco-friendly. All waste resulting from the soybean production process is recyclable, making the production process closed end.
When choosing your next “GREEN” promotional bag, tote or shirt, look for the most economical, budget minded “GREEN” fabric that will help promote your brand.
**Green facts and materials information came from Ash City USA’s July 2009 e.c.o. Brochure. **
